The Intrepid Guide

5 Day Azores Itinerary: 26 Top Things to Do in São Miguel Island [Plus Map]

Things to do in San Miguel Island, Portugal - Azores travel guide

Floating 1,400 kilometres west of the Iberian Peninsula, São Miguel island is the jewel in the crown of the Azorean archipelago. This comprehensive 5-day guide show you the top things to do in São Miguel island plus where to say, where to eat, and when to go. Plus loads of bonus travel tips.

From thousands of years old bubbling geysers, to flower-lined winding roads, hikes spiraling around dormant volcanoes, and natural thermal pools scattered throughout the island, São Miguel island is a dream. Which is why I’ve prepared a comprehensive Azores travel guide!

If you’re not familiar with the Azores or need more convincing, check out my post on  why the Azores is Europe’s best-kept secret.

São Miguel Island

São Miguel island is the largest island in the Azores, measuring 62.1 km in length and 15.8 km at its maximum width. This means that depending on which roads you take, you can see both the north and south side of the island at the same time!

São Miguel island is also home to the Azores largest city and its capital: Ponta Delgada. The best part? Today, only 5-10% of the island is built-up, leaving the rest to nature. Excited yet?

With such a relatively small area to cover, basing yourself in Ponta Delgada and setting out on day trips around São Miguel is the best way to see everything the island has to offer.

During my five days in São Miguel, I divided the island up into five pockets which I used as my itinerary for each day. This worked so well for me and managing my time during the trip that I wanted to share it with you.

Whilst there is so much that can be done, seen, and explored in São Miguel island, my complete and ultimate itinerary ensures that you will see and experience the best of the island.

I’ve covered everything including accommodation, car rental, where to eat and how to manage your days around the temperamental Azorean weather.

Five Things You Should Know

Before we jump in, here are five important things you should know about this itinerary to São Miguel.

  • If you’re visiting São Miguel for the first time, this guide is for you! This guide assumes you have no prior knowledge of the island and its incredible beauty. Boy, are you in for a surprise!
  • You’ll need a car to get around. I recommend hiring a car here as there is little to no public transport. Plus, having a car will give you the freedom to start and end your days on your terms.   Compare the best car rental prices here.
  • I’ve tried to find a balance between quality and quantity. That being said, how often do you get to go to the Azores? For some, this might be a once-off experience and you want to see as much as possible. The best part of this itinerary is that you can adjust it to suit your needs and personal preferences. For each daily bucket list, each location is no more than 30 minutes from the next, which gives you total flexibility should you prefer to linger a bit longer at any location.
  • It allows for last-minute itinerary changes. Something I wasn’t prepared for was how quickly the weather changes in the Azores. When the heavens open up and clouds roll in, some of the best viewpoints are…well, invisible! My advice? Keep track of the weather constantly and check the conditions of the locations before you go. You can either the  SpotAzores website or app. It’s a total game changer! Luckily, the size of the island allows you to zigzag around in case you need to chase good weather. To give you an idea, getting from the east to west coast will take no longer than 90 minutes.
  • Keep a towel handy. There are lots of thermal pools and beaches on this itinerary so make sure you come prepared. Bring an old swimsuit, I’ll tell you why later. Just take my word for it.

So, without further ado, here are the top things to do in São Miguel island.

Looking for something in particular? Use these links to jump around.

Included in this guide to São Miguel

  • Map of São Miguel Itinerary
  • Day 1 itinerary
  • Day 2 itinerary
  • Day 3 itinerary
  • Day 4 itinerary
  • Day 5 itinerary

Getting to the Azores

Where to stay in são miguel, são miguel flight and hotels packages, map of são miguel island itinerary.

Want to know where you’ll be going? Take a look at the detailed map below.

Tip: For a larger view of the map, click on the icon in the top right corner.

Click on this interactive map and see where this itinerary will take you. I’ve created this map using Google Maps which you can save and use as you travel around the island.

The coloured pins represent different pockets of the island to explore each day. Click on any pin for more information. Day 1 – Purple pins Day 2 – Green pins Day 3 – Turquoise pins Day 4 – Yellow pins Day 5 – Pink pins

Day 1 Itinerary – Purple pins

Saving the best till last isn’t always the smartest idea, at least not in the Azores.

Visiting Sete Cidades requires good weather otherwise you risk seeing very little. That’s why I recommend that on your first day, you aim to visit the western part of the island. That way, if the weather isn’t in your favour you can easily try again the following day.

Sete Cidades

sao miguel island azores travel guide sete cidades hike

Chances are that if you Googled the Azores, you most likely saw a picture of the Sete Cidades. It’s the postcard of the island and quite possibly the Azores.

Sete Cidades literally means, ‘seven cities’ and is one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal. The views over Sete Cidades and its lakes are nothing short of impressive and awe-inspiring.

Lagoa das Sete Cidades (Lake of the Seven Cities)

At its centre, there are two lakes, one green and the other blue which are separated by a bridge.

According to legend, the lakes were formed from the tears of a shepherd and a princess who shared a forbidden love because of their different social status. They say that the last time they met, their tears formed the lakes. The tears of the blue-eyed shepherd formed the blue lake while the those of green-eyed princess created the green lake.

The less romantic version explains the colour difference is due to the fact that the surrounding vegetation causes the light to reflect differently.

Either way, it’s still an impressive sight!

Lagoa das Sete Cidades can be enjoyed from numerous vantage points, each offering a new and wonderful perspective.

Things to do in San Miguel Island, Portugal - Bridge over Sete cidades lakes

Miradouro da Vista Do Rei (Viewpoint Of The King)

sao miguel island azores travel guide sete cidades

Appropriately translating to, Viewpoint Of The King, this may be the first glimpse you’ll see if Sete Cidades. Not a bad introduction! The best part of the Sete Cidades is that it can be enjoyed in different ways, including taking any one of the hiking trails.

There is also an elevated dirt road, which is quite narrow at some points, which spirals around the lake. You can both walk or drive along this road whilst enjoying the different perspectives over the lakes.

Miradouro da Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth Viewpoint)

sao miguel island azores travel guide sete cidades boca do inferno

Take a moment here and try to comprehend how old this land is. This volcanic crater is 22,000 years old!

Tips on Getting to Boca do Inferno Viewpoint

  • Blink and you’ll miss the entrance! Whether you’re coming from Vista do Rei or from Ponta Delgada (South East) the entrance looks like more a concealed driveway. Avoid taking any turnoffs that will take you down to the Sete Cidades village. Look out for a blue sign indicating a stop 100 metres ahead.
  • Depending on how early you get there, some cars may already be parked outside making the entrance more obvious. It’s here you’ll see the Lagoa Do Canário sign. Turn down the dirt road and park your car.
  • At this point there are a lot of tall trees, continue on foot for less than five minutes until you see the stairs.
  • From here, it’s just 5 minutes away from the viewpoint.

Tips on Visiting Boca do Inferno

  • Time: Allow 1-2 hours to wander around, get some great photos, and savour the moment.
  • Price:  Both entrance and parking are free!
  • Pro Tip #1: For awesome moody shots come here just before the sunset. Note that the gates close at 4pm on weekdays and at 7pm on weekends.
  • Pro Tip #2: This place gets busy! So, go early. When I went it was at the end of the season and I arrived as soon as the gates opened at 8:30. I literally had 10 minutes alone before other people started arriving. By the time I left at 10am, cars were parked all the way out back onto the main road.
  • Pro Tip #3: Remember to check the weather. Suns out, guns out. When the sun shines here, the landscape comes alive with vibrant colours.

After enjoying the views from above, head down towards the lovely quaint village of Sete Cidades. Along the way, you’ll pass over the bridge that separates the blue and green lakes. Stop here and say hi to the birdlife on the banks before continuing into town.

sao miguel island azores travel guide Igreja de Sao Nicolau Church

Fancy a bike ride or kayaking in the lake? In town, you’ll find a few hire shops. Not a bad way to pass the afternoon.

Not to be missed in town is the lovely village Church of Saint Nicholas (Igreja de São Nicolau) . The beautiful tree-lined promenade leading to the entrance is worth stopping by for.

Ponta da Ferraria

sao miguel island azores travel guide Ponta da Ferraria

Put on your swimsuit, it’s time to relax in Ponta da Ferraria geothermal spring.

Not only is the location itself unique, sitting at the base of a giant lava rock cliff, but the spring opens up to the ocean creating a wonderful mix of hot and cold water that dances around your body.

Also located here are housed thermal baths with an outdoor swimming pool and restaurant. Visit Termas da Ferraria for more information.

Tips on Visiting Ponta da Ferraria

  • Time: Allow 2 hours to bathe then relax at the kiosk with a beer in hand.
  • Price: Entrance and parking are free!
  • Pro Tip: Go at low tide to avoid be scalded. Ouch!

sao miguel island azores travel guide Mosteiros sunset

The cherry on the sundae is ending your day at Mosteiros.

Mosteiros is a civil parish which saw its first settlers around 1480. The name Mosteiros, means monastery in Portuguese and refers to the nearby islets, the largest of which is shaped like a church.

Come here an hour or so before sunset. Cosy up either on the beach or head around to the rocks on the right and watch the water crash over the boulders. Soon enough the sky will turn electric purple bringing this magical day to an end.

Day 2 Itinerary – Green pins

Today, we’re exploring the east and southeastern parts of the island.

The Nordeste and Pedreira districts are some of the wildest and most remote parts of São Miguel island. The sea cliffs are stand tall and steep, the vegetation is thicker and more vibrant, and the roads are more sinuous. Everything in this area is worth stopping your car for.

Ponta da Madrugada Lookout

sao miguel island azores travel guide Ponta da Madrugada

Start your day early and head east! Watching the sunrise from the famous Ponta da Madrugada (literally means, Dawn Point) is a must! The drive coastal drive here alone is truly one of the most beautiful roads I’ve ever driven on.

Bring some breakfast, sit at any of the picnic tables and enjoy the sunrise over the vast blue Atlantic ocean.

Arnel Lighthouse

Things to do in San Miguel Island, Portugal - Faro do Arnel lighthouse

Take a slight detour north and visit the beautiful octagonal cylindrical lighthouse, Faro do Arnel. This was the first lighthouse built in the Azores used by ships arriving from mainland Portugal.

There is a wonderful spiral road leading to the lighthouse, but the best view of both the lighthouse and the road is from Miradouro da Vista dos Barcos (Viewpoint of the boats). Keep an eye out for road signs indicating the lookout on your right-hand side.

Tips on Getting to Arnel Lighthouse

  • Pro tip: Once arrived, I strongly recommend parking the car and continuing on foot. The spiral road down is 35º. Don’t risk stranding your rental car on the return trip.

Ponta do Sossego Viewpoint

sao miguel island azores travel guide furnas drone shot terra nostra park thermal pool Lagoa do Fogo Ponta do Sossego viewpoint

Lagoa das Furnas

sao miguel island azores travel guide lagao de furnas

Sitting in Furnas Valley, home to dozens of thermal springs, fumaroles and geysers, is Lagoa das Furnas (Furnas Lagoon). This lagoon is one of the three main lagoons in São Miguel.

The valley is in fact a volcanic crater which has been dormant since 1630, when the last eruption occurred.

Capela de Nossa Senhora das Vitórias

Also worth visiting here is the Capela de Nossa Senhora das Vitórias dedicated to Our Lady of the Victories. This funerary chapel was built by José do Canto, a gentleman-farmer of São Miguel, after his beloved wife passed away from a terminal illness. When José eventually died, he was buried alongside his wife, fullfulling his wishes.

There is a lovely view of the lagoon and the chapel from a jetty as you approach the chapel.

With a complicated 100,000 year history, the central caldera of the Furnas Volcano is a naturally explosive trachyte structure composed of two main calderas, that through formation, collapse and explosion have marked the natural history of the massif.

Caldeiras das Furnas and Fumaroles from Lagoa das Furnas

sao miguel island azores travel guide furnas

On the opposite end of the lagoon are the Caldeiras hot springs where the famous local dish Cozido das Furnas (Furnas stew) is prepared and transported to location restaurants.

A path navigates around the holes of boiling water and geysers where the stew is cooked.

While the dish itself might not be your best meal of the trip, it is, nonetheless worth trying. I mean, how often do you eat a meal cooked by Mother Nature herself?

Where to Eat Furnas Stew (Cozido das Furnas)

Each day several restaurants located in Furnas village send their stews to be cooked in the Caldeiras. The two most noteworthy are Tony’s and the restaurant at  Terra Nostra Garden Hotel.  Eating at Terra Nostra Garden Hotel also gets you complimentary access to Terra Nostra park and the thermal pool.

Furnas Village

sao miguel island azores travel guide furnas drone shot

Head to the main village and see how the locals live alongside thirty springs and geysers each with different temperatures and chemical compositions. These range from warm iron-rich streams to mineral-rich warm and cold water. The air here is literally filled with sulphur.

Owing to a population of several thousand people who live within and around its caldera, Furnas is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the archipelago. The first recorded eruption occurred in 1440, just after early settlers started populating the coasts of São Miguel.

Terra Nostra Park

sao miguel island azores travel guide furnas drone shot terra nostra park thermal pool

Covering 12 hectares, Terra Nostra Park is one of the most beautiful gardens in Europe boasting lush vegetation, over 2,000 different trees, peaceful promenades, lilypad-covered ponds, and a huge thermal pool.

Bathing in the ferrous orange thermal pool at Terra Nostra Park is one of the island’s postcard experiences. Full of essential minerals, the thermal spring heats the water to 35 – 40 degrees Celsius (95 – 140F).

  A post shared by Michele • The Intrepid Guide✈︎ (@intrepidguide) on Dec 17, 2017 at 7:57am PST

Tips on Visiting Terra Nostra Park

  • Duration: Allow at least 1 hour to explore the gardens then half an hour to relax in the thermal pool.
  • Price: 8 euros, includes access to the park thermal pool and showers.
  • Pro tip #1: Don’t wear your favourite swimsuit though, the minerals will leave your whites looking a little orange. Wear something old and dark.
  • Pro tip #2:  Go here on a cloudy or gloomy day. Save that sunshine for visiting places at higher altitude. Plus, having a hot bath feels so much better when it’s cold.

