Azores And Madeira

Day 1. November 20, Saturday

When everyone arrives in São Miguel, they self-transfer to our hotel — ****. The hotel provides an airport transfer for a reasonable fee. 

We will try our best to pick up every participant at the airport, but we can’t guarantee that.

On this day, we will walk along the shoreline and have dinner together. 

Day 2 — November 21, Sunday

We begin the day before sunrise, driving to the easternmost point of São Miguel Island — Farol do Arnel, a charming lighthouse perched on a dramatic cliff. From here, you’ll witness breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the vast Atlantic Ocean as the first light of day illuminates the landscape.

After breakfast, we head to the small town of Furnas — don’t forget your swimsuit and towel!

Our first stop is a remarkable botanical garden. Even if you’re not typically a garden enthusiast, this one is truly special and well worth the visit.

Next, we explore the nearby geothermal area, where you’ll see how local restaurants cook traditional dishes underground using natural volcanic heat — a fascinating and uniquely Azorean experience.

We’ll then hike through a private park filled with waterfalls, cascades, and countless photo opportunities in lush surroundings. Afterward, you’ll have the chance to relax in a hot barrel bath set in the middle of a charming garden — a peaceful and memorable experience.

Later, we visit one of the region’s most beloved hot springs — Poça da Dona Beija — where we’ll enjoy about an hour soaking in warm mineral waters across its six inviting pools.

We’ll finish the day along the dramatic coastline, stopping at scenic viewpoints to watch waves crash against towering cliffs. The sunset over the Atlantic provides a powerful and unforgettable end to the day.

Day 3. November 22, Monday

We begin the morning on a scenic hilltop overlooking a volcanic crater, with a patchwork of divided farmers’ fields spreading out below — a landscape that perfectly illustrates the island’s deep connection between nature and agriculture.

Shortly after sunrise, we visit Aqueduto do Carvão, an impressive 18th-century aqueduct built to transport water across the island in support of local communities and farming. Its historic stone arches set against the green volcanic terrain create a striking photographic subject.

From here, we continue toward Sete Cidades, a small town nestled inside a massive volcanic caldera. This area is famous for its twin lakes — one blue, one green — whose contrasting colors are shaped by light, depth, and mineral content. Surrounded by steep crater walls, rolling hills, and lush pastures, Sete Cidades offers some of the most iconic landscapes in the Azores.
We’ll pause here for a relaxed breakfast/lunch while enjoying the serene scenery.

In the afternoon, we travel to the island’s western edge, where the Atlantic meets dramatic volcanic shores. Here, you’ll photograph natural swimming pools carved into black lava rock and capture powerful waves crashing against the rugged coastline.

We’ll spend time soaking in natural hot springs by the ocean before photographing another picturesque lighthouse — Farol da Ferraria — standing resilient against the elements.

For sunset, we head to one of São Miguel’s most famous viewpoints — Boca do Inferno. The surrounding area is filled with natural wonders: lagoons, rolling green hills, and layered mountain ridges fading into the horizon.

To reach the viewpoint, we will walk a scenic trail of approximately 1.2 km (0.75 miles) round trip with about 80 m (260 ft) of elevation gain — an easy to moderate hike suitable for most fitness levels and well worth the effort for the breathtaking panorama that awaits.

Day 4. November 23, Tuesday

This morning, we will check out of our hotel and transfer to the airport. All participants should book S4160 with Azores Airlines from Ponta Delgada Airport to Madeira Airport.

Upon arrival in Madeira, we will pick up our rental cars and drive to our hotel to check in — or at least drop off luggage before heading out to explore.

In the afternoon, we will continue to Porto Moniz, a coastal town famous for its natural volcanic swimming pools formed by ancient lava flows. Here, the Atlantic Ocean fills crystal-clear basins carved into black basalt, creating one of the most unique coastal landscapes on the island.

In the late afternoon, we will enjoy a sunset photography session just steps from our restaurant, capturing waves crashing against the volcanic shoreline and the warm evening light reflecting in the natural pools.

Night in Porto Moniz.

Day 5. November 24, Wednesday

Our sunrise location is in the northern part of Madeira, where dramatic sea stacks rise from the shoreline — a spectacular setting to start the day with the sound of waves and soft morning light.

No visit to Madeira would be complete without exploring its famous levadas. These historic irrigation channels were built to carry water from the lush, rainy north to the drier southern regions of the island. Today, they form a remarkable network of walking paths that lead through dense forests, past waterfalls, and along steep cliffs with sweeping views.

