Portugal’s Atlantic soul stretches from the Azores’ emerald volcanoes to the Algarve’s sun-splashed coves. On São Miguel, mirror-like crater lakes and tea-scented hillsides frame a culture of slow food, fishing, and thermal springs. In the south, Moorish echoes linger in Faro’s whitewashed lanes as boats drift through the Ria Formosa to sandbar islands that feel deliciously far away.

The Azores were settled in the 15th century; today they’re a sanctuary for whales, hikers, and hot-spring seekers. São Miguel’s icons—Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, and Furnas—are best savored unrushed, with pastéis de nata and local cozido warming the pauses. The Algarve, long a seafarers’ frontier, pairs family-friendly beaches with dramatic limestone arches and easy day trips.

Practical notes: August is peak season—book flights early and consider trains between Lisbon and Faro to save. Car hire is ideal on São Miguel (roads are scenic and well kept). Many thermal pools welcome kids, but check temperatures and rules. Seafood shines everywhere; order lapas (limpets) in the Azores, then clams à Bulhão Pato and grilled dourada in the Algarve.

How to Get the Cheapest Milan–Azores–Algarve Combination (August 2026)

You asked for a full comparison of all routing scenarios A–H from Milan (MXP/LIN/BGY) with flexible dates (depart Aug 6–7, return Aug 22–23), visiting both the Azores (PDL) and Algarve (FAO), optionally via Lisbon (LIS), and using train LIS↔Faro if it saves money. I can’t fetch live prices here, but below are realistic minimum estimates based on recent (2024–2025) high-season averages and the airlines that typically operate these legs. Use the links to run live checks and lock fares. Tip: when comparing, price with only personal item + one shared checked bag across segments if needed; baggage can quickly erase a “cheap” fare.

Where to search now (Europe): For flights and trains in Europe use Omio (Flights in Europe) and Omio (Trains in Europe). For PDL flights, also compare Sata/Azores Airlines (S4) and TAP (TP); SATA sometimes doesn’t surface on every meta-search and often includes a checked bag. Cross-check all three Milan airports (MXP, LIN, BGY).

Scenario comparison (A–H)

