São Miguel Island is the largest of the nine islands that make up Portugal‘s Azores archipelago and the most developed in terms of (tourism) infrastructure. We spent four full days crisscrossing the island, yet could easily have spent double if not triple without getting bored. There is a lot to do in São Miguel Island; truthfully, the activities below are only the tip of the iceberg.
After having spent time on Terceira, Pico and Faial, I brazenly thought São Miguel must offer “more of the same” in terms of sights. While this is true to some extent, otherworldly landscapes, vivid pastures, and bottle-green lakes are part and parcel of any Azores trip – the aforementioned islands were but the appetizer (admittedly a 5-star one) to the attractions on São Miguel island. And I say this with all the respect in the world because I loved every island we visited!
The only downside of São Miguel Island is how well connected it is to both the USA and mainland Europe. The high season sees hiking trails clogged with tour groups, roads congested with rental cars, and prices skyrocketing. If you are planning on visiting this little starlet avoid June to mid-September. Trust me, nature is a whole lot less alluring when trying to avoid precariously waving selfie sticks from poking one’s eye out.
Below you will find a recommendation for a 4-day São Miguel Island itinerary. Before delving into the nitty gritty of what mischief you can get up to, I want to leave you with two pieces of advice: First off, be flexible with your planning. The weather on the Azores is notably fickle and will bend to no man or, fixed itinerary. And second, book your rental car far in advance the supply is limited and tends to drive up prices, fast.
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1. Explore Ponta Delgada
Most travelers exploring the Azores will fly in and/or out of Ponta Delgada in São Miguel Island. As the capital of the largest island in the Azores, it offers multiple direct connections to both the North-America and mainland Europe. It is also the main hub for SATA airlines, connecting Sao Miguel to the other islands in the archipelago.
The chances are therefore high that your trip to São Miguel will include a visit to Ponta Delgada. Once a sleepy fishing village, Ponta Delgada is now by far the largest and most densely populated city of the archipelago with an estimated 68,000 inhabitants. Yet somehow it has managed to maintain a distinct village-like feel to it.
We spent a couple of hours walking through the city centre with highlights including the black and white 18th century Portas da Cidade (City Gates), the Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião and the Mercado da Graça (make sure to pick up some local cheese, makes for a perfect roadtrip snack!)
PRACTICAL TIP | Ponta Delgada has the largest assortment of hotels to choose from on the island. It is very conveniently located to all the major highlights (max 55 min drive) making it the perfect base if you are planning on doing a road trip. We ended up staying in the sustainable The Farm Boutique Hotel in Ponta Delgada for the duration of our trip.
2. Check out the pineapple plantation
I had heard a lot of things about the Azores, but somehow the fact they produce the sweetest pineapples on the planet had remained under my foodie radar. As it turns out, you need to visit the islands to taste them as they are not widely exported!
This tropical fruit was first introduced to the island in the 19th century by Portuguese explorers. Initially used as decorative ornaments, some clever (or hungry?) chap finally realized they were delicious to eat and the rest is history! What sets them aside from you traditional spikey pineapple is their incredible sweet taste sans the usual acidic aftertaste.
Pineapple season is year-round due to the controlled greenhouse environment they are grown in the Azores. Meaning whatever time of year you are planning on embarking on your São Miguel itinerary, you are going to be able to taste this sweet delicacy. They are a staple on many a desert menu on the island and this is where we enjoyed them. Alternatively, you head to the A. Arruda Pineapple Plantation on the outskirts of Ponta Delgada.
ADDRESS | R. Dr. Augusto Arruda, 9500-454 Ponta Delgada, Portugal
FEES | Free
OPENING HOURS | Daily 08:00 am to 6:00 pm
3. Head up the Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Paz
Talk about being blown-away, in every sense of the word. Located on the southern coast of São Miguel Island atop the village of Vila Franca do Campo lies a whitewashed chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Peace. Built in the 16th century after a shepherd reportedly discovered a statue of the Virgin Mary.
What first attracted me to this church was the sweeping view it offers over Vila Franca do Campo and the famous Islet of Vila Franca. As we pulled up to the parking lot, wind tearing at our rainjackets, I distinctly remember actually gasping. Rows of hydrangeas, a white-washed village cascading down towards crystalline waters dotted with vulcanic islets, the quintessential Azorean postcard.
