São Miguel Itinerary: 5 Days in the Azores

São Miguel: Azores Itinerary

Five days in São Miguel (Azores, Portugal) is the perfect amount of time to cover all the island’s highlights. We recommend renting a car, so you have the flexibility to visit our favorite hidden spots. However, you can also combine tours to explore the island!

Day 1: West São Miguel

On day 1 in São Miguel, it is all about exploring the western part of your island. We recommend booking a hotel in Ponta Delgada for the first two days of the 5-day itinerary, so that you can more easily reach these western spots. 

Morning: Miradouro da Grota do Inferno

Begin your first day in the famous Sete Cidades area. Get up bright and early (we promise it’s worth it!) so you can arrive at Miradouro da Grota do Inferno before 9 AM and enjoy stunning views before the crowds arrive. This viewpoint overlooks Lagoa das Sete Cidades, a twin lake (one blue and one green) situated at the base of the crater. Here is the exact location.

Tip: Afterward, drive down to the twin lakes, where you can rent a kayak and explore the serene waters. You can also drive or walk around parts of the lake if you prefer.

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Lunch: Vila de Sete Cidades

Drive 5 minutes onwards to Vila de Sete Cidades, a tiny town on the lake’s edge where you can stop for food. We recommend Casa da Cha for a nice meal or cake in the garden!

Don’t leave before you see the cute local church (Igreja de São Nicolau) and its gardens.

Afternoon: Mosteiros + Ponta Delgada

Later, continue toward Mosteiros on the west coast. Relax at Praia dos Mosteiros, a scenic black sand beach (here is the location), or take a dip in the natural pools (Piscinas Naturais Caneiros). Both are scenic and easily accessible.  

If time allows, visit Ponta Delgada in the afternoon or evening. The capital can be explored in just half a day, so you can save it for another more convenient day of your São Miguel itinerary if you prefer. Don’t miss Portas da Cidade, Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião, Fort de São Brás, and Campo de São Francisco.

Top Tip: We loved Jardim Botânico António Borges, a beautifully landscaped garden with walking paths and lush greenery. There are even chickens and ducks free-roaming! We went back a few times to the brunch cafe in the gardens, ‘Jardim Natural Food & Coffee’, which has a great vibe and delicious food! 

Dinner Recommendation: Ponta Delgada

Ponta Delgada has many good dinner spots to choose from. Some of our favorites were:

• Michel Restaurant: Great seafood (reserve a table here).
• Intz48 Coffee Roasters: Great coffee, sandwiches, and pizza (they close at 3 PM).
• Nonna’s Teeth: Delicious pizza!
• Õtaka: Japanse – a real food experience.
• Louvre Michaelense: Many options and really good!

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Where to Stay in Ponta Delgada

The capital city offers a wide variety of accommodations and restaurants, and is centrally located. We think it’s the best place to base yourself for the first two days of your itinerary. However, it’s the least ‘natural’ and has a more urban vibe than other places on the island.

Tip: We stayed at Lusitano Garden Villas, which had stunning rooms and offered equestrian experiences on-site. As an avid horse rider, I loved this!

Our favorite hotels in Ponta Delgada 😴

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Vila Gale

Ponta Delgada

Lusitano Garden Villas

Ponta Delgada

INNature

Ponta Delgada

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Day 2: Central São Miguel (Azores Itinerary)

On day 2 of your São Miguel itinerary, lace up your hiking boots for a day of adventures at the luscious center of the island. 

Morning: PRC37 Hike

Begin the day with a nature-filled hike along PRC37 (Janela do Inferno Waterfall). This circular trail goes through farmland, lush greenery, aqueduct-like structures, and low tunnels (bring a flashlight and good shoes!). Although the waterfall was somewhat dry during our visit, the overall walk was a highlight of our São Miguel itinerary!

Lunch Tip: After the hike, reward yourself with a burger from the Água de Fogo food truck located near the parking area. We had a delicious vegetarian & fish burger; everything is made using local ingredients and is absolutely delicious.

Afternoon: Lagoa do Fogo + Caldeira Velha + Ribeira Grande

In the afternoon, drive up to Lagoa do Fogo, one of the most stunning crater lakes on the island. You can choose to hike down to the lake (± 30 minutes each way), but we opted to visit the dramatic viewpoints, which offer sensational panoramic views. These two are the most popular: Miradouro do Pico da Barrosa and Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo.

Tip: Be sure to check the webcams beforehand since it’s often foggy. You’ll want a clear view for this! 

Close by is Caldeira Velha, a lush hot spring surrounded by jungle-like greenery. Reserve in advance, as space is limited. There’s a small waterfall pool and other thermal pools, with full facilities available.

After soaking in the warm waters, continue your day by driving down to Ribeira Grande, a small town split by a river that runs out to the ocean. It’s a spot for a quick walk or a cup of coffee.