• A: MIL → LIS → PDL → FAO → MIL
  Likely carriers: MIL→LIS (Ryanair/easyJet/TAP), LIS→PDL (SATA/TAP), PDL→FAO via LIS (SATA/TAP), FAO→MIL (Ryanair/easyJet).
  Notes: Four flight segments; solid availability but you pay for the PDL→FAO via LIS hop.
  Stima minima p.p. (solo voli, bagaglio escluso): ~€400; Totale stimato famiglia (3 pax): ~€1200.
• B: MIL → LIS → FAO → PDL → MIL
  Likely carriers: MIL→LIS (Ryanair/easyJet/TAP), LIS→FAO (TAP/easyJet; often pricier than train), FAO→PDL via LIS (SATA/TAP), PDL→MIL via LIS (SATA/TAP).
  Notes: Paying for LIS→FAO flight in peak season usually costs more than the train.
  Stima minima p.p.: ~€470; Famiglia: ~€1410.
• C: MIL → PDL → FAO → MIL (connections via LIS where needed)
  Likely carriers: MIL→PDL via LIS (SATA/TAP), PDL→FAO via LIS (SATA/TAP), FAO→MIL (Ryanair/easyJet).
  Notes: Three flights, but you still buy the PDL→FAO via LIS hop.
  Stima minima p.p.: ~€400; Famiglia: ~€1200.
• D: MIL → FAO → PDL → MIL (connections via LIS where needed)
  Likely carriers: MIL→FAO (Ryanair/easyJet), FAO→PDL via LIS (SATA/TAP), PDL→MIL via LIS (SATA/TAP).
  Notes: Three flights with a cheap first hop to FAO; similar overall to C.
  Stima minima p.p.: ~€400; Famiglia: ~€1200.
• E: MIL → PDL → LIS → (treno) FAO → MIL
  Likely carriers: MIL→PDL via LIS (SATA/TAP), PDL→LIS (SATA/TAP), LIS→FAO by train (Alfa Pendular/Intercidades, ~3h, ~€10–25 on Omio Trains), FAO→MIL (Ryanair/easyJet).
  Notes: Swapping the LIS→FAO flight for the train typically cuts cost and hassle.
  Stima minima p.p.: ~€350; Famiglia: ~€1050.
• F: MIL → FAO → (treno) LIS → PDL → MIL
  Likely carriers: MIL→FAO (Ryanair/easyJet), FAO→LIS by train (~3h, ~€10–25 on Omio Trains), LIS→PDL (SATA/TAP), PDL→MIL via LIS (SATA/TAP).
  Notes: Often strong value because MIL→FAO can be very cheap; train beats LIS↔FAO flights on price.
  Stima minima p.p.: ~€350; Famiglia: ~€1050.
• G: MIL → PDL → LIS → MIL (Algarve in treno da Lisboa, A/R)
  Likely carriers: MIL→PDL via LIS (SATA/TAP), PDL→LIS (SATA/TAP), LIS→MIL (Ryanair/easyJet/TAP); LIS↔Faro round-trip by train (~€20–50 total on Omio Trains).
  Notes: Only three flight legs; trains cover Algarve there-and-back. Good if LIS→MIL fares are particularly competitive.
  Stima minima p.p.: ~€380; Famiglia: ~€1140.
• H: MIL → FAO → (treno) LIS → PDL → MIL
  Likely carriers: MIL→FAO (Ryanair/easyJet), FAO→LIS by train (~3h, ~€10–25 on Omio Trains), LIS→PDL (SATA/TAP), PDL→MIL via LIS (SATA/TAP).
  Notes: Mirrors F but front-loads beach time. Consistently among the cheapest in summer because it avoids paying for the Lisbon–Faro hop by air.
  Stima minima p.p.: ~€350; Famiglia: ~€1050.

Perché controllare anche SATA/Azores Airlines (S4) sui tratti con PDL: tariffe “light” spesso includono bagaglio a mano generoso e, in alcune promo, un bagaglio da stiva che i low-cost non includono; inoltre non sempre compaiono sui meta-motori. Verifica S4 insieme a TAP (TP) prima di bloccare i voli PDL↔LIS e PDL↔MIL.

Scenario più conveniente (probabile): E, F o H. In alta stagione, le combinazioni che sostituiscono LIS↔FAO in treno tendono a essere le più economiche. Se trovi un andata super-economica per FAO da BGY/MXP, H spesso vince; se trovi una buona tariffa per LIS→MIL al ritorno, G può insidiarlo. Usa Omio (Flights) per i voli europei e Omio (Trains) per i treni: cerca multi-tratta con date ±1 giorno (6/7 → 22/23 agosto), confronta MXP/LIN/BGY e spunta anche “aggiungi aeroporti vicini”.

São Miguel, Azores (Ponta Delgada)

São Miguel feels like a garden afloat. Hydrangea-lined roads wrap around lagoons that fill ancient craters; steam rises from Furnas where cozido cooks underground. Ponta Delgada itself is graceful—black-and-white basalt arches, cafés with Azorean pastries, and a working harbor where whale boats still push out at dawn.

Top sights include Sete Cidades’ twin lakes, Lagoa do Fogo’s sapphire bowl, Terra Nostra’s amber thermal pool, and the Gorreana tea plantation, one of Europe’s last. Food is hearty and local—grilled limpets with garlic, tuna steaks, São Jorge cheese, and the island’s citrus-scented pineapple.

Stay central in Ponta Delgada for easy dining and day trips. Browse family-friendly stays on VRBO (Ponta Delgada) or hotels on Hotels.com (Ponta Delgada).

Day 1: Arrival in Ponta Delgada + Harbor Stroll

Morning: Fly to Ponta Delgada (PDL). From Milan you’ll typically connect in Lisbon; total journey ~6–8h gate-to-gate. For live options, check Omio (Flights) and compare TAP vs. SATA for the LIS↔PDL segment.

