Sao Miguel (Azores) Travel Guide: best things to see and do and itineraries [with MAP]

São Miguel is the largest and most populated island of the Azores, also the most touristic. It is a very heterogeneous island where there are plenty of plans to spend a week if you want to explore it calmly. Here the days are lived among some of the most beautiful lagoons of the archipelago, trails in biodiverse forests dotted with waterfalls, steaming hot springs to rest, breathtaking viewpoints to explore and a cup of tea to taste in the oldest and one of the few plantations in Europe. It is the island with the greatest variety of gastronomy and accommodation, so there are options for all budgets and tastes.

It is an excellent starting point for the Azorean archipelago. Although it is the most tourist island and where overcrowding is noticeable, especially in those places labeled as “must visit”, it still offers Azorean authenticity if you go a little off the beaten track.

In this guide we try to reflect all that São Miguel has to offer with practical tips, itineraries from 2 to 7 days, where to sleep and even where to eat so that you can make the most of your trip to the island.

Update April 2026: Swimming at Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo is once again permitted in 2026, after being banned in 2025 due to poor water quality results. More information here

Check out our complete guide to the Azores Islands if you are planning a trip to the archipelago.

Basic facts for traveling to São Miguel

Language: Portuguese

Currency: Euro

Population: 133,000 (in 2021)

When to visit: Undoubtedly the best time to visit São Miguel is in summer due to better air and water temperatures and less chance of rain, although winter is not very cold (but it tends to rain more). Find out more about when to go here.

How long to stay: Minimum 3 days, recommended 7 days (one week). More info here.

How to get there: There are some international direct flights to Ponta Delgada (New York, Boston, Toronto, Paris, London, Milano, …), although the cheapest is usually to fly from Porto/Lisbon, where there are many flights with Ryanair, Tap or Sata. We recommend you to use flight comparators like Skyscanner and Kiwi and be flexible with dates. More info on how to get to São Miguel here.

Where to stay: If you are only staying for a few days (4 or less), the ideal place to stay is in the central part of the island (due to its proximity to most points of interest and restaurants), such as Ponta Delgada (at Randomtrip, we stayed at the Ladeira Loft apartment in the center with sea views, but there are many more options here) or in Ribera Grande (at Randomtrip we stayed at Quinta do Paraízo in Rabo de Peixe, also take a look at Mitós Vila or other accommodations here). If your trip is at least 5 or 6 days, you can split your stay to reduce travel time and get to know different areas. We did that on our last visit in 2025 and stayed in several areas: Quinta da Mó in Furnas, Moinho das Feteiras in Feteiras, Casa da Cisaltina in Povoação, Tradicampo in Nordeste, and Quinta de Nossa Senhora de Lourdes in Capelas. More info on where to stay here.

What to bring: A good travel insurance (in this link we give you a 5% discount on the one we always carry) and here is the list of what you must have in your backpack for this trip

How to get around: The best option is to rent a car. We did it with Autatlantis and we loved it: new cars and the best franchise policy. Find the best price for your car rental in DiscoverCars. More info here

How much it costs: From 70€/day per person (approx.) for a one-week trip with a rented car and the cheapest private accommodation options for 2. More budget information here

Internet connection: If you are visiting for a few days, your phone supports eSIM and you don’t want to complicate things, we recommend Holafly eSIM (unlimited data, 5% discount with the code RANDOMTRIP) or Airalo eSIM (limited data, but cheaper, 15% discount with the code RANDOMTRIP15). Otherwise, the cheapest way is to get a local SIM (the main companies are Vodafone, Meo and Nos). More info here

Time zone: UTC +0. The time in the Azores archipelago (Portugal) is one hour behind the Portuguese mainland

When to visit São Miguel

The best months to visit São Miguel are May, June and September. Considering that it is the most touristic island of the Azores, it’s better to avoid July and August, which are the most touristic months. June and September are usually the best months, with good weather, warmer ocean waters and less overcrowded tourism.

In terms of climate, summer is undoubtedly the best time, with higher temperatures, less chance of rain and the possibility to enjoy more its beaches and natural pools. In any case, the weather in São Miguel (and in the Azores in general) is very unstable so there are no guarantees at any time of the year (it is often said that you can have the 4 seasons in the same day).

Climate chart of São Miguel, with temperatures and rainy days per month:

Month	Minimum temperature	Maximum temperature	Water temperature (average)	Rainy days
January	13º	17º	17º	8
February	13º	17º	17º	6
March	13º	17º	17º	6
April	13º	18º	16º	5
May	15º	19º	19º	4
June	17º	21º	20º	3
July	19º	24º	23º	1
August	20º	25º	25º	2
September	19º	24º	24º	5
October	17º	22º	23º	7
November	15º	19º	19º	8
December	14º	18º	19º	9
Month	Minimum temperature	Maximum temperature	Water temperature (average)	Rainy days

Also, if you enjoy music festivals and other types of art festivals, you might want to try to time your visit to the island to coincide with the Tremor, Azores Burning Summer, Meo Monte Verde, Festival das Marés, or Walk and Talk festivals. In our case, we’ve been attending the Tremor festival for several years now and we loved it: they sell very few tickets (about 1,500) and there are concerts in different parts of the island, some of which are even secret and require signing up (in our case, one was at Terra Nostra Park and another at Termas da Ferraria, where we also got to enjoy the hot springs). Here are some photos of a few of the concerts at the Tremor festival in different parts of the island:

How to get to São Miguel

The cheapest and more convenient way to get to São Miguel is usually to fly from Lisbon/Oporto with Tap (the Portuguese airline) or with Sata (the Azorean airline responsible for all inter-island flights). There are also some direct flights connecting Ponta Delgada with different european cities and also to the US and Canada. We recommend you to be flexible with dates and use price comparators such as Skyscanner and Kiwi.com.

How many days to spend in São Miguel

We recommend a minimum of 3 days, although ideally, you should plan for about 7 days to visit São Miguel to account for the unpredictable weather on the islands and to travel at a more relaxed pace. If you enjoy hiking and/or are visiting in the summer—when you can enjoy the beaches and natural pools—you can extend your stay even further and still have plenty to do. That’s why we offer various itineraries ranging from 2 to 7 days.

Things to see and do in São Miguel

This is a summary of the places of interest to visit in São Miguel, and below you have the map and specific information of each place.

Things to see and do in São Miguel

• The most beautiful lagoons of the archipelago
• Smoky volcanic vents where sulfur-smelling stews are made.
• Natural hot springs in the middle of nature for relaxation
• Breathtaking viewpoints
• Meandering, green and (in summer) flowery roads

Map of São Miguel

Here we leave you all the things to see and do in São Miguel that we talk about in this guide on a Google Maps map that you can carry with you on your smartphone to check at any time.

Here’s a tourist map showing the roads of São Miguel (click on the image to download a larger, higher-resolution version)

Western part of the island: Sete Cidades, Mosteiros, and the surrounding area

If you don’t have a rental car, you can hire this tour that take you to the main spots in west of São Miguel

Sete Cidades

The Sete Cidades caldera is located within one of the volcanic complexes that formed the island of São Miguel more than 800,000 years ago. In fact, São Miguel formed in six phases, with the Sete Cidades volcanic complex representing the fourth phase. During this phase, there were two islands, as the eastern region—comprising the volcanic complexes of Nordeste, Povoação, and Furnas—was not yet connected to this new Sete Cidades area. That connection occurred during phases 5 and 6, in the areas where the famous Lagoa do Fogo and Ponta Delgada are currently located.

Here you’ll find some of São Miguel’s most famous sights, such as Lagoa das Sete Cidades (with its two distinct colors) and the Miradouro da Grota do Inferno, and the area is full of lookouts and trails to explore at your own pace. Below, we’ve listed everything there is to see in Sete Cidades.

Miradouro Vista do Rei and Lagoa das Sete Cidades

There are several viewpoints from which to contemplate the beautiful Sete Cidades lagoon but the Miradouro Vista do Rei is the most famous spot. Although Sete Cidades looks like two lagoons – one green and one blue – it is actually one lagoon whose green and blue waters do not mix. There is a legend about it, full of romantic love, that says that the two-colored lagoon was formed by the tears of the impossible love between a blue-eyed princess and a green-eyed shepherd who cried so much at their last meeting, before the princess married another fiancé, that this two-colored lagoon was born.

Legends aside, it seems that the reason for the different colors of the lagoon are the depth and the concentration of algae on each side. The separation between the two sides that you can see from the viewpoint is a bridge that you can cross on your way down.

Do not be surprised when you arrive at the Miradouro da Vista do Rei if find yourself surrounded with tourists buses and share it with many more people, it is the price to pay for being in front of one of the most beautiful lagoons of the archipelago and one of the best places to contemplate it. At the viewpoint there are toilets and a parking area but it tends to fill up quickly, especially in July and August, so people parks along the road. Precisely there, on the road, when we went in July hydrangeas, a symbol of the Azores, were blooming (although they are not endemic flora) and the environment of the lagoon with hydrangeas was quite photogenic.

We parked right in the back area of the Monte Palace Hotel, about which we will tell your more next

Monte Palace Hotel Ruins

There is something about abandoned buildings that attracts us, that sharpens our curiosity and makes us instant inventors of stories. The Monte Palace Hotel, the building across the road from the Miradouro da Vista do Rei, was a luxury hotel that opened in 1989 (apparently 6 years later than planned) and closed less than 2 years after that due to financial problems. Over time it became a tourist attraction mainly because of the incredible views it offers of the Sete Cidades lagoon from its terrace on the top floor.

To enter (and exit) the hotel you have to climb (and descend) a 2 meters wall, although recently a follower told us that on the far left side of the hotel (closer to the lagoon than the parking lot) there is an area where the entrance is easier (apparently there is a land wall not as high).

Also, be careful, inside the hotel there is a lot of debris that can make a silly accident spoil an incredible trip. Recently a real estate group acquired the hotel to, hopefully, convert it into something nice so, currently, although it has no security or signs when you go, you should know that it is private property and entering it is forbidden.

Lagoa do Canário and Miradouro da Grota do Inferno (or Boca do Inferno)

The breathtaking views do not end at Sete Cidades, in fact, they have only just begun. We recommend you to park your car here to visit another beautiful lagoon, Lagoa do Canário. When you arrive and park your car, you will see that there are two trails, one that leads to the Miradouro Boca do Inferno (across the road) and another (right where the parking lot is), longer, 1.5 hours through the Serra da Devassa, about which we will tell you more later.

Lagoa do Canário has the particularity that its silhouette drawn by the trees, from a bird’s eye view, looks like a ghost or, for the most technological people, the logo of the Snapchat app.

The lagoon is located right at the beginning of the trail that you will take to reach the well-known Grota do Inferno viewpoint (there is a 15 minutes walk from Lagoa do Canário to the famous viewpoint), in the Parque Florestal da Mata do Canário. Before arriving at the viewpoint you will understand that this is a special view because of the crowds of people that will probably be there. This is what happened to us when we went there, in the middle of July, where we even witnessed some elbowing to get a photo in front of one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the island and from which you can see the largest number of lagoons.

At an altitude of 1000 meters, from this imposing viewpoint you can see Lagoa de Santiago (in the foreground), Lagoa de Sete Cidades, Lagoa Rasa, Grota do Inferno and Serra da Devassa

Serra Devassa and Lagoa das Empadadas Trail

The trail through Serra da Devassa (PRC05 SMI) (information brochure in Portuguese and English) is a circular trail that starts at the parking lot of Lagoa do Canário, and passes through several lagoons and viewpoints, taking you about 1h30. There are also a couple of detours during the trail, one to reach the beautiful Lagoa das Empadadas and the other to the get to the Pico do Paúl viewpoint. We took both detours which took us 30 minutes, so we did the trail in about 2 hours.

Randomtripper scale of difficulty: Easy. It is a trail with little elevation (a couple of gentle climbs), well marked and not too slippery terrain (at least when we went, in July). Trekking boots/sneakers are essential to do the trail.

Apart from the beauty of the trail through Serra da Devassa, another aspect that we loved is that although the trail is next to two very visited points of the island – Grota do Inferno and Lagoa do Canário – we hardly met any people here, which made us feel in a bubble of peace in São Miguel in the middle of July.

We decided to eat the sandwiches we brought with us at the highest point of the trail, Pico das Éguas, at 873 meters. By the way, the highest point of São Miguel Island is at 1103 meters, at Pico da Vara where there is also a viewpoint.

When we reached the first detour to Lagoa das Empadadas, we were grateful for the shade provided by the incredible forest that we crossed to get to the lagoon. Then, the splendor of two volcanic lagoons separated by a piece of land made us stay contemplating them in solitude for a few good minutes. Clearly, these two lagoons are kept off the touristic route in the area.

You can also reach Lagoa das Empadadas by parking here and starting the trail here. Next to the park, you can also see a section of the aqueduct.

We took the small detour, walked a few more minutes and found another detour to the miradouro do Pico do Paúl. This detour greeted us with a path worthy of any royal wedding: white flowers leading us as if we were in a celebration of nature. Well, we could really say that traveling to the Azores is celebrating Nature.

After walking about 500 meters we reach the Miradouro do Pico do Paúl from where you can see a large part of the island, the north and south coasts.

Trail that runs along the Sete Cidades crater

In our opinion, the trail with the best views of the Sete Cidades caldera is the PR4SMI (brochure in Portuguese and English). It is a one-way trail that starts at the Mata do Canário parking lot and ends in the village of Sete Cidades, at the church. The hike takes about 3 to 3.5 hours and is 11.8 km long.

Randomtripper scale of difficulty: Moderate. It’s a long hike (almost 12 kilometers) and starts with an uphill climb of nearly 2 kilometers. Hiking boots or sturdy shoes are essential for this trail.

Although the trail starts with a steady climb for about 2 kilometers, from that point on we’ll be skirting the crater, with views of Lagoa das Sete Cidades every few meters—each one more breathtaking than the last. Plus, there are far fewer people here than at the Miradouro Vista do Rei. Unfortunately, they organize some quad bike tours around here that ruin the magic and, in our opinion, should be banned, though we hardly came across anyone during our hike.

Some of the highlights you’ll pass by if you hike the trail:

• Aqueduct and Muro das 9 Janelas: we’ll tell you more about them below; you can also visit them by car if you don’t want to hike the trail
• Pico da Cruz: an 845-meter peak offering views of both the coast (the Ribeira Grande area and surroundings) and Lagoa de Santiago, with Lagoa das Sete Cidades in the background
• Miradouro das Cumeeiras (or Miradouro Vista da Rainha): located opposite the Miradouro Vista do Rei, this viewpoint offers incredible views of Lagoa das Sete Cidades and the village of Sete Cidades. It can also be reached by car from the north, specifically via this turnoff

As we mentioned, for most of the hike you’ll have views of Lagoa das Sete Cidades from different angles—it’s impossible not to stop every few meters to take them in.

If you want to do the loop trail, you can combine this one (PR4SMI) with the PR3SMI (in reverse, from the village of Sete Cidades to the Vista do Rei viewpoint) and then complete the remaining section between the viewpoint and the parking lot. The total distance would be about 24 km, and it would take about 9–10 hours.

The easiest option—which is what we did on Randomtrip—is to park your car at the end of the trail (near the Sete Cidades church) and take a taxi to the trailhead (in 2025, we were charged €15 for the ride). Taxis aren’t plentiful and leave right from where the church is; in our case, there weren’t any, but we asked at the restaurant and were told that one was about to arrive, so a few minutes later we were already on our way up (keep this in mind so you can plan ahead).

Aqueduct and “Muro das 9 Janelas” (Wall of the 9 windows)

Right next to where the previous trail begins—and part of the route—are the Aqueduct and the “Muro das 9 Janelas”: the largest and most iconic section of the island’s aqueducts.

From the first moments when the island was populated, different systems were built to transport and store drinking water. This aqueduct was intended to transport water from Lagoa do Canário and Lagoa das Empadadas to the city of Ponta Delgada, with an extension of more than 10 kilometers. It is worthwhile to approach this small but beautiful witness made of nine windows (in Portuguese “nove janelas”) to learn about the history and effort to have access to drinking water around the island

Road to Sete Cidades, Miradouro Cerrado das Freiras and Miradouro Lagoa de Santiago

When you look at Lagoa das Sete Cidades from the top of the previous viewpoints you can clearly see how a line crosses the lagoon, marking the difference between the blue side and the green side. That “line” is actually a bridge, so we wanted to cross it and see the lagoon up close, of course! On the road to that bridge we passed two viewpoints that are worth a stop to appreciate the views. The first is Cerrado das Freiras Viewpoint which allow us appreciate the magnitude of Lagoa das Sete Cidades from another point of view (for some people, even more beautiful than Vista do Rei).

