The Ultimate São Miguel Itinerary: 4 Perfect Days in the Azores
- evesymington
- Apr 17
- 21 min read
Updated: Apr 18
Should you travel to the Azores? Absolutely. If you're wondering, "What even are the Azores?" Read on!
We loved our visit to São Miguel, the largest of the Azorean archipelago. It's a stunning volcanic island afloat in the North Atlantic with a plethora of activities to keep you busy, from hiking and kayaking to dining out in Ponta Delgada to cultural exploration.
You can also just drive around the extremely beautiful countryside, gazing at cows. They outnumber people, no joke!
If you’re looking for an overview of the Azores covering everything from the history to the different islands to weather to transportation, check out our Essential Guide to the Azores here! If you’re traveling with kids, we also have mega-guides on kid travel (everything from flight hacks to jet lag to our favorite travel gear).
Here’s how we spent four perfect days in São Miguel, and how you can too – kids and all!
4-Day São Miguel Itinerary Quick Peek:
I'm New Here. What Are the Azores?
I once found myself asking the same thing... Our flight search results first gave us the idea to go to the Azores! We were planning a trip to Portugal, and E spotted a great flight deal on Azores Airlines, with a stop in São Miguel. We were intrigued! We decided to book the two trip legs separately, giving us a glorious 4-day stopover in São Miguel. You’ll fly into the main city of Ponta Delgada. They speak Portuguese, though we didn't have trouble getting by on English.
The Azores are a perfect WS&T destination: less luxury travel & high-energy nightlife, more soaking in nature and culture.
The Azores are an oasis in the middle of the North Atlantic. Located about 1000 miles west of Lisbon, they’re even more remote than Hawaii, the Galapagos Islands, and Iceland. Looking out from any of the many jaw-dropping viewpoints, you truly feel like you’re in the middle of the ocean. São Miguel is about 290 square miles (or 746 square kilometers)—roughly the size of Maui. It’s around 40 miles (65 km) long and 9 miles (15 km) wide at its widest point.
The lush archipelago is made up of nine volcanic islands, which sprung from the lava eruptions beneath the ocean floor. There are tons of opportunities for outdoor activities ranging from very adventuresome to quietly contemplative, as well as whales to watch, hot springs to soak in, and tea to sip. The islands have invested heavily in sustainable eco-tourism and conservation of their many natural resources. For more on Azorean history, weather, language, and island-hopping, see our Essential Guide to the Azores.
São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores, is a lush, volcanic paradise over 1000 miles from mainland Portugal. Nicknamed the “Green Island,” it boasts crater lakes, dramatic coastlines, and steaming hot springs. Settled by the Portuguese in the 15th century, São Miguel has a rich seafaring past and was once a key stop for ships crossing the ocean. Today, it blends old-world charm—cobblestone streets and baroque churches—with wild natural.
It’s also been the recipient of tons of recent investment by the E.U., so you’ll notice that many of the buildings and much of the infrastructure feels brand new.
When Is the Best Time to Visit São Miguel?
As we often say at WS&T, there’s no bad time to travel. And we know that sometimes, kids’ schedules mean you can only travel during certain weeks of the year. Each season in the Azores offers something unique, and as long as you’re prepared for the variable weather, you’ll have a great time no matter what. And honestly, even during high season the weather is super variable since you’re on a rock in the middle of the ocean… there was one or two times that we had to return to a site on a different day because it was too foggy to see on our first attempt.
June–September (High Season): Warm, sunny, and perfect for hiking, swimming, and whale watching. Hydrangeas bloom, everything’s picture-perfect—but it’s also the busiest and most expensive time.
April–May & October (Shoulder Season): Milder weather, fewer crowds. Spring is lush and green; October has lingering summer warmth and vineyard harvests, though with a bit more rain.
November–March (Off Season): Cool, rainy, and quiet—but peaceful and atmospheric. Great for hot springs, low prices, and empty trails. Just bring layers and flexibility.
Best Whale Watching: April to June is peak for migratory giants like blue and fin whales. Summer offers calm seas and frequent sightings of sperm whales and dolphins. Even in winter, resident species can often be spotted—especially around Pico, Faial, and São Miguel.