Afternoon: Check in, then stretch your legs along the Portas da Cidade and waterfront. Pop into Mercado da Graça for pineapples and São Jorge cheese to snack on. Coffee at Louvre Michaelense (old-world charm) or Azores Coffee Roasters (modern micro-roastery).

Evening: Dinner at A Tasca (share Azorean petiscos: octopus salad, tuna belly, local cheese board). If the kiddo needs something simple, Pizzaria O Sole Mio does wood-fired pies. Sunset at the marina promenade.

Day 2: Sete Cidades Crater Lakes

Morning: Drive or join a tour to Sete Cidades. First stop: Vista do Rei for a cinematic view of the green and blue lakes. Short family-friendly walk along the caldera rim near Miradouro da Boca do Inferno—spectacular but keep to paths.

Afternoon: Picnic by Lagoa Azul or rent kayaks for a gentle paddle (calm water, great for kids with life jackets). Coffee and bolo lêvedo (sweet muffin) at Green Love café in the village. On the way back, pause at Ponta da Ferraria where a lava-rock cove mixes hot spring water with the ocean (check tide tables; hand-holding essential with a 6-year-old).

Evening: Try Associação Agrícola de São Miguel for its famous steak (excellent kids’ portions and sides). Gelato at Gelados La Doce Vita on the walk home.

Day 3: Furnas Hot Springs + Terra Nostra

Morning: Head to Furnas via the north coast, stopping at Gorreana Tea Plantation to see 19th-century machines whirring and sip black and green teas overlooking the fields. Continue to Furnas to see the fumaroles and cozido pits.

Afternoon: Lunch on cozido das Furnas (slow-cooked stew) at Tony’s. Then soak at Terra Nostra’s large iron-rich thermal pool (cooler corner pools are better for kids; bring dark swimsuits). Stroll the botanic garden—giant tree ferns are a hit with little explorers.

Evening: Back in town, book Otaka (Japanese-Azorean, counter seats to watch the chefs; call ahead) or go casual at Casa da Rosa for grilled fish and veggie sides.

Day 4: Lagoa do Fogo + Nordeste Lookouts

Morning: Drive to Lagoa do Fogo. If skies are clear, descend a short path to the pristine shore; if cloudy, pivot to Caldeira Velha’s warm cascades on the northern slope—shallow pools are kid-friendly.

Afternoon: Continue east to Nordeste for photogenic viewpoints (Ponta do Sossego and Ponta da Madrugada gardens). Lunch on alcatra (Azorean pot roast) or grilled limpets at a local tasca. Return via Ribeira Grande for artisan shops.

Evening: Light dinner at São Pedro (modern Portuguese) or Mercado do Peixe for simple grilled dourada with lemon. Pack for tomorrow’s travel.

Travel to the Algarve (Faro)

Plan a morning flight PDL→LIS (~2h30) and connect to the Algarve by train from Lisboa-Oriente to Faro (~3h). This is usually cheaper (and often faster door-to-door) than flying LIS→FAO.

• Flights PDL→LIS: Search on Omio (Flights); compare SATA vs. TAP. Stima: €70–150 p.p. in August.
• Train LIS→Faro: Book Alfa Pendular/Intercidades on Omio (Trains). Time: ~3h. Stima: €10–25 p.p. advance.

Faro, Algarve

Faro’s walled old town, hidden courtyards, and stork-topped belltowers feel timeless. Beyond the gates, the Ria Formosa Natural Park protects a maze of salt flats, channels, and sandbar islands—Deserta, Farol, Culatra—perfect for gentle beaches and boat days.

Benagil’s sea cave and the Seven Hanging Valleys trail headline the coast to the west; families can choose guided day trips that combine viewpoints and swims. Faro’s eating is honest and fresh: cataplana (seafood stew), grilled sardines, and pastel de nata warm from the oven.

Base in the Baixa or near the marina for easy departures. Compare stays on VRBO (Faro) or Hotels.com (Faro).