Poça da D. Beija Thermal Spa (Optional)

While the thermal experience is similar at Poça Dona Beija, swimming in those at Parque Terra Nostra is more of a novelty because of the orange water. Unless you really love your thermal experience, there’s no need to do both.

Poça da D. Beija offers a more authentic experience with it’s complex of newly refurbished five outdoor pools at various temperatures. Since they’re open till 11pm daily, why not stay for a romantic evening dip.

Tips on Visiting Poça da D. Beija Thermal Springs

  • Duration: Anything from 1 hour
  • Price: Entrance fee is 4 euros in Poça Dona Beija

Day 3 Itinerary – Blue pins

Lagoa do fogo.

sao miguel island azores travel guide furnas drone shot terra nostra park thermal pool Lagoa do Fogo

One of the most beautiful yet difficult to see places on the island is Lagoa do Fogo. Literally translating to ‘Fire lake’, only on my third visit did the clouds part to reveal this impressive lake.

Lagoa do Fogo sits in a crater with a maximum depth of 30 metres. This is the island’s highest lagoon (sitting 575 metres) and the second biggest.

Things to do in San Miguel Island, Portugal - Lagoa do Fogo sunset

Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo (Lookout)

If you reach the lookout and find the area drowning in cloud or fog, allow 15 minutes or so for it to pass (fingers crossed) it’s amazing how quickly the weather changes up there.

Things to do in San Miguel Island, Portugal - Sunrise

View from Pico da Barrosa

Once you arrive at Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo, take the path down to the beach. After thirty minutes you’ll reach the unspoiled shoreline.

Tips for Visiting Lagoa do Fogo

  • Duration: Anything from 1 hour, allow more time if heading down to the beach
  • Price: Free :)
  • Pro tip 1: Check the weather ahead of time. Having said that, even on a sunny day there can still be lots of cloud cover. Be patient and wait a little before leaving. You may need to return another day.
  • Pro tip 2:  Since this is a Natural Reserve it’s important to be as respectful as possible. Don’t leave any rubbish/trash behind or go swimming if you’re wearing sunscreen.
  • Pro tip 3: Located higher up overlooking Lagoa do Fogo is Pico da Barrosa.  Weather permitting, you’ll be able to see both the north and south coastlines of the island. Pretty cool!

Caldeira Velha

sao miguel island azores travel guide furnas drone shot terra nostra park thermal pool Lagoa do Fogo Caldeira Velha

Located a few minutes down the road on the north slope of the Fogo Volcano is Caldeira Velha, a scenic nature preserve featuring lush vegetation, a waterfall, and hot springs. I love this place because it’s not located near a town and the towering trees make you feel like you’re at one with nature.

Located in Caldeira Velha is a park are two stone-walled naturally heated pools. Both surrounded by lush vegetation, the smaller one is 38º while the largest is 21º.

Tips for Visiting Caldeira Velha

  • Duration:  You can’t rush relaxing. You’ll need anywhere between 1.5-3 hours to really it enjoy it. Price: The entrance is 2 Euros (as per 2017).
  • Pro tip #1: Same rules apply regarding your swimsuit. Wear something old and dark to reduce the signs of orange stains thanks to the mineral-rich water.
  • Pro tip #2: There are lockers, changing rooms and showers, but be prepared for the cold water. It’s invigorating to say the least.

Salto do Cabrito

sao miguel island azores travel guide furnas drone shot terra nostra park thermal pool Lagoa do Fogo Salto do Cabrito

Salto do Cabrito, literally meaning ‘Kid’s Jumping’, has a 40 metre high waterfall. Next to the base of the water is a circular pedestrian route that sits high up amongst the thick foliage.

Miradouro de Santa Iria

sao miguel island azores travel guide Miradouro de Santa Iria

Located in a ravine above the sea, the Santa Iria lookout offers a superb view over Santa Iria Bay and the northern coastline of the island.

This viewpoint is very close to the main road and has a small car park both near the main road and down the short road leading to the viewpoint.

Itinerary Day 4 – Yellow pins

Starting in the north-east of São Miguel island, begin your day at Ribeira dos Caldeirões Park before making your way down to the picturesque islet of Vila Franca on the south coast.

Ribeira dos Caldeirões Park

sao miguel island azores travel guide Ribeira dos Caldeiroes waterfall

With flowing streams and three large cascading waterfalls, Ribeira dos Caldeirões Park is not to be missed.

It’s an idyllic spot for hikers to walk along rock-cut paths that wind through the mountains. The rainforest trails invite you to explore the lush landscape with endless photo opportunities along the way.

sao miguel island azores travel guide Ribeira dos Caldeiroes waterfall garden

Gorreana Tea Plantation

sao miguel island azores travel guide Gorreana Tea Plantation

This family-owned business has been operating since 1883. There is a museum with free tastings, but this place is best experienced outside amongst the plantation itself where there is a magnificent view overlooking the Atlantic ocean.

Tips for Visiting Gorreana Tea

  • Duration: 1 hour is enough to go through the premises and sip on a cup of tea.
  • Price: Free
  • Pro tip: Whether you enjoy tea, the process of making it or not, the views alone are worth the visit. If you do, there are free tea tastings inside.

Vila Franca Islet

Things to do in San Miguel Island, Portugal - Vila Franca Do Campo

Vila Franca do Campo was once the capital of the Azores but lost its status after it had been almost completely destroyed by a massive earthquake in 1522. From then on the capital of São Miguel was transferred to Ponta Delgada.

Sitting opposite the town of Vila Franca do Campo is the beautiful islet formed as a result of a crater of an ancient submerged volcano. At approximately 300 metres in length, this is the smallest islet I’ve ever seen!

It’s enclosed bay makes it the ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling. During the summer months, the islet can be reached by a regular boat connection from the Vila Franca marina. Get your tickets online.

Tips for Visiting Vila Franca Islet

  • Duration: Allow yourself at least 3 hours here.
  • Price: 5 Euros
  • Pro tip #1: During high tide the small beach is complete covered, grab a spot in the concrete area instead to avoid being washed out.
  • Pro tip #2: Please be respectful of the island and leave nothing behind but footprints.

Our Lady of Peace Chapel

sao miguel island guide sao miguel Our Lady of Peace Chapel

High up on the hills overlooking Vila Franca and the Atlantic ocean is Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Paz, a stunning 16th-century chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Peace.  According to the legend, this chapel was built after the apparition of Virgin Mary to a shepherd, in a cave.

Day 5 Itinerary – Pink pins

Swimming with dolphins and whale-watching (from ponta delgada).

sao miguel island azores travel guide Swimming with Dolphins

What could be better than spending the morning with Atlantic Spotted dolphins and Humpback and Sperm whales?

For two hours I swam with dolphins and observed these playful creatures in their natural environment. There were literally hundreds of them! Jump in and enjoy watching these majestic mammals, play, feed, and poop. (Look out for those white trails. Haha) You’ll definitely want to capture this once in a lifetime experience.

I went out with Picos de Aventura , who were amazing. The customer service was great and the two guides on board were patient, professional, and super passionate about their work and the wellbeing of the marine life.

Picos de Aventura offer diving trips, whale watching, and swimming with dolphins and gear hire. I love my whales but this time I wanted to see the action underwater so opted for the swimming trip. 

The Azores attract many species of cetaceans which makes heading out in the ocean a must-do activity. If you can, plan your trip between April and June for the best whale watching. For dolphins, I saw plenty of them in September. They were also still running whale watching trips.

  • Book a whale and dolphins watching expedition in São Miguel here
  • Book your swimming with the dolphin’s tour here

Tips for Swimming with Dolphins in São Miguel

  • Duration: The trip last 3 hours, this includes the time it takes to reach the dolphins and return to shore on the RIB boat.
  • Price: Tours start from 75 Euros for a 3-hour trip.
  • Pro tip #1: If you suffer from lower back problems or are pregnant, do not go on this trip. The RIB boat ride is pretty intense.
  • Pro tip #2:  Take sea sickness tablets. If you’re not accustomed to swimming in the open ocean, chances are you feel nauseous. At least 3 others on the tour did. Come prepared.
  • Pro tip #3:  The water is very choppy. If you’re not a confident swimmer, speak with the guides to advise you if this is right for you. I honestly struggled the first few stops we made, then I learned to relax and avoid wasting my energy on swimming too much.

Tips for Whale-Watching in São Miguel

  • Duration: The trip last 3 hours
  • Price: Tours start from 55 Euros
  • Pro tip #1:  Whale watching is big business and many tour companies break certain laws in order to get their boats as close as possible to the whales and boasts being the best tour. They are actually breaking the law when they do this. Both safety and ethical regulations are in place to protect the well-being on the whales so make sure you go out with a trusted company, such as Picos de Aventura .
  • Tours depart morning, early afternoon, and evening from both Ponta Delgada and Vila Franca marinas.
  • Tours book out quickly so secure your spot at least a few ahead of the tour.

Ponta Delgada

  A post shared by Michele • The Intrepid Guide✈︎ (@intrepidguide) on Oct 19, 2017 at 10:54am PDT

With all of the island’s treasures now under your belt, it’s time to explore the Azores capital city, Ponta Delgada.

I’ve written a dedicated post to all the sights of Ponta Delgada, but here are a few highlights.

  • Portas da Cidade (City Gates)
  • Parish Church of São Sebastião
  • Campo de São Francisco
  • São Bras Forte (Open 10am – 6pm, Closed Saturday & Sunday)
  • António Borges Botanical Garden (Open everyday 9am – 8:30pm)
  • A. Arruda Pineapple Plantation (Open everyday 9am – 8pm )
  • Hermitage of the Mother of God – End your day here at sunset for best view over Ponta Delgada.

top 10 things to do in ponta delgada 2018 - sao miguel island - antonio borges jardim paths

António Borges Botanical Garden

Ponta Delgada is a relatively small so you can cover a lot of ground just on foot. Allow 1-2 hours each at the São Bras Forte, António Borges Botanical Garden, and A. Arruda Pineapple Plantation.

For more information about Ponta Delgada, use my complete guide to the city here.

Where to Eat in Ponta Delgada

Where to eat in the Azores in 2018 - sao miguel island

Bacalhau, Portuguese for cod, is considered to be an iconic dish of Portugal. My Portuguese boyfriend enjoyed this salted cod with vegetable dish at Calçada do Cais in Ponta Delgada.

Running parallel with the seafront Rua dos Mercadores is one of the main thoroughfares. Here you’ll find some of the island’s best restaurants including Calçada do Cais, and further north, A Tasca .

Other highly recommended restaurants include Adega Regional ,  Rotas da Ilha Verde (vegetarian-friendly) ,  Boca de Cena (seafood),  Casa Do Bife O Galego (steakhouse),  Restaurant Sao Pedro (seafood).

Essential Azores Travel Information

Getting to the Azores is easier than you might think. You can hop on a boat or catch a plane.  Direct flights depart from the USA, Canada, UK, Sweden, Spain, Belgium, Denmark, Portugal, France, Germany, and Finland.

SATA / Azores Airlines offer the most routes with other operators such as TAP Portugal, Primera, TUI, Germania, Ryanair, and Delta offering regular flights to the Azores. My advice would be to fly from Porto, Lisbon or London where tickets are considerably cheaper. Compare deals and book your flight here.

The gateway to the Azores is located in Ponta Delgada with most flights connecting here.

Pro Tip: In some cases, you may be eligible to get a FREE inter-island connecting flight. Find out more here 

Heading to Portugal? Download my free Portuguese Travel Phrase guide here.

Where to Stay in the Azores

Booking.com offers a lot of accommodation options in the Azores, from charming guesthouses to typical houses surrounded by nature. To make your life easier, I’ve put together a list of the best-reviewed hotels, guesthouses, and villas in the Azores.

If you are coming to the Azores, chances are you’ll most likely be at least spending a few days on the largest island, São Miguel.

VIP Executive Azores Hotel

Where to stay in the Azores in 2018 - sao miguel island hotel

For the week I was there, I stayed at 4-star VIP Executive Azores Hotel . This is the largest hotel on the island and includes all the comforts of home. There is an excellent gym, an interior swimming pool, squash court, bar, free covered private parking, a beauty salon with hairdresser, and Wireless Internet service. With a great view of the town and ocean and surrounding landscape, VIP Executive Azores is a 10-minute walk into town.

For an alternative accommodation option, I would recommend renting out an apartment or room through Airbnb. Cute Airbnb options are popping up all over the island so you’ll find some really beautiful places at very affordable prices.  Airbnb has numerous options from as low as US$36 per night.

If it’s your first time using Airbnb get US$65 OFF here or get £50 OFF your first stay here , when you sign up using my unique reader referral links.

Otherwise, check out these top-rated hotels!

Need more options? No problem. Here is a list of pre-selected hotels, villas, and guesthouses in São Miguel with excellent ratings . The list only includes rooms with wifi and top reviews, so you can’t go wrong!

Azores Getaways  offer great prices on flight and hotel packages to the Azores. There are packages starting from 320 USD for 7 nights accommodation with return flights to London.

I recommend using Azores Getaways if you:

  • Are travelling from Europe or the United States.
  • Want to visit the best spots but don’t much to do all the research
  • Want someone else to book and organise everything for you

Browse their offers and packages here.

Alternatively, use this itinerary and book it all yourself. I always use  Skyscanner to book flights and Booking.com for finding accommodation .

Visiting Portugal? Brush up on the local language with my free Portuguese travel phrase guide.

Got more time? Take a day trip!

  • Ponta Delgada Walking Tour
  • Swim with Dolphins in the Azores
  • Fogo Lake Quad Bike Full-Day Small-Group Tour with Lunch
  • Azores Canyoning and Thermal Baths Tour
  • Half-Day Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour
  • Whale and dolphins watching expedition in São Miguel
  • Furnas Volcano and Lake Full-Day Tour with Lunch
  • Pico do Ferro Trail Hike and Light Yoga on São Miguel Island
  • Plus loads more here …

Don’t miss these Portugal travel guides

11 reasons why you should visit the azores in portugal, top 10 things to do in ponta delgada (the jewel of the azores).