WS&T Travel Tip: No matter the time of year, we recommend bringing a light rain jacket (for both wind and rain); the weather changes on a dime!
Can You Travel to São Miguel on a Budget?
You can travel to São Miguel on a budget… to a point. Flights from mainland Europe can be surprisingly cheap, especially with low-cost carriers. Coming from the US, we were pleasantly surprised by the flight prices on Azores Airlines. Once you’re on the island, your biggest expenses will be the rental car and your accommodations. Rental car prices were reasonable in September, but the accommodation prices tended to be higher than what we normally go for – which is why we went with slightly more affordable Airbnbs. But keep in mind that we’re not talking crazy expensive – you should be able to find hotels for less than $200/night.
If you’re on a tighter budget, you can use the public bus system and look for a hostel or guesthouse.
Many of the island’s best experiences—like hiking to crater lakes, soaking in hot springs, or wandering coastal towns—are either free or cost just a few euros. Even dining out can be reasonable, with plenty of casual spots serving fresh local food without tourist prices.
The most expensive time to visit São Miguel—and the Azores in general—is June through September, which is peak season. Holidays can also spike prices—especially around Easter and Christmas—when both locals and travelers are on the move. If you’re looking to save, aim for the shoulder seasons (April–May or October).
So, it’s doable on a budget, though the hotel options are fairly limited and we definitely recommend planning to have a rental car.
Arriving in São Miguel
If you’re flying into São Miguel from the U.S., Europe, or anywhere around the world, you’ll land in Ponta Delgada at the João Paulo II Airport, located a short 2 km outside of the city. Check out SATA Air Açores (aka Azores Airlines) for flight deals. We were pleased to find that our flights to São Miguel were inexpensive and the flight was less than 6 hours from New York City. If you’re coming from Europe, the flight was only 2.5 hours from Lisbon.
WS&T Money Tip: There is a range of ATMs in the arrivals hall, so it should be easy to withdraw a chunk of Euros to start your journey. There is also a currency exchange counter if you’ve brought cash with you. Try to use your travel credit card as much as possible! Get those points and fee reimbursements! Learn more about the card we trust in our article covering all the pros and cons to travel cards.
Getting to Your Hotel:
We highly recommend renting a car on São Miguel – it’s absolutely the best way to see the island! We rented a car from EuropCar and had a great experience.
Here’s what you need to know about renting a car in São Miguel:
The main car rental agencies have their offices clearly visible in the main arrivals hall, just after baggage claim. Although you’ll see many smaller companies with rock-bottom prices, we highly recommend choosing a rental car agency you’re familiar with.
We’ve had bad luck with some of these “cheapy” companies in the past because they are inconveniently located and require extra steps like hard-to-find shuttle buses. That was the case in São Miguel; I had originally booked a car through something called Ace Rentals, which apparently had a shuttle bus which arrived out in the parking lot. I could not find it! I tried calling them and couldn’t get through. Frustrated, we finally got a taxi to their address, but we couldn’t find it at first because the agency has a small office located inside Way2Azores, a larger rental car agency. I was so annoyed with their lack of customer service, pre-arrival info, or details on the internet, that I cancelled the rental and went with EuropCar. That was probably the only annoying thing on our whole time in the Azores!
Cheap companies also usually:
Offer lower-quality vehicles.
Have bad customer service.
Make it difficult to change your plans or report an issue.
Final price may be higher.
Anyway, I’m sure some folks have a perfectly fine experience with Ace or Way2Azores, but especially if you’re traveling with kids it’s much more convenient to go with a known rental brand and have your car right outside the airport, rather than going through a bunch of extra hoops.
WS&T Tip: Rent as small a car as possible for you & your fam! You’ll thank us on narrow streets with tight parking, or out on rutted scenic roads with minimal turnout points.
Other Transport Options:
Public Transportation: If you’re solo or backpacking on a budget. You board the bus, tell the driver your destination, and pay the fare based on where you’re headed (usually under €3 per person). You can get a monthly pass, but that requires a visit to the bus company’s office in Ponta Delgada. Google Maps is surprisingly accurate for stops and schedules, though buses tend to run 5–10 minutes late. Service between major towns like Ponta Delgada and Furnas is decent but limited, so plan ahead.
