They told us it was the ‘Hawaii of Europe’ — and they weren’t wrong. The Azores islands truly offer unbeatable natural beauty. São Miguel is the largest and most popular of the islands, and the volcanic scenery blew us away. We drove across rolling green hills, hiked through tea plantations and lush forests, swam in bubbling hot springs, and even witnessed locals cooking using natural sulfur vents! This island is as unique as it is beautiful — discover all the top things to do in São Miguel, including our favorite hotels and places to eat.
Top Things to Do in São Miguel (Our Favorites)
While São Miguel is quite different than the sharp peaks and adrenaline-pumping adventure of Madeira (another Portuguese island), it has a more gentle, lush beauty. Here it’s all about rolling farmland, deep valleys, vast lakes, and pretty beaches. In fact, we weren’t surprised to find out that there are more cows than people here!
1. Watch the Sunrise at Miradouro da Grota do Inferno
Start your day bright and early, as you watch the sun come up at Miradouro da Grota do Inferno. This incredible viewpoint (also known as Boca do Inferno) is located on the west side of the island within the famous Sete Cidades area. Here is the exact location.
Tip: It’s best to get here as early as possible so you can enjoy the Miradouro before the crowds arrive.
Walk a 1.2 KM trail to the panoramic viewpoint where you’ll have sensational views over the Lagoa das Sete Cidades – a twin lake in two colors – one blue and one green at the base of the crater. The color of the water against the lush rolling hills of São Miguel is truly breathtaking.
We noticed lots of people kayaking on the lake, which looked really fun! You can reserve a kayak here.
2. Relax at São Miguel’s Best Beaches (Our Top Picks)
As the Azores are an archipelago of islands, it’s no surprise that visiting the incredible beaches is one of the top things to do in São Miguel! Most beaches are characterized by their black volcanic sand and surrounding cliffs that face the wild Atlantic Ocean. Some of our favorites to visit are:
- Praia dos Mosteiros (northwest): A scenic black sand beach with easy parking. Here is the location.
- Santa Barbara Beach (north): One of the best beaches on São Miguel for surfing. After sunset, we had drinks at Beach Club Surf & Snacks – a cozy wooden beach shack overlooking the ocean with chill vibes, music, and nice food.
We didn’t have a chance to try surfing in São Miguel but these popular surfing lessons look really good!
- Praia de Água D’Alto (south): Scenic cliffs in the background and clear, calm water for swimming. We stayed in a fantastic hotel here named Pestana Bahia Praia (2 minutes walk to the beach). This location was our favorite on the island!
- Praia dos Moinhos (north): Praia dos Moinhos is one of the most peaceful beaches, with a really laid-back vibe. It’s conveniently located right next to the parking area, which also serves as the starting point for the Cascata do Limbo hike.
Remember: Waves in the Azores can be strong, so it’s worth checking the live webcams beforehand to see if it’s safe to swim. Many beaches will have lifeguards during the high season.
3. Explore Ponta Delgada – Capital of São Miguel
Ponta Delgada is the capital city of São Miguel and the largest city in the Azores. It hasn’t lost its island feel, though! It’s got a warm, friendly atmosphere and is small enough to be completely walkable. This means you can easily spend a couple of hours meandering through the historic center, marveling at all the pretty cobbled streets and traditional Portuguese architecture.
Top Tip: Jardim Botânico António Borges
One of our favorite free things to do in São Miguel was the Jardim Botânico António Borges in Ponta Delgada – a beautifully green garden with walking paths, multiple levels, and small animals like chickens and ducks. We loved the serenity of this garden, and went back three (!) times to the brunch cafe ‘Jardim Natural Food & Coffee’ that’s located inside. Such a good vibe and delicious food!
Where to Stay
Although you only need half a day to see Ponta Delgada, it makes a great base to explore the island! We recommend booking a hotel here for half of your trip (southwest) and then possibly in another location on the island (for example, over on the east coast) to reduce driving time on your Sao Miguel itinerary.
Tip: We stayed in the beautiful Hotel Vila Gale. The hotel is housed in a lovely, historic building and is close to all the best sights in Ponta Delgada.
4. Hike PRC37: Janela do Inferno (+ Enjoy a Food Truck Lunch!)
PRC37 was such a memorable hike on our time in São Miguel! The 7.5 KM route covers rolling farmland, shady forest trails, old stone aqueducts, canals, and even narrow tunnels (where you’ll need a flashlight!). Note: If you’re tall like Nick (190 cm), you’ll need to crouch down to make it through the tunnel. It was fun, though!
Along the way, you’ll also see the spectacular Janela do Inferno Waterfall, meaning ‘Hell’s Window’. The waterfall uniquely plunges from a small cave above (the window), down to a beautiful, clear, and cold pool below. Unfortunately, when we visited, it was dry, so we definitely recommend checking the most recent reviews beforehand.