  • 34 Best Things to do in Madeira, Portugal (The Ultimate Guide)
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tour guide sao miguel azores

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Top Things to do in San Miguel Island, Portugal - 5 Day itinerary

Sources Visit Azores | Wikipedia |  Geeky Explorer

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tour guide sao miguel azores

Michele creates language learning guides and courses for travel. What separates her from other instructors is her ability to explain complex grammar in a no-nonsense, straightforward manner using her unique 80/20 method. Get her free guide 9 reasons you’re not fluent…YET & how to fix it! Planning a trip? Learn the local language with her 80/20 method for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant Start learning today!

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Top 10 things to do in ponta delgada..., 11 reasons why you should visit the azores..., 27 comments.

tour guide sao miguel azores

Michele, thank you for this detailed guide. I was starting to wonder how I would plan a trip to San Miguel and if I should even try until I found this article. I now feel confident and so excited to go for it. I’m curious about what I should know about money there. What percentage can an American expect to be able to use a credit card there versus needing euros in currency to pay for things in restaurants, gas stations, and entrance fees?

Hi Mary, thank you so much for your lovely feedback :) Most of the time, say 80-90% of the time I used my card. On the odd occasion, I needed cash so it’s definitely a good idea to carry some as a backup. Hope this helps :)

tour guide sao miguel azores

Michele, thank you for the amazing guide and tips. Me and my girlfriend spent 4 days on São Miguel and it has been the best trip in our lives. It is the hidden gem of Europe, indeed. All of the things you wrote here came out true, about the weather, getting up earlier to avoid crowds, using old swimming suit at thermal pools, staying a little bit more at Lagoa do Fogo miradouro to catch the glimpse of it, and just driving around and enjoying the very nature… It is truly magical, and I am happy to have experienced it all, thanks to you! It has been two months since our trip, I keep thinking about it every day and want to come back. Do you ever feel the same? Cheers! :)

Thank you so much for your feedback, Mirko. I’m so glad to hear my guide helped you and that you had a wonderful time. São Miguel definitely left a lasting impression on me too. So many wonderful memories and experiences to cherish for many years to come :)

tour guide sao miguel azores

Very useful and easy to read guide, thanks a lot!

My pleasure. Thank you, Angeles :)

tour guide sao miguel azores

Did you visit Ribeira Grande? And can you tell a little about language. I plan on learning some Portuguese but is English widely spoken? Thanks in advance.

Hi Carole, yes I did visit Ribeira Grande and I would definitely recommend you continue to learn Portuguese. It’s invaluable. English is spoken but it’s not something you can always rely on here. Good on you for taking it up though. Here is my Portuguese travel phrase guide which you may find useful :) Have a wonderful trip!

tour guide sao miguel azores

You guide and tips are amazing, I’m happy to have stumbled here! I’m leaving for Azores in 3 weeks and cannot wait to explore and feel the beauty of San Miguel and Terceira!

Do you know what time usually the businesses (like the tea plantation, parks etc) closes in the summer months? I’ll be diving almost everyday until 1:30pm, and would love to still do other activities and checking things out in this guide. Just wonder if I should be aware of the business hours there.

Many thanks again!!

Hi Linh, my pleasure. I’m so happy to hear you find it helpful. You will have plenty of time to see a lot of places as they will close late. The Gorreana plantation closes at 7 pm everyday so you’ll have plenty of time. Miradouro de Santa Iria, Lagoa do Fogo don’t close as they are located next to the road. Caldeira Velha closes just after sunset, around 9 pm. Entry to Boca do inferno closes at 7 pm. Hope this helps :)

Hi Michele,

I’ve been here at Ponta Delgada for a while and i just wanna say MASSIVE THANKS for your guide – I’ve used it extensively and the tips are god sent, thank you so much again! The scenic drives have got to be the most beautiful I’ve ever seen in my life. wow!

Hi Linh, oh that’s amazing. I’m so happy my guide has helped you and that you’re having a wonderful time. You’re right, the scenic drives are one of the best things about the island. Enjoy the rest of your trip :) Michele

tour guide sao miguel azores

Great article! I’ve started my research of Sao Miguel and so glad I stumbled upon this article. Is the picture of Franco Islet with a drone or from Our Lady of Peace? I would be going in November so no going to the Islet but would love a neat pic of it! With the weather being spotty I think it only makes sense to use Ponta Delgada as the base in case you need to switch up days due to weather.

Hi Valori, I used a drone to take this shot. You can see the islet from Our Lady of Peace but you will need a super zoom lens for this close up :) Good luck and I hope you have a wonderful trip.

tour guide sao miguel azores

Your photos look gorgeous! Love the depth of your content and how useful your site is and how a good chunk of it is about learning language!

Hey Trang, thank you so much :) I put a lot of work into my posts. So glad you’re enjoying it :)

Aww thank you so much Trang. I love learning and teaching which is what The Intrepid Guide is all about :)

tour guide sao miguel azores

love this blog! So i’m planning a trip also to azores islands, want to squeeze in also flores island. My question for Sao Miguel, did you stay in one hotel and everyday drive from the hotel to the pin points? Or did you drive to one area stay in a hotel there and then next pin points and stay in that area in a hotel?

Hi Sarit, I’m happy to hear this post has helped you :) Yes, the best part of the Azores (and Sao Miguel) is that you can stay anywhere on the island and travel around. I stayed in Ponta Delgada for its centrality and convenience. Hope this helps :)

tour guide sao miguel azores

Some pics were loading slow but most of the ones I saw are spectacular! I’d love to make it here someday, thanks for the info!

tour guide sao miguel azores

This is so helpful! We are planning to be in Sao Miguel for 3 – 3.5 days. I am wondering if any if you think any of these day itineraries could be done in a half day?

Day 1 & 2 seem to be full days on their own. I am wondering if your Day 3 & 4 could be combined in some way as they are close together on the map. And with that, what would you recommend eliminating from those two days in order to do it all in one day? We will skip the whale watching and plan to stay in Ponta Delgada so can fit in some of those sites as well.

Thank you!!

Thanks Blair, I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed this guide. Day 3 and 4 could potentially be combined if you start your day early and be on the road by 8:30-9am. For it to work you would need to skip something Gorreana Tea Plantation (if you’re not a big tea fan) and going out to Vila Franca Islet. You can still see it from the shoreline from the Our Lady of Peace Chapel. I hope this helps :)

tour guide sao miguel azores

Hi Michelle, a great blog and an inspiring post. I’ve just added Sao Miguel to my to do list! Brava e complimenti!

Ciao Ciara! Grazie mille :) Oh, I’m thrilled you’ve added Sao Miguel to your list. Please let me know if you have any questions when you start planning. :)

tour guide sao miguel azores

Thanks Michele. This is an amazing guide. I’ll be sure to use it when going to Sao Miguel.

My pleasure! thanks so much, Basil. I know you’ll have a great time! Any questions, let me know :)

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The complete guide to são miguel azores.

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Sao Miguel Azores is a hidden gem of an island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean! This will walk you through how to get there, where to stay, what to eat, and what to do in São Miguel Island !

The Complete Guide to Sao Miguel Azores

São Miguel island Azores in Portugal is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to! My expectations were high after seeing incredible pictures online, but I was honestly blown away as we explored the island! We happen to go in the summer during the hydrangea bloom and it was truly a sight to behold! There are so many amazing things to do in Sao Miguel, but not a lot of information out there. Hopefully, this Azores guide will help you plan your visit.

Here's a Short Cut

Where is São Miguel Island

How to get to são miguel island, take a tour, sao miguel azores hotels, furnas boutique hotel, terra nostra garden hotel, the azor hotel, grand hotel azores atlantico, azores packages, best time to visit azores, são miguel restaurants, the best restaurants in são miguel azores, são miguel azores map, take a tour of são miguel, take a whale watching tour, visit the town of furnas são miguel, go to the beach, see the caldeiras, walk around lagoa das furnas or furnas lake, visit the little church, visit terra nostra gardens, visit lagoa do fogo, hike boca do inferno, explore ponta delgada, são miguel hot springs, practical tips for booking your trip.

São Miguel Portugal is one of 9 main islands in the Azores archipelago located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. São Miguel is the largest and most populated island in the Azores and where all flights from the US come to in the Azores first. 

Getting to São Miguel is easy. There are direct flights to São Miguel coming from Boston, New York City, and Portugal. It’s an easy flight from the US, just under 5 hours. I can get to São Miguel faster than I can get to California. 

Azores Islands, view from an airplane

How to Get Around São Miguel Island

There are several great tours on São Miguel island, Azores and it can be a great way to see the island and learn about it from a local. This is a great tour that will take you to see the best sites in the island. We took a full day ATV tour and it was seriously amazing! We were able to go on a lot of little dirt side roads that we couldn’t take our rental car down. 

While taking a tour of São Miguel is a great idea, renting a car is a good way to see the island at your own pace. The roads are fairly good, but windy and narrow. Check here for the best car rental São Miguel Azores rates.

Where to Stay in São Miguel Island

Sao Miguel Hotels, an old hotel

There are plenty of São Miguel Azores hotels and Airbnbs on the island. Since it was our anniversary, we mainly stayed in nice hotels (a rare treat for us). These were the best São Miguel hotels that we loved.

Furnas Boutique hotel - lounge with a couch and ferns

We loved this unique luxury hotel in the adorable town of Furnas. It has its own thermal pools, a swimming pool, and an amazing restaurant, A Terra! 

natural hot springs in sao miguel azores

Located in the Terra Nostra Park, the beautiful botanical gardens, Terra Nostra Garden Hotel is a beautiful oasis with a great location. You’ll also have full access to the natural hot springs and natural pools.

The Azor Hotel in Ponta Delgada on Sao Miguel Azores

This luxury hotel, located in downtown Ponta Delgada, was beautiful. We had a huge corner suite with gorgeous views of the ocean.

Grand Hotel Azores Atlantico with a golden staircase

This hotel is also in Ponta Delgada and is in a great location, walkable to great restaurants and anything you want to see downtown. Honestly, the Azor and this hotel are pretty close together and I preferred the Azor . So if you have to pick, I’d choose that.

Sao Miguel Azores - hydrangea road

If you’re looking to go to the Azores, but don’t want the hassle of booking your airfare, accommodation, car rental, or tours,  AND you want to save money, then Azores Getaways has some seriously amazing packages and deals! I honestly think they are the best bang for your buck. Their prices really can’t be beaten for a package tour. 

Their deals start as low as $499/person . That includes airfare, hotel, and car! Insane! And they often occasionally have sales on top of that, so keep an eye out! Click here for a list of the Azores Getaways itineraries and deals.

This Sao Miguel Island package looks amazing! 

São Miguel Azores Weather

Sao Miguel Azores - hydrangeas and lakes

Let’s talk about the weather in São Miguel, and the Azores in general. The Azores definitely has seasons, but they are much milder than you’ll find in other parts of Europe.

How cold does it get in the Azores? Well, not that cold. Even in the dead of winter, the coldest it gets at night is in the low 50s (11-12 Celcius) and it’s in the mid-60s (17/18 Celcius) during the day. The summer temperatures are even nicer at around low 60s (17/18 Celcius)  at night and mid-70s (24/26 Celcius) during the day. 

So with the weather only fluctuating about 20 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year, it’s a very mild climate. However, it does rain a lot! I mean look at these pictures! All that green, all those flowers, and all those lakes? How do you think they get like that?  Rain! It rained almost every day we were in the Azores in July, but there was never a crazy downpour and the light sprinkle wasn’t too cold. We found that it mostly rained in the afternoon, so it’s best to get up early and prepare for some rain later in the day. 

Sao Miguel Island Azores - on the beach

What is the best month to visit the Azores? This is a tough question to answer because I think the Azores would honestly be lovely year-round, but I think visiting São Miguel especially in the summer is quite magical because of the hydrangea bloom!

If you’ve seen any pictures of the Azores before, particularly São Miguel, you’ll see massive hydrangea blooms everywhere! These gorgeous flowers, that are actually an invasive species brought over from Japan, cover the island during the summer months, turning it into a colorful island of blues, pinks, and purples. The blossoms differ in color due to the content of the soil. 

Sao Miguel Azores Hydrangeas as big as my head

The hydrangeas bloom between June and September . This is also when the weather will be warmest. We were on São Miguel in the middle of July and it did not feel crowded or touristy at all. The tour companies all seemed happy to have us there and were grateful for the tourism. 

That being said, they did say that tourism is really slow there in the winter. So if you are really crowd averse, or want to save some money, It might be a good idea to visit in the off-season.

São Miguel Food

The Azores Food Guide - a plate of seafood

The food in the Azores totally blew me away. I had honestly never read or heard anything about Azoreean food so it was an amazing surprise. I’ve never seen a culture use fruits and vegetables in such a tasty way in almost every dish! You can read more about amazing food in my Azores Food Guide. 

The great thing about the food in the Azores is that it is super affordable! We ate out at nice restaurants every night for around $30 total! Be sure to order fresh grilled fish at least once! It was amazing. 

We ate out every day in the Azores, with the exception of a few lunches where we just ate food from the market or a homemade sandwich with bolos & queijo, but we were on an anniversary vacation and staying in hotels, so I was NOT cooking! There were honestly not any restaurants in São Miguel that we didn’t like, but these were the standouts for us:

  • À TERRA: This modern restaurant located in the Furnas Boutique Hotel combines a new era of cooking with the traditional flavors of the Azores. All of their meats and produce are sourced locally, and I promise everything is delicious! We ate here for all three meals while staying in the incredible attached hotel. I didn’t want to leave! 
  • Restaurante Lagoa Azul: Our tour guide took us to this restaurant near Lago Azul in Sete Cidades. It was a great place to sample tons of different Azorean cuisine from fish, beef, oxtail, and passion fruit cheesecake! It was all super yummy and affordable. 
  • Tasquinha Vieira: This little hidden gem in Ponta Delgada, the main city of São Miguel, was a great surprise and celebration on the last night of our visit to the Azores! Locally sourced food meets gourmet cooking for a mouthwatering combination! 

This São Miguel Azores map will help you see where the main sites on the island are. Everything seems really spread out, but honestly, you won’t have longer than a 1.5-hour drive from one end of the island to the other. 

