2. Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park — Waterfalls, Mills, and Mossy Stillness
On the eastern side of the island, where tourism thins into sleepy villages and terraced hillsides, Ribeira dos Caldeirões waits quietly. Even from the parking area, you can hear the river working its way through the valley—long before you see it.
Old stone watermills stand along the riverbanks, relics from a time when the island pulsed with rural industry. Some have been restored, their wooden gears and millstones now decorative, but they still exude the feeling of a working past.
The main waterfall pours down a wall of green, framed by ferns and dripping moss. November’s rains strengthen its flow, turning it into a white ribbon cutting through the dark rock. Smaller cascades trickle down nearby slopes, creating an orchestra of water layered across the park.
Wandering the paths feels like stepping into an Azorean Eden—lush, quiet, and humbly beautiful.

3. Miradouro do Salto do Cavalo — A Vast, Untouched Panorama
When the more famous viewpoints are wrapped in fog or crowded with late-season visitors, Salto do Cavalo remains serenely empty. Perched high above the town of Povoação, it offers one of the most expansive views on the island, yet somehow it’s rarely discussed.
The road up climbs through twisting switchbacks, passing dairy farms, stone walls, and highland pastures. As you ascend, the air grows cooler, carrying the earthy scent of wet grass and eucalyptus.
From the viewpoint, the landscape opens in a sweeping panorama: rolling green mountains folding into one another, deep valleys shaped by centuries of volcanic force, and the ocean stretching far beyond. On clear November afternoons, light filters through shifting clouds, illuminating different sections of the valley in slow-moving beams.
It’s the sort of place where you exhale without realizing you were holding your breath.

4. Poço Azul via the Sanguinho Trail — A Walk Through a Forgotten Village
The trail to Poço Azul begins in Faial da Terra, a quiet village where roosters crow and laundry flutters on balconies. The path leads upward past old stone steps and into the ghost village of Sanguinho.
Sanguinho is small—just a cluster of traditional houses built from dark volcanic rock. Many were abandoned decades ago when life in the valley grew too difficult, but some have recently been restored. Walking among them feels like moving through a chapter of Azorean history, one of hardship, migration, and resilience.
Beyond the village, the trail plunges into dense forest, where tree trunks twist like sculptures and the air is cool and damp. The sound of distant water grows louder until Poço Azul appears—a clear, blue pool nestled among moss-covered stones.
In November, the forest is especially lush, and mist clings to the branches. Almost no one else is here. It feels like a discovery, even though the trail has existed for generations.

5. Farol do Arnel & the Cliffside Road — A Descent to the Edge of the Atlantic
Far on São Miguel’s northeastern tip stands the island’s oldest lighthouse, Farol do Arnel. Most visitors snap a photo from above and move on. Few choose to walk the steep, narrow road that descends to the lighthouse—and fewer still visit in late autumn.
But the walk is worth every step.
The road clings to the cliffs in dramatic fashion, plunging toward the ocean in tight curves. Along the way, small fishermen’s cottages dot the hillside, painted white against the dark basalt rocks. The air is thick with the scent of sea spray and wild fennel.
At the bottom, the lighthouse stands quiet and dignified, surrounded by the roar of Atlantic waves. November brings stronger swells, sending water crashing against the volcanic shoreline in explosions of white foam.
Down here, with the cliffs towering overhead and the sea stretching endlessly outward, you feel the raw power of the island more intensely than almost anywhere else.

Wandering through São Miguel’s lesser-known wonders is one of the island’s greatest pleasures—but reaching these remote spots isn’t always simple. Narrow roads twist through foggy highlands, hidden trails begin where bus routes end, and the most rewarding views often lie far from the main tourist paths.
That’s where Ponta Delgada Transfers becomes an invaluable part of the journey. Whether you’re heading to a secluded waterfall, a quiet crater lake, or a cliff-top lighthouse, their reliable, local drivers ensure you arrive comfortably and stress-free. No guesswork, no navigating unfamiliar roads—just smooth, safe travel from one unforgettable location to the next.
With flexible schedules, door-to-door service, and the reassuring knowledge that someone experienced knows the island better than any map, Ponta Delgada Transfers lets you focus entirely on the beauty around you. So as you set out to discover São Miguel’s hidden gems, you can do it the easy way—with calm journeys, friendly guidance, and transportation that’s always ready when you need it.

