Introduction:
🌍 Hey, adventurers! Welcome to Day 3 of my Azores journey. Just a heads-up, we did this tour with a guide, but honestly? Steal my itinerary and do it on your own for the ultimate experience! 🗺️ I’m talking about pineapple breakfasts, misty mountain lakes, and views so good you’ll forget to breathe. Ready to dive in? Let’s go! 🚗✨
The Journey Begins: Pineapple Paradise and Beyond!
1. 🍍🥤 Plantação de Ananás dos Açores | Drive Time: 15 min
Arrival: 09:30 | Departure: 10:15 | Rating: 9.1/10
So, I started the day with a trip to a pineapple farm—because why not? 🍍 Imagine everything you could possibly make with pineapples, and they’ve got it. Pineapple jam? Check. Pineapple juice? You bet. Pineapple pastries? Oh yeah! 🍰 It was a sweet start, though the service was a bit slow. Maybe they needed a coffee too! But honestly, who can be mad when you’re surrounded by so much pineapple goodness? 🍍 It’s a solid 9.1/10 from me.
You’ll be dreaming of pineapples after this one! 😴
2. 🌄⏳ Miradouro do Pico do Carvão | Drive Time: 15 min
Arrival: 10:25 | Departure: 10:35
After stuffing myself with pineapple, it was time for some nature. 🌳 Miradouro do Pico do Carvão is one of those places where you wish you could hit pause and just soak it all in. 🌄 The views are absolutely stunning—think lush green hills rolling off into the distance. 🌿 We only had 10 minutes here, which was definitely not enough. So, if you’re following my lead, carve out more time to just stand there and say, “Wow.” 😲
Trust me, you’ll want to hit pause here. ⏸️
3. 🦆🌫️ Canal das Sete Cidades | Drive Time: 26 min
Arrival: 11:20 | Departure: 11:50 | Rating: 9.5/10
Foggy mornings never looked so good. 🌫️ Canal das Sete Cidades was next on the list, and even though the fog was thick, the place was pure magic. ✨ Imagine ducks chilling in the water, mist rolling over the mountains, and you just standing there like you’re in some kind of dream. 🦆 We spent about 30 minutes here, but honestly, you could lose track of time just enjoying the serenity. This spot gets a 9.5/10 from me—it’s that special! 😍
Don’t let the fog fool you; it’s all part of the charm! 🌫️
4. 🍽️🏘️ São Nicolau | Drive Time: 15 min
Arrival: 11:46 | Departure: 12:46 | Rating: 8.3/10
Next up, food! 🍽️ São Nicolau is this charming little neighborhood where I grabbed lunch. Now, the food wasn’t anything to write home about, but the service? Top-notch. 👍 It’s one of those places where the locals make you feel like you’re at a family dinner. The atmosphere is cozy, and while the meal was just okay, the experience was what made it memorable. It’s a solid 8.3/10 for me—worth the stop if you’re hungry and looking for a friendly face. 😊
The food’s not gourmet, but the hospitality is 5-star! 🌟
Mid-Blog Reminder:
Hey, still with me? Awesome! 🌟 If you’re enjoying the adventure, why not subscribe to my blog? Drop a comment, too—I love hearing from you all! 💬 And, if you’re feeling extra generous, you can treat me to a coffee. ☕️ No pressure, though—I’m not asking for a new car here, just some fuel to keep sharing these adventures! 🚗 If it’s after 11 AM, I’m sipping an espresso; before that, it’s a latte. Let’s keep this journey going, caffeine in hand! 😆
5. 🌊👀 Miradouro da Lagoa de Santiago | Drive Time: 24 min
Arrival: 12:59 | Departure: 13:09 | Rating: 8.5/10
Post-lunch, it was time for some more epic views, this time at Miradouro da Lagoa de Santiago. 🏞️ Now, I only had 10 minutes here, but wow, just wow. The view of the lake surrounded by mountains is something straight out of a fairy tale. 🌊 If I had my way, I’d spend at least 30 minutes here, just taking it all in. It’s an 8.5/10 from me, and trust me—you’ll want to sit and stay awhile.
Warning: You might forget to leave! ⏳
6. 🏞️📸 Miradouro da Vista do Rei | Drive Time: 28 min
Arrival: 13:23 | Departure: 13:39 | Rating: 9.7/10
The fog finally lifted by the time we hit Miradouro da Vista do Rei, and wow, what a difference! 🌥️ The view here is a showstopper—perfect for your Instagram feed. 📸 I spent about 16 minutes here, but you know what? 25 minutes would’ve been perfect to get all the shots and just enjoy the moment. This spot gets a solid 9.7/10—fog-free and fabulous!
Fog-free means even more insta-worthy! 📷
7. 🌅⏱️ Miradouro do Pico do Carvão (Again!) | Drive Time: 43 min
Arrival: 13:51 | Departure: 14:01 | Rating: 8.9/10
Okay, so I might have gone back to Miradouro do Pico do Carvão… 😅 But can you blame me? This place is so beautiful, I had to see it twice. 🌄 This time, I took my time—20 minutes to just breathe and appreciate it. If you’re on this journey with me, don’t rush. Take it all in, because it’s worth every second. Another 8.9/10 for this gem!
You know it’s good when you come back for seconds! 🥈
8. 🏖️🧺 Praia do Areal de Santa Bárbara | Drive Time: 45 min
Arrival: 14:34 | Departure: 15:04 | Rating: 9.8/10
If you’re all about that beach life, Praia do Areal de Santa Bárbara is going to be your new favorite spot. 🏖️ We’re talking golden sand, rolling hills, and zero crowds—pure bliss. 🌅 I only stayed 30 minutes, but honestly, an hour here would’ve been perfect. Pack a picnic, bring a book, and just chill. It’s a solid 9.8/10 for me—easily the highlight of the day!
You might just find your new happy place here! 🏝️
9. 🍺👎🏿 Martiz | Drive Time: 40 min
Arrival: 15:19 | Departure: 15:49 | Rating: 5.0/10
And then there was Martiz… 😬 Let’s just say, it wasn’t the best choice. The only thing that saved this stop was the cold beer I grabbed, but other than that? Meh. 🍺 If you’re short on time, skip it and spend more time at the scenic spots. It’s a 5.0/10 for me, and that’s mostly for the beer.
Even the beer was like, “Really?” 🙄
10. 🎨🖼️ Miradouro do Pico da Barrosa | Drive Time: 30 min
Arrival: 16:29 | Departure: 16:49 | Rating: 10/10
Finally, we wrapped up the day at Miradouro do Pico da Barrosa. 🎨 What a view to end on! It’s like stepping into a painting—the colors, the light, everything was just perfect. 🖼️ We only had 20 minutes, but I could’ve easily stayed an hour just soaking in the beauty. It’s a full 10/10 from me—absolutely stunning!
The perfect ending to a picture-perfect day! 🖌️
Closing Thoughts:
Thanks for tagging along on Day 3 of my Azores adventure! 🌍 If you made it this far, you’re officially my favorite! 💙 Drop a heart or leave some feedback so I know you were here—it really helps me keep going. And hey, if you’re feeling generous, you can treat me to a coffee! ☕️ No pressure, though—I promise I won’t spend it all in one place. 😉 Subscribe for more travel stories, and let’s keep exploring the world together.