After snapping about 1000 pictures, we turned around and made our way up the 100 steps towards the entrance of the chapel. These steps are adorned with the typical blue-clad azulejos found around Portugal. This specific set depicts scenes from the life of Christ. The little chapel is rather spartan on the inside but worth the climb for the view, open daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
TOURS OF THE ISLAND | Bit iffy about driving around the island on your own? Book yourself a 2-day tour around the island for €129 a person. This is pretty much the price of a rental car for 2 days, but also includes food and a guide!
4. Visit Ilheu de Vila Franco Campo
The Vila Franca do Campo Islet is located off the coast of the eponymous village. Formed during an ancient submarine eruption many moons ago, these days a protected nature reserve, home to unique flora and fauna. The islet’s interior features a picturesque lagoon, perfect for a variety of watersports including swimming, snorkeling and diving.
There are a plethora of different ways to reach the island, all of which leave from the harbor of Vila Franca do Campo and require a boat. We opted to put our PADI license to good use and booked a diving trip to the island. We rocked up the Marina, wiggled into our wetsuits (provided) and set up our diving gear (also included in the price) after a short 10-minute boat trip we reached the island and jettisoned ourselves into the water.
We visited São Miguel Island during the middle of October and, truthfully, the dive was a bit disappointing. If you are visiting this time of year, I would recommend saving your pennies and booking one of the below experiences instead:
GLASS BOTTOM & SNORKLING TOUR: The molten lava from the vulcano casacaded into the ocean and created some very cool underwater formations. head out to the island in a glass-bottom boat to a secluded beach where you can spend some time snorking and inspecting the formations. Prices start at €50 per person.
KAYAK TOUR: Skip the boat and get in a workout instead! Kayak from the mainland to the island, and back, with a local instructor. The roundtrip takes around 3 hours and offers you plenty of free time chill out at the small beach once you reached the island, before heading back to the mainland. Starts at €65 per person.
CATCH THE BOAT: From June to September a ferry runs from the mainland to the island. Head to the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo and purchase your tickets directly from the sales point there. The harbor is small, so you truly cannot miss the sales point, alternatively, purchase them online. Ferries go every hour from 10.00 am to 06.00 pm and take around 10 minutes. There are no facilities on the island so make sure to bring everything you need for the day. Tickets start at €10
5. Go dolphin and/or whale watching
I am always extremely hesitant about promoting any activity that involves money and animals. That being said, the Azores is probably one of the only places in the world where I would say “go for it”. Islanders have a deep respect for nature and tours are conducted in a way that animals are put first, then the tourist experience. The most popular tour starts from Ponta Delgada and takes around 3 hours roundtrip. Prices start at € 65 per person. Book online.
6. Catch the sunset at Miradouro da Boca do Inferno
READ BEFORE YOU GO | Visiting Miradouro da Boca do Inferno on São Miguel Island
One viewpoint to rule them all! Watching the sunset over the Miradouro da Boca do Inferno was truly like stepping onto the set of Lord of the Rings. That or Avatar for my fellow fantasy fans. If there is one thing you do on São Miguel Island, it should be to hike up to this viewpoint. Before you go be sure to check the weather on the SpotAzores webcams.
This dramatic outlook is located in the western part of São Miguel and overlooks the Lagoa das Sete Cidades, arguably it is the best vantage point. The good thing is that it’s perched atop the Sete Cidades volcanic caldera meaning you get sweeping views over the famous blue and green twin lakes (Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde) as well as Lagoa de Santiago.
GETTING THERE | When looking up how to get to the viewpoint, we found a lot of rubbish tips on the internet. What you will want to do is type in Lagoa do Canário in your GPS. Google Maps will take you to a parking lot in front of the lake, park the car here. Cross the road, and take the small little dirtpath next to the gate. A 15-minute hike will take you up to the viewpoint. There are no signs, simply follow the dirt path. The hike is super easy, but sturdy shoes would not go amiss.
PRACTICAL TIP | The area around Lagoa do Canário is one of the views on the island without any internet signal. Make sure to pre-load your map on Google before you head out to avoid getting lost.
AFFORDABLE TOUR | If you are not mad keen on driving on the island €75 per person will buy you a full day tour of the West Coast of São Miguel island, including the Sete Cidades. It also includes pick-up and drop-off as well as lunch.
7. Head to the quieter Mosteiros Beach for sunset
Mosteiros Beach, located on the northwest coast of São Miguel Island, is a stunning black-sand beach known for its dramatic volcanic rock formations rising from the ocean. These black lava sea stacks, locally called “ilhéus,” create a unique backdrop against the vivid turquoise water. When we checked into our hotel in Ponta Delgada, this beach was actually the first hotspot recommended to us by the team to visit as they knew I love photography.