The second is Miradouro Lagoa de Santiago and its explosion of greens. Seeing this lagoon from the miradouro da Grota do Inferno promised something special so we decided to stop for a closer look: a success.

Finally we reach the road that crosses the Lagoa de Sete Cidades, we slow down the car a bit and we are left with the green side on our left and the blue side on our right. Feel like exploring one of the most beautiful lagoons of the archipelago? Read on.

Sete Cidades

You can go around the Lagoa das Sete Cidades by car, slowly, although the terrain is a bit muddy. If you prefer to do it by bike, talk to Azores for all: here you can rent bikes by the hour to explore the surroundings of the lagoon, and here you can hire an e-bike tour. If you want to explore the lagoon itself, rent a paddleboard from the same company or from Garoupa, who specializes in kayaking and paddleboarding and have better prices, our local friend Iolanda told us.

Also visible from the viewpoints is the village of Sete Cidades. Apparently, the village owes its name to the legend of “Sete Cidades do Atlântico” (Seven Cities of the Atlantic Ocean), a legend that inspired maritime exploration for centuries.

Legend of “Sete Cidades do Atlântico“

This legend tells that there was an island lost in the sea, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean called “Ilha Encantada das Sete Cidades” (Enchanted Island of the Seven Cities), searched by several navigators throughout time.

One day, a caravel from the medieval kingdom of Portugal set sail with three friars and several sailors, crossing waves and storms, with the aim of finding the enchanted island. After one of those storms, as always, the weather was calm, the mists opened up and the sailors sighted an island on the horizon. They approached the island, anchored the caravel, and spent three days exploring the green and blue paradise, its forests and rivers, learning the local customs and language (very similar to that spoken in Portugal at the time), visiting palaces and trying to establish relations with the island’s monarch.

At the end of the three days on land, they returned to the caravel and set sail to the mainland to tell the king about their new discovery. However, as soon as they started to move away from the coast, the island was suddenly surrounded by fog and, like magic, disappeared into the sea. After telling the Portuguese king what had happened, he quickly sent an embassy in search for the island to establish relations, but they did not find it. According to the legend of the enchanted island of the Sete Cidades, several searches were made for centuries until, finally, the Portuguese caravels found the island again, but this time, the island was uninhabited. Occupied later by the Portuguese, they gave the name “Sete Cidades” to the giant central caldera of the volcano, in honor of this legend.

Source: Lenda da Ilha das Sete Cidades

The reality is that it is very likely that when you approach the valley of the Sete Cidades you will find it wrapped in a blanket of clouds, providing it with mystery and suspense…

If you visit the village of Sete Cidades, keep in mind that it’s not particularly mysterious, but it does have a picturesque church and a restaurant recommended to us by locals—in case you get hungry—called São Nicolau, which offers a buffet of regional dishes. If you’re looking for something lighter than the buffet, they also recommended O Poejo for a snack.

If you explore Lagoa das Sete Cidades from here, you can go one way to this garden and the other way to this tunnel that leads to Mosteiros.

Here we say goodbye to one of the most beautiful lagoons of São Miguel to continue to the west of the island.

You can wake up seeing the Sete Cidades Lake itself by staying very close to here at the Sete Cidades Lake Cabin (Casa da Lagoa). It is a brand new two-bedroom chalet with breathtaking views. In this case a picture is really worth a thousand words so here are two:

Book your stay at the Sete Cidades Lake Cabin-Casa da Lagoa here. Find more accommodations in Sete Cidades at this link.

Ponta da Ferraria (natural pool with warm sea water)

Please note: Vehicle access to Ponta da Ferraria has been closed since September 2025 due to a landslide, so it is not possible to reach this area of São Miguel by car until further notice (it is possible to walk down, although the path is quite steep). In addition, the Termas da Ferraria remain closed as a result

This popular natural pool features two volcanic hot springs (unique in the world due to their high sulfur content), known for their healing properties, which allow you to swim in the sea—in hot water!

The area has ample parking, so even though the access road is a bit narrow in some places, it’s no problem to get there by car.

You can head straight to the beach to enjoy these marine thermal waters. If you go, keep in mind that the best time to visit is at mid-tide, when the water level is halfway between high and low: at low tide, the water is too hot (it can reach temperatures above 30°C), and at high tide, it’s too cold (you can check the tide times here)

During one of our visits to São Miguel, we at Randomtrip tried to go to the natural pool right in the middle of the sea, but there were so many people that we turned around and left without getting to enjoy the water. The natural pool has several ropes to hold onto (to avoid crashing into the rocks due to the waves) and not much space around it to lay out a towel and dry off (further up, after climbing the stairs, there are free changing rooms).

In the past, it was mainly enjoyed by locals living nearby, but since the private spa complex Termas da Ferraria was built, it has become more popular. The complex features outdoor pools (€5) and indoor pools (starting at €15), massages, and a bar/restaurant. They are open from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM. In the summer, they sometimes host special evenings where they are open from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM with live music, so you can enjoy the sunset from the warm water (check their Facebook page to find out when).

In our case, we went to enjoy the outdoor pool at the Termas da Ferraria during the Tremor Festival in 2025. The festival organizes a few secret concerts that require advance registration, and in our case, one of them took place right here in the Ponta da Ferraria area, where the artist played while walking across the volcanic landscape and ended up by the outdoor pool, while the audience could jump in to enjoy the music from the warm water.

On the access road to Ponta da Ferraria, don’t forget to stop (on the way there or on the way back) at the Miradouro da Ilha Sabrina, to enjoy beautiful views of the area (which is a “fajã lávica”, a protected area and has the official name of “Monumento Natural do Pico das Camarinhas – Ponta da Ferraria“) from the top. As a curiosity, the name is due to the fact that there was indeed a small islet visible from here, with the name of “Sabrina”, which arose in the 19th century with a volcanic eruption but disappeared months later.

Ponta do Escalvado Viewpoint

The Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado, built on a cliff, offers incredible views of the west coast of the island, both of Ponta da Ferraria (which we just told you about) and of the Mosteiros area.

It is also an incredible spot to watch the sunset, and was an important whale watching spot.

Mosteiros

One of the best places to take a dip on the island (and enjoy the sunset) is at the beach or the natural pool at Mosteiros. Yes, this fishing village has both a sandy beach and a natural pool, so you just have to choose.

Praia dos Mosteiros

This beautiful black sand beach is, along with Santa Barbara, one of the best surfing beaches of São Miguel. Its name comes from the two huge volcanic basalt rocks that stand in the sea which have been called Mosteiros (Monasteries, in Portuguese).

Right on the beach there’s a beach bar (Snack Bar “O Tubarão”, which serves cheap local beer, by the way) where, at the end of the day, you can watch the sun dip into the sea between the “monasteries.” This is one of the most photogenic scenes on the island at sunset.

If, like us, you prefer to get closer to the rocks during the “golden hour”, at the beach bar they let us take the crystal glasses with us with the promise that we would bring them back. We did.

Mosteiros natural pools

If, on the other hand, you prefer a sand-free dip in the sea, there are natural pools nearby. At low tide, you can clearly see the labyrinths of lava that solidified in the sea where small pools are formed to soak in. When the tide rises, it is ideal for a few strokes in the sea.

To enjoy the natural pool, it’s best to park your car over here. Right across the way, you’ll also find two bars where you can grab a drink and enjoy the sunset after a dip: Sunset Poço da Pedra and Seaside Vibez (both also serve light meals if you’d like to have dinner). By the way, there’s a picture-perfect windmill right next door.

The water in the pools was so clear that when we went snorkeling, we could see several fish. Be careful when getting in and out so you don’t slip on the mossy rocks. There are easier spots to enter the water, but ideally you should bring some water shoes (you’ll find they’ll come in handy throughout your trip to the Azores). At the natural pools, there’s a freshwater shower to rinse off the salt when you get out, before grabbing a beer at the beach bar.

If you’re feeling hungry, we recommend two places nearby, both specializing in polvo assado, a local delicacy: Américo do Barbosa and Gazcidla. At both, especially in the summer, it’s essential to make a reservation in advance because they fill up quickly.

Miradouro Ponta do Castelo

From the Ponta dos Mosteiros viewpoint, you’ll have another beautiful view of the picturesque rocks, and you can sit on one of the benches and simply enjoy the ocean views. There’s also a little stand nearby run by a very friendly and kind man where you can order a coffee or a beer at reasonable prices.

Miradouro Pico da Mafra

For beautiful views of the fajã of Mosteiros from above, you can head to the Pico da Mafra Lookout (it’s also a great spot to enjoy the sunset from a higher vantage point). There’s no parking nearby, so you’ll have to pull over wherever you can or walk up.

If you want to give yourself a treat in this area of the island, the Sensi Nature and Spa is a rural tourism with 20 rooms, outdoor infinity pool, indoor pool and an incredible terrace from where to say goodbye to the sun in the sea.

More special accommodations in Mosteiros in our Where to Stay section.

Furnas: among volcanic waters

If you don’t have a rental car, you can hire this full day tour that takes you to the Furnas area, or this other tour that takes to you to Furnas and some interesting spots in the east of the island

Furnas is one of the oldest areas on São Miguel, formed approximately 750,000 years ago, and the most visited on the island. It is also a place unlike any other in the world. Once you arrive, you’ll understand why. The “Vale das Furnas” (Furnas Valley) is located in the crater of the Furnas volcano, one of the three still active volcanoes and the largest on the green island, where volcanic activity is evident in everything you are about to experience—through sight, smell, and even taste.

Below is a detailed list of everything to see and do in Furnas. To make it easier for you, we’ve organized the attractions into four areas: the lagoon (which is divided into two sections, the south and the north), the village, the viewpoints, and the Ribeira Quente area (just a 10-minute drive away).

Lagoa das Furnas

And while the volcanic lakes are one of São Miguel’s main attractions, Lagoa das Furnas is a prime example of their allure.

This imposing lagoon also has a legend:

Once upon a time there was a boy who lived in a village where calm, peace and tranquility were the norm. Like every morning, the boy went to the fountain to collect water, but that morning something had changed: the water in the fountain was salty and undrinkable. He ran back to the village to tell everyone but no one believed him. No one except his grandfather.

Grandfather and grandson returned to the spring and found that the situation had worsened: the fish that used to swim in the small spring were floating, lifeless. They ran to tell the people about it, saying how imperative it was to go up the mountain in search of new land, but nobody believed them. Both climbed to the top of the mountain and saw a new island that had been born from the sea, it was the enchanted island of the Sete Cidades (yes, the same island of the legend that we told you before in this guide), and that was a sign that augured terrible changes. They went back to tell the people about it, but nobody believed them. A few days later, grandfather and grandson, together with all their livestock, moved to a neighboring village.

Weeks passed and, one day, the two returned to the village but… the village no longer existed. In the place of the village there was water, only water, a giant and enormous lagoon, the Lagoa das Furnas. It is said since then that the people still live under and around the lagoon, invisible, and that is why we see the bubbles of volcanic gas and, sometimes, flashes: it is them cooking…

There are two main areas of the lagoon that you can visit: the south and the north. Below is a list of all the places you can visit. To access the south area, you can park for free here, while for the north area, you’ll need to park here for €3 per person (or walk in for free).

Capela de Nossa Senhora das Vitórias

As we approached the lagoon from the south to see if we could find any traces of the legend, we came across a stunning church: the Chapel of Our Lady of Victories.

Located next to Lagoa das Furnas, this Neo-Gothic cathedral was built in 1886 as a testament to the faith of José do Canto, a native of São Miguel, when his wife fell ill with a serious disease. This symbol of love is built entirely of volcanic basalt and is open to visitors daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (until 6:00 p.m. in the summer); admission is €3 per person.

The chapel is located near José do Canto’s summer home, and both he and his wife are buried there.

Mata Jardim José do Canto

José do Canto also invested part of his money in creating the Mata Jardim José do Canto, a botanical garden featuring trees and plants from all over the world, designed by the famous French landscape architect Barillet-Deschamps. The chapel mentioned in the previous point is located within the garden, and next to it we can also see two houses, which are currently rented out as rural accommodations (Casa da Lagoa and Casa dos Barcos).

The garden has plenty to see (here you can view the official brochure with some information), including the Salto do Rosal (an impressive waterfall that takes about an hour round trip from the entrance), a Sequoia dating back to the time of José do Canto, the Vale dos Fetos (Valley of the Ferns), which has been reconstructed, as well as a huge variety of camellias.

Admission is €5, and it is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (last admission at 4:20 p.m.)

Centro de Interpretação Ambiental das Furnas (Furnas Environmental Interpretation Center)

Also in the southern area, just a short walk from Mata José do Canto, we consider the Furnas Monitoring and Research Center a must-see, where you can learn more about the volcano’s history and the protection and restoration of ecosystems—not to mention that it’s architecturally stunning.

Inside, you can watch a comprehensive documentary that explains the history of the area: why people settled in this volcanic region (it was due to the availability of water), and the discovery of the diverse waters (hot, cold, iron-rich, acidic…), which make this area unique in the world. The people who live in Furnas live in constant contact with the volcano, always at risk: they hear the tremors, drink its waters, smell the fumaroles, and observe the vegetation (or the lack thereof). The danger is real, as volcanic activity is constantly monitored, though those who live there say the benefits outweigh the dangers.

In addition to the documentary, there are several exhibits where you can learn about the formation of the Azores, volcanology, and the history of the Furnas area.

Admission is €3, and it is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (last admission at 5:30 p.m.)

Wooden figurines: Gandalf and various animals

Also in the southern area—and as a fun fact—as you walk from the parking lot toward the other attractions in this area, you’ll come across a garden featuring several wooden figures, such as this Gandalf, this beaver, this whale, and this puppy.

The fumaroles of Lagoa das Furnas and the Cocido de Furnas

Once in the northern part of Lagoa das Furnas, we can see the fumaroles and smell their characteristic sulfur odor. We can also see some holes in the ground that serve as natural cooking pits where the famous dish is prepared: Cocido de Furnas!

After adding all the ingredients typically found in a “cozido à portuguesa” (meat, sausages, vegetables), the pot is wrapped in a linen cloth, and a man lowers it into a hole in the caldera, where volcanic heat will cook it. It takes several hours to cook; typically, the stew served in Furnas restaurants at lunchtime (starting at 12 p.m.) has been in the cauldron since 4 a.m. You can watch this process of removing the stews from the cauldrons: just be in this northern area of the lagoon around 11:30 a.m.

Please note! To access the area with the fumaroles and the “caldeiras” (cauldrons) where the stews are cooked, you must pay €3 per person if you are not a resident of the Azores. Parking is available here.

They also rent kayaks for exploring the lagoon; they cost €10 per hour per person:

You can try cocido at several places in Furnas; below is a list of the most well-known/recommended restaurants where you can try it.

You can also make a “DIY cocido” in Furnas and take it home—that is, you prepare it yourself in your pot and simply ask the staff to lower it into the pit so it can continue cooking there.

Parque Grená

Next to the Fumarolas is Parque Grená. Formerly a summer home, it changed hands several times before falling into disrepair, until it reopened in 2019 as a “natural park” (it remains privately owned).

In our opinion, the entrance area is a tourist trap (with animals in captivity, unfortunately), and we find the admission price excessive for what it offers, but the trails and lookouts inside the park are indeed beautiful. If you decide to pay the entrance fee, we recommend spending at least an hour exploring the trails (though we have to say they aren’t very well marked) and stopping at the lookouts and waterfalls.

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the spots you’ll find in Parque Grená to whet your appetite:

Inês even took a quick dip in one of the waterfalls, and near the entrance there are some artificial hot springs that are a popular spot for photos. Don’t forget to visit the ruins of the old house and the waterfall (Poço da Inglesa).