Rideshares: No Uber or any other ridesharing companies exist on São Miguel yet!
Taxi: São Miguel has yellow taxis (with very friendly drivers!). You’ll see the line of taxis right out front as you exit the airport. Remember to double check the fare and ask if they take credit cards before you mount up.
WS&T Bratpacker Tip: Make sure your Taxi has the rear seatbelts accessible before loading up all your luggage. Sometimes the driver needs to dig them out of the seat for you.
Where to Stay in São Miguel
São Miguel has a surprising amount of geographic variety for such a small island! We actually decided to stay in two different Airbnbs despite our short trip, because we wanted to get two distinct experiences on the island.
The great thing is that the island is small enough that you’ll be able to see everything you want no matter where you stay. You can’t really go wrong. In fact, if you don’t mind staying outside the walkable city center, you might want to research hotels and Airbnbs and go with whatever looks coolest to you, rather than specifically choosing an area first.
Either way, here’s an overview of the different regions of the island:
Ponta Delgada & the South Coast: This is the island’s hub—home to the airport, most restaurants, shops, and a livelier vibe. It’s a great base for first-time visitors, with easy access to nearby sights, bus connections, and a walkable central city area.
Furnas (East): A lush, steamy valley known for hot springs, geothermal activity, and botanical gardens. It’s quieter and more traditional, perfect if you’re into nature and a slower pace.
Sete Cidades & the West: Dramatic scenery with crater lakes, cliffs, and rolling green hills. It’s less populated and more about scenic drives and hikes. Great for day trips, though might not be a place you’d want to base yourself – unless you find a great rental!
North Coast: A mix of farmland, surf spots (like Ribeira Grande), and sleepy villages. You’ll find black-sand beaches, tea plantations, and fewer crowds.
The Interior: All about the nature! You’ll find volcanic peaks, thermal springs, and epic views, especially around Lagoa do Fogo.
Our Hotel Picks on São Miguel:
We chose to stay in two different Airbnbs during our trip. The first was in a modern tech-park sort of area right outside Ponta Delgada. Swank apartment with easy access to the city.
Then we stayed in a fairly remote farmhouse in the far East of the island, with a long, tricky dirt entrance. But the gorgeous valley views (and nearby cows!) made it totally worth it. Note that if you’re staying somewhere more remote, you’ll want to plan ahead for dinner – we cooked dinner in our Airbnb kitchen.
If you’d prefer to go for a hotel, here are some wonderful options:
Casa do Campo de São Francisco: Family-friendly suites in a lovely Azorean building, right in downtown Ponta Delgada. Self-parking and buffet breakfast.
Convento de São Francisco: Located on the southern coast near the beach, this boutique hotel is a gorgeous historical building that was a former convent. Outdoor pool, self-parking, and breakfast included. **Note the similarity in name to the hotel above!
Whales Bay Hotel: Modern hotel with family-friendly apartments, spa, gym, pool, breakfast, and parking. Located in a small village with other amenities and activities. Northwest coast.
Casa do Moinho: Simple but well-kept guesthouse near the southeast coast with a rooftop terrace and free parking.
AirBnB: Consider an Airbnb apartment in the center of town, which will make baby life a little easier!
Where to Eat in São Miguel
São Miguel is known for ultra-fresh seafood, slow-cooked stews, and island-grown produce. You’ll find Atlantic favorites like lapas (grilled limpets with garlic and butter) and cracas (gooseneck barnacles)—strange-looking, but a local delicacy. Don’t miss the cozido das Furnas, a hearty meat-and-veggie stew slow-cooked underground using volcanic steam. It’s possibly more novel than delicious (shh, don't tell the locals I said that), but you certainly won’t go hungry. Local beef is high quality, and spicy chouriço sausage is everywhere—sometimes flambéed in aguardente.
Bakeries serve up pillowy bolo lêvedo (part English muffin, part brioche), creamy queijadas da Vila, and pão com chouriço. São Miguel also grows its own pineapples in greenhouses (they’re small and sweet), and has Europe’s only tea plantations at Gorreana and Chá Porto Formoso. Wash it all down with a glass of volcanic Azorean wine—Verdelho from Pico is especially popular—or a nip of passionfruit liqueur.