GETTING THERE | Mosteiros is a 40-minute drive from Ponta Delgada, easily accessible by car.
8. Drive or hike around the Sete Cidades Lakes
The Lagoa das Sete Cidades or Sete Cidades lakes are quite possibly the most spectacular natural wonders I have ever seen. Made up of twin lakes, Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde—famed for their striking colors, one reflecting a deep blue hue and the other a vivid green – nestled inside a caldera or cauldron-like hollow that forms shortly after the emptying of a magma chamber in a volcanic eruption.
There are a myriad of different viewpoints from which you can take a peek at the lakes. As we were short on time and the weather kept changing every 5 minutes, we opted to play it safe and take the car to explore. When you are exploring São Miguel Island keep in mind the chances of getting a clear sky of your viewpoint are 50/50. We had to come back to a few of the below spots twice to see them without fog.
- Vista do Rei Viewpoint: This viewpoint is named after King Carlos I of Portugal. It provides a great view of both of the two lakes and has ample parking to drop off your car. There is also an abandoned hotel, which according to locals has recently been bought and will be transformed into a luxury stay in the coming years.
- Pico do Carvão Viewpoint: We stumbled upon this viewpoint while driving from Ponta Delgada to Miradouro da Boca do Inferno around sunrise. The view over the Sete Cidades Massif from both sides literally had me stopping the car mid-road and making a U-turn to snap a picture.
- Grota do Inferno Viewpoint: Also known as Miradouro da Boca do Inferno is the most impressive viewpoint of the lakes.
- Cerrado das Freiras Viewpoint: Chances are high you have seen images from this viewpoint on social media. It’s easy access and great views over the lakes makes it a popular spot to snap a shot.
HIKING | If you are looking to hike check out the various trails on Alltrails. Routes range from 2,5 km to a grueling 20 km hike.
9. Head up to Elephant Rock
Elephant Rock, or Rochas dos Elefantes, is a natural formation located along the northern coastline of São Miguel in the Azores, near the village of Ribeira dos Caldeirões. This dramatic sea arch gets its name from its uncanny resemblance to an elephant dipping its trunk into the ocean. Formed by centuries of volcanic activity and relentless Atlantic waves, it’s a spot favored by locals to catch the sunset.
10. Sunrise at Miradouro do Pico do Carvão
The viewpoint that almost caused me to get into an accident. As we were driving from Ponta Delgada in the direction of the Grota do Inferno viewpoint the heavy cloud coverage suddenly parted and sunlight started filtering in. We had just turned a corner and I looked to my right and hit the brakes.
While I really cannot condone my questionable driving skills, it was 100% worth it. The picture above shows you exactly what the view was. The viewpoint itself is located on a very windy road, smack in the middle of two curves. There is a small parking space foreseen where you can pop the car.
The wee hours of the morning saw this place blissfully void of any tourists. However a few hours later, as we drove back to Ponta Delgada it was utter chaos. Even in off-season there were hordes of snap-happy tourists spilling out of buses of all shapes and sizes.
11. Go for a soak at Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Centre
Driving up to the Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Centre felt like we had been transported to a different island. As we made our way through the verdant rainforest surroundings on the slopes of the Fogo Volcano, the road was entirely veiled in a thick layer of fog. The air was thick with humidity, so much so that cracking open a window left a thin sheen of water on our skin.
Parking the car on the large parking lot just below the Environmental Centre, we headed up a flight of (slippery) stairs to the entrance. Here you will find a set of geothermal pools and cascading hot springs. These geothermal features are fueled by the island’s volcanic activity, where underground magma heats water that bubbles to the surface, forming naturally warm pools.
The Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Centre offers two activities. The first, a peek in the Interpretation Centre itself. The small museum explains the island’s volcanic formation, the importance of geothermal energy, and the rich biodiversity of the Azores. This took us about 15 minutes to get through.
The second activity was a lot more relaxing, taking a soak in the geothermal pools. There are three pools to choose from: Upper-level pool with a waterfall, this one is cold! And two pools opposite the Interpretation Centre. The latter are nice and warm, but rather small. To enter the warm pools you need to book a specific timeslot. You are then given a colored bracelet at the entrance which is synonymous with your timeslot.
PRACTICAL | A few rather spartan changing rooms are available, though they tend to be very full. We put our bathing suits on under our regular clothing. Lockers are available but need to be paid for in advance at the entrance. Most people just end up putting their stuff around the pools (do not leave any valuables here though!).
