Santo Christo 2026

Leisure Day to enjoy Festas do Senhor Santo Cristo

• Religious Core: The celebration is centered on the image of Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres (Lord Holy Christ of the Miracles), housed in the Convent of Our Lady of Hope (Convento da Esperança). The statue is richly adorned with gold and jewels and is brought out in a solemn procession.

• Main Procession: Thousands of devotees, many barefoot as an act of faith, follow the image through the streets of Ponta Delgada, which are decorated with carpets of flowers and lights. The atmosphere is deeply spiritual and moving.

• Novena & Ceremonies: Leading up to the main day, there’s a novena (nine days of prayers and Masses) inside the convent, drawing large crowds.

• Cultural Events: Alongside the religious activities, the city comes alive with concerts, folk dancing, parades, exhibitions, and Azorean food stalls.

• Pilgrimage: People travel from all the islands (and even from Azorean communities abroad) to take part, making it a huge moment of reunion and cultural pride.

• Atmosphere: The mix of faith, tradition, and community celebration transforms Ponta Delgada into a place of devotion and festivity, with streets illuminated and buzzing late into the night.

In short: it’s both a profoundly religious pilgrimage and a vibrant cultural festival, making it the Azores’ most iconic celebration.

Full day tour in Furnas

Today’s journey begins with the beautiful seaside town of Vila Franca do Campo, the island’s governmental town in the XV century. Enjoy a taste of the famous Queijadas da Vila, a traditional pastry developed by nuns during the XVI century, before making your way to Furnas Lake.

Upon arrival to Furnas Lake you will be astonished with the contrast of the peacefulness scenario with the hectic pulsing of the volcanic fumaroles.

You will then head to a local restaurant where you will enjoy a traditional Cozido das Furnas (a meal cooked in sealed pots using the island’s hot springs known as fumarolas) and have the chance to indulge in the famous cozido.

In the afternoon, continue to Ribeira dos Caldeirões, a natural park on the island’s north coast, where waterfalls cascade through lush vegetation and ancient water mills recall the traditions of the island. It is a serene and picturesque stop, perfect for appreciating the Azores’ verdant beauty.

The day will end with a visit to the Gorreana Tea Factory, where you will learn about the island’s tea industry and the tea production, still operated by 19th century machinery. Enjoy a tasting of the famous green and black tea while admiring the lush plantations and dramatic coastlines.

Half Day Lagoa do Fogo Tour and Farewell Dinner

Start your day with an unforgettable half-day tour to Lagoa do Fogo, one of São Miguel’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Your journey begins in the picturesque town of Ribeira Grande, where you’ll stroll through charming streets adorned with traditional Azorean architecture. A visit to a local liquor factory offers a delicious introduction to the island’s unique flavors, with the opportunity to sample aromatic fruit liqueurs crafted from São Miguel’s fertile lands.

From Ribeira Grande, the road winds upwards into the heart of São Miguel’s volcanic landscape. As you ascend toward Lagoa do Fogo, the island’s rugged beauty begins to unfold. Nestled within the extinct caldera of an ancient volcano, the lake’s crystal-clear waters shimmer in shades of emerald and turquoise, framed by lush greenery and jagged volcanic cliffs.

Standing at the summit, you’ll be struck by the raw, untamed beauty of Lagoa do Fogo, which feels like a world untouched by time. The panoramic views from the top offer a breathtaking spectacle—on a clear day, you can gaze upon both the North and South coasts of the island, with the shimmering Atlantic stretching out on either side and the city of Ponta Delgada visible in the distance.