The Best Things to do in São Miguel Azores

There are so many amazing things to do in São Miguel Azores! For such a tiny island, you could honestly spend an entire week or more here and have action-packed days! There are many different guided tours that you can take, or you can rent a car and explore the island on your own. I’ll tell you our favorite things we did on São Miguel.

Sao Miguel Island Azores - ATV tour

São Miguel island, Portugal is small and you can see most of it on the main roads, but there are some tiny farm roads that run through the center of the island that offer a beautiful insight into how much of the island runs and lives. If you want to access these roads you’ll need to do it on an ATV or buggy tour.

I wouldn’t recommend taking even a 4-wheel vehicle on these roads. They are too narrow, bumpy, and complicated. Your guide will know exactly where to take you. We took this 8-hour buggy tour and it was one of the best things we did on São Miguel! 

Sao Miguel Island Whale Watching Azores - whale tail coming out of the water

The Azores is famous for the whales that surround it! In fact, whaling used to be what sustained life on the islands a hundred years ago. The whaling industry has since ended, and a new world of whale tourism has entered the scene.

The Azores is one of the largest whale sanctuaries in the world with over 20 different species in the water! You’re nearly guaranteed to see whales if you take a whale-watching tour in São Miguel. You’ll also most likely see dolphins! There are many different whale-watching tours you can take. Most will leave from Ponta Delgada.

I recommend this 7-hour tour that will allow you to view whales and dolphins in the Azores while also snorkeling at the Vila Franca Islet! You can book the tour here. 

Furnas on Sao Miguel Azores. A man cooking corn in a caldeira

The town of Furnas on the east side of the island of São Miguel is not to be missed. The whole area honestly deserves aa entire article, there is so much to do! This was our first introduction to the islands and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I recommend taking at least an entire day to explore this serene area. It’s a quick 20-minute drive from Ponta Delgada, the main city of São Miguel. It’s a great place to base yourself for exploring the island. 

There are also some amazing hotels in Furnas that are great if you’re looking for something special. We stayed at the Furnas Boutique Hotel, which has its own thermal hot spring pools and a beautiful spa as well as the amazing A Terra restaurant. I could live here and die happy! The rooms were small but beautiful, and the amenities and staff were all amazing. 

Furnas is located in a valley that is actually a crater of a volcano! Seems like a good place to build a village right? The volcano erupted in 1630 and is now dormant, but the signs are still there almost 400 years later. The entire area is covered with steam holes and hot springs, making it a unique destination! 

Since you’re on an island, a trip to the beach is a must! There are several great family friendly beaches on Sao Miguel. These are the best beaches on the island of Sao Miguel:

  • Praia de Santa Barbara
  • Praia dos Mosteiros
  • Praia de Agua D’Alto
  • Praia do Fogo
  • Praia Caloura
  • Praia do Monhos
  • Praia Amora
  • Praia Populo
  • Ponta da Ferraria
  • Piscinas do Pesqueiro

You will see signs for “caldeiras” all over the island. These are steam holes where sulfuric liquid bubbles up through the ground. This is what makes the hot springs warm all over the island. They do have a sulfuric smell, but you honestly get used to it.

If you go to the small town of Furnas between noon and 5 pm, you should be able to see locals and restaurants cooking corn or Cozido in the caldeiras. Cozido is a meat and vegetable stew that you can’t miss while in Furnas. You can read more about Cozido and more amazing food in the Azores here. 

Sao Miguel Azores - two ducks floating on the lake

Lago das Furnas is one of the most beautiful areas on the island of São Miguel Island. It’s serene and eerie at the same time, especially if you’re there on a cloudy day. Furnas Lake is one of the three main lakes on São Miguel and one of the most easily accessible. It’s light green color also makes it one of the most iconic lakes on the island. You can walk the perimeter of the lake and take in the views.

There are also some more incredible caldeiras on the right side of the lake. Here you can rent kayaks or paddle boats to explore the lake. Algae is what gives the lake its distinct green color, so it’s not a great place for swimming. 

Don’t miss the gorgeous Nossa Senhora das Vitórias, a beautiful Neo-gothic church built by a nobleman who wanted to bury his wife along the shores of beautiful Lago das Furnas. 

Sao Miguel Azores - a small church made of stone

As you walk along Lago das Furnas, stop at the little church named Ermida Nossa Senhora das Vitorias, built by a gentleman farmer in the 1800s after his beloved wife died. Both he and his wife are buried inside the chapel. 

Sao Miguel Azores - woman walking down a path lined with palm trees

The idea of wandering through gardens didn’t really initially appeal to me when we visited the island of São Miguel island. We are more hiking and adventure people, and less wandering around gardens people, but this place totally blew us away! In fact, Paul had to drag me out of there so we could see the rest of the island! I honestly could have spent all day in these vast gardens! There are acres to explore, so I highly recommend spending at least a few hours here. 

Sao Miguel Island - blue hydrangeas

Not only can you explore the incredible grounds, but you can also swim in the iron-enriched hot springs! So bring a swimswuit! It’s great on a hot or cold day. The springs are warm, but refreshing. Because of the iron in the water, I highly recommend bringing a dark-colored swimsuit that won’t get stained. And because of the sulfur in the water, you should rinse it out as soon as possible to avoid bringing home the souvenir of a smelly suitcase with you! 

It costs €8 to enter the gardens and swim, but if you want to enter for free, you can either stay at the Terre Nostra Hotel, or eat at the Restaurant. Both are pricey, but you really cannot beat the location! 

Sao Miguel Island - Vista Lagoa Fogo 2 people standing in front of the lake

As amazing and remote as this lake looks in all the pictures, it’s actually the easiest lake to get to on the island of São Miguel! You can pull off on the side of the road to snap a picture. There are absolutely no roads down to Lagoa do Fogo, making it one of the most untouched lakes on the island. You can hike down into the lake, but it is long and steep! 

Sao Miguel Azores -a woman standing at the top of the hill

The island of Sao Miguel is covered in hiking trails, but this one was our favorite. Boca do Inferno means “the mouth of hell” in Portuguese! Sounds like a pretty tough hike right? Well, don’t worry, this is an easy uphill hike/walk that will lead you to the most stunning and probably most famous view in all of São Miguel Island! From here you can see the seven blue and green lakes that make up the Sete Cidades. The view is out of this world, but it’s a steep fall down, so if you’re going with kids, just be careful. 

Sao Miguel Island - city view in the sunset

Ponta Delgada is the largest town in São Miguel and where the majority of Azoreans live. It’s also the historical center of the island and where you’ll find the most restaurants, hotels, and tour companies. Here are the main sites in Ponta Delgada:

  • Mercado da Graça: The local indoor market where you can shop for Azorean fruit like Pineapple, bananas, watermelon, and passion fruit! 
  • Rei dos Queijos: Right next door to the Mercado is the most amazing cheese shop! Buy some Bolos (bread) and queijo (cheese).
  • Climb the Bell Tower for Amazing Views
  • Check out the Sidewalks
  • Visit the Arches

Sao Miguel Azores Velha Hot Springs - woman sitting in a hot spring

São Miguel island Azores is abundant with natural hot springs due to its volcanic activity. Visiting hot springs is one of the most popular things to do in São Miguel! Here are some things to know before going to the thermal hot springs in the Azores:

  • Don’t wear a light-colored swimsuit. There is iron in most of the thermal water which will stain light suits brown or orange (ask me how I know)!
  • Pick a cloudy or rainy day to visit the hot springs. If you’re going to get wet anyway, you might as well be warm! 
  • Don’t wear jewelry in the hot springs. The water can tarnish it.
  • Don’t drink the water.

There are several hot springs on the island of São Miguel. These are the ones we visited:

  • Caldeira Velha: This is probably the most beautiful of all the thermal springs in São Miguel Azores. There’s even a picturesque waterfall (pictured above). It does get busy, so I recommend going early if you can. You can rent lockers at this hot spring for a fee.  Cost: €8
  • Poca Dona Beija: These 5 thermal pools are also very popular, but super pretty! Get there early. Cost: €6
  • Termas das Caldeiras: This hidden gem has 3 pools, 1 outdoor and 2 indoor. The public can use the outdoor pool, but to gain access to the indoor pools you’ll have to book the spa!  Cost: €3 for outdoor pool
  • Ponta da Ferraria: This small cove on the western side of the island is surrounded by lava rock cliffs. The ocean water is heated by a geothermal natural spring beneath the waves. There is also a spa here !  Cost: Free
  • Terra Nostra: This gorgeous garden I’ve mentioned above has its own hot spring. This one is very brown/orange due to the iron content, so be especially careful with your lighter swimwear. You can rent towels at this hot spring for a fee. If you want free access to the hot springs and gardens you can eat lunch at the Terra Nostra or stay as a guest. Book here.  Cost: €8 Check Availability
  • Furnas Boutique Hotel: We stayed at this gorgeous hotel, which is also home to the A TERRA restaurant. The hot springs were amazing. They all have pools built around them with several different temperature options. They also have saunas and luxurious showers. If you want to access to the pools you’ll have to stay at the hotel. Book here.  Check Availability

Sao Miguel Azores - best beaches in sao miguel

Sample Azores São Miguel Itinerary

You could spend as little as 3 days on the island of São Miguel or up to a month on this amazing island! Here’s what you can do with on week in Sao Miguel:

  • Day 1: Arrive in Ponta Delgada and explore the town. Visit the Mercado da Gracia. 
  • Day 2: Spend the day exploring the town of Furnas and watching locals cook Cozido.
  • Day 3: Explore the Terra Nostra Gardens 
  • Day 4 : Swim in the hot springs of São Miguel Island.
  • Day 5: Take an ATV tour of São Miguel Island.
  • Day 6: Take a Whale Watching Tour
  • Day 7: Take a day trip to another island in the Azores

I hope you have an amazing time on São Miguel island. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the world and I promise you won’t be disappointed! If you have any questions or need help planning, please get in touch! If you want to save this for later, please pin this post and be sure to check out my Azores board on Pinterest for other great ideas!

São Miguel, Azores is the largest and most famous island in the Azores archipelago of Portugal. It’São Miguel, Azores is the largest and most famous island in the Azores archipelago of Portugal. It is known for stunning views, mountains, and lakes. It is also known for its pineapple production.

That’s really tough to answer. Each island in the Azores is beautiful in its own way and known for its different beautiful places. I think if you are judging solely off the beauty of the landscape, I would have to choose the island of Sao Miguel.

I mean, are there ever enough days for a vacation? I think 3-5 days is a good amount of time to explore the entire island. If you visit Sao Miguel for a week, you could leave a few days for day trips to other islands.

Sao Miguel is the easiest island to get to in the Azores. The easiest way to get there from the US is to fly directly to Sao Miguel. There are direct flights from New York and Boston.

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Sao Miguel Azores

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tour guide sao miguel azores

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THE 10 BEST São Miguel Private Tours

Private tours in são miguel.

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tour guide sao miguel azores

1. 8-Hour Private Tour in 4x4 Vehicle from Ponta Delgada

tour guide sao miguel azores

2. Private Full-Day 4x4 Tour to Furnas Volcano

tour guide sao miguel azores

3. Full Day Private Tour West & East in São Miguel Island

tour guide sao miguel azores

4. Private Full-Day 4x4 Tour to Lagoa do Fogo & Lagoa das Sete Cidades

tour guide sao miguel azores

5. Azores Sete Cidades Green & Blue Lakes - Private Tour

tour guide sao miguel azores

6. Half Day 4x4 Private tour from Ponta Delgada Azores

tour guide sao miguel azores

7. Private Car - All of the West & Sete Cidades Volcano

tour guide sao miguel azores

8. Furnas Magic Evening (Dinner, Tea, Fumaroles, All Included)

tour guide sao miguel azores

9. Half Day Volcano of Sete Cidades Private Tour

tour guide sao miguel azores

10. Private Tour 1-4 people Full Day Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo

tour guide sao miguel azores

11. Private Half-Day 4x4 Tour to Fogo Volcano

tour guide sao miguel azores

12. Private Half-Day 4x4Tour to Sete Cidades Volcano

tour guide sao miguel azores

13. Full Day Private SUV Tour to Furnas with Lunch

tour guide sao miguel azores

14. Half Day Sete Cidades PRIVATE Jeep Tour

tour guide sao miguel azores

15. Full Day Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo PRIVATE 4WD Tour with Lunch

tour guide sao miguel azores

16. Full-Day Sete Cidades Crater Lake and Fire Crater Lake Private Tour

tour guide sao miguel azores

17. Half Day Sete Cidades Private Tour

tour guide sao miguel azores

18. Grand Circle of the Island - All the Island in a Day with Carlos

tour guide sao miguel azores

19. Private tour: Sete Cidades & Fogo Lake (group price)

tour guide sao miguel azores

20. Private Tours Best spots (views) in Sāo Miguel Island

tour guide sao miguel azores

21. Private Jeep Tour - Sete Cidades - Lagoa do Fogo - Nature Lovers

tour guide sao miguel azores

22. Couples PRIVATE Hybrid 4X4 Tour - Furnas (Inc Hot Springs and 3 Course Lunch)

tour guide sao miguel azores

23. Full Day Private Tour Azorean Experience with Lunch

tour guide sao miguel azores

24. Tour in Sao Miguel with Snack

tour guide sao miguel azores

25. Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo - Private Group Tour

tour guide sao miguel azores

26. Tour to Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo and Furnas

tour guide sao miguel azores

27. Furnas Private & Customizable Tour (group price)

tour guide sao miguel azores

28. Private Tour Full-Day Furnas: Lake, Fumaroles and Thermal Pools

tour guide sao miguel azores

29. Seize your day in São Miguel with a 4x4 private tour

tour guide sao miguel azores

30. Private Jeep Tour - Nordeste - The Road Not Taken

What travelers are saying.

