Ribeira Grande

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Ribeira Grande's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Ribeira Grande Adventure 1
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the stunning Caldeira Velha, where you can take a dip in the natural hot springs. Enjoy the lush greenery and take a short hike to explore the area.

afternoon
:

After lunch, head to the scenic Ribeira Grande Beach. Relax, swim, or enjoy some local snacks at the beachside cafes.

evening
:

Finish your day with a stroll along the Ribeira Grande promenade. Grab dinner at a local restaurant and savor some traditional Azorean dishes.

day 2
Ribeira Grande Adventure 2
morning
:

Visit the beautiful Lagoa do Fogo, a stunning crater lake. Spend your morning hiking the trails or simply taking in the breathtaking views.

afternoon
:

Enjoy lunch at a local eatery before heading to the Gorreana Tea Plantation. Take a tour of the tea fields and learn about the tea-making process.

evening
:

Relax in the evening by visiting a local bar and sampling some regional wines. Enjoy a light dinner while watching the sunset over the ocean.

day 3
Ribeira Grande Adventure 3
morning
:

Explore the charming town of Ribeira Grande, beginning with its historic churches and quaint streets. Capture photos of the beautifully designed architecture.

afternoon
:

Have lunch at a beachfront restaurant, then enjoy an afternoon of water sports like surfing or paddleboarding. Rent equipment locally and have some fun on the waves.

evening
:

After a day of adventure, wind down at a local café. Try some pastries and coffee while enjoying the evening atmosphere.

day 4
Ribeira Grande Adventure 4
morning
:

Start with an early hike to the top of Pico de Vara, the highest peak on São Miguel Island. Witness the breathtaking panoramic views as the sun rises.

afternoon
:

Head to the charming town of Nordeste for lunch and explore the beautiful viewpoints nearby. Visit the nearby botanical gardens for a peaceful afternoon.

evening
:

Enjoy a delicious dinner in Nordeste, sampling some local seafood dishes. Return to Ribeira Grande for a relaxing evening at your accommodation.

day 5
Ribeira Grande Adventure 5
morning
:

Spend your morning at the beautiful Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões. Explore the waterfalls and vibrant plant life on a leisurely hike.

afternoon
:

Grab a traditional lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the nearby Santuario Nossa Senhora da Graça. Admire the views and serene atmosphere of this sacred place.

evening
:

Return to Ribeira Grande and visit a local market for homemade treats. Enjoy dinner at a restaurant known for its local specialties.

day 6
Ribeira Grande Adventure 6
morning
:

Embark on whale watching in the Atlantic Ocean. It's a stunning experience to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

afternoon
:

After your whale watching tour, enjoy a lunch featuring fresh catch from the ocean. Spend the afternoon relaxing at Santa Bárbara beach.

evening
:

As dusk approaches, head to a beachside bar for sunset cocktails. Savor a seafood dinner and listen to live music.

day 7
Ribeira Grande Adventure 7
morning
:

Visit the beautiful botanical garden of Terra Nostra in Furnas. Take a morning soak in the thermal pool surrounded by lush greenery.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local plantation and try the famous Cozido das Furnas, a traditional meal cooked in volcanic soil. Explore more of Furnas and its geothermal activity.

evening
:

Return to Ribeira Grande for a casual evening stroll along the beach. Stop for a light dinner at a local pizzeria.

day 8
Ribeira Grande Adventure 8
morning
:

Take a guided tour of the Algar do Carvão, a volcanic cave with stunning formations. Explore the unique underground world and learn about its geology.

afternoon
:

After the tour, return to Ribeira Grande for a simple lunch. Spend the afternoon visiting the Ribeira Grande Lighthouse for scenic views over the coastline.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant overlooking the sea. Try local recipes and indulge in dessert while reflecting on your day.

day 9
Ribeira Grande Adventure 9
morning
:

Visit the iconic Ferraria Hot Springs in the ocean. Experience the unique pleasure of bathing in naturally heated seawater.

afternoon
:

Grab lunch at a nearby café, then spend the afternoon hiking the coastal trails around the area. The views of the cliffs and ocean are stunning.

evening
:

Return to Ribeira Grande and enjoy a vibrant dinner at a traditional restaurant. Participate in a local cultural activity or event to end your day.

day 10
Ribeira Grande Adventure 10
morning
:

Spend your morning at the Centro de Interpretação da Natureza da Ribeira Grande. Learn about the local wildlife and conservation efforts.

afternoon
:

Enjoy lunch on the town square, then explore local shops for handmade crafts and souvenirs. Immerse yourself in the local culture through interactions with vendors.

evening
:

For your final evening, indulge in a farewell dinner at a recommended upscale restaurant. Reflect on your lovely trip and enjoy a last taste of the Azorean flavors.

Discover Ribeira Grande

Read more in our Ribeira Grande 2024 Travel Guide.

Ribeira Grande Travel Guide