The Azores are quickly becoming one of the world’s hottest travel destinations. And for good reason. From its striking landscapes and astonishing greenery to its picturesque hikes and prominent volcanic activity, the Azores are simply unrivaled when it comes to exploration and natural beauty. Charles of TripTins.com shares the very best things to do on Sao Miguel Island in the Azores.
Table of Contents
Best Things to do On Sao Miguel, Azores
Where are the Azores?
For those of you who are unfamiliar, the Azores is an archipelago composed of nine islands. Located in the middle of the Atlantic about 900 miles off the coast of its home country of Portugal the Azores are one of the most exotic destinations on earth. Each island maintains its own unique character and distinct cultural identity.
If you are planning a trip to the Azores, odds are that you will be spending at least a few days on the largest and most developed island of Sao Miguel, which accounts for over 50% of the archipelago’s population. From its natural geothermal springs and vast craters to its charming towns and fresh cuisine, Sao Miguel is sure to be a fun-filled and action-packed place to visit.
Click here for the Interactive map on Google
When to visit Sao Miguel, Island
- June to September are the best months for travel to the Azores.
- Weather is warmest and dryest during this time with the peak being July and August. Summer weather is usually around 25 Celcius (77F)
- The temperature doesn’t fluctuate too much in the Azores but November to March is the rainy season. Winter doesn’t dip too low with temperatures hovering around 17 and 18 degrees Celcius. (62-64F)
How to Get to Sao Miguel, Azores
10 countries offer direct flights to the Azores from various hubs including:
- Direct flights from Porto and Lisbon Portugal
- Direct flights from California and New York, United States.
- Direct flights from London, England to the Azores
Things to do in Sao Miguel, Island
So, if you book a trip to the Azores on your next trip, here are 10 things you simply cannot afford to miss out on when visiting Sao Miguel, Island.
1. Sete Cidades Viewpoint at Sunset
Arguably the most famous viewpoint of the Azores is the Miradouro da Boca do Inferno overlooking the various lakes and craters of Sete Cidades. While visiting during the day is certainly one option, why not head out to the viewpoint at sunset as well?
You will need to walk the 15-minute trail (as the path is closed to vehicles later in the day), having the entire place to yourself will surely be worth it. Take some time to sit back and enjoy one of the most beautiful views that this island has to offer.
2. The Only Tea Plantation in Europe
You read that right! Sao Miguel, a small island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean is the only place in all of Europe where you will find a tea plantation.
Not only can you walk around the Cha Gorreana factory, participate in a tasting, and learn about the tea making process, but you also can wander through the tea field itself. While there is an official trail to take part of, you also can just walk your way up to the top of the fields, where you will take in some spectacular views from above.
3. Stop at a Miradouro (or 10 of them!)
Miradouros (or viewpoints) are everywhere in Sao Miguel. As you drive the roads, you are sure to see signs directing you to pull off at a particular spot to take in one of the island’s many breathtaking landscapes.
Whether it be a lagoon, town, or dramatic coastline, there will be plenty of options to choose from including:
- Vista do Rei
- Santa Iria
- Ponta do Sossego
- Pico do Ferro and many more.
4. Have Dinner Overlooking the Atlantic
One of the top restaurants in Sao Miguel is Bar Caloura, a fish-based restaurant located about a 20-minute drive east from the main town of Ponta Delgada.
The restaurant provides a wide variety of fish options to choose from, all of which are among the freshest in all the Azores. Try and snag a table closer to the water so you can truly enjoy your dinner with a view.
- Bonus tip: there is a swimming pool right nearby in the ocean if you are up for a pre-meal dip.
5. End Your Day at a Hot Spring
If there is one thing that Sao Miguel has no shortage of, it is the number of natural hot springs located all around the island. After a long day of sightseeing and hiking, head over to one of these to relax and soothe those muscles. You can opt for the natural ocean hot spring of Ponta da Ferraria
- Tip: head there closer to low tide for the full effect
The warm waterfall and pools of Caldeira Velha, or head to Furnas, where you can find Poca da Dona Beija and the orange pool of Parque Terra Nostra.