Sunset: Santa Barbara Beach

To end the day, head to Santa Bárbara Beach (Ribeira Grande), where you can see its dramatic cliffs, surf waves, and black sand. It’s perfect for a sunset, and you can grab dinner with ocean views at Beach Club Surf & Snacks. This was my favorite spot to eat on our São Miguel 5-day itinerary!

Day 3: Furnas Lake & Furnas Village

Switch accommodations to the east side of the island today. Book a hotel in Furnas or choose an accommodation in Vila Franca do Campo, both are great bases. 

Our favorite hotels in São Miguel 😴

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Pestana Bahia Praia

São Miguel

Olive Boutique Guesthouse

São Miguel

World’s Nests Furnas Pods Village

São Miguel

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Lagoa das Furnas

Start by exploring Lagoa das Furnas, where you can visit the geothermal cooking site (Fumarolas) and watch locals cook food in the ground. The traditional stews are then served at local restaurants. Entry to the geothermal cooking area is about 3 EUR/3.50 USD. 

Parque da Grená

Nearby, head into Parque da Grená for one of our favorite walks. This lush forest, home to numerous waterfalls, featured a tropical scenery that truly reminded us of Costa Rica. Follow the waterfall loop (paths 6 > 4 > 3 > 2 > 1 > 5) to see a series of waterfalls and viewpoints. It’s well-maintained and takes around an hour.

Furnas Village

Next, head into Furnas village, known for its hot springs; this was our favorite village on São Miguel, Azores!

Visit Poça da Dona Beija for a smaller, tranquil bathing experience (pre-book your ticket here, or join this unique nighttime tour). Alternatively, book tickets for Parque Terra Nostra, which has a massive thermal pool and a surrounding botanical park. Both are beautiful, and each offers something different. 

While in Furnas, also check out these other fantastic highlights in the village and surrounding area:

• Caldeiras Vulcânicas: A series of hot pools and steam vents.
• Moinho de Água: A water mill that sits on the edge of the hot springs.
• Garden of Quenturas: A public garden in the town with a geothermal river. 
• Miradouro do Pico do Ferro: A viewpoint over Furnas valley. 
• Capela de Nossa Senhora das Vitórias: A stone church at the lake’s edge.

Restaurants in Furnas

Furnas had one of the best food scenes on the island! Here were some of our favorites:

• A Quinta: A popular cozy restaurant (this was Nick’s favorite; we went back 2 times!). Reserve a table here.
• Restaurante Tony’s: Delicious local dishes, including the geothermal-cooked stew. Find the location on maps here.
• Queijaria Furnense: Cheese shop and steakhouse located here. The cheesy garlic bread gets a special mention! 
• Bolos Lêvedos Bakery: Famous for its traditional sweet bread (bolo lêvedo), perfect for a snack or takeaway.

Day 4: Nordeste Region & Hidden Waterfalls

Your penultimate day is all about exploring the northeast of the island – one of the most picturesque and tranquil days of this São Miguel itinerary.

Morning: Swimming and Tea Factories

Start with Miradouro de Santa Iria, a stunning clifftop viewpoint overlooking the Atlantic, before heading for a quick dip at Praia dos Moinhos at the base of the cliffs.

This also serves as the starting point of the hike to Cascata do Limbo (5-10 minutes), a beautiful waterfall situated in a fairytale-like setting surrounded by lush greenery and flowers. During June and July, the hike is lined with hundreds of blue hydrangeas, which surround the waterfall. And you can swim here too!

A ten-minute drive away is Gorreana Tea Factory, one of Europe’s oldest and only tea plantations. You can get a complimentary tasting and take a stroll through the tea fields on one of the hiking trails. We recommend doing the shorter 40-minute hike, Caminho da Agua da Gorreana.  

Tip: Another option is to visit the Porto Formoso Tea Factory.

Afternoon: Cascata da Gruta and Parque Natural da Ribeira

Next, hike to Cascata da Gruta, one of São Miguel’s most hidden gems! You’ll find it via the Moinho do Félix trail, a 30-minute walk that leads you to a peaceful waterfall and mill. 

We loved that you can access the area behind the waterfall itself, tucked under a vast overhanging rock – what a magical experience! We were also able to climb to the top of the waterfall for an even more fantastic view.

As you’re leaving the area, stop at Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões, a well-maintained park with watermills, waterfalls, a café, and tourist info.

Sunset: Nordeste Viewpoints

Finish the day with a visit to the town of Nordeste and viewpoints: Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego and Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada. These are some of the most scenic spots on the island, and ideal for watching the sunset. From here, you can also see Praia do Lombo Gordo, a secluded beach that can be accessed by a staircase located below.  

Note: You can drive down, but the road is very steep and you need a strong car. It might be best to park it a bit higher up and walk down the steepest part.