Our Top Tip: The most important thing to remember for this trail is to wear proper hiking shoes. The weather in the Azores can quickly change to showers, making the trail slippery. Secondly, we recommend doing the trail counterclockwise, which means you’ll do the less exciting part through the fields first and save the exciting parts, such as the tunnels and lush scenery, for later.
Lunch at Água de Fogo Food Truck
At the end of the hike, you’re rewarded with the sight of a food truck serving mouthwatering burgers. It’s located right next to the trail parking and serves local burgers, fries, fish, and refreshing drinks, all made with locally sourced ingredients. We had the veggie burger, which was the perfect post-hike treat. Here is the exact location.
5. Cascata da Gruta (Still a hidden gem!)
Cascata da Gruta is one of São Miguel’s most beautiful hidden gems, located in the northeast part of the island. It’s lesser-known than many other falls, meaning it has one of the most peaceful atmospheres. You’ll find it along a beautiful forest trail, which eventually leads to Moinho do Félix, a charming old watermill.
The trail is well signposted; simply follow the signs for Cascata da Gruta from the parking area along the main road. It’s about a 30-minute walk to the falls, where you’ll also find a pool to bathe your hiker’s feet! Here’s the complete route we did.
6. Visit Lagoa do Fogo
Lagoa do Fogo is one of the most stunning crater lakes on the island and one of the most popular things to do in São Miguel, Azores. These craters form during volcanic eruptions and, over time, fill with water, creating the magnificently blue crater lakes you see today. While you can visit the lake itself, we only visited the viewpoints, which we think is the best way to see the lake!
The two main viewpoints you can visit are:
The drive along the scenic winding roads to get here is also a beautiful part of the experience. However, we have read some reviews stating that the road is closed at certain times of the day, requiring you to take the shuttle bus between the viewpoints and the lake. We visited before 10 AM and it was fine!
We saw this incredible jeep tour to the lake, and it includes a stop at the viewpoints.
Hike Down to the Lake
From both viewpoints, some trails lead down to the lake, which take approximately 30-45 minutes to the bottom. It’s steep, but it’s a nice add-on to the experience. (See all lake trails here)
In high season, the shuttle bus from the bottom will take you back to the parking, so you don’t have to walk back uphill! You can book your tickets in advance here.
Tip: Check the weather webcams beforehand; the lake is often shrouded in fog, especially later in the day. That being said, a little bit of fog can also add to the mystical magic of the scenery!
We’ve visited the natural pools in Madeira, but the ones in São Miguel are totally different! Most are found in nature reserves surrounded by lush greenery with mineral water that can reach temperatures as high as 39°C! Here are some of our top suggestions:
- Caldeira Velha: The wildest and natural of the hot springs on the Azores. Nestled in the forest, close to Lagoa do Fogo, these pools also feature a waterfall you can bathe under. Reserve in advance.
- Poça da Dona Beija: Our favorite thing to do in São Miguel! This is a smaller but scenic hot spring, featuring several stone pools built along a hot river. Pre-book your ticket here, or join this unique nighttime tour.
- Parque Terra Nostra: A bigger series of pools with the best scenery! The experience also includes a botanical park and garden walk, so allow extra time to explore. Book ahead here.
- Termas das Caldeiras: Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to visit these hot springs, but we’ve heard they’re the quietest and the locals’ favorite. The mineral-rich waters offer a relaxing experience (located in Ribeira Grande). Here is the location.
Top Tip! For all hot springs on the island, wear dark-colored swimwear because the mineral water can stain your clothes orange.
8. Watch the Sunset at Santa Bárbara Beach (Top Spot for Golden Hour)
Our all-time favorite beach moment on São Miguel was watching the sun set at Santa Bárbara Beach. Arrive just before sunset, and spend a few relaxed hours on the black volcanic sand, marveling at the magical colors of the sky against the lush green cliffs.
Tip: After, we grabbed drinks at Beach Club Surf & Snacks, a cute wooden beach shack that overlooks the ocean. We highly recommend the chill vibes, good music, and simple but tasty food!
9. Visit Nossa Senhora da Paz Chapel
Visiting this picturesque chapel was definitely one of the biggest surprises of all the things to do in São Miguel! Forget the typical stone church; this one is truly special – a charming whitewashed church that sits atop a hill, featuring incredible symmetrical walls and zig-zagging steps that lead the way to the top. It’s a work of art!
Set your Google Maps for the Nossa Senhora da Paz Chapel in the town of Vila Franca do Campo. It will lead you to a small parking area at the base of the staircase to the church. Note that the road to the chapel is narrow in some parts and not in the best condition, so drive slowly, especially if you’re in a hire car.
We recommend to rent a car in Azores through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
We visited at 9 AM in May, and this spot was completely empty, so we had the incredible views of Vila Franca and the islet all to ourselves. Definitely one of the most peaceful and photogenic spots in the area!