Faro, the capital city of the Algarve, and its international airport is the gateway for many tourists arriving in southern Portugal. Proud of its maritime heritage, Faro remains a busy and colorful port, a charming city that’s definitely worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.
It is the Old Town, however, that sightseers will want to visit. Enclosed by solid defensive walls, Faro’s Cidade Velha sits on Roman and Moorish foundations. This is one of the most attractive locations, surrounded by magical old churches including a magnificent cathedral, fascinating little squares and white washed cobbled streets with an impressive range of restaurants and cafes.

Another breathtaking location is Sagres, the southwesternmost town in Portugal, which has two points of interest you can’t miss: Cape St. Vincent and Sagres Fortress. Sagres has a profound history and a unique charm. Since the Middle Ages, this edge of Europe was considered “the end of the world”.
A paradise for nature lovers, Cape St. Vincent is, not surprisingly, a nature reserve since 1988, given the number of species that make this place their home, such as sea otters, herons and Bonelli’s eagles.
The Cape of St. Vincent combines nature, culture and myth. Come and discover this marvelous place, where the green lush exceeds any dreams or expectations, where the nature and naturality reign and where you can feel and almost touch the magnitude of nature. The Cape of St. Vincent and the surrounding area is one of the rare places where the geographical location, a wild but majestic nature, and historical factors combine with a mythical dimension.
Apart from its outstanding wildlife, the area is rich in history with evidence of occupation dating back to prehistoric times. There are also remnants of Roman and Phoenician settlements in the area. Ancient Greek chroniclers described Cabo de São Vicente as ”the end of the inhabited earth”.
The imposing lighthouse from Cape St. Vincent contains the largest warning light in Europe for both marine and air traffic. Here there’s a bird-watching festival every October which will definitely astonish the bird lovers.

Lagos is the western Algarve’s liveliest resort town, as well as a great historical significant location, as prince Henry the Navigator launched Portugal’s Age of Discovery from Lagos in the 15th century.
Lagos is one of the cities in Algarve visitors love the most, which has gracefuly maintained its authenticity. The town has a young, cheerful vibe, as well as a wealth of historic attractions and entertaining things to do.
When you visit Lagos, take some time to lose yourself in the alleys of its historic centre and enjoy the atmosphere of this city.
After visiting the historic centre, discover the Fort of Ponta da Bandeira, built in the 17th century. Here you can admire the small, but beautiful Chapel of Santa Bárbara, covered with glazed tiles and mesmerizing landscapes.
Located near the port city of Lagos, Ponta da Piedade is an exceptional natural place, offering a stunning view over Cape St. Vincent, with beautiful cliffs, arches and caves.
The town’s medieval collection of castle walls and graceful churches always captures the imagination of passers by, but it’s the coastline that enchants the visitors and tourists. In this idyllic place you can enjoy the most beautiful moments with your family and friends!

Associated with the fishing activity for centuries, Alvor flourished in time and, nowadays, most of its economy is dependent of the tourism industry.
In this absolutely enchanting corner of paradise you can admire some places like the Misericórdia Church, the town market (mercado municipal) and Ria de Alvor, a place where you’ll find beautiful different birds’ species.
One of the outstanding places is represented by the vast Alvor Beach, where you can relax and enjoy the warm weather and hikes in the biggest walkway in Algarve.