Admission is €10 per person (you must first pay the €3 fee to access the Fumarolas), and the hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

PRC06 SMI Hiking Trail

If you want to enjoy Furnas’s natural beauty even more and visit all the places mentioned above without using a car, you can take the PRC06 SMI hiking trail (official information here, PDF brochure in Portuguese and English here). It’s a loop trail that circles Lagoa das Furnas, passing by all the places we mentioned earlier. It starts and ends in the village, but if you prefer, you can just hike the section that circles the lagoon.

Randomtripper Difficulty Scale: easy; it’s a fairly flat and straightforward route. The entire route is 9.5 kilometers long and takes about 3 hours to complete (not including any stops you might make at the Interpretation Center or in the parks).

Furnas and its gastronomic and relaxing experiences with sulfur scent

It is impressive to arrive at Furnas village, located in the caldera of a volcano, and see how its inhabitants live there so peacefully, among the calderas and fumaroles of a dormant but active volcano. We could say that the village of Furnas is one of the clear examples of the resilience of the Azorean people, in this case in São Miguel (each island has its particularities).

Here are the main sights to see and places to visit in Furnas:

The Furnas Caldeiras and Boiled Corn on the Cob

You can see the water boiling as a result of volcanic activity simply by strolling through the town center, and the steaming vents of the caldeiras of Furnas are visible from any of the overlooks we’ll mention later. These groups of calderas are known as “fumarole fields” (there are 4 in total in the Furnas Volcano area)

Because the magma is closer to the surface, it heats the water and the earth, creating mineral and thermal waters, and these hydrothermal vents (with outlet temperatures around 100°C) that release mainly water vapor and carbon dioxide (and to a lesser extent, hydrogen sulfide, which is what gives off the characteristic smell of sulfur or “rotten eggs”)

You can stroll around the area with complete peace of mind (being careful not to get too close and paying attention to the signs, as some of the water emerges at extremely high temperatures) and admire the scenery.

OMIC (Observatório Microbiano dos Açores – Azores Microbial Observatory)

The OMIC (Azores Microbial Observatory) is a small museum (a science and technology outreach center) focused on microbiology. It is an excellent place to learn more about the microorganisms on our planet, and especially those found in this volcanic region of the Azores.

The OMIC is truly a fascinating place where you can learn a lot: it has a room with microscopes where you can examine samples from the fumarole fields, observe the different types of life that inhabit various areas of the volcano (lakes, hot springs, etc.), and even learn how to wash your hands and check (using a gel and a light) whether you’re doing it right:

Admission to the OMIC costs €2.50, and its hours are:

• Winter (September through June): Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)
• Summer (July and August): Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. (closed Sundays and holidays)

Jardim da Alameda and Jardim das Quenturas

The Jardim da Alameda is an area in Furnas where you can take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the view of the river and some of the attractions along its banks, such as the bandstand, the artificial waterfall (and, unfortunately, an aquarium as well), and the Poça da Tia Silvina (which we’ll tell you more about below—a place where you can soak your feet in the hot springs for free).

If you keep walking a few meters, you’ll come to the Jardim das Quenturas, a beautiful park with a lake surrounded by various hot springs

Casa Invertida (Upside-Down House)

Another interesting fact about Furnas is that one particularly windy day, a house was turned upside down… Just kidding! The Upside-Down House is a curious building (very close to the Quinta de los Cócteles) that belongs to the local power company. Go check it out, but don’t act too silly—it’s right next to the Municipal Police station.

Try the Furnas volcanic stew at one of its restaurants

As we mentioned earlier, the famous “Cozido das Furnas” is cooked for hours in the steam vents in the northern part of Lagoa das Furnas, so one of the most traditional experiences when visiting Furnas is to try it at one of the restaurants. Here is a list of the most well-known and highly recommended restaurants where you can do just that (we recommend making a reservation!):

• Tonys: it’s usually pretty crowded
• Vale das Furnas: next to the Furnas campground, recommended by our friend Iolanda, who says it offers good value for money
• Caldeiras e Vulcões, which offers vegan stews
• Baños Férreos, which we tried during our last visit to the island and loved
• Miroma, which locals also spoke highly of
• The restaurant at Terra Nostra, which, although more expensive, is excellent, according to some friends who stayed at the hotel and tried the stew at the restaurant.

In general, the portions of cocido are usually very generous, so a single serving is easily enough for two people, and it typically costs between €15 and €30, depending on the restaurant.

If you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, there are other options besides vegan stew. At Randomtrip we tried the corn on the cob cooked in the cauldrons (€1 per cob) in the center of the village of Furnas. Delicious! (only in summer)

Chalet da Tia Merces

And if you’re looking for something heartier than a corn cob but lighter than a stew (with several meat-free and vegetarian options), you can try the Geothermal Brunch or the All Azores Tea Brunch with views of the fumaroles at the Chalet da Tia Mercês (by reservation only, 48 hours in advance).

On our first visit, we tried the “All Azores Tea Brunch,” which is made exclusively with local ingredients and features dishes made with products from all nine islands, as if it were a culinary journey through the archipelago. Plus, here you can try coffee produced in São Miguel. Did you think the only coffee produced in the Azores was from São Jorge? Here we discovered that’s not the case: for example, at Quinta Aguiar (Ginetes), they produce about 10 to 15 kg of coffee per year, so you can imagine what a privilege it is to try it.

On another of our visits to São Miguel, in 2025, we returned to try the Geothermal Brunch, where Paula told us all sorts of interesting facts about the different types of drinking water in Furnas, how the water and temperatures affect tea preparation, made us a “magic tea” that changes color, and we sampled various foods cooked using Furnas’ geothermal heat in different ways (eggs, cheeses, cassava, etc.). We think it’s a perfect way to learn more about the area.

Try Bolo Lévedo, a traditional bread from Furnas

The Bolo Lévedo is an (addictive) sweet bread from the island, typical of this area: Furnas. It is similar (though not identical) to Madeira’s Bolo do Caco, and has gained widespread popularity thanks to tourism; today, it is used for just about everything (on its own, in sandwiches, in burgers, etc.).

The best and most traditional ones are those from Gloria Moniz and Rosa Quental. If you don’t gain a couple of pounds because of this bread (you’ll want to eat it for every breakfast and snack), then you haven’t really been to the Azores. At Rosa Quental, we tried the bolo lévedo with fresh cheese, and it was… spectacular! Plus, the prices are reasonable.

Try Furnas Cheese

To taste and buy the traditional cheese made with brine from the bitter waters of Furnas (one of the 70 mineral waters in the area)—which is carbonated and rich in iron—you should visit the Queijaria Furnense, located very close to the entrance to Terra Nostra Park. Here, they produce about 340 cheeses a day, in 5 different varieties, with the butter-style cheese being the bestseller.

On the island, it is known as queijo do vale (cheese from the valley, from the Furnas Valley), and the idea to create the cheese and the cheese shop came from the owner, who, at age 16, wanted to create a unique cheese.

We recommend ordering the cheese platter so you can try a variety of cheeses.

Try the different waters of Furnas

If there’s one thing that defines Furnas, it’s its waters. In addition to the famous hot springs—where you can relax, and which we’ll discuss below—Furnas also boasts a wide variety of natural mineral waters. You can find different springs or water sources in various parts of the village (for example, Fontanário Gloria Patri or Azeda do Rebentão), and you can also learn more about the waters and their properties and sample some at the Chalet da Tia Mercês (which we mentioned earlier in this guide).

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Alegria and Igreja de Santa Ana

Since you’re strolling through Furnas, you might want to stop by its main church, the Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Alegria. The last eruption of the Furnas volcano (which is still active) occurred in 1630, leading to the depopulation of the area; however, after the eruption, the soil was more fertile than ever, so the area was repopulated and the Jesuits built a small chapel (dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Alegria). Next to the current church (a modern structure built in 1901), you can see a stone marking the spot where that old chapel once stood.

On the other hand, there’s also the small Church of Santa Ana, which, interestingly, has an império right next to it (very typical of the island of Terceira, though there are also a few here on São Miguel)

Furnas Aqueduct

As a point of interest, there is also an old aqueduct in Furnas, although it can only be seen from a distance (since it is on private property) and is in a state of disrepair.

At the end of the day, we recommend grabbing a drink at A Quinta (another local recommendation from our friend Iolanda): aside from the beautiful setting, surrounded by trees and great music, the cocktails are exquisite. No, they aren’t made with volcanic water—that’s the only thing around here that doesn’t involve volcanic activity. Try the pineapple or passion fruit caipirinha, and you won’t regret it.

We also recommend stopping by this traditional candy shop, if it’s open, to try some of its delicious creations.

One of the best options for staying in picturesque Furnas is the 4-star Octant Furnas hotel (from €200/night), which, of course, features a spa and wellness center and natural hot springs. There’s also the wonderful Quinta da Mó (from €205/night), an estate located 1 km from Lagoa das Furnas, featuring 1- and 3-bedroom cottages nestled among fruit trees, bamboo, and exotic plants—where we stayed during our last visit to Furnas.

If you’re visiting São Miguel with the whole family or a large group, you’ll be happy to know that you can wake up practically right next to Lagoa das Furnas by staying at Casa da Lagoa or Casa dos Barcos. At both locations, you rent the entire house, and bicycles and kayaks are included so you can explore the lagoon on your own.

Hot springs in Furnas: Terra Nostra, Poça Dona Beija, Poça da Tia Silvina…

If there’s one thing that sets Furnas apart and draws visitors there, it’s undoubtedly its natural hot springs. There are several ways to enjoy them, and we’ve listed them all here.

Important: If you plan to visit the hot springs in São Miguel, bring a dark-colored and/or old swimsuit, as it will likely get stained by the minerals in the water.

Terra Nostra Park

One of the island’s most beautiful gardens, guaranteed to provide a relaxing morning or afternoon. Terra Nostra Park features a huge botanical garden with a diverse array of flora (in fact, it boasts the world’s largest collection of camellias, with over 600 species), where you can stroll along four different trails, but its biggest draw is… its hot springs!

As soon as you enter the park through an avenue lined with beautiful ginkgo biloba trees, you’ll see a huge pond of iron-rich thermal water. At first, you might think the water is dirty, but it’s not! It’s the high iron content that gives it that “muddy” color. The water temperature ranges from 35°C to 40°C, making it suitable for all seasons (at Randomtrip, we tried it in winter and summer, and honestly, it’s even more enjoyable in winter).

In addition to the large main pool—which, despite its popularity, never has a line because it’s so huge (though you might have a hard time finding a bench to leave your things on; we left ours next to a tree)—Terra Nostra Park also has hot tubs!

There’s usually a bit of a line for these, but at least when we went in July, we didn’t have to wait long. The hot tubs are very nice, and they’re a great way to enjoy these healing hot springs with a little more privacy.

When you leave the main pool or the hot tubs, please note that the park has showers and restrooms located very close to the hot tubs.

Admission to Terra Nostra costs €17 per person, and it is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day (last admission at 5:00 p.m.). There is no time limit once inside. You can buy tickets in advance online here

With your ticket, you get a discount on cocktails at the bar at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel (made with edible flowers from the park), so we went there to try two. The bar is a bit posh but not too much; the terrace was absolutely lovely, with live music

If you want to stay overnight right in Terra Nostra Park andhave access to the thermal pool and the park at any time of the day or night (remember that it closes to the public at 4:30 p.m., so you’ll only be sharing it with a few other hotel guests…) you can do so by staying at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel. It’s absolutely wonderful.

Poça Dona Beija

Another option for enjoying the hot springs of Furnas is at Poça Dona Beija. It’s quite a bit smaller than Terra Nostra Park, but just as beautiful. Poça Dona Beija features three hot pools at 39°C and a river flowing through them at 28°C.

You need to buy tickets for Poça Dona Beija online here

It’s open from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and yes, you’ve read our minds—enjoying it at night is truly special. The price for Poça Dona Beija is €12 until 5:30 p.m. and €16 starting at 6:00 p.m. There’s a 1.5-hour time limit inside, and the number of people allowed at any given time is also limited, so tickets can sell out. The last possible entry is at 9:30 p.m., and the pools close at 10:30 p.m.

At Randomtrip, we’ve enjoyed Dona Beija both day and night, as we’ve visited the place on several of our trips. We strongly recommend purchasing tickets in advance.

Here, just as we recommended at Terra Nostra, you’ll definitely want to bring an old swimsuit or one you don’t care too much about.

Poça da Tia Silvina

There’s also a free option to experience the benefits of the hot springs… on your legs. The Poça da Tia Silvina is a small pool of naturally hot water next to the river (cold water) where you can dip your legs and feel the contrast between the very hot spring water and the very cold river water right next to it.

Other options: Octant Furnas and Casa La Lola

Two other, lesser-known options for enjoying the hot springs of Furnas are two very special accommodations.

The Octant Furnas hotel (from €200/night) features both outdoor and indoor thermal pools, available 24 hours a day, as well as various treatment rooms offering spa services if you’re looking for total relaxation. The water comes from the “das Quenturas” spring, right in front of the hotel, at a temperature of between 58 and 60°C. It passes through a cooling system before reaching the various pools and hot tubs, where you can enjoy it at temperatures between 35 and 42°C.

On the other hand, if you’re traveling in a group or your budget allows, you can rent Casa La Lola, a private house with 3 bedrooms that sleeps up to 6 people, featuring thermal pools fed directly by a spring that runs through the property.

Viewpoints in Furnas

You can’t leave Furnas without enjoying some of its incredible viewpoints. Here’s a list of them.

Miradouro Pico do Ferro

The Miradouro do Pico do Ferro is probably the most famous viewpoint, offering the most beautiful view of the magnificent Lagoa das Furnas—or, more accurately, the giant volcanic crater filled with water. It is located about 5 km from the village of Furnas, at an altitude of about 570 meters, and you can admire the vastness of the lagoon, the green hills surrounding it, and the steaming dots of the hot springs. It has free parking, so it’s easy to get there by car.

From here, you can also reach the top of the Poço da Inglesa waterfall (which you can see from below in Grená Park, which we mentioned a little earlier)

Miradouro Lombo dos Milhos

The Lombo dos Milhos viewpoint is located at an altitude of about 330 meters, in the southwest of the Furnas Valley, offering a completely different panorama from the previous one, with stunning views of the village of Furnas. It is accessible by car, although the road leading to it is narrow and steep.

Miradouro Vista do Vale

From the Miradouro Vista do Vale, you can enjoy different views of the Furnas Valley, as its name suggests. You can park a few meters from the viewpoint, right here, although space is limited.

Miradouro do Castelo Branco

As we approach the small castle that gives the viewpoint its name, it looks as if it’s angry (note the two small windows that look like eyes and the large one that looks like a mouth), but it’s hard to say why: the 360° views from the rooftop of the Miradouro do Castelo Branco are absolutely stunning. On one side, the Furnas valley and lagoon, and on the other, Vila Franca do Campo and its photogenic islet.

We had so much fun playing with the silhouettes of the windows from the inside and the views from the outside of the castle that when we left, we hoped the castle would have changed its appearance, but no such luck.

To get there, park your car here and walk to the castle.

Miradouro do Salto do Cavalo

Our favorite viewpoint in this part of the island, the incredible Miradouro do Salto do Cavalo, was the only one of all those mentioned that we were able to enjoy all to ourselves—even in the middle of July—which leads us to suspect that it’s the least well-known viewpoint in this area.

We lost count of the shades of green we could see in the panoramic view from this lookout point. It sits at an elevation of over 700 meters above sea level, on the northern edge of the Furnas caldera, offering a view of the Povoação Valley and the Seven Hills, the Furnas Valley with the caldera and its lagoon, and stretching all the way to the sea.

Apparently, this lookout is very popular with paragliders, but when we went, we didn’t see anyone there. Also, there’s a hiking trail starting here that looks really great and that we want to try next time: an 18-km out-and-back route that starts at this lookout, passes by Pico da Vara (the highest point on São Miguel), and ends at the sea. More info on the trail here.

Ribeira Quente and Praia do Fogo

Near the Furnas valley, it is worth visiting Ribeira Quente, a fishing village between the hills and the sea. But the most interesting place there is its beach…

Praia do Fogo is a beautiful black sand beach in the shape of a bay bathed by a calm sea and a nice bar where you can have a drink. The particularity of this beach is that it has underwater fumaroles (hydrothermal springs) that make the sea water warmer, something that is, in theory, especially noticeable at low tide. The truth is that we did not notice anything and the water was quite cold… If you have more luck than us and find that it is true, let us know in comments!