Our Restaurant Picks on São Miguel:
· A Tasca (Ponta Delgada): Set in the heart of Ponta Delgada, A Tasca is casual but always super busy. The menu covers all the traditional dishes from Azorean cheeses and chouriço to fresh seafood and buttery limpets. Pro tip: go early or be prepared to wait (and grab a drink while you do). We came too late on our first try, so we ended up coming here for lunch on our way out of town.
· Otaka (Ponta Delgada): This intimate spot blends Japanese technique with local Azorean ingredients: sashimi with São Jorge cheese or toro with island yuzu. Try the thoughtfully-presented tasting menu, and book ahead!
· Casa Nostra Açores (Ponta Delgada): Schwanky dinner with elevated Azorean fare. Some dishes were better than others (the “old cow” wasn’t our favorite, but that’s probably on us for ordering it…) but the apps and the pasta dishes were delicious, especially the steak tartare.
· Cais 20 (São Roque, just outside Ponta Delgada): A local favorite for seafood, Cais 20 is right on the water and perfect for a long, leisurely lunch. The seafood rice and grilled limpets are popular but ask what the fresh catch is that day. Unpretentious and hearty.
· Restaurante Associação Agrícola (Ribeira Grande area): This one’s for the carnivores. Located at the island’s farming co-op, this restaurant serves some of the best steak on São Miguel—pair with bold red wine or a garlicky punch of pimenta da terra.
· Tony’s (Furnas): Tony’s is the go-to for cozido, the hearty volcanic stew slow-cooked underground. It’s an experience!
· Bar Caloura (South Coast)This cliffside seafood restaurant near Água de Pau is worth the detour. You’ll eat overlooking the sea, often with local fish caught that morning. The grilled tuna is delicious.
· A Quinta (Lagoa): Set in a restored farmhouse, A Quinta offers a more refined take on traditional Azorean flavors in a cozy setting surrounded by gardens.
· Solar Branco Eco Estate: Inside the elegant Solar Branco Eco Estate, the Gin Library holds one of the world’s largest collections of gin. You can book a tasting experience or just sip a craft G&T in an old colonial villa surrounded by gardens. Bonus: there’s also an intimate sushi restaurant on site that brings a little Tokyo-meets-Atlantic luxury to the island. You have to book ahead, and this spot is not really near anything else so you’ll be making a (fun!) special trip. Adults only, and you gotta dress up a little bit.
Now we’ll dive into our 4-day São Miguel Itinerary!
Note that we’ve assumed you’re basing yourself near Ponta Delgada, but if you decide to stay elsewhere or split your time, feel free to mix up the order of the days and activities! Also, if you’re into more adventurous activities like boat trips or spelunking, jump down to our list here!
Day 1: Ponta Delgada + Gorreana Tea Plantation
Welcome to São Miguel!
Start your morning in Ponta Delgada, the island’s charming capital. Grab breakfast at a local café—bolo lêvedo with butter and a strong espresso is a solid choice—then take a stroll through the cobblestone streets, checking out some of the city’s historical sites along the way.
Take a pic at the Portas da Cidade, the city’s iconic archway, and peek into Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião, a dramatic 16th-century church. The Mercado da Graça is nearby and worth a wander if it’s early in the morning (it really empties out later in the day). Locals come here for pineapples, fresh cheese, and colorful produce.
E is obsessed with museums great and small, epic and weird, so we had to hit up the the Carlos Machado Museum. It offers a mighty quirky mix of natural history, religious art, island heritage—and lots of old, creepy taxidermy animals—all set inside a former convent.
After your city exploration, hop in the car and head northeast toward the Gorreana Tea Factory—about a 40-minute drive. Take a quick pause at the Miradouro de Santa Iria, a clifftop lookout with sweeping ocean views and rolling green hills that seem to go on forever.
WS&T Travel Tip: Dude. Every viewpoint on this island is insanely gorgeous. Stop at all of them.