We will hike approximately 5.5 miles out and back, with about 1,900 feet of elevation gain. It’s a solid walk, but the scenery makes every step worthwhile.

In the afternoon, we will head to Farol da Ponta do Pargo for our sunset session. Perched on rugged cliffs at Madeira’s western edge, this lighthouse offers panoramic ocean views and a perfect vantage point to watch the sun drop into the Atlantic.

Night in Porto Moniz.

Day 6. November 25, Thursday

We begin the day with a sunrise session in Seixal, one of Madeira’s most photogenic coastal villages, known for its black sand beach, waterfalls, and dramatic ocean backdrop.

Following breakfast, we will check out of the hotel and head to one of Madeira’s true natural gems — Fanal Forest. This ancient laurel forest, often shrouded in mist, creates an otherworldly atmosphere with its twisted trees and soft green landscapes — a dream setting for photography and quiet exploration.

In the afternoon, we visit one of Madeira’s most spectacular locations — Ponta de São Lourenço, the island’s easternmost point. This protected nature reserve is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, rugged volcanic terrain, and sweeping Atlantic views. The landscape feels wild and elemental, with layered rock formations, wind-carved slopes, and endless ocean horizons.

To reach the best viewpoints, we will hike approximately 2.4 km (1.5 miles) one way along a scenic coastal trail. The route is moderately easy, with gentle elevation changes and constant panoramic views that make every step worthwhile.

We will time our walk to enjoy a sunset photography session, when the low golden light enhances the textures of the cliffs and paints the surrounding ocean in deep, shifting colors.

Overnight in Funchal.

Day 7. November 26, Friday

We start early, heading to a scenic cliffside viewpoint where all the elements of a perfect image come together — the sun rising above the Atlantic, warm light illuminating towering cliffs, waves crashing below, and layered mountain silhouettes in the distance.

After sunrise, we will drive along a winding scenic road with several breathtaking viewpoints. Along the way, we will make one or two stops to photograph Madeira’s colorful traditional houses, iconic symbols of the island’s rural heritage.

We will then arrive at one of my favorite locations — a dramatic high cliff with a “million-dollar view.” Here, we will pause to enjoy breakfast while taking in the sweeping ocean panorama.

Our next stop is the enchanting Monte Palace Tropical Garden in Funchal. This stunning garden features exotic plants, koi ponds, intricate tile artwork, and serene pathways, offering a peaceful escape with panoramic views over the city and coastline.

Near sunset, we will return to the western end of Madeira to experience it from a different vantage point than the day before — a fresh perspective that reveals new textures, light, and dramatic coastal scenery. You will not regret this view.

Overnight in Funchal.

Day 8. November 28, Saturday

We begin the day at sunrise at São Tiago Fort, one of Funchal’s most recognizable landmarks. Its vibrant yellow walls, historic stonework, and coastal position create a striking foreground against the Atlantic Ocean and the hillside city glowing in the soft morning light.

After sunrise, while the streets remain quiet, we will explore Rua de Santa Maria, located in the Old Town (Zona Velha). This charming street is famous for the Arte de Portas Abertas (“Art of Open Doors”) project, where local artists transformed ordinary doors into vivid murals.
Each doorway tells a different story — from maritime themes and island folklore to abstract designs and portraits — turning the street into an open-air gallery. The textures of aged walls, cobblestones, and morning light make this area especially rewarding for photography.

In the afternoon, we will ascend to Pico do Arieiro, the third-highest peak on the island at approximately 5,900 ft (1,818 m) above sea level. From here, sweeping views reveal jagged mountain ridges, deep valleys, and clouds drifting through the peaks, often creating a mystical, otherworldly atmosphere.

This area is home to one of Madeira’s most iconic hikes — the trail toward Pico Ruivo, a challenging 6.7-mile route with more than 3,600 ft of elevation gain.

• Participants who wish to hike will be rewarded with dramatic alpine scenery, but we don’t need to hike to the end — we can return at any moment.
• Those preferring a relaxed pace may remain near the parking area and café, where panoramic views are still spectacular.

To reach the best sunset viewpoint, a short walk of 0.3–0.4 miles from the parking area leads to an outstanding overlook where we will photograph the golden light illuminating the mountain peaks and cloud layers.

Overnight in Funchal.