On the beautiful and winding road on the way to this particular beach (the road leaves from Furnas, so it’s a good idea to visit this place on the same day you visit Furnas) there is a waterfall. It is located between the two tunnels that you pass and to get to it you have to park where you can outside of the tunnels and walk along the road (be careful, it can be dangerous).

North and center of the island

Lagoa do Fogo

Lagoa do Fogo is one of the largest lagoons of São Miguel and, in our opinion, the most beautiful of the entire archipelago. Well, not only in our opinion as it has been chosen one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.

Classified since 1974 as a Natural Reserve, it has an altitude of 575 meters and a maximum depth of 30 meters. It is surrounded by dense endemic vegetation and it is located in the huge caldera of the Fogo volcano – also known as Vulcão Água de Pau – which erupted 15,000 years ago.

You can admire the magnificence of the lagoon from two viewpoints: the Pico da Barrosa Viewpoint and the Lagoa do Fogo Viewpoint (at an elevation of 850 meters). Both offer free parking (though they can fill up, especially the first one, which is small), but the Lagoa do Fogo parking lot (48 spaces) is free only for the first 20 minutes and subject to a fee thereafter. Precisely because of the concentration of cars near the viewpoint—a situation that has become particularly evident during the summers of recent years due to the large influx of tourists that São Miguel has been receiving—from now on access to Lagoa do Fogo is by bus, only during the summer.

On the road heading south, there is this other lookout point from which you can see the southern coast—weather permitting—and catch a glimpse of the cities of Ponta Delgada and Lagoa.

Access to Lagoa do Fogo by shuttle during the summer

In 2025, same as in 2024 and 2023, from June 15 to September 30, access to Lagoa do Fogo from 9h to 19h is done by round-trip bus. This shuttle costs €5/person (free for residents of the Azores and for children under 6 years of age) and you can buy the ticket here, at this link or directly there at the bus.

The shuttle operates from 9h to 19h every day, during summer.

As the shuttle operates from 9h to 19h, it is possible to drive that road on your own rented car from 19h to 9h. So if you want to save 5€ and the hassle of having to wait for the bus, it can be a good plan to watch the sunrise from any of the viewpoints or to go before sunset.

In 2025 the are 2 different routes:

• Red route (Linha Vermelha):
  • Starts in Caldeira Velha (where you can park your car, there is space for 101 vehicles)
  • First stop: Miradouro da Bela Vista (3 minutes)
  • Second stop: Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo (10 minutes)
  • Thirds stope: Miradouro do Pico da Barrosa (3 minutes)
  • Back to start
• Green route (Linha Verde):
  • Starts in Casa da Água (free parking for 60 vehicles)
  • First stop: Miradouro do Pico da Barrosa (3 minutes)
  • Second stope: Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo (10 minutes)
  • Back to start

You can see below an official map of the itinerary of the shuttle bus and the stops, shared by Visit Azores:

And here the information of the two bus lines and the stops they make, as well as the duration of each stop:

Buy your shuttle ticket to Lagoa do Fogo here (€5/person, free for residents of the Azores and for children under 6 years of age)

Trails to Lagoa do Fogo

There is a path that leads down to the lagoon, which you’ll see many people take, although it’s important to note that it is prohibited to use that path and you could be fined for doing so.

Instead, if you want to go for a hike, you can take the official trail (PRC02 SMI), a 11-km loop that takes about 4 hours to complete (2 hours there and 2 hours back) and is ideal for admiring the native flora while recharging your energy to continue walking until you reach the

Caldeira Velha

Stroll through a garden rich in endemic plants, take a deep breath and end up under a waterfall of hot water, pools and fumaroles: welcome to Caldeira Velha.

Well, maybe it is not as paradisiacal as it sounds because we are forgetting how well-known Caldeira Velha has become, so the probability of enjoying it with very few people is scarce (or non-existent). It is so well known and sought after that we risk to say that it probably is one of the most photographed spots of the island. The temperature in the main pool is around 25º and, in the other three thermal pools, the water is between 37º and 39º. The environment is incredibly beautiful.

In our opinion, of all the hot springs on São Miguel, this is undoubtedly the most natural and least developed (with the least human intervention).

Fortunately, it’s possible and recommended to book online to avoid queues. You can book your ticket at Caldeira Velha here up until the day before your visit (if you can, do it a few days in advance). There are 2 types of entry tickets:

• Visit ticket: costs €3 per person and allows entry to the site and viewing of the landscape and the interpretation center, but does not include access to the thermal pools.
• Full ticket: costs €10 per person and, in addition to the above, allows access to the thermal pools.

Opening hours are from 9:00h. to 19:30h. For both types of ticket, you must choose a time slot (9:00h, 10:30h, 12:00h, 1:30h, 15:00h., 16:30h, 18:00j). Each time slot lasts 1.5 hours, with a maximum of 250 people (100 people with access to the thermal pools, 150 without access to the pools). The slots are fixed, so we recommend arriving a little before your entry time. If you are a resident, you do not pay.

Lockers can be rented for €2 online (or on arrival if available), and there are showers and changing rooms on site (although if you plan to enjoy the pools, we recommend wearing your swimsuit and flip-flops from the car to make the most of your time).

It is not possible to buy tickets online for the same day; you can go to the venue and, if you are lucky and there are tickets available, you can buy them there in person, although this is unlikely, so it is necessary to plan your visit at least one day in advance.

There is a free, spacious car park next door, signposted on the road. From there, simply climb the stairs to reach the entrance to Caldeira Velha.

As we recommended in every thermal baths of Furnas, the ideal thing to do here is to wear a swimsuit that you do not mind damaging because this type of water usually causes irreparable damage to the garments.

Salto do Cabrito (Cabrito waterfall)

The waterfall of Salto do Cabrito is a must. To get there, you have to go down a short but steep road and then, of course, climb it back. You can go all the way down by car, although the road is so steep that we did not risk it with the rental car (it is feasible to go down by car, as we saw several doing it and there is a free parking area down the road). Also, if the day is rainy (or threatening to rain) it can be more complicated. Alternatively, you can park at the top and walk down that short but steep stretch, which is what we did.

Upon arrival, there is a beautiful waterfall where, if you dare, you can take a cool bath. It is right next to a hydroelectric plant that takes away a bit of the magic.

Termas das Caldeiras de Ribeira Grande

Far less well-known than Caldeira Velha or the various hot springs in Furnas, the Termas das Caldeiras de Ribeira Grande are well worth a visit—especially, in our opinion, if you go at night. There are only two small hot spring pools, one at 39°C and the other at 42°C, so space is limited.

At Randomtrip, we went during what they call “Executive Hour,” which—don’t let the name put you off—was simply because they stayed open an extra hour after their regular hours (from 10:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.). In addition to having the most private space with a limited number of people (maximum of 10), they gave us a volcanic mud massage and a drink (tea or cava). It cost us €19 per person.

Regular hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (last admission at 9:00 p.m.), and the standard admission price to use the pools for one hour is €6 per person. The best time to enjoy them with fewer people is usually first thing in the morning (from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM), or during “Executive Hour” or other special times when they open with limited capacity.

Right across from the hot springs is a restaurant, Bar Restaurante Caldeiras, where you can also try dishes cooked using geothermal heat, just like in Furnas, such as cocido. You can also stop by to see the Caldeiras from the outside, at the viewpoint and the swing. Next to the swing is a food truck serving delicious burgers, Já Marchava

Vale das Lombadas

Vale das Lombadas is a relatively untouched and little-visited area of São Miguel. The “Ribeira Grande” river flows through the valley, giving its name to the town where it empties into the sea, and although the access roads are in poor condition, the area is full of waterfalls and even a natural sparkling water spring.

In fact, that sparkling water was even bottled and sold under the name “Água das Lombadas,” and you can still see the remains of the old factory, which was destroyed in 1998 due to flooding.

Access to this area is via this detour, along Estrada das Lombadas, a two-way cobblestone road that is only wide enough for one vehicle at a time, making it suitable only for adventurous travelers. Furthermore, the road has deteriorated over time due to neglect, so there are sections that are in poor condition with large potholes; therefore, we do not recommend venturing there (only on foot).

You can also easily reach this lookout point by car, from where you can see the waterfall in the distance and enjoy the views of the valley.

Lagoa do Congro

Lagoa do Congro (Congro Lagoon) is, in our opinion, one of the most special lagoons of the island for a very simple reason: it is only accessible through a path of about 10-15 min downhill (and then uphill) and the fact of not being able to see it as soon as you park your car makes it much less crowded than the others.

It was one of the few lagoons, along with those of the Serra Devassa trail, that we enjoyed alone on the island, in the middle of July.

Difficulty: Easy. It’s a trail with some elevation gain (a couple of gentle climbs), well marked and not slippery terrain (at least when we went, in July). When we went down there was a family with kids going up, so it is suitable for people of all ages. Ideally, you should use sneakers/boot before to descend, as in all the trails

Upon arrival, the reward is not only visual but also audible. The 3900 year old crater surrounded by such a dense green forest accompanied by the soundtrack of frogs and birds makes all the problems you may had before coming down go away, so you can just concentrate on enjoying the peace of this place.

To get there, you have to drive to this point on the map where you have to turn onto an unpaved road. We parked here (where there was more space to maneuver the car) and walked a short distance to reach the beginning of the trail to the lagoon.

Next to Lagoa do Congro there is another lagoon that is apparently covered with water lilies (Lagoa dos Nenúfares). We didn’t get to go there because we left Congro at sunset but if you have time and feel like investigating it, you should know that it is next to it (in theory there is a trail that connects both but according to what we read the other lagoon is a bit neglected and it is possible that the trails are not in good condition).

Janela do Inferno (Window to Hell)

By following a 2.5-hour circular trail (the PRC 37 – SMI – official brochure), you can reach this water-spouting hole known as “Janela do Inferno” (Window to Hell). It gets its name because so much water used to gush out that it sometimes looked as if it were exploding as it shot out with such force.

The water was diverted to an alcohol factory in Lagoa (hence the pipes and aqueducts you’ll see along the way), and today very little water flows out of the Janela do Inferno.

The trail has two sections (the beginning and the end) that are a bit monotonous/boring, but the middle section is absolutely beautiful. Here are some of the views we took in along the way:

You can park here, right next to the start of the trail.

Randomtripper Difficulty scale: easy, although there are a few uphill sections (not strenuous but long) and some tunnels where you’ll need to duck and bring a light (a cell phone flashlight will suffice)

Ribeira Grande, Rabo de Peixe, and Santa Bárbara Beach

Santa Bárbara Beach

Welcome to the ultimate surfing capital of São Miguel (in case the statue of a surfer in Ribeira Grande didn’t make that clear enough).

Very close to the town of Ribeira Grande, Santa Bárbara Beach is beautiful, with a huge stretch of sand—about 1 km long—making it one of the longest in the region. In addition to being a popular spot for surfing and bodyboardingthanks to its waves, it’s the perfect place to enjoy an Azorean gin and tonic at sunset—featuring Rocha Negra or Baleia Gin—at the bar overlooking the sea: Tuká Tulá.

If you want to treat yourself to a luxurious stay in the surf capital, with the added bonus of not having to drive after experiencing one of the island’s best sunsets, then look no further—book your stay at the Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort. If you’re still on the fence, the 30 villas, the saltwater pool overlooking Santa Barbara Beach (with direct access to the beach, of course), the massages, the surf lessons (of course!) and yoga classes, or the cocktails and chef’s special dishes will surely win you over.

Ribeira Grande

Although Ponta Delgada is the most obvious choice for a base on the island—thanks to its vast array of dining and lodging options and its location—for those who want to escape the obvious and, by extension, the tourist crowds that come with it, we think staying in Ribeira Grande is an excellent option. Still far from the hordes of people drawn by the capital’s fame, in Ribeira Grande it’s easy to soak up authentic Azorean charm among pretty narrow streets and a few select but excellent spots to have lunch and/or dinner by the sea. Nearby is the legendary Associação Agrícola, where you can try the famous “Bife à Regional,” or, for example, the incredible tuna at Botequim Azoriano or Quinta dos Sabores, both in the nearby town of Rabo de Peixe (incidentally, one of the poorest towns in all of Portugal in the early 2000s), which we’ll tell you more about below.

Ribeira Grande is the second-largest city on São Miguel (after Ponta Delgada); it’s also a coastal town and a surfing hub (as we mentioned in the section on Praia de Santa Bárbara). It’s worth spending a few hours strolling through the town center and exploring some of its highlights, which we’ve listed here:

• The Arquipélago – Contemporary Art Center – is our favorite museum on the island (all three times we visited the island, we spent hours exploring it). It used to be a distillery, but since 2015 it has been a hub for culture, inspiring reflection among visitors and introducing us to the work of local artists. You can follow them on social media to stay updated on their schedule when you visit the island

• Praça do Emigrante: a fairly large square dedicated to the emigrants of Ribeira Grande.

• Monte Verde Beach: a large beach right in front of the 5-star Hotel Verde Mar & SPA. Although it’s a wide beach close to the city, the currents can be strong and dangerous, and swimming is often prohibited due to water pollution, so we wouldn’t choose it for a dip.
• Azorean Emigration Museum: a small museum dedicated to the phenomenon of emigration from the Azores. Admission is €2, and it is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Mercado Municipal Da Ribeira Grande: there are plenty of small stalls and restaurants in the market where you can grab a bite or have a drink, such as North Sushi (which was recommended to us but we didn’t get a chance to try) or the delicious Bogangas cookies
• Ponte dos Oito Arcos: one of the landmarks of Ribeira Grande (it appears on the town’s coat of arms), it was built in the late 19th century. You’ll get the best view of it from the garden we’ll discuss next.

• Ribeira Grande Municipal Garden: a garden featuring a small waterfall and views of the bridge and the sea from its various lookout points.
• Ribeira Grande City Hall: another iconic landmark of Ribeira Grande, along with the bridge. It is a historic building, constructed between the 16th and 17th centuries, with a beautiful plaza in front of it

• Teatro Ribeiragrandense: a beautiful, active theater built in 1920. You can view the schedule here

• Parish Church of Nossa Senhora da Estrela: Also of public interest, the original church was built in the 16th century, though it was destroyed by several earthquakes. The current church was built in the 18th century and has also sustained damage from earthquakes. Inside, it houses a small museum of religious art.

• Ribeira Grande Municipal Pools and Praia das Poças: a municipal complex that charges an admission fee (€2 per person, €1 if you arrive after 6 p.m.), featuring several artificial seawater pools (one 25-meter pool, one with a diving area, and one for children), a freshwater baby pool, and a small beach. It gets quite crowded with families in the summer.
• Castelo Lookout and Palheiro Lookout: From these two lookouts, you can enjoy beautiful views of the sea, the pools, Monte Verde Beach, and the city of Ribeira Grande in general.

• Craft breweries: Azores Brewing Company and Vulcana: if you’re a fan of craft beer, there are two places just outside Ribeira Grande where you can try some local brews. The outdoor area at Azores Brewing Company is super photogenic, featuring a mural and a sort of transparent “bubble house” with tables where you can enjoy your beer; however, when it comes to the beer itself, we preferred Vulcana, and apparently they frequently host events with live music (you can check their schedule here)

Find accommodations in Ribeira Grande here

Rabo de Peixe

Given the international success of the Portuguese series *Rabo de Peixe* (2023) on Netflix, set on the island of São Miguel, we’d like to share that the fictional series was inspired by an unusual real-life event that took place in the quiet town of Rabo de Peixe. In 2001, a boat carrying half a ton of cocaine with 80% purity sank, and the tide washed it ashore on the island’s northern coast, specifically to Rabo de Peixe—an event that changed this small town forever. The series consists of 7 episodes filled with adventure, suspense, incredible actors and actresses, and cinematography of São Miguel Island so stunning that it makes the island the star of the show. If you’ve watched the series and are a fan, we’ve created this post featuring the locations where the main scenes were filmed:

Turn of the tide (Rabo de Peixe): Filming locations of the popular Netflix series in São Miguel (Azores islands)

Some of the things you can see and do in Rabo de Peixe:

• Visit some of the series’ iconic locations, such as the America Video Store, the soccer field where they dealt drugs, or the cemetery

• Its church and the adjacent square

• Whale-watching tour: While it’s more common to go on one from Ponta Delgada, it’s also possible to do so from Rabo de Peixe

• Santana Astronomical Observatory (OASA) is the archipelago’s leading center for science outreach and astronomy. It is designed to be interactive and educational and features not only a digital planetarium (where immersive projections of the cosmos are shown) but also Nighttime Observations: Hours: Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Price: General admission is approximately €2, and access to the planetarium costs an additional €3. Children under 6 enter for free.