- Insider Tip: Be careful with your swimsuit choice! The sulfuric water can give it quite the smell and potential stain.
6. Walk the Trail at Lagoa do Fogo
Many people who visit Lagoa do Fogo head there to take in the spectacular view from above and then make the short 30-minute walk down to the beach. However, it should be noted that there is actually a second hike to take part of that is one of the top options on the island.
The four hours back and forth trail from Praia to Lagoa do Fogo brings you through farmland, forest, and lush open greenery before arriving at the base of Lagoa do Fogo. Believe me, this is one hike you have to experience for yourself!
7. Party at a Festival
Throughout the Azores, you are bound to come across a festival or two and Sao Miguel is known to have their fair share of them. One of these is the famous PDL White Ocean Festival which occurs in the summertime when tens of thousands of people make their way to Ponta Delgada.
In every direction, people will have their white tees and pants on, with bars overflowing and concerts blasting their music. It is definitely a much different atmosphere than what you would experience on a normal night out on the town.
8. Eat Cozido – Food Cooked in the Ground
In the town of Furnas, you will come across a few geothermal areas to walk around and explore. What you might also notice around these areas are small covered holes in the ground sprinkled throughout. In these holes is where the local restaurants cook a local stew called Cozido.
That’s right, they cook their food in the ground and let mother nature take over! If you want a combination of beef, chicken, pig, vegetables, and more, then this meal is for you. Many restaurants around town will have it available so be sure to head to one to give it a try yourself.
9. Hike Around the Lakes of Sete Cidades
Another stunning hiking trail takes you around the crater of Sete Cidades. The two lakes of Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde, one blue and one green in color, can be viewed from every angle as you walk the circumference of the crater and down into the town of Sete Cidades itself. The start of the hike is right down the road from the Miradouro da Boca do Inferno mentioned above. Read about the full Sete Cidades hike here.
10. Relax in the Town of Ponta Delgada
While there are no limits to all of the incredible natural beauty and hiking trails that Sao Miguel has to offer, spending some quality time leisurely strolling through the quaint town of Ponta Delgada is a great way to start or end a day.
The town is full of beautiful Portuguese architecture, cobblestone streets, and unique street art. Sitting down in a plaza or outdoor café is a perfect way to take in and enjoy your surroundings.
That about does it for the 10 things you simply cannot miss out on when visiting Sao Miguel Island of the Azores. I hope you enjoy your time there and feel free to reach out with any questions and be sure to leave your tips in the comments below!!
Pin to Save to Pinterest
Charles is the founder of TripTins.com, a travel website full of detailed iTINeraries and comprehensive guides that take the hassle out of travel. He is continuously seeking out his next adventure and looking forward to sharing it with the world. Follow him on Social at Instagram: @triptins and Pinterest. Contact: [email protected]
it is a wonderful archiepalego consist of of nine islands ,since all towns have ports so we can to go around island to island by boat.There are many natural hot springs,craters these are one of the top options of island.This blog will be very helpful for whom who are planning to visit Azores.
Hey Charles,
Lagoa do Fogo is a Wonderful Place, and this seen you capture in the picture is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing your beautiful memories with us.
Nice trip Charles, are you thinking on coming back to the Azores?Cheers FindAzores
Sao Miguel, Island is very beautiful place and their path which you capture are very beautiful.
It’s always a beautiful and memorable experience for life and able to travel out and about and get a feel for what life is like on the outside. The furthest I’ve ever been was to Santa Barbara, California. When I was there, I got to experience not just being on the West Coast by myself for an entire week up close and personal Robin the style, but the environment I was and still so beautiful to the point where as I didn’t want to leave. Moreover, I felt being in Santa Barbara temporarily suppressed my problems. I hope someday to return to Santa Barbara and perhaps travel certain parts of the world so I can expand my mind. 🙂
Great post! Lots of great ideas. Need to put the Azores on my wishlist now!
Hi admin,
I went through your article and it’s totally awesome. I am searching for a blog about this destination, and my search ends with your blog. Keep on updating your blog with such awesome information.
Thanks
Azores is truly a hidden gem. Love its landscapes! The best part is that it’s close to Portugal, which is such a stunning country.