At the Gorreana Tea Factory, you’ll find Europe’s only tea plantation. You can walk through the factory floor, watch the old machines in action, and then sample their black and green teas on a terrace that overlooks neat rows of tea plants running all the way to the sea. They also have yummy pastries. You can go on a mini-hike through the fields of tea leaves as well. If you’re curious to compare, Chá Porto Formoso is just a few minutes down the road. It’s smaller and more intimate, with equally scenic views and a cozy café.
On your way back toward Ponta Delgada, you can opt for a visit to the Caldeira Velha, a magical nature preserve with a geothermal hot spring nestled into a lush, jungly valley. You can walk through the nature paths (which have an interesting signage about the geological history) and you can also soak in the hot springs. They have a parking lot and a changing room with lockers. They do timed reservations, which are a good idea especially during busy months. Kid friendly!
If you’re feeling peckish afterward, swing through Ribeira Grande, a laid-back coastal town with a pretty historic center and a few cafés perfect for a late lunch. You’ll find lava-stone architecture, surfy vibes, and maybe a bolo de arroz, which is a sort of Portuguese rice muffin situation.
As you make your way back toward the capital, consider one final detour: the Plantação de Ananás A Arruda, just ten minutes outside of Ponta Delgada. Here, greenhouses cultivate São Miguel’s famously sweet pineapples using a slow, traditional method that takes nearly two years from start to finish. It’s a short, self-guided visit, and you’ll find a small museum and shop with pineapple goodies.
Wrap up your day with dinner back in Ponta Delgada (check out all our favorite spots above) then get a good night’s rest!
Day 2: Sete Cidades + Crater Lakes
Grab some breakfast in Ponta Delgada (we somehow ended up in a small café with a giant pile of meat & eggs which was surprisingly delicious, though made us want to crawl back in bed for a nap), then say hello to the passing cows as you head west.
Today you’re visiting Sete Cidades, São Miguel’s legendary twin lakes tucked inside a massive volcanic caldera. The drive is beautiful—rolling green hills, winding roads, and glimpses of the Atlantic as you climb higher. If the skies are clear, make your first stop at Miradouro da Vista do Rei, one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Azores. From here, you’ll see the two lakes—one blue, one green—nestled side by side inside the ancient crater. They’re actually connected, but the color difference is real and part of local legend.
WS&T Travel Tip: Be ready to swap day-plans here; we tried to visit Sete Cidades on our second day and were thwarted by super heavy fog, so we came back the next day and had a lovely, clear view.
Nearby, the Água de Pau Aqueduct and its most photogenic stretch, the Muro das Nove Janelas (“Wall of the Nine Windows”), are remnants of an ambitious 17th- and 18th-century engineering feat—built to carry spring water from the hills to Ponta Delgada. A fun stop for history lovers!
For an even more dramatic vista, stop at the Miradouro da Boca do Inferno. Tucked just a short drive (and quick hike) from Lagoa do Canário, this viewpoint offers a sweeping, almost surreal panorama of the Sete Cidades caldera, with views stretching across Lagoa das Sete Cidades, Lagoa Rasa, Lagoa de Santiago, and Lagoa do Canário. The path to the viewpoint is short and well-marked, winding through mossy forest and volcanic ridgelines. On a clear day, it’s one of the most breathtaking vistas you’ll find anywhere on the island.
Check out the nearby shell of the Monte Palace Hotel. This abandoned 1980s five-star resort looms over the viewpoint like a ghost of tourism dreams past. It’s graffiti-covered, crumbling, and oddly cinematic. You’re not allowed to go inside, though a lot of people do (of course). It’s definitely eerie!
This is also a great place to grab lunch from a cute food truck called Komaki Burger Truck—the burgers were really good!
If you’re up for a big hike after lunch, the Vista do Rei to Sete Cidades trail is a local favorite with a dramatic payoff. This 7.5 km crater-rim hike (about 2.5–3 hours one way) serves up panoramic views almost the entire way. It’s not too difficult, but pack layers—clouds and sun like to trade places often here. If you’re short on time or energy, you can always hike a shorter stretch and drive the rest of the way down into the village. Depending on your timing, you can also grab lunch in the village.
