Flights into São Miguel land at João Paulo II Airport (code PDL), on the western edge of Ponta Delgada, so it is only about a 10-minute taxi into town. One season note to set expectations: this week assumes you are here in summer (roughly June to September), which is the warmest, driest window and the best for both trails and swimming. São Miguel is green because it is wet, though, so even in summer the high crater rims can cloud over and the forest paths stay muddy in patches — pack proper trail shoes and a light waterproof whatever the month. Book flights →

For the first two nights, base in Ponta Delgada: it is central for the western half of the island (Sete Cidades, Ferraria, Lagoa do Fogo are all short drives) and has the widest choice of places to stay and eat. You will shift base east to Furnas on Day 3 to cut the driving for the second half. Pick up a hire car here too — it is the only realistic way to reach the trailheads. Search hotels →

With the afternoon ahead, get underground at Gruta do Carvão, a lava tube running beneath Ponta Delgada. It is guided-only and the visits are short, with the last guided tour usually around 16:30 (the cave itself closes at 18:00), so head straight there after checking in and book ahead. If you would rather be on the water, whale-watching boats leave the Portas do Mar marina — sightings are best April to October, but tours run mainly in the morning and early afternoon, so this may sit better on a spare morning than a mid-afternoon arrival day. Search Ponta Delgada lava tube tours on GetYourGuide → or Search Ponta Delgada whale watching on GetYourGuide →

Round off the day by loosening the flight out of your legs with a gentle out-and-back along the Ponta Delgada seafront, the paved Avenida promenade running east from the Portas do Mar marina past the old city gates. It is flat, car-free and a good way to get your bearings without taxing anything before the real trails start tomorrow. Keep it easy — this is a leg-flush, not a session.