Farol do Cintrão and Miradouro do Cintrão

From the Miradouro do Cintrão, you’ll enjoy incredible views of São Miguel’s north coast, shaped by the power of the sea. Next to the lookout is an old whale-watching post, from which whales were spotted to alert passing ships, and the Farol do Cintrão.

Miradouro de Santa Iria

The Miradouro de Santa Iria, near Porto Formoso, offers incredible views of the north coast of São Miguel, where the green contrasts with the Atlantic blue of the sea. It has some free parking places so you can perfectly get there by car, on your way to the North-East area of the island.

Chá Gorreana and Porto Formoso Tea Plantations

Did you know that the Azores are home to the oldest and one of the few tea plantations in Europe?

Because of São Miguel’s location in the middle of the Atlantic, with its humid climate and clay soil, blessed are those people who tried to grow tea (or, rather, camellia sinensis, the plant) here for the first time, because what a success. By the way, tea in Portuguese is “chá”, read “sha” as in “Shakira”. Years ago the island had more than a dozen tea factories operating, but today only two remain: the most famous, Fábrica Gorreana, and the one in Porto Formoso, the last two tea factories in Europe.

The Gorreana Tea Factory is the oldest in Europe (in operation since 1883), the best known on the island, the one that attracts the most tourists, and whose tea brand is the most distinguished in the Azores. It is run exclusively by women, offers the widest variety of teas, and is the only one on São Miguel that produces green tea (it is not produced at the other factory, Porto Formoso, which we’ll also discuss below).

It is interesting to visit the factory, both for learning about the whole tea process (from picking, leaf withering, rolling, drying, sorting and packaging), and for observing the original machines used in the process in full operation. Some of them date back to 1883! There are four varieties of tea to try and, if you wish, to buy. The visit is free, every day from 08:00h to 20:00h (on weekends from 09:00h). If you visit the island between April and September you are lucky: it is the tea picking season and means more activity in the factory.

What really impressed us is the beauty of the Gorreana tea plantations, where the waving patterns of green contrast with the blue of the sea. The plantations extend over 35 hectares (about 30 tons of tea per year) and walking through them is free.

We think it’s a must to take a stroll through these plantations, which, along with those in Porto Formoso, are among the few tea plantations in Europe. You can drive right up to the plantations and walk through them

The Porto Formoso factory is the newest one, and one of the most interesting aspects of the tour (which is also free and includes both a walk through the plantations overlooking the sea and a tour of the factory itself) is the traditional attire worn by the tea pickers during the annual spring reenactment of the old-fashioned tea harvest.

If it’s cold, you can enjoy a warm cup of tea indoors, and if it’s hot, you can have iced tea outdoors, with views of the tea plantations and the charming village of Porto Formoso. The tour is simpler than the one at Chá Gorreana, since they just show you an explanatory video about the process and offer you a cup of tea from one of the four varieties to try (in our case, we tried the broken leaf). The views of the tea plantations and the sea are incredible.

We really liked Porto Formoso and its Praia dos Moinhos. When we arrived, we had that feeling of straying off the beaten path that we love so much. Maybe it was because we were the only non-locals strolling through the streets when we were there, or maybe it was the curious glances and smiles we received, but the fact is that it left us wanting more.

Lagoa de São Bras

The Lagoa de São Bras is another beautiful lagoon, less known and that you will probably enjoy in solitude, that you can visit on your way through the North-East area of São Miguel. A curiosity about this lagoon is that it is one of the points through which the Sata Rallye Azores passes.

Maia

Maia is a small town we discovered thanks to one of the concerts organized as part of the Tremor Festival, held right at one of its most interesting spots: the Maia Tobacco Museum

The Maia Tobacco Museum is located in the former Maia Tobacco Factory, where tobacco was grown and sold from 1871 to 1988. The museum continues to produce a small amount of tobacco to demonstrate the process, so as you tour the facility, you’ll learn about the entire tobacco cultivation and production process (drying, cutting, packaging, etc.), as well as other aspects such as box design and packaging. It’s well worth a visit to learn about this industry; admission is €4 per person, and it’s open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed on Sundays), and includes a guided tour lasting between 1 and 1.5 hours.

In addition to the museum, you can visit the various lookout points along the coast, such as the Miradouro de Maia, the Miradouro do Frade (a lovely surprise—we loved it), and the Miradouro Melo Nunes, and if the weather permits, take a dip in the natural pools (if you bring snorkeling gear, this is a great place to use it!) or at Praia do Calhau da Maia

Nordeste and Povoação

If you don’t have a rental car, you can hire this full-day tour that takes you to some of the spots in Nordeste

A long time ago, as we have read, the Northeast of the island of São Miguel was called the tenth island of the Azores because of how difficult it was (and how long it took) to get there. Nowadays, the roads not only make the Nordeste easily reachable, but it is also increasingly on the touristic route of those who visit the island. In fact, if some years ago it used to take time because of the roads, today it is because of the number of stops you will make every few minutes on the beautiful and winding roads, dotted with viewpoints with breathtaking views.

Although it is true that in some of the points of this area we already see many more cars with the rental sticker, it is still far away from the crowds of Furnas or Sete Cidades.

Poço Azul and Salto da Farinha

In the parish of “Achadinha” there is a blue pool in the middle of a lot of green. It is called Poço Azul and the short but (quite) steep and beautiful path to get there is worth it.

Unfortunately when we went, in July, the waterfall had no water but the color was still impressive.

The trail connects with Salto da Farinha, a waterfall that when we went (July) also didn’t have water so if you have time you can visit both in the same walk on the longer trail: a linear trail of 5 km (2h approx.), the PR21SMI (here is the official information brochure in Portuguese and English).

We didn’t have time to do it all (and come back after as it’s linear) so we only did the part that starts in Achadinha (exactly at this point) that connects to Poço Azul and back, and visited Salto da Farinha by car after that.

Moinho do Félix Windmill and Waterfall Trail (TM06)

Close by, another very interesting trail is the TM06 (a Municipal Trail; more info and PDF brochure), which will take you past various mills and stunning waterfalls. It’s a loop trail, about 5.5 km long, and takes approximately 2 hours to complete.

The trail starts right next to the Church of São Pedro, and we recommend heading left (the climb is more gradual, and the final stretch is more scenic, which should help keep you motivated).

If you do this, during the first part (about 2 km) you’ll walk toward the sea, mostly downhill, and you can stop to enjoy the views from the Miradouro da Rocha.

From there, the return trip begins with an uphill climb—a bit more challenging, but passing by several waterfalls and mills: Cascata do Homem, Moinho do Felix, Cascata do Teófilo, Cascata da Gruta, and Poço da Truta; then you’ll return to the paved road and head back to the starting point.

It’s common to see groups canyoning at the waterfalls.

If you have time, before or after the hike, you can also drive to Fenais da Ajuda, where you can visit the Church of Nossa Senhora da Ajuda, relax in the Picnic Park, and walk a few steps to enjoy the

Ribeira dos Caldeirões

The Ribeira dos Caldeirões natural park has a great variety of Macaronesian flora (region comprising the Azores, Madeira and the Savage Islands, the Canary Islands and Cape Verde) and Laurisilva. Apart from the impressive waterfall, here you can find old mills, two of them still working.

If you like adrenaline and are looking for adventure, right here, in the Parque dos Caldeirões you can go!canyoning, jumping in waterfalls and making your way through the endemic Azorean flora. Find out more about this activity and book your place for the day you want here.

Viewpoints: Despe-te Que Suas, Vigia das Baleias, and Borda da Ladeira

The viewpoint with the most curious name we passed by on the island, “Despe-te que suas” means literally, in Portuguese, “undress or you will sweat”. The name comes from the effort involved in the past to climb up here by the cliff where it is located, with a very steep slope.

When we went we neither sweated nor undressed, it was so cold and windy that we felt like we were going to fly away. However, with other weather conditions it seems to be a good option to watch the sunset. The view from the viewpoint is dazzling, you can see the entire north coast and there are some tables for picnic.

Nearby, you’ll also find the Miradouro da Vigia das Baleias and the Miradouro da Borda da Ladeira: from the latter, you’ll enjoy incredible views of São Miguel’s north coast, Pico da Vara on a clear day, and—weather permitting—the sunset.

Parque Endémico do Pelado and Boca da Ribeira

Just before we reach our next stop, the town of Nordeste, we recommend making a couple of stops to take in some more views:

The Pelado Endemic Park, established in 2001, is a park situated atop a cliff with incredible views where you can see various species endemic to São Miguel or the Azores, each with its own name. It features a viewpoint, the Miradouro do Pelado, as well as hiking trails, one of which takes us almost to the sea (this far), although unfortunately during our visit in 2025, the area seemed somewhat neglected and/or in need of maintenance—a shame, because it has so much potential

Nearby, in Boca da Ribeira, we recommend stopping to take in the views from the Miradouro da Boca da Ribeira. If you visit in the summer and the weather is nice, you can take a refreshing dip in the Piscina Natural da Boca da Ribeira, which is free, has changing rooms, and features a small bar serving tapas and drinks.

Nordeste (town)

While the entire Nordeste area is known for its nature trails and scenic overlooks, it’s also worth stopping in the town to visit its church, Igreja Matriz de São Jorge do Nordeste, and the Seven-Arch Bridge. We also recommend visiting the Casa de Trabalho e Proteção à Juventude Feminina de Nordeste, a former center that provided education and support to girls, where today you’ll be welcomed with an explanation of the various handicrafts they create on looms and where you can purchase incredible handmade souvenirs. They use sheep’s wool (which comes from the island of Santa Maria). Hours are Monday through Thursday (8 a.m. to 12 p.m., 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.), Friday (8 a.m. to 12 p.m., 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.), closed Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

Miradouro Ponta do Arnel, Farol and Porto de Arnel

The Ponta do Arnel Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse in the Azores, built in 1876. It’s still in operation today (though now electrified), and to visit it, you have to drive down a steep (35% gradient) and narrow road that we don’t recommend taking by car (it’s possible, but less powerful cars may have trouble climbing, and if you encounter another vehicle on the way, it can be a nightmare—plus there’s barely any space to park at the bottom) – it’s better to park here and walk down. At Randomtrip, we walked down, though it’s a good workout, so unless you’re really interested in going all the way down to the lighthouse, we don’t think it’s worth it.

From the top, at the Miradouro da Ponta do Arnel, you’ll enjoy incredible views of the lighthouse and the surrounding area, and on the way down, you’ll see the waterfall (Cascata da Ponta do Arnel). If you decide to go down to the lighthouse, it’s open to visitors, though only on Thursdays (from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM in summer, and from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM in winter).

Miradouro da Vista dos barcos

Continuing along the east side of the island towards the south, the next stop is at the Miradouro da Vista dos Barcos, from which we will have another perspective of the Arnel Lighthouse and the port, also incredible from the top of the cliff.

Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego

Sossego, in Portuguese, means tranquility and that is what you will find in this viewpoint. Literally. The Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego has a beautiful garden full of flowers, trees and birds, very colorful. You can see perfectly that it is on the tourist route as it has a kiosk at the entrance itself. From the viewpoint we have beautiful views of the cliffs, full of flowers, and it has also picnic areas. Like all places on this coast, it is an excellent spot to watch the sunrise.

Miradouro Ponta da Madrugada

Continuing along the same road towards the south, we stop at the next viewpoint: Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada: also very well kept and prepared, with barbecue/picnic area, wide views of the sea and the cliffs. As its name suggests (Madrugada means sunrise), it is considered the best place to see the sunrise in São Miguel.

Fajã do Araújo and Praia do Lombo Gordo

If you’re looking for lesser-known spots that are uncrowded or virtually empty, here are two suggestions: Fajã do Araújoand Praia do Lombo Gordo.

We didn’t end up going to Randomtrip because the weather wasn’t cooperating on the days we wanted to try it, and those are places best enjoyed in good weather.

Fajã do Araújo is a fajã (a flat area of land formed by a landslide or a lava flow; in this case, by a landslide) where you can enjoy the sea and the surroundings. You can drive down (albeit on a steep little road) to the parking lot, although the best option is to take the trail (a one-way route, 2 km and 1 hour 30 minutes).

For its part, Praia do Lombo Gordo is a remote black-sand beach, with varying amounts of sand depending on the season (ask the locals before you go). It has showers and restrooms, and it’s best to visit in the morning since it’s located at the foot of a cliff and, with the sun setting behind it, it gets dark before sunset. You can also drive down to this parking lot (though the road is steep and narrow—there are barely any spots wide enough for two cars, so you have to drive slowly and be careful not to encounter oncoming traffic), and then you’ll need to walk down a few flights of stairs to reach the beach.

Priolo Interpretation Center

Did you know that the priolo is one of the rarest birds in the world? Yes, this small endemic Azorean bird that measures between 15 and 17 cm and weighs about 30g only lives in the area betwwen Furnas and the Northeast of the island, it can only get food from the Laurisilva forest and only 600 to 800 pairs of the species survive, which means it is currently considered a critically endangered species, the step before extinction.

The Priolo Interpretation Center is located in an old rangers house, in the middle of the forest and the visit is highly recommended. During our visit we were lucky to be guided by Luis Pacheco and we loved it. We learned about the Priolo, its morphological characteristics, life cycle, feeding, habitats, threats but above all we found the center very interesting because it tells a bit of the history of the Azores themselves, through the history of the priolo. From the 15th century when Gaspar Frutuoso arrived to the islands, passing through those times when the main activity of the island was exporting oranges to the United Kingdom and how the priolo was considered a plague because it ate the leaves of the orange trees (even taxes were allowed to be paid with corpses of the bird). Then we go through the reforestation plan of São Miguel in the 20th century (more wood was needed for houses, firewood, etc.) and the important doctoral thesis of Dr. Jaime Ramos about the Priolo (1990), from which the knowledge of the bird changed thanks to SPEA (Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds), the “Life Priolo” project (2003) and the creation of this center in 2007. Have we convinced you yet?

Miradouro do Pico Bartolomeu

Taking the same access road leading to the Priolo Interpretation Center, you can drive up to the Pico Bartolomeu Lookoutalong a road that is in good condition, though somewhat narrow. If the weather cooperates and the fog doesn’t get in the way, you can see the entire eastern part of São Miguel from the top, including both the Nordeste and Povoação areas.

It is also a nesting area for the Priolo, so with a little luck, you might spot this unique bird, as well as other species.

Miradouro Agua Retorta

Continuing along the road as we head south, we come across this viewpoint overlooking the village of Água Retorta and its surroundings, billed as the “most picturesque village in the Azores.” And it certainly lives up to that description, since, as you can see, the village is perched on a cliff, surrounded by greenery and overlooking the Atlantic—who wouldn’t want to live there!

Cu de Judas sign and Reserva Florestal de Água Retorta

In Portuguese, the expression “está no cu de Judas” is used to refer to something that is very far away, something like “it’s in the middle of nowhere”. “Cu de Judas” literally means “Judas’s ass”:

Well, it turns out that this place actually exists, and it’s right here on São Miguel, in the Azores. If you want to take a photo with the sign, you can park here and walk over to it. From that parking lot, you can also access the Água Retorta Forest Reserve, an area rich in endemic vegetation, as well as a playground and a picnic area.

Salto do Prego and Salto do Cagarrão

One of the most beautiful trails on the island is Salto do Prego e Sanguinho (PRC09 SMI, official information brochure in English and Portuguese). It is a circular trail of 4.5 km that starts in Faial da Terra, passes by the impressive waterfall Salto do Prego to cool off (the water is freezing) – you can make a detour to another waterfall called Salto do Cagarrão – and at the end of the trail passes through Sanguinho, a beautifully restored rural village where it is possible to stay overnight.

The hike took us about two hours, including a dip in the icy waterfall. It’s a trail with a lot of biodiversity; we passed through different types of vegetation and even came across some chickens! (They were a bit territorial, though…)

It was extremely hot the day we went, and the forest trail was very humid, so be sure to bring plenty of water, a hat, sunscreen, and appropriate footwear.