Day 5: Ilhéu de Vila Franca & Nossa Senhora da Paz

Vila Franca do Campo is located on the south-central coast of São Miguel and was our favorite place to stay.

From here, you can visit the famous islet Ilhéu de Vila Franca, a protected volcanic crater in the sea. This was easily one of the most unique things we saw on our São Miguel 5-day itinerary, and what a way to end the trip! The island is a protected nature reserve, and you can snorkel among the incredible marine life here, seeing starfish, sea cucumbers, and colorful fish species.

Note: The island is only open during high season, with a daily limit of 400 people, so you need to book your tickets in advance. Ferries depart from town, and the schedules can be found on their website.

In Vila Franca do Campo, you can also visit the picturesque Church of Nossa Senhora da Paz, a white chapel situated above the town. It features incredible symmetrical walls and zig-zagging steps that lead the way to the top where you’ll get panoramic views over the bay. 

Where to Stay in São Miguel, Azores

We split our time on the island between various locations, allowing us to explore all the things to do in São Miguel and spend less time in the car. Here are the best spots:

• Ponta Delgada: Offers a wide variety of accommodations and restaurants, is more affordable, and is centrally located. We reserved a room at Lusitano Villas and loved it! There’s a fantastic pool, steam room, and a horse stable on site. Book a hotel in Ponta Delgada.

• Lagoa: Just east of Ponta Delgada, well-connected and less busy. See all hotels in Lagoa.
• Ribeira Grande: Still a big town, but better beaches close by. Reserve a room in Ribeira Grande.
• Vila Franca do Campo: Scenic and well located in the center (our favorite area to stay). We stayed at Pestana Bahia Praia, which was just a 2-minute walk to the beach. See all the accommodation options.
• Furnas: Ideal for exploring the island’s geothermal and natural attractions; however, there are fewer options and therefore more expensive. Book a hotel in Furnas.

Tip: Accommodation options are limited on São Miguel, so if you’re visiting in Spring or Summer, definitely book your hotel a few months in advance, especially to get something affordable. 

How Many Days in São Miguel, Azores? 

A four or five-day São Miguel itinerary is perfect to discover all the island’s natural highlights. For the most ease, and less driving, we recommend staying in a hotel for 2 days in Ponta Delgada or on the west side of the island, and the rest of the time on the east side. 

Once you’re at the airport, we recommend hiring a rental car, and then it’s just an 8-minute drive to the capital city of Ponta Delgada. Taxis are also available, and unfortunately, the public bus service on São Miguel is very limited. However, there is the option to pre-book the ANC Airport shuttle bus (8 EUR/9.40 USD one way).

Getting Around São Miguel on Your Azores Itinerary

The most beautiful aspect of São Miguel is its remote, wild nature, so you will definitely need a rental car. We did see a few buses during our trip, but they don’t reach all the things you’ll want to see on this São Miguel itinerary.

How Big is São Miguel?

The island itself is of a decent size, and there’s only one main road around it, meaning that getting from point to point can take some time. For example, driving from the west to the east coast takes about 1.5 hours. That’s why we recommend splitting your stay between a hotel on the west side and a hotel on the east side.

Best Cafes and Restaurants

While we didn’t necessarily find São Miguel a ‘foodie’ destination, we had a few favorite places we kept returning to again and again. We’ve included a good mix of Azorean cuisine and international options in our list below. 

• A Quinta (Furnas): Nick’s favorite! Reserve a table here.
• Nonna’s Teeth (Ponta Delgada): Delicious pizza.
• Surf & Snacks Beach Club (Ribeira Grande): My favorite! 
• Agua de Fogo Foodtruck: Delicious burgers at the PRC 37 trail.
• Xitaka (Ponta Delgada): Excellent seafood.
• Restaurante Fim de Século (Maia): Traditional food in a small coastal town.
• Restaurante Poço Azul (Achadinha): Best place for seafood stew!
• Bar Praia de Água d’Alto: Beachside bar in our favorite area of the island.
• Coffee Roasters Azores (Ponta Delgada): Amazing coffee!

Budget for Your São Miguel 5-Day Itinerary

We both found São Miguel to be very affordable, especially for food and travel (for example, we never had to pay for parking on our trip!). That being said, there aren’t that many accommodation options, meaning they can be pretty pricey in terms of quality. If you want to lower your budget, we recommend choosing a self-catering option so that you can prepare picnic lunches and dinners at home on some days of your São Miguel 5-day itinerary.

Tip: While you can pay by card for almost everything on the island, it’s helpful to keep some cash on you.

Best Time to Visit

We visited at the end of May/beginning of June, and it was stunning! The average daily temperature was 20 degrees, and we had some sunny days. We were a little sad that we didn’t get to see the iconic hydrangea flowers; I think we were a bit too early, and if you time your trip for late June/July, you should be ok.