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  • 8-Hour Private Tour in 4x4 Vehicle from Ponta Delgada
  • Half Day 4x4 Private tour from Ponta Delgada Azores
  • Azores Sete Cidades Green & Blue Lakes - Private Tour
  • Private Full-Day 4x4 Tour to Lagoa do Fogo & Lagoa das Sete Cidades
  • Private Car - All of the West & Sete Cidades Volcano
  • Hungry Whales Cultural and Food Tours
  • Azores Connections
  • Azores4travel
  • Azores Private Tours
  • Amazing Tours
  • FUNtastic Azores Tours
  • Azorean Tours
  • Azores Dream Tours
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São Miguel: Private Tours Information

Wapiti Travel

São Miguel tours: 10 amazing guided tours for 2024

By: Author Sylvia

Posted on Last updated: January 23, 2024

Are you looking for some of the best São Miguel tours? Then you have come to the right place. 

São Miguel Island is the largest island in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores, a series of nine islands. São Miguel is famous for its large stretches of lush green land, majestic cliffs, sparkling lakes and beaches, and more.

There’s so much to do that you may want to book a guided tour to ensure that you can relax and let someone else worry about the logistics.

Here are some of the best guided tours you’ll be able to book in São Miguel:

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In a hurry? Our picks for the best tours in São Miguel

  • Best tour on São Miguel if you want to see as much as possible and don’t have a lot of time: São Miguel Island full day all-in-one tour
  • Best tour for São Miguel Western side: São Miguel West full-day tour with lunch
  • Best tour for São Miguel Eastern side: São Miguel East full-day tour with lunch
  • Best tour for São Miguel Northeastern side: Azores Northeast Full-Day Tour
  • Best hot springs tour: Furnas hot springs night tour with dinner
  • Best Furnas day tour: Furnas Valley Full-Day Volcano and Tea Plantation Tour
  • Best whale watching tour on São Miguel: Whale watching tours with a zodiac

Overview of the best São Miguel tours

Here’s a comparison table of all the São Miguel tours that we cover in this post. Read on for a short description of all tours.

Best day tours from São Miguel

Sete cidades Sao miguel Azores Portugal

São Miguel Island: Full day all-in-one tour

The São Miguel Island full All-in-One Tour is the perfect way to experience the best of what the island has to offer all within 8.5 hours.

São Miguel is a beautiful destination for hiking, food, culture, and more.

You’ll start your tour by heading to viewpoints for the Sete Cidades Lakes and the Lagoa do Fogo. The Lagoa do Fogo is a stunning crater lake that you can see from higher up in the mountains.

You’ll visit the Caldeira Velha nature reserve where you will have the chance to bathe in hot water. You will also taste fresh tea at the Gorreana tea plantation, and try some traditional Azorean food at Furnas Village.

Best hot springs in São Miguel.

Your meal of Furnas Stew is included in the price of your tour ticket, it’s a traditional meat and vegetable dish. You can watch it being cooked in underground boilers with heat from the volcano.

From here, you’ll be able to see other aspects of São Miguel before you are dropped off at the harbor or your hotel.

Don’t forget your swimsuit and a towel if you want to enjoy the hot springs!

  • Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Ponta Delgada
  • Entrance Fees
  • A meal of Furnas Stew

Pros and cons

tour guide sao miguel azores

  • You can see the highlights of São Miguel in one day which makes it a great tour for those short on time
  • Your entrance fees are taken care of
  • English or Portuguese tour guide who can answer your questions as you go
  • Small group limited to 15 participants

tour guide sao miguel azores

  • For some people the tour might feel a bit rushed since you visit a lot in a short amount of time
  • Not wheelchair friendly

This tour is perfect for visitors of all ages and demographics.

If you don’t have the time to research and plan your short trip to São Miguel, this tour will show you all of the can’t-miss destinations.

The tour guides are also knowledgeable and make the tour fun and entertaining.

This is an excellent tour but if you’re able to reserve two days to explore the beautiful island of São Miguel we would encourage you to check-out the next two tours.

The combination of the East and West tour takes you to the same sights, as well as some extra, but it will feel less rushed because it is spread out over 2 days.  You will spend less time on the tour bus and will have more time to enjoy the enjoy at the many stops.

$85.11 / €69.93

Check prices and availability: São Miguel tour

Mosteiros Sao Miguel Azores Portugal

São Miguel West full-day tour with lunch

This guided tour offers the incredible opportunity to learn about local history and the most beautiful natural landmarks with the help of an expert guide.

If you are here for a short trip, this is the perfect way to make sure you aren’t missing any of the highlights on the West side of the island such as the view of Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, the hot springs of Caldeira Velha, etc.

One of the most unique stops on the tour is at a pineapple greenhouse.

Pineapples are a crucial crop to the people of the Azores and you can learn more about the fruit and how it is efficiently grown.

Even if you are staying for a while, it’s a great introduction to the best of what the beautiful island has to offer.

  • Lunch of traditional Azorean food, dessert, and coffee and a drink to pair with your lunch,
  • All entrance fees
  • A bottle of water
  • Pick-up and drop off within 5 km of Ponta Delgada city center
  • You can see many highlights of São Miguel in one day which makes it a great tour for those short on time
  • The tour is led by a knowledgeable tour guide who can answer your questions as you go
  • The guide speaks Portuguese and English
  • You get to enjoy a delicious full lunch paired with a drink and followed by dessert!

You can learn about the history and culture of the island from a knowledgeable, humorous, and friendly tour guide.

$79.03 / €64.93

Check prices and availability: São Miguel West Tour

The Nossa Senhora Da Paz chapel on São Miguel Island

São Miguel East full-day tour with lunch

This guided tour takes you on a trip through the east side of São Miguel.

You’ll enjoy the stunning coastlines and beautiful lush environment as well as some of the island’s fascinating history.

The historic town of Vila Franca do Campo is one of the most interesting stops. You can learn about the history of the Azorean people and the Portuguese who came here in the 14th century.

Next you will visit the geothermal fields along the lake where you will see how your lunch is cooked in the traditional way in cooking holes in the volcanic soil.

The Furnas Stew that you have for lunch, is a dish made with meat and vegetables.

You will also be able to experience some beautiful views of coastal cliffs and powerful waterfalls such as the Ribeira dos Caldeirões. along the way.

The guide will be able to answer your questions and make sure your questions are getting answered along the way!

  • Lunch of traditional Azorean food
  • A drink to pair with your lunch
  • Dessert & Coffee
  • Pick-up and drop off within 5 kilometers of Ponta Delgada city center
  • Note that the entrance to the thermal pools isn’t included in the tour price.
  • English and Portuguese speaking guide
  • Small groups limited to 15 participants
  • Although most of your needs will be taken care of when you take this tour, you will need to bring €6 if you want to bathe in the thermal pools
  • Not suitable for wheelchairs

If you don’t have the time to research and plan your short trip to São Miguel, this tour will show you all of the can’t-miss destinations on the Eastern side of the island.

Check prices and availability: São Miguel East tour

Best São Miguel hot springs tours

Saõ Miguel is famous for it’s hot springs.

Here we share the best tours that visit the hot springs.

The second pool in the Poça da Dona Beija hot springs

Furnas hot springs night tour with dinner

The Furnas Hot Springs Night Tour with Dinner is a delightful evening experience where you can benefit from the healing waters of the Poça da Dona Beija before indulging in some typical Azores fare.

The guided nature walk in the Furnas Volcano complex will allow you to see some beautiful sights and learn more about the history of the area.

You’ll also be able to taste the local traditional Furnas Stew, a dish made with meat and vegetables that are cooked in holes in the ground using the heat from the volcanic soil.

The walking tour will take you to the area where your meal is prepared.

You’ll want to bring a swimsuit on this tour so you can enjoy the hot springs!

  • Scheduled pick up and drop off
  • A local expert guide and driver
  • Guided nature walk
  • Pick-up from your hotel or Airbnb in Ponta Delgada
  • The nature walk can be customized depending on the needs of the group
  • Portuguese and English speaking guide
  • There is nothing negative to say about this tour

This is an amazing evening tour that takes you to a lot of highlights around Furnas.

Guests also love the tour guides and find them friendly and knowledgeable.

This is a perfect evening trip if you love bathing in a hot spring and want to combine it with a traditional Azorean dinner.

Check prices and availability: Furnas hot springs night tour with dinner

Lagoa do fogo Azores, Portugal

Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo Tour with Hot Springs

Your tour of the Sete Cidades Lakes and the Lagoa do Fogo will start in Ponta Delgada.

Early-risers who would like to enjoy the sunrise will be picked-up at 7 AM, the others join the tour around 9 AM.

The highlights of this tour are the amazing vistas on Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo, a stunning crater lake that you can see from higher up in the mountains.

You’ll be also visit a pineapple plantation. Pineapples are one of the staple crops of the Azores and the fruit is important to the people here.

Lunch is in the charming town of Lagoa das Sete Cidades. From there, you’ll head on to explore Ribeira Grande.

There are waterfalls and a stop at the Caldeira Velha hot springs where you have to option to take a dip in the hot springs.

At last you will visit the beautiful Santa Barbara beach before heading back to your hotel.

You’ll want to bring a swimsuit on this tour so you can enjoy the hot springs!

  • Pick-up in Ponta Delgada
  • The groups are limited to 15 participants
  • You can communicate any dietary restrictions to the guide beforehand so they can accommodate them where possible
  • There is a small amount of hiking and walking so if you are a wheelchair user or are unable to walk or stand for long periods you might find it challenging

This tour gets a lot of positive reviews and we completely understand why.

It is a perfect opportunity to marvel at the beauty of São Miguel and bathe in a hot spring.

The tour guides are experts not only on the nature and history of the island but on how to make the tour the best experience for you.

They will ensure that it is paced well and that you are having a great time!

$72.95 / €59.93

Check prices and availability: Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo tour with hot springs

Best São Miguel tours: Furnas

The area around Furnas has a lot to offer. From steaming geysers to hot springs, wonderful hikes and more.

Here we share the best guided tours around Furnas.

Cha Gorreana, a traditional tea plantation on the Azores

Furnas Valley Full-Day Volcano and Tea Plantation Tour

This full-day Furnas Valley tour will circle the complete island to take you to several of the historically and culturally significant sites in the area. Along the way you will be able to enjoy the dramatic coastline.

One highlight is the stop at the historic capital Vila Franca do Campo.

This São Miguel tour will also visit the Gorreana tea plantation which is one of Europe’s few tea plantations. There is also a factory located here to process the tea and you can learn about the process and taste some of the final products as well!

For lunch, you will have the famous Furnas Stew, a dish made with meat and vegetables that are cooked with the heat from the volcanic soil. The tour will take you to the lakeside where you can see how it is being cooked in the traditional way.

São Miguel is beautiful, and there are lush forests, dramatic cliffside coastlines, and beautiful flowers everywhere. Previous travelers mention that they were impresses by the number of impressive scenic overlooks this tour offered.

  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Ponta Delgada
  • It is also possible to be picked up in the Cruise ship terminal of Ponta Delgada
  • The guide speaks Portuguese, English, French and Spanish
  • The chance to taste the specialty dish Cozida ( vegetarian option are available on request)
  • If you want to be picked-up from outside the Ponta Delgada area, you will need to pay an extra fee of €20 per person

Guests loved this tour and the tour guides who are very friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. You will learn a lot about the history and cultural traditions of the Azores.

This is a great tour for those that want to visit the Furnas area but aren’t interested in bathing in the hot springs.

Check prices and availability: Furnas volcano and tea plantation tour

Boiling hot springs at the caldeiras das Furnas

Full-Day Furnas Azores 4×4 Tour from Ponta Delgada

You’ll be able to explore São Miguel by 4×4 vehicle and see some of the island’s impressive landscapes, mainly situated around Furnas Azores.

On this tour, the journey is part of the experience.

You can learn about the history of the area and about the geological features that were formed due to volcanic activity in the region.

There are incredible geysers, healing hot springs, picturesque calderas, and fumaroles, which are openings in the ground near a volcano where sulphuric gas is emitted.

You’ll also have the chance to eat some Furnas Stew, a dish made with meat and vegetables that are cooked with the heat from the volcano.

You can also watch it being cooked in the traditional way and eat it at a traditional restaurant.

  • Transportation in a 4×4
  • Small groups
  • You will see a lot of the island in a short time (the tour lasts 9 hours approx.)
  • This tour is wheelchair accessible
  • The cost of the lunch is not included in the tour

If you want to explore the historic and cultural heritage of the Azores but you love unique experiences, you’ll love this tour.

While the typical minivan associated with tours is wonderful in its own way, this experience is great for the adventurous type.

$72.34 / €59.43

Check prices and availability: 4×4 Furnas day tour

Sao Miguel tours Nordeste

Nordeste is a village situated on the northeast of São Miguel island. It is one of the least visited areas and therefore it is still quite unspoiled.

The east coast of the island has two wonderful viewpoints, Ponta Da Sossega, and Ponta da Madrugada and several beautiful waterfalls you can visit.

Here we share an amazing tour that visits this area.

Cascata Ribeira dos Caldeiroes on the Azores

From Ponta Delgada: Azores Northeast Full-Day Tour

This tour starts and ends in São Miguel’s capital city of Ponta Delgada.

You’ll have the opportunity to learn about the history of the island and cultural and natural highlights from an attentive and knowledgeable guide.

This full-day experience is full of beautiful sights but you are not pushed along – the tours are paced well.

At Ribeira Grande, you’ll see many waterfalls and a watermill. There are several viewpoints you’ll stop at during your tour where you can see stunning coastal views or vibrant flowers and other plants.

  • Hotel drop-off and pick up
  • Transportation in an air-conditioned minivan
  • Pick up from your hotel in Ponta Delgada or pick up at the cruise terminal
  • English, Spanish and Portuguese speaking tour guide
  • Small group limited to 15 people
  • You can select your lunch from a menu

If you are interested in visiting the more of the beaten-track Nordeaste area, this tour is a great option.

One guest says they had the opportunity to go bathing in Furnas but didn’t bring their swimsuit. Although it isn’t mentioned in the tour description that you will have the opportunity to do so, it doesn’t hurt to bring your swimsuit.

$91.19 / €74.91

Check prices and availability: Northeast tour

Best São Miguel whales tours

São Miguel is one of the best places in the world to spot whales.

Here we share the best São Miguel whale tours.

Dolphins Azores, Porgugal

Azores whale-watching expedition and islet boat tour

This 3-hour whale tour starts from Vila Franca do Campo.