Considered one of the most beautiful towns in the Algarve region, Carvoeiro is an adventurous and nature embracing postcard for those eager to visit southern Portugal.
Besides from the amazing bubbly beaches like Carvoeiro Beach and Vale Centeanes Beach, you’ll also have other points of interest you won’t want to miss. Surrounded by spectacular natural scenery, dramatic cliffs, and beautiful beaches, this popular resort town has everything you could want when seeking a relaxing getaway.
After enjoying the beautiful landscape, you can enjoy the fascinating wooden walkway that connects the site of the ruins of Nossa Senhora da Encarnação Fort to Algar Seco, a small 570-metre walk. This walkway is definitely one of the most beautiful in Algarve, where you can admire the beautiful bluffs and natural “windows” carved by the sea and wind erosion, especially in the Algar Seco location.
Another place you can’t miss during your visit to Carvoeiro and surrounding areas is the Algar de Benagil. This place is only accessible by sea, but it’s definitely a place you’ll want to explore! Don’t miss the chance to discover one of the most beautiful places in Portugal!

Enjoy the biggest adventure with your family and friends, always counting on Lagos Car Hire, which provides excellent safely car rental conditions for amazing and unforgettable adeventures!

Going to the beach in October just might sound like a crazy idea for most parts in the world, but it is a sweet reality for the Portuguese, who enjoy a long, warm and mild autumn with temperatures well above the average European ones.

So you can actually still enjoy a few days basking in the mild sun and walking on the lukewarm sand of the Algarve.

The Algarve, the southern part of Portugal, is the seaside spot of the country and one of the greatest seaside attractions in the world in recent years, having attained prominence as a welcoming, accessible and beautiful international destination.

You will definitely fall in love with the Algarve as soon as you arrive to see its dramatic landscape, huge rocks emerging majestically from the sea, the sun reflecting on the crisp cerulean waters of the ocean… plus there is a feeling that you are welcome and at home, a most inviting sense of lack of pretentiousness and natural appeal which you will surely adore.

We thought you might find some practical travel information practical at this point, so here it goes:

• Transport in Portugal is quite an accessible aspect, so you can rent a car in Algarve or get Faro airport transfers at very accessible and fair rates, especially if you book online in advance and enjoy the promotions.
• There are plenty of seaside resorts to choose from if the Algarve wins the place of best destination for you and your family or you and your group of friends.

Here are some of those great options:

Faro is the capital city of the Algarve. With a vibrant nightlife and cultural and economic activity, this can be a perfect choice if you want to spend a week at the seaside.

Albufeira is more than a seaside resort, it is a place where you can both experience the authentic Portuguese life and enjoy golf and water sports.

Portimao is a lovely seaside resort that can cater for all your travel needs.

If you are already ready for your low season vacation, we have a brilliant suggestion for you: Sagres Bird Watching and visiting in October 2018.

What’s the occasion? The new edition of the Sagres Bird watching festival, which is bound to take place between 4 and 7 October. You might be wondering what that is and if a bird watching event is what is sounds or… and the answer is yes, year after year, bird lovers gather to this part of the lovely Algarve to watch migratory birds flying by in an exotic and wonderful dance. Trust the Portuguese to organize such a gentle and touching event, in honor of nature and the variety of life.

The birds, including hawks, eagles, storks, vultures, falcons and owls, but also an amazing variety of seabirds, are making a last wonderful display before fleeing to the much warmer reams of Africa. A lot of photographers and biologists take a great interest in this event, so they are expected to come to the festival this year as well. They are the experts at work and on holiday here.

But that’s not to say that if you are not necessarily an avid bird watcher or if you have never attended such an event you are less welcome to join the Sagres festival. Quite on the contrary, it’s pretty much “the more, the merrier”, so you can come and see if you like what you see.

How to get to the festival venue? Just book a Faro Airport transfer and the driver will take you there with no delay.

So what is in store for those who enjoy bird watching but also wish to try other activities? Experiences available include bird ringing, field and boat trips, exhibitions and activities meant to entertain kids, diving, paddle boating and surfing, but also dolphin watching and more relaxing activities, such as therapeutic sessions and long walks in nature.