Then, you’ve got a few options. You can wander around the lakeshore, rent a kayak or paddleboard (calm crater = smooth paddling), or visit the tiny but charming São Nicolau Church. If your legs still have some hike left in them, consider the Lagoa de Santiago trail nearby—shorter, lush, and leading to a lesser-known emerald crater lake.
On your way back, detour to Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado for an unforgettable sunset to end your day… well, besides dinner, of course!
Day 3: Waterfall Hike + Furnas
Day 3 dawns! By now, we were completely entranced by São Miguel’s charms, and we were already discussing how we would split the year between home in the US and a picturesque, volcanic rock cottage.
Start your day on the island’s quiet southeast coast in the village of Faial da Terra, where the hike to Salto do Prego begins. This trail doesn’t get as much buzz as some of the crater hikes up north, but it was peaceful and beautiful—we really enjoyed it. The loop is about 4.5 km (a little under 3 miles) and takes around 2 hours, depending on how often you stop to pet the mossy stone walls and tangled fern canopies. The main event is the waterfall itself: Salto do Prego, a tall, narrow cascade spilling into a cold pool tucked in a green ravine.
As you head back, keep an eye out for Sanguinho, a partially restored ghost village along the trail. It’s a small cluster of stone houses that were once abandoned, now slowly coming back to life.
We ended up grabbing picnic items from the little market in Faial da Terra for lunch, or you can eat in Furnas.
After the hike, you’ll drive about 30 minutes north to Furnas, the geothermal heart of São Miguel. You’ll likely smell Furnas before you see it! Sulfur hangs in the air, thanks to the bubbling fumaroles and steaming vents that dot the landscape. Stop by Lagoa das Furnas, where you can actually watch locals and restaurants pulling pots of cozido—a traditional meat-and-veggie stew—out of holes in the volcanic soil. Yes, it cooks underground in the earth for hours! Volcano stew! We did part of the hike that encircles the Lagoa and really enjoyed the views… and the random wizard statue.
Before you eat, take a walk through the Caldeiras das Furnas, a surreal stretch of steamy craters and boiling pools right in the middle of town. It… is… aliiiiive! If you have time, stop by the Terra Nostra Gardens where you can wander around or take a hot spring dip (just don’t wear your best swimsuit—those minerals leave a mark).
Another option for a hot springs soak is Poça da Dona Beija. It’s a series of shallow, mineral-rich pools, artfully landscaped with bamboo, ferns, and flowing thermal water. It’s open late—usually until 11 p.m. Entry is €8 per adult for a 1.5-hour session (cash or card accepted), and you can rent towels and there are lockers on site if needed.
Check out the Casa Invertida—or Upside Down House—an architectural curiosity, this structure is actually a cleverly designed power station that appears to be flipped on its roof, complete with a grass-covered “floor” overhead. The Azores—so quirky!
Then it’s time to try the stew! Try Tony’s or Restaurante Vale das Furnas, both known for their cozido das Furnas. It’s a big pile of meat and veggies: layers of beef, pork, chicken, sausages, cabbage, kale, potatoes, and yams, all slow-cooked in volcanic heat. We shared one cozido and were barely able to get through two thirds of it… it is a lot of food. Meanwhile, there was a very businesslike German couple to our right who each ordered a cozido and proceeded to put. them. away. Very impressive.
By the time you drive back to Ponta Delgada (about 45 minutes), you’ll be full, slightly sulfur-scented, and ready for a cozy sleep.
Day 4: A Relaxed Farewell
Before you leave this magical place, make sure you eat something you haven’t tried yet! We decided to finally sample the limpets as our last meal in the Azores… they were yummy!
Then, it’s time to drive your rental car back to the airport… or call the airline and extend your stay! If you’re interested in more adventurous activities, be sure to read on.
More Ways to Soak, Paddle, and Explore on São Miguel
If you’re up for more adventuresome activities or have older kids, check out these exciting options. Most are not baby-friendly, so we’ll just have to come back when AJ’s older!
