I first went to the Azores to celebrate my birthday. The Azores feel adventurous, but they don’t ask too much of you: full of lush cliffs, thermal pools, black sand beaches, and viewpoints you can drive right up to.
When a friend asked me for babymoon recommendations, I immediately thought of the Azores.
She said it was the perfect babymoon. Many people call the Azores the Hawaii of Europe.
Here’s why it works so well when you’re pregnant:
- You can drive to almost every iconic viewpoint
- The nature is dramatic without requiring extreme effort
- The pace is slow by default
- It feels luxurious without being exhausting
- From the East Coast, it’s a manageable flight compared to most “bucket list” destinations
- It’s not a trip where you need a firm agenda, which is kind of the point
Below is a 4-day Azores babymoon itinerary that balances gentle exploration, good food, and plenty of down time.
Jump to Section
- Where to Stay in the Azores for a Babymoon
- What Foods to Try
- 4-Day São Miguel Babymoon Itinerary
- Optional Activities
- Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo (requires boat)
- Termas da Ferraria (waters can be rough)
- Waterfalls & Gardens Worth Visiting
- Final Thoughts
Where to Stay in the Azores
My friend stayed in Ponta Delgada at White Exclusive Suites & Villas. It has private hot tubs, cliffside views, and an infinity pool overlooking the Atlantic.
I stayed in Vila Franca do Campo at CK Seaside Guest House, a budget-friendly option with simple accommodations, but had an infinity pool and easy access to the coast.
The island is small enough where you can see everything you want, so I think location isn’t as important and there’s so many beautiful properties.
Taste the Island
Azorean food is simple and fresh. I ate only seafood, bread and cheese tarts.
Must-try foods and drinks:
- Bolos Lêvedos – soft, slightly sweet flatbread from Furnas.
- Queijadas – tiny sweet cheese tarts that are simple but unforgettable.
- Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato – tender Azorean clams cooked in garlic, olive oil, and white wine.
- Lapas – limpets grilled with garlic, butter, and lemon; a classic coastal treat.
- Fresh mackerel or octopus dishes – local seafood caught daily and prepared simply.
- Mineral spring water – taste from different fountains; locals swear by their unique flavors and healing properties.
- Dairy – milk, cheese, and butter here are exceptional because the cows live well.
A Relaxed 4-Day Azores Babymoon Itinerary (São Miguel Island)
Day 1: Ease In – Ponta Delgada
Morning
Start at Jardim Natural Food & Coffee, a cozy café with outdoor seating in a botanical garden in Ponta Delgada.
Afternoon
Take a walk through Ponta Delgada’s historic center. This isn’t a city you rush. Wander around, pop into Mercado da Graça to browse local produce, and stroll along the marina to get your first hit of ocean air. Everything is flat, walkable, and low-stress.
Evening
Dinner at Gastronomo. It’s one of the island’s most beloved restaurants, serving beautifully prepared Azorean seafood knwon for their fish of the day.
Day 2: Sete Cidades Views & Furnas Serenity
Morning
Rent a car and drive to Sete Cidades, the most iconic landscapes in the Azores. You don’t have to hike for the views, you can drive straight there.
Stop at Miradouro da Boca do Inferno, where you can take in the famous twin lakes Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde from above. The famous blue and green lakes of Sete Cidades are actually part of the same crater lake. The color difference comes from a mix of depth, sunlight, and biology: the deeper lake reflects blue light, while the shallower one reflects green due to algae and how light hits the water.
Afternoon
Continue on to Furnas, a small village inside a dormant volcanic crater and one of the most geothermally active places on the island. You can feel and see it immediately, steam rising from the ground, the strong smell of sulfur, warm water flowing through fountains.
Spend time in Terra Nostra Botanical Garden. The famous thermal pool here is naturally heated by volcanic springs, rich in iron (hence the murky brown color), and stays between about 95–104°F. Even if you don’t soak, the gardens alone make this stop worthwhile.
Dining at Terra Nostra Restaurant keeps things easy. You also have the option of staying on property.
Evening
End the day with Cozido das Furnas, a traditional Portuguese stew slow-cooked underground using volcanic heat. The pots are buried near the caldeiras for about six hours before being served.
