12 days in Ponta Delgada, Lisbon & Porto Itinerary

As the busy capital of São Miguel, Ponta Delgada represents the most visited place on the island.

Step out of the city life by going to Caldeira das Sete Cidades and Furnas. Get a sense of the local culture at Nossa Senhora da Paz and Centro de Monitorizacao e Investigacao das Furnas. Go for a jaunt from Ponta Delgada to Furnas to see Parque Terra Nostra about 46 minutes away. There's still lots to do: explore the activities along Lagoa do Fogo, tour the pleasant surroundings at Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Centre, and kick back and relax at Praia de Santa Barbara.

To see other places to visit, ratings, maps, and tourist information, read our Ponta Delgada journey site.

New York City, USA to Ponta Delgada is an approximately 11.5-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 4 hours traveling from New York City to Ponta Delgada. In September in Ponta Delgada, expect temperatures between 76°F during the day and 63°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 8th (Fri) to allow enough time to fly to Lisbon.

Built on seven hills, Lisbon has experienced a renaissance in recent years, making it the cultural star of Portugal.

You'll get in some beach time at Praia da Nazare and Pego Beach. Discover out-of-the-way places like Castelo dos Mouros and Monastery of Alcobaca. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Lisbon: Sintra National Palace (in Sintra) and Evora (Cathedral of Evora (Se Catedral de Evora), Templo Romano de Evora (Templo de Diana), &more). There's still lots to do: take an in-depth tour of Carmo Archaeological Museum, let your taste buds guide you at a local gastronomic tour, pause for some photo ops at Santuario Nacional de Cristo Rei, and snap pictures at Ponte 25 de Abril.

For where to stay, ratings, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Lisbon online journey planner.

You can fly from Ponta Delgada to Lisbon in 3 hours. Traveling from Ponta Delgada to Lisbon, you'll lose 1 hour due to the time zone difference. In September in Lisbon, expect temperatures between 81°F during the day and 61°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Thu) to allow time to fly to Porto.

Called "Oporto" by many, the city of Porto along the Duoro River lent the country and Port wine their names.

Kick off your visit on the 14th (Thu): take a stroll around Palacio da Bolsa, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Igreja da Ordem Terceira de São Francisco, and then enjoy breathtaking views from Torre dos Clerigos.

To see where to stay, other places to visit, traveler tips, and more tourist information, you can read our Porto road trip site.

Getting from Lisbon to Porto by flight takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a train. Expect slightly colder temperatures when traveling from Lisbon in September; daily highs in Porto reach 74°F and lows reach 56°F. You'll have a few hours on the 15th (Fri) to wrap things up before traveling home.