You will look for whales and dolphins with a small zodiac boat.

We did this excursion ourselves and although we were really unlucky at that time and didn’t see any whales, we absolutely recommend this tour.

Our tour guide was very informative and we had a great time out with several schools of dolphins. That we didn’t see any whales had nothing to do with the organization. Whales are wild animals and nobody can guarantee that they will be around at the time your tour goes out.

Check prices and availability: Whale watching zodiac boat

Whale watching from Ponta Delgada with a catamaran

If you have an adventurous nature, we’d recommend a zodiac tour . This tour is, however, not suitable for everyone.

Children younger than 4 aren’t allowed on zodiacs and if you’re pregnant or have back problems, it might not be best to take the risk. In that case, it might be better to  choose this safe option.

The benefit of this boat is that you can walk around freely and can take unobstructed photos on all sides.

Check prices and availability: Whale watching catamaran

We wrote a full article on whale watching in the Azores.

In this post, you can find more info about the best time for Azores dolphin and whale watching, which whales and dolphins can be seen in the Azores, the best Azores island for whale watching, and the best organizations that offer tours.

São Miguel Island is full of incredible things to see and one of the best ways to see it all is to book one of the carefully curated and managed guided tours.

The guides will be able to show you beautiful sights, answer your questions, and make sure you’re getting the most out of your Azores trip.

This is especially a good option if you can’t or don’t want to drive yourself.

Here is an amazing itinerary for São Miguel.

If you are looking for more fun things to do in the Azores, click here.

Here you can find our Azores travel guide in which we share all our Azores blog posts.

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Best Tours in Sao Miguel

10 Best Tours in São Miguel, Azores – The Green Island (Ilha Verde)

The largest and greenest of the Azores islands is Sao Miguel , colloquially known as the “green island”. This stunning Portuguese island is located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and traveling there takes you a world away from the worries of modern life. To experience all that “ilha verde” has to offer visitors can consider booking one of the best tours in Sao Miguel.

While it’s nice to travel independently and explore a precious paradise such as this at your own pace, booking tours along the way will help you discover a different side of Sao Miguel that you might not have come across on your own. Pairing your own traveling instincts with the local insights that a tour agency such as Azores Dream Tours offers will make for a compelling trip.

The highlight of any Sao Miguel vacation are the landscapes that roll from one volcanic peak, geothermal pool, blue and green lake, and viewpoint to the next. But venture a little deeper and you will discover intriguing history, architecture and food in the villages dotted around the island. In the small communities where locals reside, life is unapologetically relaxed.

Just picture this: every afternoon as you return from another immersion in nature, a glass of Portuguese wine will be waiting for you and so too a gorgeous sunset – because the coastline is formed in such a way that it hugs the island with uninterrupted views of the sea and sky no matter where you are. Sunset viewings are guaranteed on this Azores island.

10 Best Tours in Sao Miguel

1. sete cidades & lagoa do fogo – “the force of nature”.

A full day tour that takes you to one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal: Sete Cidades. This name translates to “Seven Cities”, however the name is slightly misleading as there is only one town here but there are in fact two beautiful lakes: Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul. One of the highlights is walking up Miradouro da Vista do Rei for beautiful views of the two lakes.

Legend has it that a princess and shepherd fell in love at Sete Cidades but the king didn’t permit the relationship. The tears that the pair cried created the two lagoons – one blue and one green to reflect the eye color of the princess and shepherd. Although this legend is debated factually and scientifically, isn’t the legend an amazing story to ponder nonetheless?

The Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo tour continues as it swings by Lagoa do Fogo where you can soak in the natural beauty of a volcanic crater with shimmering turquoise waters. Other activities on the tour include a delicious lunch, a visit to the charming Church of Sao Nicolau, relaxing in natural thermal hot pools and visiting the historic center of Ribeira Grande.

Best Tours in Sao Miguel

2. Furnas – “Gastronomy, Spa, Caldeiras & Fumarolas”

Located 50km east of Punta Delgada is the Furnas region which boasts a massive volcanic crater in a valley. The volcanic presence here, although dormant since the 1700’s, still has a lot of natural activity seen in the hot springs, thermal pools and caldeiras. For this reason, the area is regarded as the capital of Azores tourism and it attracts thousands of visitors every year.

On the Furnas full day excursion with Azores Dream Tours, guests will get to enjoy a combination of adventures with a touch of relaxation too. The beginnings of this journey take you to a couple of picturesque beaches and viewpoints before visiting Franca do Campo – the island’s first capital. Then your guide will drive you to Vila Franca do Campo for some tasty queijadas.

Once your body has digested this treat, it will be time to climb up these beautiful white stairs to Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Paz with its epic views of Vila Franca and its tiny iselt situated off the coast. Afterwards, the adventures really heat up with stops at several volcanic crater lookouts and a chance to soak in the mineral goodness at Parque Terra Nostra pools.

The tour rolls on after lunch with visits to fumarolas, mineral water springs and boilers. And then to the north of Sao Miguel where guests can marvel at the views of Miradouro do Pico do Ferro and appreciate the raw power of nature. As the tour comes to an end, a much welcomed tea tasting will be offered at Gorreana Tea Factory followed by a stop in Ponta Delgada.

Sao Miguel

3. Furnas & the Northeast – “The Enchanted Green”

The Furnas and Northeast circuit is similar to the tour mentioned above but with a few differences. One added extra on “The Enchanted Green” trip is the opportunity to visit Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeiroes with its majestic waterfall and five quaint water mills. If you are a nature and waterfall lover then this option might be better suited than the one above.

Furnas & the Northeast – “The Enchanted Green”

4. Northeast – “10th Azorian Florida Island”

The Northeast of Sao Miguel is considered to be the “10th Azorian island” due to its beautiful flower and bird species. Highlights of the Northeast day tour include waterfalls, viewpoints, walking tour of Vila de Nordeste, stop at Farol do Arnel army facility, tea plantation visits, thermal water tank swim and an exploration of Vila da Povoacao (first settlement of the island).

Northeast – “10th Azorian Florida Island”

5. Round the Island – “Best of 3 Days in 1 Day”

For travelers who are short on time but still want to see all sides of Sao Miguel, the Round the Island option is the best way to go. This tour gives you three days for the price of one (so to speak). It’s an action-packed day of hiking to viewpoints such as Miradouro da Vista do Rei in Sete Cidades, crater lake stops in Furnas and hot spring soaks in Parque Terra Nostra.

You could take this tour as soon as you arrive in Sao Miguel – just to sample a taste of each destination – and then venture into each region in more depth during your remaining time. See what places you love the most and return for more adventures. The Round the Island tour is the ultimate introduction to Sao Miguel. If you can only book one tour then this is it.

Sao Miguel

6. Sete Cidades – “The Blue & Green Lagoon”

A four hour tour which showcases the unbridled beauty that is Sete Cidades. Learn local legends, snap Instagrammable photos at Miradouro da Vista do Rei and Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado, marvel at the volcanic crater inside Sete Cidades – Lagoa de Santiago – and wander around the seductive streets of Sete Cidades parish (home to only 800 inhabitants).

“The Blue & Green Lagoon” offering is the perfect tour to tick Sete Cidades off your bucket list. This tour, like all of the others above, is shared with other travelers but if you would like a private experience you can always opt for that with Azores Dream Tours and their range of Private & Exclusive Tour options. They can take you to Sete Cidades alone, or with friends and family.

Sete Cidades

7. Furnas – “East of the Island”

A condensed version of the two Furnas day tours, this Furnas half day excursion kicks off with a hotel pick-up (in either Ponta Delgada, Lagoa or Ribeira Grande) and then crosses the south coast to the northern regions to the Gorreana Tea Factory or Porto Formoso Tea Factory. The next stop – Pico de Ferro – is the best view to see the volcanic crater of Furnas.

Head down into the interiors of the volcanic crater itself, Lagoa das Furnas, to visit the boilers and fumaroles – as well as stopping at restaurants where they cook dishes in the volcanic earth. Next on the itinerary is the parish of Furnas with the option of soaking in the thermal pools of either Poca da Dona Beija or Parque Terra Nostra (which also has an amazing garden).

Once you have warmed up to the bones, the tour guide can take you back to the parish of Furnas to get a broader understanding of the volcanic history and learn the key dates when this volcano was last active (don’t worry, it was a long time ago). To cap everything off, a tasting of liqueurs will be offered at the parish of Furnas. All in all, a fun and diverse tour.

Furnas

8. Lagoa do Fogo – “The Energetic Volcano”

Lagoa do Fogo is a breathtaking volcano to see in person and what better way to view it than from 900 meters of altitude at Miradouro do Pico da Barrosa. On this Lagoa do Fogo half day excursion , guests will stop off at this lookout as well as a few others. Additionally, there will be hot spring options, liqueur tastings and a tour of Ribeira Grande’s historic center.

9. Northeast – “On the Viewpoint Route”

“On the Viewpoint Route” is all in the name: amazing viewpoints full of flowers in the northeast region. This is the most flowery region of the island, also home to the rare bird species called the priolo or Azores bullfinch. Again, all the usual staples you expect on a Sao Miguel half day tour are included such as volcanic views, waterfall visits and quaint village stops.

10. Sao Miguel Private Tour – “Car or Van Tour”

The last and certainly not least option is a private tour with either a car or van . Talk to the amazing team at Azores Dream Tours about your preferences and where you want to go. These tours are personalized in a way to suit your travel style – whether you want 100% pure nature activities, seek food and cultural experiences, or just need to soak in a hot pool or two.

Key Tips for Visiting Sao Miguel

  • Plan to visit Sao Miguel for at least five to seven days to fully immerse yourself in nature. Ideally, you would have 10 days or two weeks.
  • Check the weather forecast before you go exploring or before you book one of the best tours of Sao Miguel mentioned above. Sunny and warm weather will make a big difference to your overall experience.
  • Wear old/used swimwear in the hot pools. Some of the minerals in the pools might leave a few orange stains on your favorite bathing suit.
  • Choose the cooler days or overcast days to visit the hot springs. It’s best to go when you actually want to warm up, rather than the reverse.
  • Bring some hiking boots for the volcano viewpoints and the various hikes you might want to do. You will be doing a lot of walking.
  • Leave no trace and always collect your rubbish when taking outdoor adventures. All travelers have a responsibility to keep Sao Miguel clean.

tour guide sao miguel azores

Author:  Cameron Kennedy

Cam is a New Zealander who has been traveling the world since he was young. From family trips in Egypt and Jordan as a teenager, to solo backpacking South America at 18, to currently exploring Southeast Asia with his partner Kat - Cam is a traveler through and through.

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São Miguel, Azores: Travel guide for 2024

sao miguel island itinerary azores

São Miguel island, Azores. The ideal setting for nature lovers who want a different kind of vacations, in touch with nature and filled with memorable experiences. This São Miguel guide will give you the necessary insider advice to travel smart on my home island!

A mere two-hour flight from mainland Portugal , Azores are the Atlantic’s best well kept secret. Here you can find all kinds of nature delights to get you back in touch with unspoiled nature: crater lakes, valleys, hot springs, whales and dramatic cliffs.

São Miguel is the largest island in the archipelago and home to the biggest city: Ponta Delgada . At any part of each island you will be amazed with the contrast of the blue of the ocean with the vivid green landscapes.

Hey, and it’s not because it’s my home island. It’s just rare to see a place with so much raw beauty these days.

In this São Miguel travel guide

How to get to são miguel, azores.

First step is getting there. Unless you want a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, the easiest way to get to São Miguel is by plane. These days, you can fly from both mainland Portugal (Porto or Lisbon) and countries like Spain, Canada, United Kingdom and the United States .

The island is served by many airline companies, including Delta Airlines, TAP Portugal , Lufthansa or Ryanair.

I recommend checking the cheapest fares with Skyscanner .

For more info on how to get to São Miguel, check my Azores flights page.

Best Time To Visit São Miguel

Weather-wise, the Azores are known for their ever-changing weather. Locals know we can have the four seasons in just one day! It’s a leap of faith. Having that said, the best time to go are the Summer months, June to September.

Make sure you check Spot Azores . With this website and mobile app, you can check live webcams and chase the sun all around the islands. Make sure you know what to pack for Azores too.

But choosing the best time to visit the Azores is much more than just looking at the good weather. Eventually it all comes down on your interests and which activities are you most willing to experience in the islands:

azores travel blog sao miguel guide travel

Adding all these criteria to the mix, June or September looks like winners to me. But you can find a month-by-month analysis on my page about the best time to visit the islands .

Main attractions in São Miguel, Azores

You can expect dozens of awesome spots in the island – I’ve highlighted at least 20 of them in my São Miguel itinerary article .

These are some of the places you can’t miss in São Miguel.

Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake)

sao miguel travel guide travel blog

This is the kind of gorgeous nature that grabs hold of you tightly. It’s one of the wildest areas in the island – modern construction is not permitted here. Once you’re next to this lagoon, all you can hear are the seagulls around you. A truly magical place and one of the top places in my São Miguel itinerary .

As of June 2023, be aware that car rentals are not allowed during summer months between 9am and 7pm. All non-residents should take a shuttle up to the lake, with a cost of 5€.

São Miguel azores guide places to go furnas

The charming settlement of Furnas, sided by lush hills on all sides is a must on your trip to São Miguel. Whilst a small village, there’s enough to keep you busy here for a whole day!

  • Caldeiras – dozens of steam holes give the whole area a eerie and moon-ish look. Not to mention the sulphur smell.
  • Terra Nostra Park – a lush and vibrant park with thousands of species of plants from all over the world. The big attraction is the open-air thermal pool rich in iron and other minerals. The water is orange and is at a 35-40C temperature, 100% heated by nature.
  • Poça Dona Beija – another popular spot to enjoy the hot springs. A set of 5 open-air thermal pools alongside a small creek and palm trees.

Oh and just a 5-min drive away, make sure you stop by Lagoa das Furnas (see next section ).

Lagoa das Furnas (Furnas Lake)

sao miguel guide azores travel blog

Another one of the 3 main lakes in São Miguel . The hike to the gothic church sitting in the west shore holds beautiful sights. There’s also a new Interpretation Centre to better understand the efforts being done to preserve the lake as it is, despite the agriculture and tourism pressures.