If you have time, join this popular boat tour of the islet, led by a biologist who can teach you all about the marine life.
Tip: This part of the island (on the south-east coast) is a great spot to base yourself for part of your São Miguel itinerary. See all hotels in Vila Franca do Campo.
10. See Geothermal Cooking! (A Unique São Miguel Experience)
We definitely didn’t expect to find these kinds of scenes on São Miguel — it really reminded us of our trip to Iceland! The village of Furnas is home to some exciting geothermal activity, taking place right next to the massive Lagoa das Furnas.
Stop at the lake first, parking nearby, and walk around the shores, stopping at the viewpoints along the way. Right next to the lake, you’ll find this small eco-park, home to Fumarolas (steam vents). This geothermal field is the ideal location to witness volcanic activity in action. Wooden walkways lead you through the bubbling hot springs, steam vents, and the strong, sulphuric smell.
However, the main thing to look out for is the locals who use the geothermal heat to cook traditional stews underground! This dish is called Cozido das Furnas, which is cooked in the natural surroundings and then served at local restaurants for lunch. Note: Just after noon, locals begin to remove the pots of stew from underground, which can make the area busier than usual.
Entrance: Approximately 3 EUR/3.50 USD per person for parking.
We recommend to rent a car in Azores through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
11. Hike the Parque da Grená Waterfall Loop
Located in the same areas as the Fumarolas steam vents, discover the incredible Parque da Grená. Quite different from what you’ve just seen, this lush forest, home to multiple waterfalls, is characterized by natural, tropical scenery that really reminds us of Costa Rica.
Tip: Start at 6 → 4 → 3 → 2 → 1, then return via 5. Doing it this way means you avoid a steep staircase near 5 (300–500 steps) and allows you to see more waterfalls along the way. It takes about 1 hour to reach the top and a bit less to return.
Entrance: 10 EUR/11.70 USD per person. Check the opening times here
12. Explore Furnas Village (Our Favorite Town on São Miguel!)
After spending some time in nature, head into Furnas village itself to enjoy the thermal baths, a picturesque watermill, and more steam vents located in the center. It’s surreal to see this kind of volcanic activity right in the middle of town, and it’s more unexpected and impressive than you might think!
However, the real gem of Furnas is the surprisingly great food scene. Here are some of our faves:
- A Quinta: A popular cozy restaurant (this was our favorite; we went back two times). Reserve a table here.
- Restaurante Tony’s: Delicious local dishes, and you can try the geothermal-cooked stew here! 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.
Tip: Furnas is a great place to stay for exploring the island’s geothermal and natural attractions! See all hotels in Furnas here.
13. Visit Gorreana Tea Factory
One of the best things to do in São Miguel is to visit Gorreana Tea Factory – one of Europe’s oldest and only tea plantations! The history of tea in the Azores is long-standing, and you can learn all about it by visiting the factory and strolling through the tea fields. A complimentary tea tasting is included! Note: You don’t need to reserve in advance.
There are also a couple of hikes through the rolling tea plantations with beautiful coastal views. The first is a short 40-minute trail called the Caminho da Agua da Gorreana. If you have a bit more time, consider the Chá Gorreana Trail, a slightly longer circular route that takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours to complete. Both options are super scenic!
Tip: If you’re interested to learn more about tea, you could also visit the Porto Formoso Tea Factory nearby. They also offer tours and tea tasting, which you can book here.
14. Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões
Welcome to this absolute slice of tropical paradise in the Azores. While not technically a hike or a national park, this lush green space is more of a relaxing thing to do in São Miguel — and it’s free to visit! You’ll walk under palm trees, through beautiful gardens, pass pretty waterfalls, and even quaint watermills.
Tip: It’ll only take 10 minutes to walk along the main trail from one side of the park to the other, but allow 30-45 minutes more to explore the area.
We saw a popular canyoning tour starting from the park, which looked really great. You can book it here.
15. Nordeste Scenic Viewpoints
The town of Nordeste is small but has lovely architecture and a few great local restaurants. However, the main reason we visited this area was for the dramatic and wild coastline, with its rugged cliffs and lush green landscapes; it has a very different feel from the central or western parts of São Miguel.
To see it at its best, we recommend getting up high for panoramic vistas:
- Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego: Offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and rugged coastline. The viewpoint has lots of flowers, too; it’s one of the most scenic spots on the island!
- Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada: From here, you can also spot Praia do Lombo Gordo, a secluded beach below. There’s also a staircase down to the beach if you want to visit. There’s the possibility of driving down, but it’s very steep, so if you’re unsure about your car’s engine strength, we recommend parking it a bit higher up and walking down the steepest part.
Note: These viewpoints require no hiking—just short walks from the parking areas—and offer some of the most breathtaking coastal views on São Miguel. As they’re located on the east, they’re best visited at sunrise. Trust us, getting up this early is well worth it!