ADDRESS | Estrada Regional da Lagoa do Fogo, 9600-590 Ribeira Grande, Portugal
FEES | €3 to merely visit; €10 if you want to also swim in the pools
OPENING HOURS | Daily 09:30 am to 6:00 pm
12. Try the traditional fair: Cozido das Furnas
Cozido das Furnas is a traditional Azorean stew, renowned for its unique geothermal cooking method in the village of Furnas on São Miguel Island. This hearty dish features a mix of meats—beef, chicken, pork, and sausage—alongside vegetables like potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and taro, all seasoned simply to let the natural flavors shine. It is slow-cooked in pots buried underground near Furnas’ volcanic hot springs, where geothermal heat steams the ingredients over several hours.
WHERE TO TRY IT | As a vegetarian, I did not try the stew, but my travel companion did. We headed to the restaurant of the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel in Furnas. They also have a pretty wide selection of vegetarian options on the menu.
13. Visit the Mata Jardim José do Canto
After soaking in the geothermal pools of the Interpretation Centre we headed out to the Mata Jardim José do Canto on the banks of Lagoa das Furnas on São Miguel Island.
This lush botanical garden was created in the 19th century by José do Canto, a prominent Azorean landowner, botanist, and visionary. The garden spans 17 hectares and features a stunning variety of flora, including towering sequoias, vibrant camellias, azaleas, and rare tropical plants sourced from around the globe.
My favorite part of the garden is the Neo-Gothic chapel (Capela da Nossa Senhora das Vitorias), a striking architectural piece built by José do Canto as a family mausoleum. The chapel itself is not open to the public and in dire need of some TLC. Rumor has it a project is underway to restore the chapel in the coming years.
The garden holds another little secret/ The Salto do Rosal is a 30-meter high waterfall that requires a short 20-minute walk to get to from the entrance of the garden itself. Follow the signs for the Sequoia, then continue on until you hit the waterfall.
ADDRESS | Margem Sul da Lagoa das, 9675-090 Furnas, Portugal
FEE | €2 per person
OPENING HOURS | Daily 10:00 am to 05:00 pm
PARKING | Park the car on the large (free) parking lot located off EN1-1A. Just before the start of the Trilho da Lagoa das Furnas. A 10-minute walk from the parking will bring you to the entrance of the park.
14. Get your feet wet in the Ribeira Quente waterfall
This much lesser-known place to visit on São Miguel Island was whispered to us by local friends. The waterfall was a little heart-attack-inducing to get to. The reason for this has everything to do with its location: Between two tunnels off the road north of Ribeira Quente (EN2-2A). A tiny parking lot is available inside one of the tunnels, keep your eyes peeled for the entrance!
After parking the car, we walked about 200 meters inside the tunnel to get to the trailhead for this waterfall. A 10-minute walk takes you from the road right up to the waterfall itself. You might want to put on a pair of good sneakers to walk down or sturdy sandals that can get wet as you will need to traipse through a small river.
15. Hike around the Lagoa do Congro
If you find yourself with a bit of time to spare while exploring São Miguel Island, consider heading to Lagoa do Congro. This bottle-green crater lake is located at the very center of the island and is surrounded by lush forest. The lake has not made it to the classic tourist itinerary yet, which means it remains rather tranquil, even in high season.
Park your car on the official parking lot and hike a short 15 minutes to the edge of the lake. Weather permitting bring along a picnic and have lunch here. Alternatively, lace up your hiking boots and hike the dirt path taking you in a loop around the lake (1,8 km).
16. Catch sunrise at Lagoa do Fogo
If there was ever a reason to kick yourself out of bed bright and early, this is it. Perched within a volcanic caldera at 575 meters above sea level lies Lagoa do Fogo, or “Lake of Fire”. Thanks to strict conservation efforts by the local government, this patch of nature has remained wonderfully untouched by the human hand.
We got extremely lucky and caught a semi-clear day on our first try. This lake is notoriously shy and tends to hide behind thick layers of fog for many a sunrise. There were two main viewpoints along the EN5-2A route that are worth stopping at the first is Miradouro do Pico da Barrosa and the other Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo. Both have a small car park where you can drop the car safely.
From the Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo you can take a set of sandy stairs bringing you to the very bottom of the crater and the bank of the lake. We opted not to hike down due to time constraints, but if you are interested in hiking there are 6 hikes up on Alltrails ranging from 1,4 km to 30 km.