On the opposite shore of the lagoon, there are hot springs where you can actually see boiling water and muds as well as holes in which they cook the famous Cozido das Furnas (Furnas stew).

sao miguel itinerary furnas things to do

Continue reading more about Furnas and learn more about Furnas Lake, the hot springs, beaches and where to eat!

Lagoa das Sete Cidades

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by BRUN🌎 (@bruno_mb) on Jul 8, 2018 at 7:30am PDT

Lagoa das Sete Cidades (Sete Cidades Lagoon) with its green and blue lakes is the most well-known postcard of the Azores . You’ll see it in every brochure, ad or article about the islands.

However, the whole area of Sete Cidades in the west of the island is filled with lakes, lagoons and spectacular views.

  • Lagoa das Sete Cidades – the popular twin blue & lakes
  • Lagoa do Canário – for some reason tourists started to call it Snapchat lake because it resembles their logo 🤷
  • Lagoa de São Tiago – the greenest of them all
  • Lagoa das Empadadas – a set of smaller lakes scattered in the hills; great hiking spot!
  • Miradouro da Boca do Inferno – check next section
  • Serra Devassa – popular hiking trail

Miradouro da Boca do Inferno

Miradouro da Lagoa do Canário

This viewpoint is also known as Miradouro da Lagoa do Canário and is located in Sete Cidades , in the western part of São Miguel island. When the weather cooperates – only about 20% of the days are sunny around here – it has a breathtaking view of the old volcanic crater with all its lakes, meadows, and hills.

Fingers crossed for this one – make sure you leave the day with best weather forecast to go here, it’s worth it!

Ilhéu de Vila Franca

sao miguel guide ilheu vila franca

This islet off the coast of Vila Franca do Campo is a swimming and bathing paradise. The natural bay has got with crystal clear waters and protects swimmers from the Atlantic waves. A wonder for kids or grown-ups like me who still feel like kids on the inside.

Bring swimwear and snorkeling gear. Note however you won’t find much comfort to lay down or towel. The best option is to nest next to some rocks or concrete platform – the only beach in the islet gets flooded during high tide.

You can only get to Vila Franca’s islet there by a small boat departing from Vila Franca’s marina. You need to buy your tickets online or in a booth in the marina itself.

I suggest buying them in advance as the demand is high during summer. Only 400 tickets are sold each day and if you don’t get there at the earliest hour, it’s likely they are sold out.

Unique things to do in São Miguel, Azores

In such a naturally gifted place, outdoor activities should be on top of your priorities. I’ve listed the main adventure stuff the island has to offer , but here’s some of the most unique things you can do in São Miguel .

Walk through a tea plantation

sao miguel guide azores tea

The Azores is the only European region with tea plantations. Gorreana and Porto Formoso tea estates have been producing biological tea for centuries now.

Bring some comfortable shoes and hike around this unique landscape with the sea as a backdrop.

Whale-Watching

sao miguel guide azores travel blog whale watching

Azores are a renowned world-class whale watching spot, so I’d highly recommend adding this to your bucket list when you’re in the islands. Up to 10% of ALL known cetacean species can be seen in a single three-hour trip.

April to June are the months of the year where the migratory routes of cetaceans overlap the most. Check the full whale-watching calendar here.

azores travel blog sao miguel guide hiking

São Miguel island is home to many scenic hiking trails, packed with volcano craters, lagoons, small rivers and waterfalls which are accessible only on foot.

Perhaps the most popular one is hiking down Lagoa do Fogo , but there at least 20 official trails in the island . These cover all ranges of difficulties, lengths and all kinds of landscapes.

Have a volcanic lunch (Furnas stew)

sao miguel guide azores travel blog food

Cozido das Furnas (Furnas Stew) is a stew cooked that is boiled… underground. Yap. The food is placed in holes of the hot springs of Furnas and the volcanic heat works its magic during 4+ hours to add a unique flavor to the meat and vegetables.

Don’t worry though – you can skip the cooking process and go straight to the tasting part in one of the several restaurants in Furnas . Look for Cozido das Furnas on the menu.

Where To Stay In São Miguel

I recommend staying at least three to four full days in São Miguel and pick a hub to base yourself in. Ponta Delgada, Furnas or Ribeira Grande areas are good choices. Allow yourself some time to unwind and explore the landscapes the island has to offer.

To make your life easier, you can start your search with my pre-selection of the hotels/guesthouses/villas in the island of São Miguel . The list only includes rooms with wifi and with good-to-excellent reviews, hard to go wrong with these.

These are my three best hotel suggestions in the island:

⭐ My top hotel recommendations in São Miguel ⭐

sao miguel itinerary where to go - best hotel ponta delgada

Premium hotel with modern design (opened in 2016) and within walking distance to the city center and to the ocean. Ah and there’s a gorgeous pool on the terrace!

sao miguel what to do where to stay - furnas boutique hotel nature spa relax azores

Furnas Boutique Hotel, Furnas

Located in Furnas, its full-wellness program and nature-inspired-interiors make it the ideal place to relax.

sao miguel what to do where to stay - out of the blue cheap hotel

Out of the Blue, Ponta Delgada

Stylish, clean, comfortable hotel at a very reasonable price. Excellent value for money!

Getting around in São Miguel, Azores

Public transportation on the island is very limited and not reliable for two reasons. Firstly, it’s not a frequent service – some routes only operate 2/3 times a day. But more importantly, most routes don’t take you to the places you want to see; they’re optimized for locals to move around between towns, not for tourists.

I predict this might change in the near future, but for now private guides (if you have the budget), day tours, or car rentals are better choices. I strongly recommend you getting your own wheels and rent a car to explore the island independently . Trust me, it adds to the sense of adventure!

Use Skyscanner or the below RentalCars to compare rental prices. Both are reliable and quickly give you an overview of prices across available operators.

How many days to stay in São Miguel?

While the island is not too big, there are a ton of activities which can take up some time. Also, the weather is quite unpredictable, so it would be a good idea to have some days to act as a time buffer.

I suggest a minimum of 4 full days in São Miguel , which coincides with my island itinerary . This is enough to get a good grasp of the island vibe and have time to enjoy stuff like whale-watching or just relax the entire afternoon on a hot spring.

Especially if you’re looking to hike a lot or try out several activities , consider staying for longer: up until a full week there’s a lot of things to see and do.

Don’t let the prices rise more. Book your accommodation in São Miguel now!

São miguel food.

The food you can expect to eat in São Miguel does not differ much from what you can find in mainland Portugal This includes a diet with a lot of fresh fish – specially cod, vegetables and many meat-based comfort food.

Apart from the cozido das Furnas mentioned before, there are some local delicacies filled with tradition and unique flavour you have to try in São Miguel!

What to Eat in São Miguel

  • Ananás : Seems rather odd to highlight a piece of fruit, but the very famous Azorean pineapple is famous for a reason. Its extra sweetness it will probably make all the pineapples you’ve ever tasted banal .
  • Bolo Lêvedo : A hybrid between a cake and a bread you can eat anytime. Try it with jam, butter or even as an hamburger!
  • Bife à Regional (Regional Steak) : So many happy cows living the green pastures of São Miguel also means… good beef. The meat in Azores is simply delicious, so unless you’re a hardcore vegetarian, you MUST try the steak, azorean style.

sao miguel guide azores travel blog bife regional

My Favorite Places to Eat in São Miguel

  • Associação Agrícola : While it can be a bit expensive for Azorean standards, it’s one of the best places in the island for having a juicy tender steak. Not suitable for vegetarians.
  • Terra Nostra Garden : Located literally in the middle of the majestic Terra Nostra Park in Furnas , this hotel restaurant is open for everyone to taste the delicious local food in a beautiful setting. Great value-for-money!
  • A Tasca : Great local food with a lively atmosphere in the center of Ponta Delgada . This is as azorean as it gets. It’s always packed.

Note: I used to recommend Cais 20 as one must-go for seafood, but not anymore. My last experiences there were dreadful. I’ll only say it includes seafood soup made from Knorr packages. Totally overrated!

Still hungry for more? Check my food guide of São Miguel, with the best places to eat in the island.

São Miguel Travel Review

Whenever I write about my home island, I try to see things on the shoes of a traveler. It helps avoiding getting my bias out of control.

But it’s hard to not get excited about São Miguel. I’m sure the vibrant green of the fields, the bright blue of the lagoons and the dramatic landscapes will win you over in a heartbeat. In a well-connected world where more and more people travel everyday, it’s very hard to find a place with such unspoiled beauty and at the same time, safe and friendly.

São Miguel island has boomed as a travel destination in the last few years – with all good & bad things this will entail. The best time to go is now.

Useful Links

  • Azores Getaways – killer holiday deals (flights + hotel) to the Azores
  • Car Rental – book your car rental from Ponta Delgada airport right away
  • Hiking Trails of São Miguel – official hiking trails in São Miguel
  • Visit Azores – the tourism board of Azores

More articles about the Azores

  • Hot Springs in São Miguel: How and Where to Swim in Thermal Water
  • Furnas, Azores: Unique things to do in the Furnas Valley
  • Ponta Delgada, Azores: 12 Things To Do In My Hometown
  • The 13 Most Beautiful Azores Beaches
  • When Is The Best Time to Go To Azores?
  • Hiking in Azores: An Insider Guide
  • São Miguel, Azores: Full Travel Guide by a Local
  • The Best Hotels in São Miguel, Azores For All Kinds Of Travelers
  • Azores: 20 Travel Tips To Know Before You Go
  • How to Get Around Azores

things to do in sao miguel azores sete cidades lake

Destinations🌎

mexico itinerary chichen itza

Azores Top Tour Provider | Pure Azores

Hidden Gems of São Miguel Tour

You are currently viewing Hidden Gems of São Miguel Tour

  • Starts at 9:00
  • €65 per adult, €35 per child
  • Discover little-known surprising places
  • Take short walks to get to some of the lookouts
  • Get off the beaten track
  • See amazing views from the island's peaks
  • Road trip on very low traffic roads away from the city hassle
  • Learn about the native vegetation of the Azores

What's Included

  • Pick-up from Ponta Delgada, Lagoa town or Ribeira Grande
  • Drop-off at Ponta Delgada, Lagoa town or Ribeira Grande
  • Lunch (food, drink, dessert and coffee)
  • Drinking water

Description

Spend a day exploring hidden gems of São Miguel Island, away from the big crowds! The island of São Miguel is beautiful everywhere and offers a lot more to see besides the most famous attractions.

From little-known curious rock formations on the coast, to ample views from mountain tops, or the native vegetation deep into the island, this tour goes to many surprising places that are not part of the main tourist itineraries.

Tour in comfort by 9-seater minibus in a small group led by an expert guide. Drive through the quiet farmers roads of the inner island, surrounded by forests and green pastures. Some places require short walks to enjoy the views. 

This tour is a great complement to our  São Miguel West  and  São Miguel East  van tours, if you wish to keep exploring the island more in depth, after seeing the main highlights.

Meeting Point

Pick-up free of charge from Ponta Delgada, Lagoa and Ribeira Grande towns.  Please provide a pick-up location in one of these areas.

Pick-ups start at 9:00 in Ponta Delgada and not before 9:20 in Ribeira Grande. Please allow some time to get to you, as we may have multiple pick-ups and you may not be the first on the list.

What to Bring

  • Warm clothes and raincoat (weather conditions change quickly in the Azores and are worse at high viewpoints)
  • Sturdy shoes (tour requires short walks on ground floor)

Why Book with us

Small groups.

We believe sustainable tourism is what is right for the Azores, not mass tourism, therefore all our tours are run in small groups, in a peacefull and relaxed way

Support the Locals

Book directly with a local provider and make sure your money supports the local economy, instead of going to big multinational companies

Choose the Best​

We are the top choice in São Miguel island, with a consistent track record of satisfied customers from all corners of the world

Privacy Overview

Travel Knowing That Your Azores Adventure is covered.

  • 24/7 Trip Assistance - 24/7 dedicated care from our team to assist you during your trip anywhere in the world;
  • Personal concierge - Take advantage of our local team and chat with us through WhatsApp while you’re in Portugal;
  • Trip Refund Guarantee - In the unlikely event that we need to cancel your trip, you’ll be guaranteed a refund within 15 days*; 
  • Full Flexibility - Full flexibility of the land arrangements portion of your trip, allowing you to change your plans for any reason, up to 14 days prior to departure.

Need an extra peace of mind?

Purchase our Allianz travel insurance and get reimbursed up to 100% for covered trip cancellation and interruption, including covered illness or injury of you, a family member, or travel companion.

Azores Getaways is a member of ASTA

*For more information please read our Flexibility Policy

São Miguel & Pico: Fly & Drive

Pico Island

The Azores: a 7-night island hopping getaway with rental car included! 

What's included, why we love this deal:.

Immerse yourself in the essence of the Azores Islands with our self-driving itinerary to Pico and São Miguel Islands. Begin your journey by delving into the world of Pico's renowned wine during your 3-night stay, celebrated for its unique cultivation amidst the sun and sea. Don't miss iconic spots like Lagoa do Capitão, Cachorro, and the Pico Wine Museum, along with the opportunity to experience some of the archipelago's most stunning natural swimming pools.

Conclude your adventure with 4 nights of exploration in São Miguel Island , where you'll uncover Portugal's famous sites such as Furnas hot springs. Explore lesser-known gems like Lagoa do Congro, Castelo Branco, Mosteiros, and more, as São Miguel's beauty reveals itself at every turn on this remarkable island.

(Please review the itinerary below for a detailed description of your journey)

Welcome to the Azores!  Begin your adventure by conveniently picking up your rental car at let the fun start.