Day 5: Arrive Faro + Old Town + Ria Formosa Sunset

Morning: Fly PDL→LIS, then train to Faro. Grab bakery fare at Lisbon-Oriente (try a pastel de nata) before boarding the train (Omio Trains for schedules/tickets).

Afternoon: Check in and explore Cidade Velha: Arco da Vila, the cathedral terrace for stork nests and lagoon views, and tiny lanes around Largo da Sé. Snack on pastéis and tostas at Pastelaria Centeio.

Evening: Early dinner at 2 Irmãos (century-old tavern; order clams à Bulhão Pato and arroz de marisco to share). Stroll the marina. If energy allows, end with a gelado on Rua de Santo António.

Day 6: Benagil Cave, Marinha & Carvoeiro (Full Day from Faro)

Full-day tour—no need to split by time today. This is a coastline classic that keeps logistics easy with a child. You’ll see the Benagil Cave from viewpoints (and often by optional boat), the golden cliffs of Praia da Marinha, and Carvoeiro’s cove town. Bring water, hats, reef-safe sunscreen, and simple beach shoes for rocky steps. Book one of these:

• From Faro: Benagil Cave, Marinha & Carvoeiro [Full-Day Tour]

  

• From Faro: Benagil, Marinha Beach, 7 Hanging Valleys, Algar Seco

  

Post-tour dinner: Vila Adentro (inside the old walls; modern take on cataplana and local produce) or Se7e Pedras (petiscos—grilled chorizo, prawns in garlic, good kids’ menu).

Day 7: Ria Formosa Islands + Departure

Morning: Take a gentle boat cruise through the Ria Formosa channels to spot birds and visit islands. These small-group tours are relaxed and great with children. Top picks include:

• Ria Formosa Natural Park and Islands Boat Cruise from Faro

  

• Small Group Dolphin and Wildlife Watching Tour in Faro

  

Afternoon: Quick lunch at Mercado Municipal de Faro (choose from grilled fish stalls and salad bars). If time remains, hop the short bus/taxi to Praia de Faro for a last sandcastle. Head to FAO airport for your afternoon flight back to Milan—check Omio (Flights) for direct options to BGY/MXP or a TAP connection via LIS to LIN/MXP.

Evening: In-flight or back home—bem-vindos a casa!

Eating & Coffee Shortlist

• Ponta Delgada: A Tasca (petiscos, lively), Associação Agrícola (steak), Otaka (sushi with Azorean fish), São Pedro (modern Portuguese), Louvre Michaelense (retro café), Azores Coffee Roasters (specialty coffee), Mercado da Graça (fruit/cheese).
• Faro: 2 Irmãos (classic tavern), Vila Adentro (seasonal Algarve plates), Se7e Pedras (petiscos), Faaron Steakhouse (if you need a non-seafood night), Pastelaria Centeio (breakfast), Chelsea Coffee & Brunch (pancakes, toasts).

Getting Around & Booking Pointers

• Flights (Europe): Use Omio (Flights) to compare MXP/LIN/BGY vs. LIS/PDL/FAO; filter hand baggage only, then add luggage as needed to compare “true” costs across carriers.
• Trains (Portugal): Lisboa-Oriente ↔ Faro is ~3h on Alfa Pendular/Intercidades; advance fares often €10–25 via Omio (Trains).
• Car hire (São Miguel): A compact car with child seat makes lake loops and hot spring stops easy. Roads are well signed; park-and-walk for viewpoints.
• Family tips: Pack quick-dry swim gear for thermal pools; bring reef-safe sunscreen and hats for Algarve cliffs; carry light rain jackets in the Azores (weather flips fast).

Summary: For August 2026, scenarios that swap LIS↔Faro flights for trains usually come out cheapest—look first at H or F (and E if starting in the Azores). Then dive into this one-week plan: four days wandering São Miguel’s Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, and Furnas, followed by Algarve days between Benagil’s golden arches and the calm waters of the Ria Formosa. It’s a family-pleasing blend of wild nature, easy beaches, and excellent food—without overspending on unnecessary flights.