Day 3: Vila Franca do Campo & Coastal Calm
Morning
Start the day slowly with a gentle stroll along the coast, soaking in the ocean air. Relax near Praia da Vinha da Areia. Optional: take the ferry to Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo if you’re feeling good—the calm lagoon inside the volcanic crater is surreal.
Afternoon
This is your day to do very little. Lounge by the water, float, nap, or enjoy a light snack at a beachfront café. Slow down, the real luxury of a babymoon.
Evening
Dinner at Atlantico Azorean Restaurant, a relaxed seafood spot with ocean views. Let the fresh, local flavors be your focus, and close the day with a quiet sunset stroll along the coast.
Day 4: Black Sand Beaches
Morning
Visit Praia de Santa Bárbara, a black sand beach on São Miguel’s north coast. Even if you don’t swim, the contrast of dark volcanic sand, crashing waves, and bright green hills is unforgettable.
Afternoon
Lunch at Santa Bárbara Eco-Beach Resort, where the views are wide open and the atmosphere is calm and refined.
Evening
Return to Ponta Delgada for a final meal.
- Rotas da Ilha Verde is great if you want vegetarian.
- Michel Restaurant is a good choice if you’re craving modern Portuguese cuisine in a beautiful setting.
Or skip a formal dinner altogether and wander cafés instead.
Optional: Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo (If Can Handle Boat Rides)
Off the coast of Vila Franca sits a volcanic islet that looks almost too symmetrical to be real. Inside is a protected lagoon — calm, clear, and surreal.
Getting there requires a short boat ride (which could go either way if you’re pregnant), and once you arrive there’s a bit of uneven footing and light climbing over volcanic rock. Nothing extreme — but not exactly zero-effort either.
If you’re feeling good and the water is calm, it’s incredibly special. Floating inside a crater in the middle of the Atlantic is one of those “okay this is wild” travel moments.
If you’re not feeling 100%? Skip it. The mainland views are still stunning.
Optional: Termas da Ferraria (Hot + Cold Ocean)
On the western edge of São Miguel is one of the island’s wildest natural features — a rocky cove where a hydrothermal vent releases warm mineral water directly into the ocean.
At low tide, the mixing of hot spring water and cold Atlantic creates this surreal hot-cold current effect. You’ll literally feel temperature shifts as you float.
You enter via metal ladders bolted into volcanic rock, and conditions depend entirely on the tide and swell. On a calm day, it feels like nature’s spa. On a rough day, I wouldn’t go in pregnant.
For a babymoon, I’d call this optional. If you’re feeling strong and the sea is calm — go for it. If not, admire it from above and keep the vibe gentle.
Waterfalls, and Gardens Worth Visiting
One of the reasons São Miguel works so well for a babymoon is that the nature is everywhere — and and doesn’t require extreme effort to enjoy. While, I didn’t get to any of these waterfalls, I still wanted
Waterfalls You Can Actually Get To
Ribeira Quente Waterfall
On the drive between Furnas and Ribeira Quente, there’s a small waterfall hidden between tunnels, tucked behind thick greenery. Blink and you’ll miss it. If you have the energy, pull over and walk toward the sound — it’s a quiet reminder of how alive this island is.
Grená Waterfall (Furnas)
If you want one “wow” waterfall experience without committing to a full-day hike, Grená Park is the best option near Furnas. The trail follows São Miguel’s tallest waterfall through dense forest and feels almost cinematic.
You don’t have to do the entire hike to appreciate it. Even reaching the lower sections gives you waterfalls.
Salto do Cabrito (Optional)
This one is more physical and not great for a babymoon — but worth mentioning for context. It’s a dramatic waterfall reached by a longer trail near Ribeira Grande. Think adventure energy, not rest energy. File it away for another trip.
Final Thoughts: Why I’d Recommend the Azores Again and Again
The Azores are one of those rare places that feel adventurous and restful at the same time.
I loved it for my birthday.
My friend loved it for her babymoon.
And if you’re looking for a pregnancy-friendly destination that still feels special, scenic, and a little magical – I recommend.