Boat Trip and Snorkeling on the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo
This dramatic little islet just off the south coast is actually the flooded crater of an ancient volcano, now a perfectly round natural swimming pool surrounded by cliffs and teeming with marine life. The only way to reach it is by boat (available from mid-June to September-ish), and while the ride is short—about 10 minutes—the logistics take a bit of planning.
Daily visitor numbers are capped to protect the ecosystem, so it’s essential to buy tickets online in advance and arrive early, even if you’ve pre-booked. The ticket office opens at 9:45, but the queue starts forming well before 8:30, especially in peak season. After you snag your spot, you’ll wait again to board your scheduled boat (usually starting around 10:00 AM and running hourly until 5:00 PM).
Return ferries typically depart about 10 minutes past each hour, giving you flexibility to stay as long as you like—though on sunny days, you might find yourself lingering longer than planned. Once there, expect a rugged setup—sunbathing happens on lava rock, not lounge chairs—so bring snorkel gear, a beach towel, plenty of sunscreen, and a backpack cooler with snacks. The water is stunningly clear and calm, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or just floating around in a natural “bride’s ring” of turquoise. On sunny days, you could easily spend a few hours here. If the weather turns or space fills up fast, you might be in for a shorter visit.
Whale Watching!
The Azores are one of the best places in the world to see whales, and Picos de Aventura runs eco-conscious tours from Ponta Delgada, and you can also check out Moby Dick Tours and Terra Azul. Blue whales glide by in spring, sperm whales hang out year-round, and you’ll likely spot dolphins tagging along too. You’re not guaranteed a sighting, but when it happens, it’s magic… or so Eve hears!
Sea Cave Tour from Rabo de Peixe
If you want something a little more off the beaten path, head to Rabo de Peixe on the north coast for a boat tour of sea caves, cliffs, and dramatic coastline. You’ll zip along the Atlantic, ducking into grottos and sea arches while learning about the island’s volcanic geology and the deep-rooted fishing culture that still shapes daily life here. It’s rugged, wild, and a refreshing contrast to the calmer south shore. To book, look for local tour operators based in Rabo de Peixe or nearby Ribeira Grande—many offer online reservations (check Get Your Guide), especially during summer, but some still operate more informally, so it’s worth calling ahead or stopping by the marina to check availability. Tours tend to be small-group and weather-dependent.
Kayaking on Lagoa das Furnas or Lagoa das Sete Cidades
For a quiet glide across a crater lake, you can rent kayaks at both Sete Cidades and Furnas. At Sete Cidades, rentals are available right at the lakeside near the bridge that separates the green and blue lakes. The setup is casual: no advance booking usually needed, and you’ll be paddling out into wide-open water with mountains rising all around you. Furnas, on the other hand, is more enclosed, and often draped in mist. You can rent kayaks near the Terra Nostra Garden entrance; hours can vary, so it’s best to go earlier in the day. In both spots, the water is calm and beginner-friendly. Bring cash just in case and know that hours may be weather-dependent. Early mornings tend to be the best—less wind, fewer people.
Cave Tour at Gruta do Carvão
If you want to go underground, Gruta do Carvão in Ponta Delgada gives you a peek into the island’s volcanic plumbing system. This ancient lava tube winds beneath the city, lined with bizarre rock formations, mineral colors, and just enough eerie lighting to make it feel like an adventure. Tours are guided and run several times a day, but it’s smart to book ahead online or call, especially in high season—they do limit group sizes, and spots can fill up. It’s a short and fascinating stop (about 30–45 minutes), perfect for a rainy day or a change of pace from the coast. Closed-toe shoes are a must, and they’ll give you a hard hat.
Explore Ribeira dos Caldeirões in Nordeste
On the island’s remote northeast corner, Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park has waterfalls, cobbled pathways, and a misty forest. It’s free to enter and open year-round, with no set hours—just show up and wander. The main waterfall is a stunner. Short trails wind through lush greenery, and there are picnic areas if you want to linger. Parking is available nearby (and usually easy), and there’s a small café and restrooms on-site during high season. It’s one of the most photogenic pockets of São Miguel, so bring a camera—and a rain jacket.
Ready for More?
After exploring the best of São Miguel, we hope we’ve whetted your appetite for travel. Check out our guides to Colombia and Oaxaca next!
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