Viewpoints: Miradouro do Pico Longo, Miradouro Pico dos Bodes and Miradouro do Pôr-do-Sol

If you want a 360° panoramic view of the entire west coast, from Faial da Terra to Vila Franca do Campo, head up to the top floor of the wooden structure and enjoy the incredible view from the Miradouro Pico dos Bodes.

Although it used to be difficult to get there years ago and you couldn’t drive up in a regular car, the road has now been repaired, and you can easily drive right up to the lookout point itself.

Nearby, along the same road, you can also stop to enjoy the views from another lookout point, the Miradouro do Pôr-do-sol, which features a picnic area and plenty of flowers.

On the way there (if you’re coming from the northeast), you’ll also pass the Miradouro do Pico Longo, which offers views of Povoação and the island’s southern coast.

Povoação and Povoação beach

The village of Povoação owes its name to the fact that it was the first area of the island to be settled, where the first settlers landed in the 15th century.

Highlights of its heritage include the Chapel of Santa Bárbara, said to be the oldest on the island (and offering beautiful views of the sea), and the Church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário.

Povoação also has a beautiful black-sand beach bordered by a green cliff. Right next to it, you’ll also find a municipal seawater pool (free to use, though you can rent lounge chairs for €2/day and umbrellas for €1/day).

Povoação is surrounded by seven “lombas” (hills between the different valleys), each with a small road connecting it to the village and the houses. On our last trip, we stayed at Randomtrip on one of these hills (Lomba do Loução, at Casa da Cisaltina), and as you head down that hill, you can see a waterfall.

In addition, there is a trail—Trilho da Ribeira dos Bispos—that passes by what is believed to be a Phoenician columbarium (or simply a dovecote; there is some debate on the matter), as well as the Wheat Museum (which, unfortunately, was closed when we visited, despite its schedule indicating otherwise).

Nearby, you can also stop at the Alameda dos Plátanos, a fairly long dirt path lined with plane trees—a spot that’s rarely visited but very photogenic.

For a close-up view from the heights of Povoação, you can stop at the Miradouro do Ramalho or the Miradouro da Lomba do Cavaleiro

Pico da Vara and Planalto dos Graminhais

Pico da Vara is the highest point of the island of São Miguel, with 1103 meters of altitude. Accessible by foot, through a circular trail classified as difficult (the PR7SMI, here is the official brochure), of 7km (3h approximately). At the time of writing this guide, in order to do the trail it is mandatory to fill out this form and obtain authorization. If you are lucky, you will be able to see the endemic bird we talked about above, the Priolo.

In this area there is also the Planalto dos Graminhais (the trail currently does not pass through it, although it offers views of the planalto), which is one of the oldest landscapes of São Miguel. The Planalto dos Graminhais is characterized by its “turfeiras” (humid ecosystem, more info here) as well as by the Laurisilva forest. In theory it is possible to visit this area by car, through a dirt road (estrada da Tronqueira, more info here).

Ponta Delgada and South of the Island

Things to see and do in Ponta Delgada

The island’s capital is an excellent base from which to explore its many attractions, thanks to its strategic location and the culinary and cultural offerings it provides.

Although it isn’t our favorite Azorean city (we much prefer Horta, on Faial, or Angra do Heroísmo, on Terceira) because it seems poorly designed on a human scale (cars are the undisputed stars of the city, where the sidewalks are too narrow for walking and exploring), its charming historic center, fantastic restaurants, and views of the Atlantic mean that even after a full day of walking, you’ll still be left wanting more.

In Ponta Delgada, we recommend the excellent rooms at the Hotel do Colegio (from €55/night), the Ladeira Loft apartment (from €80/night), or the charming Armazéns Cogumbreiro (€90/night), all located right in the heart of the city. Find accommodations in Ponta Delgada here or see more options in the Where to Stay in Ponta Delgada section.

Here’s a list of things you can do while visiting Ponta Delgada for a day or two (more info in our complete guide to Ponta Delgada):

• Stroll along the coast between Forno de Cal and Forte de São Bras (you can do this by bike using the Atlantic Bikes app, and if the weather is nice, take a dip at the Zona Balnear do Forno da Cal)

• Visit the Portas da Cidade, one of the most important landmarks in Ponta Delgada. This trio of arches was built in the 18th century and is one of the city’s most recognizable features. The square where they stand hosts various events, such as the Espírito Santo festivities and Christmas decorations.

• Sineira Tower: also built in the 18th century, it has been open to visitors for a few years now, and you can climb to the top to enjoy panoramic views of the city—free of charge. While you’re in the area, you can also stop by the City Hall; the square in front of it is quite photogenic.

• Learn about the history and nature of the Azores at the Santo André branch of the Carlos Machado Museum (open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., closed on Mondays, free admission on Sundays and holidays). All the animals on display are real, preserved using the technique of taxidermy:

• Head up to enjoy the views of Ponta Delgada from the Ermida da Mãe de Deus
• Mercado da Graça and Rei Dos Queijos: something we always like to do whenever possible is visit local markets, and when we stay in an apartment, we take the opportunity to buy local fruits and vegetables, so our visit to the Mercado da Graça in Ponta Delgada was no exception. If you visit the island in the summer, you can try buying Meloa (cantaloupe) from the neighboring island of Santa Maria, pineapples (grown in greenhouses near Ponta Delgada using a method unique in the world), or cheeses and butters from all the islands at Rei Dos Queijos, inside the market itself (if you can, try the “Rainha do Pico” butter from the island of Pico, or the one from the island of Flores, though the latter isn’t always available). They also have bread (you can’t leave the Azores without trying Bolo Lêvedo) and other local products. Another similar option is the Principe dos Queijos

• Portas do Mar: This is a newly developed area with restaurants, parking, shops, and more, designed to serve as a stopover for cruise ships. It’s not our favorite spot, but if you’re looking for an area with plenty of dining options and a place to stroll along the waterfront, this is the place for you.

• José do Canto Botanical Garden: a botanical garden featuring a variety of species from around the world as well as native plants, a church, and a waterfall. The garden was started by its owner, José do Canto, in the 19th century and has been open to the public since 2014 (€4/person), from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the summer (April through September) and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the winter (October through March).

• Jardim António Borges: a public garden with a café/restaurant inside (serving healthy, delicious food and non-alcoholic cocktails), a very pleasant spot for a stroll or a drink.

• O Quarteirão – Art District: an area of Ponta Delgada with restaurants, clothing and craft shops, art galleries, and more—the perfect place to spend a few hours exploring. You can view the complete list of businesses on this map

• Jardim Antero de Quental: a garden with a kiosk that’s perfect for having a drink (specializing in pineapple cocktails). Its name pays tribute to the São Miguel poet Antero de Quental, one of the leading figures of 19th-century Portuguese literature.

• Rosto de Cão: If you’re in the area for lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants (O Galego, Cais 20…), be sure to stop by and see the “Ilhéu do Rosto de Cão” from the lookout point. It’s named that way because the islet (which isn’t really an islet since it’s connected to the mainland) is said to resemble a dog.

• Whale Watching: One of the activities you can’t miss in São Miguel is whale watching in their natural habitat, out in the open Atlantic Ocean. In this specific guide, we tell you everything you need to know to do this activity in Ponta Delgada (São Miguel), but the most important thing is to make sure you go with a company that respects sustainability and animal protection rules (maintaining a safe distance between the boat and the cetaceans, etc.). We’ve done this activity three times on the island of São Miguel (and also on the island of Pico), and it never ceases to amaze us. I get goosebumps every time I remember seeing that gentle giant—a blue whale, over 20 meters long—swimming peacefully right beside our boat during my first visit to the island in 2013. On our last whale-watching trip in São Miguel, we were lucky enough to see the two largest animals in the world, the blue whale and the fin whale. We were also greeted by curious and playful dolphins, a resident sperm whale, and, as a final surprise, orcas! On the island of Pico, we were lucky enough to spot three “sardinheiras” (northern right whales), none other than the third-largest whale in the world, and several dolphins (we’ll tell you more about it in the Pico guide). The Azores are a paradise for whale watching, so you know what to do: set aside a morning during your trip for this activity.

RandomTIP: The wonderful thing about observing animals in the wild and in their natural habitat in a respectful and responsible way is that you never know what you’re going to encounter. The Azores are one of the best places in the world for this activity during this season (March/April) due to the diversity of marine life. At Randomtrip, we’ve been very lucky at times but not so much on other occasions, so we recommend: adjusting your expectations (if you go this season, you’ll likely see cetaceans, but there’s no guarantee you’ll see them or how close they’ll be) and increasing your patience because you never know what nature will offer you that day—but remember that just being there is a privilege. That said, and since several of you have asked us, this was the tour we did with Futurismo, which you can book. In our case, we chose to go on the Zodiac (not the catamaran) for the 8:00 a.m. departure, but it always depends on the day, the season, sea conditions, and, of course, luck.

Book your whale-watching tour here

Ponta Delgada offers a huge variety of accommodations, but if you’re looking for something special, we highly recommend the Senhora da Rosa hotel: 33 rooms with terraces on an 18th-century estate surrounded by greenery—and, above all, pineapples! Here you can take a dip in the heated pool located in the pineapple greenhouse—with all the sensory stimulation that entails—and enjoy several trails for a stroll after a relaxing swim outdoors. More in the section Where to Stay in Ponta Delgada.

Ponta Delgada (Azores) travel guide: things to see and do in the capital of São Miguel island

Gruta do Carvão

Don’t confuse the name with the famous Algar do Carvão, a volcano unique in the world that you can explore from the inside, since that one is located on the island of Terceira (and we tell you all about it here). The Gruta do Carvão is located near Ponta Delgada, the capital of São Miguel, and is the largest lava tube on the island, stretching 1,912 meters across three sections, of which only the northern section—Paim—is open to the public. Geologically, the Gruta do Carvão is part of the Picos Volcanic Complex and is estimated to be between 5,000 and 12,000 years old. Inside, you can observe a wide variety of geological structures, such as lava stalactites and stalagmites and secondary amorphous silica stalactites.

To explore the inside of this enormous lava tube, it is essential to take a guided tour and make a reservation in advance (by phone at +351 96 139 70 80 or by email at grutadocarvao@amigosdosacores.pt), and the admission price is €10 per person.

In our case, we were in a group of 15 people, and our guide, Rodrigo, was amazing. The cave’s name has nothing to do with coal (which isn’t there) but rather with the color of the rock, which resembles it. It’s a cave very close to the surface, and the tour lasts about 50 minutes (longer tours of 2–3 hours are available; contact us for more information).

São Miguel and the Pineapples: Ananases A Arruda and Herdade do Ananás

The pineapple (ananas, in Portuguese) is one of the island’s symbols (in fact, the greenhouse cultivation method used in São Miguel is unique in the world, employing glass greenhouses to replicate the climatic conditions of the fruit’s native region, South America) and features in many of the activities you can enjoy on the island.

To learn more about pineapple farming on the island, the best place to visit is the Pineapple Culture Interpretation Center(free admission; open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM and from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM)

You can also visit some of the plantations; here are a few options, all of which are free:

• Plantação de Ananás dos Açores: They have several pineapple greenhouses where you can learn about the process using QR codes along the walkway, and where you can also sample some products (for a fee), such as pineapple liqueur, pineapple beer, and pineapple cake… At Randomtrip, we tried fresh pineapple and pineapple beer—both were delicious.

• Ananás Santo Antonio: They offer a short, free guided tour where they’ll explain the history of how pineapples came to São Miguel and the cultivation process (all done by hand and using traditional methods).

• Ananases A Arruda: This is the best-known and most touristy option; they also offer free tours of the greenhouses and sell a wide variety of pineapple products. Since we were trying to avoid the crowds, we decided to visit the other two, and we highly recommend them.

What’s more, in São Miguel, even the Three Kings’ cake is made with pineapple! It’s known as “malamanhado” and is a twist on the traditional Christmas cake, filled with pineapple jam and egg custard. You can try to find it at A Colmeia. We also heard about the pineapple flan with cheese, the famous dessert at the restaurant Anfiteatro.

On the other hand, at Herdade do Ananás, the experience is quite different. Here you can enjoy an Ayurvedic massage amidst pineapple plantations (complete with the delightful scent, of course). Perfect for a romantic surprise: the massage is designed for two.

At the 18th-century estate of the Senhora da Rosa Tradition & Nature hotel, you can even swim surrounded by pineapple plantations, as there is a heated indoor pool in one of the greenhouses.

And finally, at Mulher do Capote in Ribeira Grande, you can try a pineapple gin. The Goshawk Azores Gin is a gin distilled with pineapple liqueur—and as gin lovers, we were really looking forward to trying it.

The Gin Library

And if you are a gin fan like us, then this is of interest to you because here, in São Miguel, very close to Ponta Delgada, you will find the largest collection of gins in the world, or as Ali, its creator, says, the largest gin library.

After living in Hong Kong for several years, British couple Ali and Caroline—who had fallen in love with the Azores years earlier on their honeymoon—knew exactly what they wanted to do: they would launch a project here. And so it was: Solar Branco, the project that gave rise to the “Gin Library,” is a local accommodation with six independent units, a bar, and a garden where many of the spices and botanicals used to create the spectacular gin and tonics you can enjoy on their terrace are grown.

At the glass-enclosed bar, Ali told us on our first visit that he had 480 bottles of gin. We didn’t count them, but we believed him wholeheartedly, especially after seeing the professionalism with which he prepared our Baleia gin—his latest creation, made in collaboration with Rocha Negra—which he spoke about with pride. By 2026, the collection had already reached 2,531 bottles! You can see the updated list here, and if you bring a bottle they don’t have on the list (full and unopened), they’ll trade it for a bottle of Ali’s gin.

To sample Baleia (or any other gin from the selection) on the terrace costs €15; to enjoy the Masterclass (covering the history of gin, tips for the perfect G&T, and even creating your own G&T with ingredients of your choice), which includes three gin and tonics, costs €50.

Praia das Milicias and Praia do Pópulo

Praia das Milicias and Praia do Pópulo are the two closes beaches to São Miguel and very visited by locals, due to their ease of access, water quality and services. We visited Milicias beach in the middle of July and were pleasantly surprised.

Lagoa and its natural pools

Another option for cooling off in the Atlantic near Ponta Delgada is Lagoa and its natural pools. There are two main areas: the “Complexo Municipal de Piscinas” (which features natural pools, an artificial pool, pools for children, and all kinds of amenities) and the “Zona Balnear do Cruzeiro (Poças de Atalhada)” (more rugged, unsupervised, with natural pools of crystal-clear water).

Since you’re in the area, don’t miss the chance to visit the Azores Volcanological and Geothermal Observatory, also known as Casa dos Vulcões (note: very limited hours—it’s only open in the afternoon from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM), where you can learn more about seismic and volcanic activity in this part of the Atlantic. The tour is amazing; we learned a ton thanks to the super-friendly Nuno.

If you’re looking for a unique souvenir, stop by Cerâmica Vieira, a handmade pottery workshop where you can learn about the process and pick up a piece (we bought a teapot).

Around here there is a real retreat where you can stay overnight: Sul Villas & Spa. The concept is unique but so is the price. If you want to surprise your partner in a romantic getaway or your family in one of the most beautiful pools of the island with a spectacular view over the Atlantic, take a look at the Sul Villas.

Caloura and Agua de Pau

For some people, Caloura has the most beautiful natural pool on the island, and that certainly piqued our curiosity, although it was really hunger that brought us here. Several people recommended Bar Caloura and its terrace overlooking the sea for great seafood, so off we went. Be warned, there’s usually a line, so when you arrive, you’ll need to write your name on the board at the entrance along with the number of people.

But Caloura isn’t just about good food and a dip in the natural pool—it also has great weather. In fact, its name “Caloura” comes from “Calor” (heat) because of the microclimate in this area (which, coincidence or not, boasts the most expensive square meter on the island). All these factors quickly made this area one of the most special on the island—a place we always return to.

The hand-painted fishing boats—with religious names meant to bring good luck at sea—complete the scene in this beautiful bay.

You know what they say: if it’s hot, head to Caloura. Soak up the sun, take a dip in the ocean, and enjoy some fresh fish (bought fresh from the fishermen every morning) at Bar Caloura. The perfect day on São Miguel.