17. Warm up in the Furnas Caldeiras and Fumaroles
Remember that Cozido das Furnas meal I told you about? Well, that is cooked right here in the boiling hot springs (or caldeiras) of Furnas. The Caldeira das Furnas is located on the outskirts of the Furnas village and is one of the few spots on the island where you can observe fumaroles up close. In case you did not know (like me prior to visiting the Azores), Fumaroles are vents or openings at the surface where volcanic gases and vapors are emitted.
Sadly the rain started absolutely coming down in buckets when we were planning on visiting. Tickets cost €3 per person and can be bought at the entrance.
TIP | If you want to get a really nice view over the caldeira, village of Furnas and the eponymous lake drive up to Miradouro do Pico do Ferro. It tends to get busy so you might have the squeeze to get parking.
18. Eat Chocolate in O Chocolatinho
As a Belgian, I am not proud of many things my country produces. Chocolate however is a notable exception, goodness me do we have that art down! So whenever I travel abroad and am offered local chocolate, I will always give it a try but in usually ends up in disappointment.
O Chocolatinho managed to hit the mark. We stopped in for a really delicious hot chocolate as we were hiding from the rain. I later learned this local chocolate factory uses Belgian chocolate and mixes it with typical flavors of the Azores. We stuck with hot chocolate, but they do have a very large assortment of pralines on offer too. Well worth a pitstop if you are in the northern part of the island.
ADDRESS | R. de Nossa Sra. da Conceição 21, Ribeira Grande
OPENING HOURS | Daily 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
19. Try the local brew in Mulher do Capote
Located a few streets down from O Ochocolatinho lies the storefront of the distiller of Mulher do Capote. This locally crafted Azorean liqueur is made with aguardente (sugarcane spirit), herbs, and often honey, it has a sweet yet robust flavor. The name, meaning “Woman of the Cape,” is inspired by a local legend of a mysterious woman roaming the island’s misty landscapes. Tastings are available upon request.
ADDRESS | R. de Gonçalo Bezerra 13, Ribeira Grande
OPENING HOURS | Daily 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
20. Nip some tea at the only tea plantation in Europe
Did you know we have our very own tea plantation in Europe? Yeah, me neither! Cha Gorreana is one of the oldest and sole surviving tea plantations in Europe. Dating back to the 19th century and to this day still family-owned. The full domain spans about 32 hectares of lush, rolling fields overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
The plantation specializes in the production of black and green teas, grown and processed without chemical pesticides, resulting in organic and aromatic brews.
Make sure to allocate enough time as there is actually a number of things to do on the plantation. First off, explore the factory where antique machinery is still in use, to learn about the traditional methods of tea cultivation, drying, and rolling. Self-guided tours allow a peek into every step of the tea-making process. The factory is located in the main building, just next to the small tasting room and shop.
Looking to stretch your legs? Take the 3,5 km loop hike around the plantation. The route for the hike is indicated on a wooden panel just inside the tea plantation itself. Alternatively, you can do as we did and aimlessly meander through the plantation (stick to the path and do not pick any of the tea!). The bulk of the plantation is located on the opposite side of the road to the tea factory and tea shop.
TIP | The small shop offers a free sampling of tea as well as a variety of different cookies made from tea (these need to be purchased at the counter though).
ADDRESS | Plantações de Chá Gorreana, 9625-304 Maia, Portugal
FEE | Free
OPENING HOURS | Daily 09.00 am – 06.00 pm
22. Ribeira dos Caldeirões
Yet another waterfall to add to your São Miguel Island itinerary. Pinky swear, this one is just as epic as the previous two mentioned above. Nestled in the lush northeast of São Miguel Island, Ribeira dos Caldeirões is a natural park mostly known for its, you guessed it, cascading waterfalls formed by the eponymous stream.
The prettiest and largest waterfall is located off the road, just past the entrance to the park. Many people simply stop here, take a snap and leave. Honestly, that would be a real shame! Continue along the short path behind to waterfall to a couple more secluded falls. Here you might even be able to sneak in a swim.
Time permitting, take a stroll around the park itself. It’s much lesser visited than other corners of the island. The entrance is free of charge. Picnic benches are dotted around the small park, the perfect place to grab lunch on the go.
TIP FOR THE ADVENTURE SEEKER | Ribeira dos Caldeirões is a very popular spot to go canyoning. We had booked the experience, but had to cancel due to the weather. It looked so much fun though! Tours start at €65 per person and last about 3 hours. Book them online.
23. Explore the East Coast
The eastern coast of São Miguel Island is famed for its fantastic sunrises. The two viewpoints you absolutely do not want to miss are the Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego and the Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada.
Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego has a small botanical garden attached to it with a couple of walking trails, bathrooms ,and picnic tables. The perfect spot to grab breakfast as you watch the sun come up! During Summer the Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada has a row of wild hydrangeas blossoming along a dirt path curving around the mountain ridge.
Aside from the view, there is nothing much to do on these viewpoints but if you are on this side of the island, they are worth making a pitstop.
4 – Day São Miguel Island Itinerary
DAY ONE: West-Coast – Arrival Ponta Delagada, Pineapple plantation, Sete Cidades Lakes including sunset at Miradouro da Boca do Inferno or alternatively sunset at Mosteuros Beach.
DAY TWO: Centre of the Island – Sunrise at Lagoa do Fogo, Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Centre, Miradouro do Pico da Barrosa, Gorreana Tea Plantation, Ribeira Grande (O-Chocolatino and Mulher do Capote Liquor Tasting).
DAY THREE: Centre and South Coast – Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Paz, whale watching or diving from Vila Franca do Campo or island excursion to Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo, Furnas, Furnas Lakes and Mata Jardim José do Canto. Time permitting Cascata da Riberia Quente. Dinner at Terra Nostra Garden Hotel to try the Cozido das Furnas.
DAY FOUR: East-Coast – Sunrise Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada,Farol do Arnel, (Canyoning) Ribeira dos Caldeirões. Time permitting you might want to add in Lagoa do Congro on your way back to Ponta Delgada.
Where to Stay in São Miguel Island
WATCH OUT | If you are considering staying in Ponta Delgada, be very careful when booking. There are various cities in Portugal that go by the same name so double-check before you confirm your booking that your pick is actually the capital of São Miguel island!
WHERE WE STAYED: The Farm – Azores Boutique Hotel
Without a doubt the best place we stayed throughout our entire Azores trip. The staff was super friendly, location very central, on-site parking, a lifesavor, and the breakfast, gosh there are not enough words to describe the breakfast/brunch spread!
LUXURY PICK: Do Colegio
This beautiful hotel is located in a fully renovated historical 19th-century manor. This would definitely be my second pick: The beautiful architecture, central location, and on-site restaurant using locally sourced ingrediënts might just have something to do with that!
BOUTIQUE B&B: Casa do Campo de São Francisco
This quaint B&B is located in the heart of Ponta Delgada. Located a 2-minute walk from the main sights of Ponta Delgada. What attracted me to this hotel was the historical nature of the building, the garden, and sea views!
How to get around São Miguel Azores
RENT A CAR | We ended up renting a car right at the airport. The number of rental cars available on São Miguel Island is limited so make sure you book way in advance. Before you go, make sure to read up on what to expect when renting a car in the Azores. Check pricing and book online.
TOUR | If you do not feel comfortable driving, there are a host of affordable tour options ranging from €50 to €110 per person. Have a browse on Viator or GetYourGuide for the best tours.
Practical Tips for Traveling to São Miguel Azores
What to pack for the Azores
The Azores have a generally tepid, oceanic, mild to warm subtropical climate. Leave your heavy clothes at home, temperature wise the islands never drop below 13°C (55°F). What you will want to pack is a good raincoat, hiking boots, and many breathable layers of clothing.
Weather in the Azores
Keep an eye on the weather via the Spot Azores Webcams set-up across the various islands for this very purpose. As is oftentimes the case for islands, the weather can be very fickle. We noticed that traditional weather apps did not really work for the Azores and relied on these webcams instead.
Best time to visit São Miguel island
The driest months of the year are between June and September, this is also the time of year when the flowers tend to come out. That being said, prices triple and the islands are absolutely jam-packed. Personally I would avoid these months at all costs instead opting for shoulder season. We visited in October and were able to walk around in a T-shirt!
How to get to São Miguel Island
Fly into São Miguel’s Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL), the main gateway to the Azores. The city is connected to various airports in Europe and the US. From there, regional carrier SATA/Azores Airlines provides frequent flights to the other islands in the Azores.
MORE TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR VISITING THE AZORES
AZORES: 50 Things to do in the Azores
AZORES: 10 Day Azores Itinerary
AZORES: Renting a car in the Azores: Wisom or folly?
FAIAL: The perfect 1-2 day Faial itinerary
PICO: 7 Unmissable things to do in Pico Island
TERCEIRA: 10 Must visit places in Terceira
SAO MIGUEL ISLAND: Visiting Miradouro da Boca do Inferno on São Miguel Island
Things to do in São Miguel Island – Pin it
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