Suggestion for the day:

  • Take a stroll around Madalena’s historical cobblestone streets and enjoy a meal at one of the several seaside restaurants. Madalena is known for its picturesque harbor, framed by the iconic silhouette of Mount Pico, the highest peak in Portugal.
  • In the late afternoon, make your way to Cella Bar for an unforgettable front-row sunset experience. Nestled along the rugged coastline, Cella Bar offers a unique architectural design, with its striking white structure seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape

Suggestion for the day (explore Pico Island)

  • Visit Gruta das Torres: Gruta das Torres is a significant geological formation formed by the cooling of underground magma flows. Its unique drainage pattern is evidenced by multiple layers on the cave walls, lateral benches, and cornices. Gruta das Torres is one of 17 caves on Pico Island recognized for its natural heritage, with the potential for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
  • Get Lost in the Beauty of Vinhas da Criação Velha: Explore the historic vineyards of Criação Velha on Pico Island, where centuries-old traditions meet stunning volcanic landscapes. These meticulously crafted vineyards, nestled amidst rugged terrain and volcanic soil, produce exceptional wines renowned for their unique terroir. Experience the rich heritage of winemaking in this UNESCO World Heritage Site as you stroll through the picturesque rows of vines, soaking in the beauty and history of Pico's viticulture.
  • Pico Wine Museum: The Museu do Vinho is situated in a former winery and Carmelite convent near Madalena's city center. This museum showcases the island's wine-making history, displaying traditional wineries, barrels, and tools used for wine production.
  • Day Trip to Faial Island (a short ferry trip away): Nicknamed the “Blue Island” for its abundance of blue hydrangeas that cover the island like a heavenly floral blanket in the summer months, Faial Island is also the site of the most recent volcanic eruption in the Azores, which took place along the coast of Capelinhos village in 1957 and almost completely buried the nearby lighthouse. Many people lost their homes and livelihoods as a result of the eruption, a dire situation that prompted the Azorean Refugee Act to be signed in 1958 by JFK, authorizing the emigration of those affected. Simply put: The Capelinhos volcano left behind one of the most emblematic landscapes in the whole world.

The ferry trip between the islands is budget-friendly, costing under 10€.

Begin your adventure by conveniently picking up your rental car.

  • Portas da Cidade
  • Louvre Michaelense
  • Pineapple Plantations
  • Matriz Church

Suggestion fo r the day :

  • Visit Lagoa do Fogo & Furnas:  Venture to the island's northern expanse, where you'll encounter the untouched charm of the Protected Natural Reserve of Lagoa do Fogo. Relax in the rejuvenating thermal pools of Caldeira Velha, then marvel at the Salto do Cabrito waterfall. Journey to Furnas and immerse yourself in its myriad attractions, from the serene lake and Pico do Ferro Viewpoint to the unique caldeiras and Terra Nostra Park. Relish local flavors like cozido das Furnas and bolos lêvedos, and experience a fusion of nature and culture that's truly Azorean.
  • Serra Devassa  (easy) 
  • Moinhos do Félix  (medium)
  • Salto do Prego - Sanguinho (medium)
  • Lagoa do Fogo  (medium)

Suggestion for the first time of the day:

  • Explore the wonders of Sete Cidades , where each stop promises breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences:
  • Cumeeiras Viewpoint
  • Lagoa de Santiago
  • Vista do Rei Viewpoint
  • Ponte dos Regos
  • Lagoa das Sete Cidades
  • Say Goodbye to the Azores with a Fado Dinner: A captivating and deeply emotional experience that combines the soulful melodies of Fado music with delicious Azorean cuisine. As you enter a cozy, dimly lit restaurant, you'll be enveloped in an atmosphere of nostalgia and tradition. The hauntingly beautiful strains of Fado, performed by local musicians, fill the air, evoking a profound sense of saudade—the Portuguese longing for something lost.

Thank you for traveling with us, and we look forward to being your travel companion again in the future!

*The itinerary presented is a suggestion and the length of stay may vary. All tours are suggestions unless specifically stated.

About the Azores:

Often referred to as Europe's “Best Kept Secret”, the Azores have become an increasingly popular destination with year-round appeal for travelers. 

Pico Island: To look forward to in your trip is a visit to the UNESCO-protected vineyards of Pico Island. You can also climb the highest mountain in Portugal or simply admire its grandeur from different spots on the island. Visit the interesting Whaling Museum and learn about the island's rich history and past whale-hunting traditions. 

São Miguel Island: Marvel at the geothermal volcanic activity of São Miguel Island and its impressive crater lakes. Enjoy a relaxing thermal bath at a natural hot spring. Taste a delicious thermally cooked meal, known as " cozido ", in Furnas, home to fumaroles and geysers. Explore the island's many waterfalls and hiking trails, visit artisanal tea plantations, and taste the sweet local pineapple, grown only in the Azores.

Check out our  Azores Travel Guide for more information and tips.

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IMAGES

  1. 16 Amazing Things to Do in São Miguel, The Azores (+Map)

    tour guide sao miguel azores

  2. The Ultimate 4-Day Itinerary of São Miguel Island (Made By An Azorean)

    tour guide sao miguel azores

  3. A Guide to Sete Cidades: Hikes and Views in Sao Miguel, Azores

    tour guide sao miguel azores

  4. Why São Miguel is the perfect island to discover the Azores

    tour guide sao miguel azores

  5. The Complete Guide to São Miguel Azores

    tour guide sao miguel azores

  6. The 12 Best Things to Do on Sao Miguel Island, the Azores

    tour guide sao miguel azores

VIDEO

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  2. São Pedro / Ponta Delgada Walking Tour, Sao Miguel Azores Portugal

  3. VLOG NOS AÇORES

  4. Discover Paradise: Top 10 Most Beautiful Places in the Azores

  5. Azores Trip Sao Miguel

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COMMENTS

  1. THE 10 BEST São Miguel Tours & Excursions

    These experiences are best for tours in São Miguel: Half-Day Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Ponta Delgada; São Miguel West Full Day Tour with Setes Cidades Including Lunch; São Miguel East Full Day Tour with Furnas Including Lunch; Furnas Night-Time Experience with Thermal baths and Dinner; Small-Group Ponta Delgada Food Tour in Azores

  2. 19+ Things to do in Sao Miguel, Azores + Insider Tips

    5. Go on a whale watching excursion. One of the most popular activities to do in Sao Miguel is a whale watching tour. The island is home to a vast variety of marine life, including sperm whales, which are resident whales, orcas, spotted dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and blue whales, among many more.

  3. 5 Day Azores Itinerary: 26 Best Things to Do in São Miguel [PLUS Map]

    Which is why I've prepared a comprehensive Azores travel guide! If you're not familiar with the Azores or need more convincing, check out my post on why the Azores is Europe's best-kept secret. São Miguel Island. São Miguel island is the largest island in the Azores, measuring 62.1 km in length and 15.8 km at its maximum width.

  4. The Complete Guide to São Miguel Azores

    Day 2: Spend the day exploring the town of Furnas and watching locals cook Cozido. Day 3: Explore the Terra Nostra Gardens. Day 4: Swim in the hot springs of São Miguel Island. Day 5: Take an ATV tour of São Miguel Island. Day 6: Take a Whale Watching Tour. Day 7: Take a day trip to another island in the Azores.

  5. The Ultimate Itinerary of São Miguel Island (Made By An Azorean)

    The Ultimate Itinerary of São Miguel Island (Made By An Azorean) 📅 January 2023. 🕑 55 min read time. São Miguel, Azores, my home island. With so many different landscapes and things to do here, planning a route is essential. This is the exact road trip itinerary I use to show São Miguel island to friends visiting.

  6. Perfect 4 Days in the Azores Itinerary for Sao Miguel (+ Map!)

    4 days in the Azores - a suggested itinerary! This guide will take you through the ultimate road trip on Sao Miguel and the epic sights you will see. It also includes Azores tour options for those that can not rent a car on Sao Miguel.. Sao Miguel is the largest island of the archipelago at 293 square miles and it is dotted with stunning lakes and peaks calling out to be explored.

  7. Best Azores Tours: The Top-Rated Sao Miguel Excursions

    If youʻre booking your trip to Sao Miguel and the Azores last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top tours, hotels, and more! 🌋 Top Experiences and Tours in Sao Miguel: São Miguel WEST: Full-Day Tour with Lunch (my top pick!); São Miguel EAST: Full-Day Tour with Lunch (but also do this one!); Whale watching and islet tour - Sao Miguel (#1 selling whale tour!)

  8. THE 10 BEST São Miguel Private Tours

    PRIVATE TOUR - Explore the lakes and craters of Sete Cidades on a 3-hour tour of the island of São Miguel in the Azores. …. 14. Full Day Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo PRIVATE 4WD Tour with Lunch. PRIVATE TOUR - See the most spectacular sites in the Azores on a full-day shore excursion. Combine visits to Sete Cidades….

  9. THE TOP 10 Sao Miguel Tours & Excursions (UPDATED 2024)

    Azores Sete Cidades Green & Blue Lakes - Private Tour. 6. Embark on a private half-day tour to the Sete Cidades Green and Blue Lakes. This trip takes you on an adventure through Sao Miguel Island. Immerse yourself in the beauty of volcanic craters, lush valleys, hot springs, and coastal vistas.

  10. São Miguel tours: 10 amazing guided tours for 2024

    Best tour for São Miguel Eastern side: São Miguel East full-day tour with lunch. Best tour for São Miguel Northeastern side: Azores Northeast Full-Day Tour. Best hot springs tour: Furnas hot springs night tour with dinner. Best Furnas day tour: Furnas Valley Full-Day Volcano and Tea Plantation Tour. Best whale watching tour on São Miguel ...

  11. Complete Guide To Discovering São Miguel Island, Azores

    A full-day tour of the impressive western half of the island will set you back about $80 or €70 per person. This includes visit to the top sights, such as the crater lake of Sete Cidades, Fogo Lake, the Caldeira Velha hot springs, and more. I recommend this São Miguel day-tour with lunch offered by GetYourGuide.

  12. The BEST São Miguel Island Tours and Things to Do in 2024

    Our most recommended things to do in São Miguel Island. 1. From Ponta Delgada: Whale and Dolphin Watching Trip. Set off on a whale-watching day trip from Ponta Delgada and witness the marine mammals of the Azores. Look out for minke whales, dolphins, turtles, and more, and learn about the environment from your marine biologist guide.

  13. The Best São Miguel Itinerary (5 Days Planned + Map)

    📍 Google Maps . Start the day with brunch in Ponta Delgada. Intz48 Coffee Roasters Azores is a great spot. Then, spend time exploring the town and walking the "Avenida," or marina area. Around noon, depart for one of these popular whale watching tours.These tours depart from either Ponta Delgada's marina, or nearby Vila Franca do Campo.Tours take about three hours.

  14. São Miguel Island: 2-Day Guided Island Tour with Meals

    Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today. Duration 2 days. Check availability to see starting times. Live tour guide. English, Portuguese, Spanish. Pickup included. Wait at the entrance of your accommodation for your driver at 9:00 A.M. Pickup will be between 9:00 A.M. and 9:20 A.M.

  15. Azores Top Tour Provider

    Our best-selling São Miguel West and East van tours are the proven and tested way! Explore the island in comfort, with an expert guide! São Miguel West Van Tour. Explore the breathtaking Western half of São Miguel, including Sete Cidades, Fogo Lake, Caldeira Velha and beautiful coastal views! ... We love sharing the best of the Azores with ...

  16. 10 Best Tours in Sao Miguel, Azores

    Plan to visit Sao Miguel for at least five to seven days to fully immerse yourself in nature. Ideally, you would have 10 days or two weeks. Check the weather forecast before you go exploring or before you book one of the best tours of Sao Miguel mentioned above. Sunny and warm weather will make a big difference to your overall experience.

  17. São Miguel, Azores: Travel guide for 2024

    This São Miguel guide will give you the necessary insider advice to travel smart on my home island! A mere two-hour flight from mainland Portugal, Azores are the Atlantic's best well kept secret. Here you can find all kinds of nature delights to get you back in touch with unspoiled nature: crater lakes, valleys, hot springs, whales and ...

  18. São Miguel East: Full-Day Van Tour with Lunch

    Explore the highlights of the eastern half of São Miguel island on a guided tour by van. Discover the hot springs at Furnas, the waterfall at Ribeira dos Caldeirões, as well as the remote rugged beauty of the Nordeste region. Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the northern coast of the island until you get to the Santa Iria Lookout, with a ...

  19. Hidden Gems of São Miguel Tour

    Tour in comfort by 9-seater minibus in a small group led by an expert guide. Drive through the quiet farmers roads of the inner island, surrounded by forests and green pastures. Some places require short walks to enjoy the views. This tour is a great complement to our São Miguel West and São Miguel East van tours, if you wish to keep ...

  20. Sao Miguel Guided Tour 2024

    11/1/2024 - 12/31/2024. $1420. $2658. $1175. $1743. Request price information for 2025. Rates are per person in US dollars Rates don't include city taxes when applicable and must be paid directly to the hotel. Package can start any day of the week and all year round.

  21. Sao Miguel Guided Tour

    Azores 2 Islands Faial and Sao Miguel. From $1373 per Person. Availability Departure Any Day. 7 Days/ 6 Nights. Visit the slands of Faial and Sao Miguel, each one with a very different story making them unique. Book Now / Find out more... Visit Sao Miguel the biggest island of Azores. Six night island guided tour including hotel, transfers and ...

  22. Private Guided Group Tour of Sao Miguel Island Azores

    7 days, 6 nights - This is a private guided Tour just for your family/friends if you have between 8 and 15 persons. Enjoy your holidays and learn about one of the most beautiful islands of the Azores - Sao Miguel. Our guide will take your small group through the History, Fauna and Flora of this island. The package includes hotel, breakfast ...

  23. São Miguel West: Full-Day Van Tour with Lunch

    Full description. Explore the highlights of the western half of São Miguel island on this guided tour by van. Discover the famous crater lakes of Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo, picturesque waterfalls, amazing cliffs, and stunning rock formations around the coast of the island. Start with a visit to Ribeira Grande, one of the most picturesque ...

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  25. São Miguel & Pico: Fly & Drive

    Why we love this deal: Immerse yourself in the essence of the Azores Islands with our self-driving itinerary to Pico and São Miguel Islands. Begin your journey by delving into the world of Pico's renowned wine during your 3-night stay, celebrated for its unique cultivation amidst the sun and sea.Don't miss iconic spots like Lagoa do Capitão, Cachorro, and the Pico Wine Museum, along with the ...