Very close to the restaurant is the Centro Cultural da Caloura, a small cultural center and museum dedicated to contemporary art and local artistic heritage. The collection features works from the 17th century to the present day, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and screen prints. In addition to the permanent exhibition, the center organizes temporary exhibitions, artist residencies, talks, concerts, and educational activities. Hours: Monday through Saturday from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM and from 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM; closed Sundays and holidays. Price: general admission is €5 and reduced admission is €3.

While you’re in the area, you can’t miss Praia Baixa D’Areia (also known as Praia da Caloura), a small cove with crystal-clear waters, featuring a rocky area on the right and a stretch of black sand beach on the left.

We also recommend visiting the viewpoints at Pisao and Monte Santo to enjoy the views of the area.

Agua D’alto

Another beach worth visiting is Praia da Pedreira, with its calm, crystal-clear waters (we missed out because it clouded over and started raining just as we were about to go). To get there, you have to walk down from this spot, parking your car nearby wherever you can.

We were also surprised by the large and small beaches at Água D’Alto (Praia Grande de Água D’Alto, Praia Pequena de Água D’Alto), both of which have their own beach bars and plenty of parking space. The large one is very long, while the small one is prettier in our opinion, although it will be more crowded in the summer. Next to the large beach is the Pestana Bahia Praia Nature & Beach Resort, a 4-star resort with direct access to the beach, and just 25 minutes from the capital.

Another thing we recommend doing in the area is stopping by Cervejaria A Lagoinha, where you can try the local craft beer right at the brewery. When we went, it was packed with locals who ordered their beer inside and took it outside to enjoy in the little square in front of the church.

Before or after (preferably before) sampling the beer(s), you can take a short, easy hike called “Quatro Fábricas de Luz” (PR39 SMI; here is the official brochure in Portuguese/English), right here in Água d’Alto. It recently opened to the public and passes by the ruins of old power plants that began producing electricity from renewable sources in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is a 2-km linear trail that starts at the Parque Escutista dos Lagos and offers a reward at the end: the “Cascata do Segredo” and a pool where you can swim

Vila Franca do Campo and Ilhéu de Vila Franca

Halfway along the island’s southern coast lies São Miguel’s oldest municipality and the island’s capital until 1522: Vila Franca do Campo. This charming town, with its narrow streets leading down to the sea, was initially associated with sugar production, later with oranges, and more recently with pineapples. While the sea once brought fear and tragedy, today Vila Franca do Campo welcomes the sea with open arms; from almost any point in the town, you can see the islet located about 500 meters off the coast, Ilhéu de Vila Franca, or, as it is also known, the “princess’s ring” due to its shape.

Visit the town of Vila Franca

There’s more to see and do in Vila Franca besides the islet, which we’ll tell you about below. Here are the main highlights:

• Queijadas do Morgado: A stop at Queijadas do Morgado—also known as Queijadas de Vila Franca do Campo—is a must, especially for those with a sweet tooth. This small convent-style pastry was apparently created by the nuns of the Convent of Santo André and now delights all who pass through here.

• Viewpoints: There are several viewpoints along the coast with Ilhéu in the background, such as the Miradouro do Tanqueor the Miradouro Ilhéu da Vila, the latter of which features a park and tables where you can relax and enjoy the views:

• Praia da Vinha da Areia: The main beach is great—a black-sand urban beach with restrooms, a bar/restaurant, parking, and lifeguards during the summer.

• Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Paz and its viewpoint: offering views of Vila Franca and the islet. Legend has it that some shepherds working in the area had to take shelter in a cave where they found a statue of the Virgin Mary. They took it to the church, and the next day it reappeared in the cave; this went on for several days, until they realized that a church had to be built on that spot, hence its location.

Visit the Islet of Vila Franca

The islet—Ilhéu de Vila Franca—is an ancient submerged volcano whose flooded crater forms an almost perfect circle, with a small opening to the sea.

How can I visit Ilhéu de Vila Franca?

You can reach the islet, and in fact, it’s one of the activities we recommend on São Miguel if you visit the island in the summer, since the boats that make the crossing between the port of Vila Franca do Campo and the islet only operate during this season (usually from mid-June to mid-October).

Update April 2026: Swimming is once again permitted at Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo in 2026 (more information here). In 2025, it had been banned due to water quality measurements

The round-trip boat ticket costs €17 per person (€15 for the ticket + €2 conservation fee), and boats run roughly every hour. Note! Since the islet is a nature reserve, the maximum capacity is 400 people per day (200 people on the islet at any given time), and due to the increase in tourism on the island of São Miguel in general and on the islet in particular, it is becoming increasingly difficult to get tickets. Residents of the Azores pay €6 instead of €17

To buy tickets, you have two options:

• Online (€19.25/ticket): You can buy tickets online here, but keep in mind that only 50 of the 400 tickets are sold online each day, that tickets can be purchased up to 10 days in advance, that there is an additional €2.25 processing fee per ticket, and that they usually sell out quickly. Additionally, purchases are limited to 5 tickets per person. It’s also important to note that, due to how the online platform works, you can reserve tickets without paying immediately; they’ll be held for a few hours (in theory until 11:59 PM on the same day) and released back into the system if they aren’t paid for. Therefore, if you can’t find tickets for the day you want, it’s important to try again several times—if possible, at midnight—just in case some become available.
• In person (€17/ticket): If you can’t or don’t want to buy tickets online, the other option is to buy them in person at the port, right here. The remaining 350 tickets are sold there starting at 9:45 a.m. (the first boat leaves at 10:00 a.m.), and lines form hours in advance, especially during the high season (July and August). There are many complaints due to poor management.

Only official boats are allowed to dock on the islet (you’ll notice that many other boats and tours simply sail around it); they run from around 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and the boat ride takes just 10 minutes.

When you arrive, you’ll find crystal-clear waters that are warmer than usual and incredible biodiversity: be sure to bring a snorkel mask and tube! You won’t regret it. We also recommend going for a short hike to take in the views of the islet from above, with the picturesque town of Vila Franca do Campo in the background.

Other ways to explore the islet:

• Boat tour of the islet of Vila Franca, including a hiking trail and swimming
• Boat tour of the southern coast from Ponta Delgada with a naturalist guide who will provide more information about the birds that frequent the islet. (Does not include landing on or walking on the islet.)

Other viewpoints near Vila Franca

If you continue from Vila Franca along the small road leading to Ponta Garça, you’ll find several interesting spots that are generally much less crowded than other areas of São Miguel. Here are a few:

• Ribeira das Taínhas Viewpoint and Ribeira das Tainhas Beach (or Calhau de Areia Beach): a small, unguarded black-sand beach that’s beautiful and seems perfect for enjoying in the summer. At the entrance, there’s a picnic area and a viewpoint from which you can see the beach from above

• Vigia da Furada: another whale-watching spot where whale-watching companies have people on the lookout for them

• Ponta Garça Lighthouse: a lighthouse that has been in operation since 1957; from the parking lot, you’ll have beautiful views of the lighthouse and the sea.

• Praia da Amora: another uncrowded, unguarded beach, due to its somewhat difficult access. You can park before the entrance to the picnic area (this way) and then walk down. It’s best to visit at low tide, since at high tide the amount of space on the sand can be significantly reduced (check the tide times here)

Relva

On your way to the western part of the island (Sete Cidades / Mosteiros), you’ll pass through Relva, where you can stop at a couple of its viewpoints or, if you’re up for it, take a trail that runs parallel to the sea. The viewpoints are the Miradouro Fonte da Roca (where the trail we’ll discuss next begins), the Miradouro do Caminho Novo (a former “lookout” area for whale watching; it can be a great spot to enjoy the sunset), and the Miradouro do Cascalho.

The trail is the PCR20SMI (official brochure), a 5.5 km (3-hour) linear (round-trip) trail where you’ll visit a “detrital fajã” (this is the name given to “fajãs” formed by the collapse of part of the cliff), descending to sea level with the chance to take a dip if the weather and sea conditions allow. Another interesting feature of this trail is that you can make a reservation for lunch or dinner (reservations are required in advance) at Lapsa Garden, a farmhouse with a beautiful terrace overlooking the sea, where the owners prepare private dinners so you can enjoy, for example, the sunset

Feteiras

In the Feteiras area, there is a very special place to stay: an old mill that has been converted into an incredible lodging with ocean views: Moinho das Feteiras:

On the way from Ponta Delgada, you can also stop at the Miradouro da Vigia das Baleias (one of the many whale-watching spots). The PRC46SMI – Fajã do Mar trail starts here (official info and PDF brochure):

In the village, you can visit the church (Igreja de Santa Luzia) and enjoy the views from the top at the Miradouro do Pico (or Miradouro das Feteiras)

Northwest of the island: Capelas and the surrounding area

The northwestern part of São Miguel, between Capelas and Mosteiros, is perhaps the least known and least visited part of the island. Most of the spots are lookouts or natural pools; it’s worth taking this road and stopping along the way to enjoy the views.

Capelas and Elephant Rock

During one of our visits to São Miguel in 2025, we stayed near Capelas, at the Quinta de Nossa Senhora de Lourdes, and we loved the area because it was conveniently located (more or less in the center of the island) and very peaceful.

Capelas was the site of the only whaling factory on São Miguel, the Fábrica da Baleia dos Poços, of which only the chimney remains standing today. It’s a shame they haven’t restored or repurposed the area into a museum to tell its story and raise awareness about cetacean conservation. You can park here for free and from there visit the remains of the factory, take a dip (weather permitting) in the Piscina Natural dos Poços (accessible to people with reduced mobility), take a photo of the sperm whale at the roundabout, or simply admire the views.

There are a couple of lookouts just a few minutes’ walk away: Miradouro da Beira Mar and Miradouro das Pedras Negras, and especially from the latter, you can see a rock with the curious shape of an elephant (located here).

A little further west, we have the Miradouro do Pesqueiro, offering beautiful views of the Porto de Capelas and the incredible landscapes that surround it (you can park your car here), and nearby is the Calhau Miudo, the area where the whales caught before the factory was built were processed (from 1884 to 1936).

And if you head east from Capelas, you’ll also come across two natural wonders: a boot-shaped rock (which you can see from here), and another rock formation with a huge hole in the middle, called Buraco de São Pedro (be careful when approaching it—fences have been erected precisely because of the risk of falling). In between, you’ll find a small 16th-century chapel, the Ermida de São Pedro. To visit both places, you can park for free here.

Santo Antonio

Continuing westward, you can stop in the village of Santo Antonio to take a dip in its inviting natural pool, weather permitting. You can also simply stop to view the village from above at this lookout point.

Remédios, Ajuda da Bretanha and Pilar

Before reaching Mosteiros, there are three villages where it’s worth stopping to enjoy the views from their lookout points.

In Remédios, there is a viewpoint officially designated as such, which, in our opinion, isn’t really worth the trip, but it is worth stopping to take in the views from its church, Igreja de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios

Just before reaching Ajuda da Bretanha, there’s a picturesque red windmill, Moinho do Pico Vermelho, which can be seen both from that spot and from above, at the Miradouro do Pico Vermelho.

Finally, once in Pilar, we come to the Miradouro dos Melos, which overlooks the west coast and offers a view of the fajãof Mosteiros.

A little further back, there is a turnoff leading to the Miradouro das Cumeeiras, a viewpoint from which you can see Sete Cidades from the other side (also known as Vista da Rainha, as it’s located on the opposite side of the famous Vista do Rei), and which is easily accessible by car

Get inspired by our Instagram Stories from our trip to São Miguel

If you’d like to get inspired by our adventures in real time, we’ve saved a selection of what we did during our time in São Miguel in the “Highlights” section of our Randomtrip_Blog Instagram (are you following us yet?). If you click on these links, you can watch the videos we recorded at several of the spots we recommend in this guide. Curious?

• Stories São Miguel I
• Stories São Miguel II
• Stories São Miguel III
• Stories São Miguel (2025)

The best hiking trails in São Miguel

One of the best ways to get to know the Azores is by doing trails. So in this two-month trip through the nine islands of the Azorean archipelago we promised ourselves to do at least one trail per island and in São Miguel there is no shortage of options.

We recommend checking the official Azores trails website, where you can find all the official trails and practical information (usually updated) about them. Here you can see all the official trails of São Miguel.

Here are some of the ones we find most beautiful

• Serra Devassa (PRC05 SMI): easy circular trail that starts at the parking lot of Lagoa do Canário and passes through several less visited lakes. 4,9km, about 2h. More info / official brochure

• Praia de Lagoa do Fogo (PRC02 SMI): circular trail that takes you to the beach of Lagoa do Fogo. 11km, about 4h. More info / official brochure.

• Padrão das Alminhas – Poço Azul – Salto da Farinha (PR21 SMI): linear trail from Achadinha passing by the photogenic Poço Azul and Salto da Farinha. 4,9km, about 2h. More info / official brochure.

• Salto do Prego – Sanguinho (PRC09 SMI): circular trail that passes by the beautiful waterfall of Salto do Prego, where you can take a refreshing bath, and by the village recovered as a rural tourism project, Sanguinho. 4,5km, about 2h. More info / official brochure

• Mata do Canário – Sete Cidades (PR4 SMI): a linear trail offering the best views of the Sete Cidades caldera, as it winds along the rim from above. More info / official brochure

• Quatro fábricas da Luz (PR39 SMI): linear trail passing by factories that represent the industrialization of São Miguel with the production and distribution of renewable electric energy. 2,1km, 1h30. More info / official brochure.

• Rota da Água – Janela do Inferno (PRC37 SMI): a loop trail that takes you past the Janela do Inferno (Window to Hell), a hole from which water flows. More info / official brochure

• Trilho do Moinho do Félix – Cascatas (TM06): a loop trail that takes you past several mills and stunning waterfalls. More info / official brochure

Where to dive in São Miguel

In the Azores the surprises are as many or more underwater. And if the incredible and diverse underwater world is accompanied by an incredible blue bottom that looks like a swimming pool and a very pleasant temperature considering that we are diving on this side of the world, then if you have a diving certificate you will not want to miss this experience.

Although I didn’t dive São Miguel (I did it in Pico, Terceira and Santa Maria), we were told that the best dive sites here are the following:

• World War II shipwreck: the Dori Shipwreck Archaeological Park, a WWII Liberty Ship resting on the sandy bottom.
• The Vila Franca do Campo Islet Reserve
• Caloura Arches

More info about where to dive in São Miguel here

Although we did not try any center on the island, we heard very good things about Azores Sub Dive Center, where apart from diving they also do boat trips and snorkeling.

If you already have the official diving certification, here you can book your São Miguel marine exploration of 1 or 2 dives.

If you haven’t tried scuba diving yet but you would like to try, why not do it in the Azores? Here you have more information about the diving baptism in São Miguel where you will try scuba diving in the Natural Reserve of the islet of Vila Franca do Campo.

If you want to enjoy the aquatic biodiversity of the islet without a bottle in between, hire here your snorkel tour with equipment included.

Where to stay in São Miguel

In São Miguel, you can choose between staying in one place (we recommend the central area of the island, either in Ponta Delgada and its surroundings or in Ribeira Grande and its surroundings, so you are within reasonable driving distance of everything and can enjoy a variety of cuisine) or splitting your stay between several areas.

If your trip is 4 days or less, we recommend choosing a single base in the central area (orange, purple and brown areas in the map below). If your trip is 5 days or more, you can consider dividing your stay into 2 or more areas.

Below you can see the different areas and recommended accommodations for each one.

Best areas to stay in São Miguel

You can see the different areas of the island, as well as the accommodations where we stayed and others we recommend on the following map, and in this specific article you can see the advantages and disadvantages of each area. It is important to bear in mind that from the central locations in the south and north (Ponta Delgada and surroundings, Ribeira Grande and surroundings), it takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour to reach the furthest points at the ends of the island (Mosteiros and Sete Cidades to the west, Furnas, Nordeste, and Povoação to the east).

At Randomtrip, we have both based ourselves in Ponta Delgada and divided our stay between different areas of the island. Below, we list the accommodations we tried, as well as a selection of other recommended accommodations for each area:

Where to stay in Ponta Delgada

Ponta Delgada is undoubtedly the preferred choice of most people traveling to São Miguel, due to its central location, its huge range of accommodation and restaurants for all tastes and its tourist offer. It is also the ideal place to stay if you do not rent a car, since most shared tours depart from there, although in our opinion, to get to know the island it is ideal to rent a car to move around with total freedom of schedules.