A good way to see all the best spots in Nordeste is to join this popular van tour on this side of the island.
16. Cascata do Limbo
Cascata do Limbo is an easy and rewarding short trail. Although it doesn’t take long (just a 5-10 minute walk from the parking at the nearby beach), it was still one of the most beautiful and peaceful waterfall spots we saw on São Miguel. Here is the exact location.
Best of all, during the Summer, the hike is lined with wildflowers, particularly hundreds of blue hydrangeas, which surround the waterfall. Seeing these iconic symbols of the Azores is one of the top things to do in São Miguel.
Note: We visited in early June, and the flowers weren’t yet in bloom. Usually, this time is ok, but to be on the safe side, aim for late June to August.
Best Cafes and Restaurants in São Miguel
São Miguel is home to a variety of delicious Azorean cuisine, as well as international options. While we didn’t find it the best ‘foodie’ destination, there were some really great places to eat scattered around the island, some of which we visited several times (A Quinta, we’re looking at you!). Here’s some of our favorites by location:
- 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 beginning of 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, but they also serve pizza, too!
Where to Stay in São Miguel
We split our time on the island between various locations, allowing us to explore all the top things to do in São Miguel and spend less time in the car. Our favorite area was Furnas but here are the best spots to stay:
Ponta Delgada
Offers a wide variety of accommodations, is more affordable, and is centrally located. However, it’s the least ‘natural’ and has more city vibes.
Tip: We stayed in the beautiful Hotel Vila Gale here, and loved it. The hotel is housed in a lovely, historic building with high ceilings, and numerous great amenities are available on site, including a spa and outdoor pool.
Other Great Locations
- 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). 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: We recommend booking your accommodation in São Miguel at least a few months in advance if you’re visiting in spring or summer and want to find something nice and relatively affordable. This is a good idea, as there’s not a massive number of accommodations on the island.
How Many Days in São Miguel?
While we stayed on the island for a bit longer, four or five days is the perfect amount of time to discover all the top things to do in São Miguel, Azores. We recommend spending 2 days in Ponta Delgada or on the west side of the island, and the rest of the time on the east side.
How to Visit São Miguel
São Miguel is home to the largest airport in the Azores, providing connections to smaller islands such as Pico, Flores, and Terceira. This makes it a perfect starting point if you’re planning to hop around the archipelago.
The airport is just 8-minute drive from the capital city of Ponta Delgada, and you can reach it by hire car or taxi. Unfortunately, there is a lack of public buses on São Miguel, but you can pre-book the ANC Airport shuttle bus (8 EUR/9.40 USD one way).
Getting Around
To truly explore the island, you’ll definitely need a rental car. A bus network does exist, but it doesn’t cover all areas and may not be ideal for visiting the more scenic things to do in São Miguel (see the schedules here)
Driving around the island is such a great way to explore! The roads are generally excellent; however, distances between the things to do in São Miguel can add up. For example, driving from the west to the east coast takes approximately 1.5 hours. Because of this, we recommend splitting your stay between a hotel on the west side and a hotel on the east side.
We recommend to rent a car in Azores through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Our São Miguel Budget Breakdown
São Miguel is generally very affordable for food and parking (we never paid for parking on our trip!). That being said, accommodation is quite pricey for the quality you get, but you can reduce these costs by choosing a self-catering option, allowing you to prepare your own food on some days.
Tip: While you can pay by card for almost everything in São Miguel, it’s always a good idea to keep some cash on you just in case.
Best Time to Visit
We visited in late May and early June, and it was terrific! The average daily temperature was 20 degrees, and we had some sunny days. The weather in the Azores fluctuates significantly due to its location, so we experienced a wide range of weather patterns while we were there, including showers, fog, and high winds. Because of this, it’s best to check the live webcams to help you decide where to go each day.
Note: São Miguel is known for its iconic hydrangea flowers, which usually bloom across the island from late June to early August. At times, early June can be ok for this, but we weren’t so lucky this time.
If you plan to explore the entire island, it’s best to split your stays between the east and west side of the island. That way you will prevent a lot of driving. On the east side, look at Furnas or Nordeste and on the west side Ponte Delgada or Ribeira Grande. Another option is a town like Vila Franca do Campo, which is located pretty central if you prefer to not move.
Yes, we think the island is diverse and has amazing beaches and nature to explore. The only thing we didn’t truly find on the island is some atmosphere in the towns.
The best way to get around São Miguel is without a doubt with a rental car. The island unfortunately lacks proper public bus connections.
We think about 5 days is perfect to explore most highlights on São Miguel.
The best months to visit São Miguel is in summer, from May to September.
The island of São Miguel is quite big. It takes about 1.5 hour of driving on the highway from one to the other side of the island.
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