However, it also has several disadvantages: we have noticed a rather high increase in accommodation prices in recent years, parking can be complicated (if you stay in Ponta Delgada, we recommend looking for accommodation that includes parking or has a free parking area nearby), restaurants fill up and you have to book sometimes several days in advance, and restaurant prices have also increased while also decreasing in quality and/or quantity.

At RandomTrip we have stayed several times in Ponta Delgada on our visits to São Miguel, here are the accommodations we have stayed at and recommend:

Ladeira Loft (from 80€/night), a very spacious one-bedroom apartment in the center of Ponta Delgada (very close to Mercado da Graça) with kitchen and views of the Atlantic, where we stayed several days.

Hotel do Colegio ( from 75€/night), a beautiful hotel in a 19th century building, with swimming pool, in the center of Ponta Delgada. It was the hotel where Inês stayed with her mother and sister the first time they visited the island and they loved it.

Azores Inn (from 130€/night): At RandomTrip we split our stay at various points on the island on our last visit to São Miguel in 2025 and stayed three nights here. Small, very new and comfortable rooms, right in the center (you can walk everywhere in the historic center), with a huge shared kitchen (with several independent stoves and fridges) and a small terrace on the first floor. There are also dormitories (hostel style) if you are looking for a cheaper option.

Casa da Graça (from 120€/night): Our friends Catarina and Ricardo visited São Miguel recently and loved staying at Casa da Graça, a hotel very well managed by Vânia and Sergio that makes you feel at home in Ponta Delgada, apart from the great rooms (and breakfast):

Hotel Gaivota (from 115€): at Randomtrip we stayed here on our first trip to São Miguel, they have rooms and apartments, some with sea views, right on the seafront avenue of Ponta Delgada.

Other accommodations that we recommend in Ponta Delgada:

Nook Hostel (from 50€/night): in the historic center, it has apartments with 2 rooms, private rooms and beds in dormitories.

Garoupas Inn (from 65€/night): not in the center of Ponta Delgada but has sea views and a shared jacuzzi on the terrace.

Holy Cow (from 80€/night): a hostel with rooms with private bathrooms and dormitories less than 10 minutes walk from the historic center.

Vip Executive Azores Hotel (from 90€/night): large hotel about 20 minutes walk away, with a rooftop restaurant overlooking the sea and private parking (for a fee).

Chez Lúcia (from 100€/night): apartment with two bedrooms (for up to 4 people) and terrace, in the center of Ponta Delgada.

The Lince Azores (from 100€/night): beautiful hotel with rooms overlooking the city, the sea and the island’s landscape, buffet breakfast and indoor heated pool with an outdoor part that is covered in winter, ideal if you visit São Miguel in winter.

Octant Ponta Delgada (from €140/night): 5-star hotel featuring modern, soundproofed rooms with stunning sea views, spa and outdoor pool. In addition to the central location and thoughtful design, the Octant Ponta Delgada also offers delicious breakfasts, the À Terra restaurant with innovative proposals and a bar open in the evenings. One of the best options to stay in Ponta Delgada to surprise someone.

Grand Hotel Azores Atlántico (from 150€/night): is a 5 star hotel located right in front of the “Portas do Mar”.

Armazéns Cogumbreiro (from 150 €/night): they were the largest commercial establishment on the island, in a building from 1913, renovated, in the center, with spacious and bright rooms.

Where to stay in the surroundings of Ponta Delgada

If you want to stay near Ponta Delgada because of the restaurants but not in the heart of the city (and, therefore, where it will be easier to park), you also have some interesting options in the outskirts of the capital:

Sleep among pineapple plantations at the Senhora da Rosa Tradition & Nature Hotel (from 104€/night), near Ponta Delgada:

If you are 4 or 5 people traveling, an excellent option to stay on the island is the beautiful Pink House (from 186€/night for 5 people), near Ponta Delgada. Downstairs are the bedrooms, upstairs the huge kitchen and living room, welcome to contemporary rural tourism:

You can see more accommodations in Ponta Delgada and around the capital here:

Where to stay in Furnas

Furnas is undoubtedly one of the most special and unique areas of São Miguel and the Azores in general. A village located in the caldera of a dormant volcano, in Furnas you can enjoy the thermal waters, its fumaroles, the use of geothermal heat in gastronomy, its lagoon and its viewpoints.

Due to its location (there are two accesses to Furnas, one from the north and one from the south, both on winding roads), Furnas is not the ideal place if you are going to choose only one accommodation on the island, as it will take you longer to get to the other places in São Miguel. But if you divide your stay on the island in several accommodations, it is worth staying a few nights in Furnas, to enjoy the area with fewer people and to be able to enjoy its thermal waters at sunset without having to drive at night; from here you can also reach Nordeste and Povoação quickly due to its proximity.

At RandomTrip we stayed on our last visit in 2025 at the amazing Quinta da Mó (from 250€/night), an oasis in Furnas, partner accommodation of Casas Açorianas.

The location is very central, just steps away from Poça Dona Beija and within walking distance of the rest of Furnas’ attractions, but you can’t imagine what you’ll find behind the entrance gate until you walk in: a bamboo forest, a small stream running through the property directly from Lagoa de Furnas that will give you the soothing soundtrack along with the birdsong of your days here, a jacuzzi where you can relax in the middle of nature (or, if you prefer, a massage) and a room bathed in komorebi are just some of the highlights.

Like most of Casas Açorianas‘ rural lodgings, it has its history behind it. After being abandoned for several years, in 2007 this family began the restoration of an old water mill that was once used to grind the cereals that supplied much of the population of Furnas. Although the mill is no longer in operation, it was converted into Casa da Mó, the three-bedroom house on the estate, ideal if you are traveling with family or friends.

The following year, restoration work continued on three other buildings, one of which is the “Casa do Engenho“, where we stayed at Randomtrip, an old carpentry workshop where a hydraulic lathe used to manufacture, in addition to other furniture, the typical Furnas chairs.

Casa do Engenho, where we stayed, consists of two floors. On the second floor is a double bedroom with a glass ceiling that gives it the relaxing komorebi, those rays of sun filtered by the leaves of the trees that bathe the room (don’t worry, there are automatic blackout curtains so you won’t wake up with the first rays of the day if you don’t want to). On the first floor you will find the bathroom and the living room with kitchenette with a large window opening onto your private terrace with panoramic views of the surrounding garden. The terrace is equipped with sun loungers, table, chairs and umbrella. Along this private terrace, next to the house, there is a small levada which, when crossed by water, turns a waterwheel that provides the soundtrack.

The other two reconstructed houses, “Granel” and “Cafuão”, were two old granaries, typical buildings that coexisted with the mills of the time, intended for the storage of grains and similar products.

Quinta da Mó currently has three one-bedroom bungalows and a house (Casa da Mó) with three bedrooms. The quinta (farm in Portuguese) has a dam with several species of fish, a garden with jacuzzi for massages that is a real outdoor spa, a bamboo path to walk to the cottage where breakfast is served (with local products overlooking the stream) and even a boat ride in a quieter area of the stream, all designed to make us continue to relax even after getting out of bed.

It is also worth mentioning that the attention we received at Quinta da Mó was very attentive, from the moment of check-in to the breakfast and cleaning service, we loved it!

Other accommodations that we recommend in Furnas:

Terra Nostra Garden Hotel (from 330€/night): if your budget allows it, you can stay in the Terra Nostra Park itself, in a high quality 4-star hotel where you can also enjoy its thermal waters after the park closes, with much less people and even at night (the park closes at 16:30h for the general public). The food at the restaurant is also highly recommended.

Octant Furnas (from 320€/night): 5-star hotel with indoor and outdoor hot springs (open 24 hours a day) and spa.

You can see more accommodations in Furnas here:

Where to stay in Nordeste and Povoação

Nordeste and Povoação are two villages located east of São Miguel, and due to their access through curvy roads, they are less touristic, ideal for those seeking tranquility but no less impressive. It used to be said that Nordeste was considered “the tenth island of the Azores”, because of how difficult it was to get there. Nowadays it is much easier, due to the new roads (from Ponta Delgada it takes about an hour to both Nordeste and Povoação).

If what you are looking for is to stay in a rural environment and much less touristic, where you can make a base to explore the eastern part of the island, staying in Nordeste or Povoação is a good choice. Like Furnas, if you are going to stay in a single accommodation during your entire stay, we do not recommend this area because from here to other areas of the island you will take longer, but if you are going to divide your stay in several accommodations, making a base here you can visit all the places of interest that are on the east side of the island (including Furnas).

In RandomTrip we stayed in our last visit in 2025 a few nights in Nordeste (at Tradicampo Eco Country Houses), and a few nights in Povoação (at Casa da Cisaltina), in two accommodations that are part of Casas Açorianas. You can see the stories we did those days in São Miguel where the accommodations are shown in this link.

In Nordeste we stayed in one of the lodgings of Tradicampo Eco Country Houses, specifically Casas do Patio (from 90€/night), which was located in the small village of San Pedro Nordestinho, a 10 min drive from Nordeste, and are a real haven of peace.

Tradicampo has several accommodation units, all in the Nordeste area. Casas do Pátio, in São Pedro Nordestinho, includes two accommodation units, Casa do Tanque with two bedrooms and Arribana, with one bedroom, where we stayed at Randomtrip. Both houses have a kitchen and living room with fireplace and access to a shared garden with a swimming pool overlooking the sea, barbecue and private parking. This makes the houses adapted to the climate of the Azores as the island can have all 4 seasons in one day and, in our case, we got to enjoy the pool during the day and light the fireplace at night. In addition to being adapted to the climate, our house, Arribana, is also adapted for people with reduced mobility.

In addition, Tradicampo has several services that make us understand why (in addition to the quality of the accommodations) those who stay here tend to repeat. Upon arrival, we are always greeted personally with great kindness and patience as they spend a lot of time explaining, as people in love with the Nordeste that they are, all the routes, places of interest, restaurants and questions that we may have. To help those of us who have just arrived to explore the area, they have created an online guide with a map – Tradiguide – which we can access online during our stay to make life easier on those days when we want to leave the peace and quiet of our accommodation and go out to discover one of the most beautiful areas of the island.

Another highlight in their accommodations is that upon arrival you will find the fridge full of local products for your breakfast and fresh bread will be hung on the door every day. It also has a free bike service (you can do some of the routes proposed in Tradiguide), a small library, decoration with restored traditional furniture and great care in promoting the local and sustainable in every detail. In fact, since 2012, Tradicampo has been awarded the Green Key distinction, an independent environmental award that integrates Tourism organizations that value Environmental Management in their undertakings and promote Environmental Education for Sustainability.

Less than 10 minutes walk away, also in São Pedro Nordestinho, is another Tradicampo accommodation, Casa da Talha, also with one room and with the particularity of having a wood-fired oven where you can enjoy a delicious meal overlooking the sea.

Casa da Fonte is a rustic stone cottage from the 18th century, ideal for relaxing in the town of Algarvia, in the Nordeste. This house has a room and also has a wood oven where to give wings to the gastronomic imagination and relax on the porch overlooking the sea and the mountains. It is a house accessible to people with reduced mobility.

If you are more, Quinta das Cycas is a farm that has 4 accommodation units in an estate of 5300 m2 and a garden with stunning sea and mountain views. Casa da Cisterna, O Granel and Estudio da Varanda have one bedroom each and Casa do Arco has two bedrooms. All accommodations have a private furnished outdoor space and barbecue to enjoy outdoor meals and a common outdoor swimming pool.

In Povoação, the first place to be populated in São Miguel, we stayed a few nights at Casa da Cisaltina (from 70€/night). If you want to get to know a less touristy side of São Miguel and relax in a quiet environment in an already quiet village, it is ideal.

This is a project born from the love and dream of Cisaltina herself, mother of Fatima, the owner who welcomed us with a big smile and told us the story of this late 19th century farmhouse, now rebuilt as a living tribute to her parents.

Casa da Cisaltina consists of three suites and two apartments, each baptized with an aromatic plant that not only gives the name but the aroma to each of the spaces, and a poetic facade with words of homage to Cisaltina’s father, her husband.

The entire surrounding space is filled with plants, several endemic, and fruit trees and consists of a common area where you can read a book or just relax.

At RandomTrip we stayed in the apartment Alecrim (rosemary, in Portuguese) with one bedroom, bathroom and living room with kitchenette.

The delicious breakfast, served every morning in a common area or, if the weather is nice, on the terrace, consists of local and seasonal products and even compotes made by Fatima with fruits from the farm’s orchard. In our case, as we went at Easter, we even had homemade sweets typical of this festive season.

Besides being a real haven of peace, Casa da Cisaltina is located on one of the hills (lombas) surrounding the picturesque fishing port of Povoação with some very nice restaurants, beach and natural pools and several hiking trails (such as Fajã do Araújo or Ribeira dos Bispos which passes by a supposed Phoenician columbarium, to be confirmed). It is also very close to the photogenic Alameda dos Plátanos where you can go walking or cycling. The accommodation also offers several experiences to approach the “local know-how” as, for example, making homemade bread in the wood-fired oven.

Other accommodations we recommend in Nordeste and Povoação:

Casa Vista da Marquesa (Nordeste, from 71€/night): one-bedroom house and outdoor area to rest. They offer a basket of local products upon arrival

Hotel do Mar (Povoação, from 81€/night): rooms in 4-star hotel with swimming pool and jacuzzi

The Lince Nordeste (Nordeste, from €223/night): comfortable and spacious rooms in a 4-star hotel with spa, indoor pool and outdoor pool.

Casa do Cinzeiro (Nordeste, from 279€/night): a beautiful house overlooking the sea, with 2 bedrooms and outdoor pool, ideal if you are traveling with family or friends.

You can see more accommodations in Nordeste and Povoação here:

Where to stay in the North: Ribeira Grande and Rabo de Peixe

Ribeira Grande is the second main city of São Miguel, less touristic and with plenty of accommodation and restaurant options. On the other hand, Rabo de Peixe, about 10 minutes from Ribeira Grande, is a small fishing village that may ring a bell from the famous Netflix series. Both places are an excellent area to stay in São Miguel, due to their central location and the number of dining options after a day of exploring the island.

In RandomTrip we stayed in our last visit in 2025 a few nights in Rabo de Peixe, in Quinta do Paraízo (from 140€/night), part of Casas Açorianas, a house where the family enjoyed the vacations and now gained a new life thanks to the daughter, the nice Biló, and her rural tourism project. You can see the stories we made those days in São Miguel where the accommodations are shown in this link.

The farm has 3 rooms in the main house and a studio, where we stayed at RandomTrip, with buffet breakfast included. A real green paradise full of fruit trees.

The farm has an outdoor swimming pool (heated water, except in summer), a small cabin that functions as a covered common area where guests can cook, read, enjoy a board game or have a drink. When we went there, they were finishing a space on the estate where you can relax or practice yoga or meditation with views of the sea and different areas of São Miguel.

In our case we stayed in the studio which directly overlooks the garden and has a mini kitchen, and the other rooms are located in the main house.

Other accommodations that we recommend in Ribeira Grande:

Mitós Vila (from 50€/night): apartments and villas for two people at a good price.

Central House (from 80€/night), a spacious and comfortable house with two bedrooms that you can enjoy up to 6 people.

Quinta do Passo (from 108€/night): 1 or 2 bedroom villas with outdoor pool, 7 minutes walking distance from the beach

Pico do Refugio (from 130€/night) is a 17th century estate that was once a militia fort, an artists’ house and even a tea factory. Today, it is one of the most elegant places to stay in this part of the island: apartments and lofts in a dreamlike setting.

Verde Mar & Spa (from 160€/night), a 5-star hotel, is one of the best options in Ribeira Grande:

Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort (165€/night): Here you can indulge yourself and stay in front of the sea in the surf capital (and with the option, of course, of doing surf lessons).

You can see more accommodations in Ribeira Grande here:

Where to stay in the Northwest: Capelas and surroundings

The northwest area of São Miguel, between Ribeira Grande and Mosteiros, is perhaps one of the least known, and therefore less touristy and quieter, although with a good and relatively central location for exploring the island, and with better prices.

In RandomTrip we stayed in our last visit in 2025 a few nights in São Vicente (next to Capelas), at Quinta de Nossa Senhora de Lourdes (from 90€/night), part of Casas Açorianas. You can see the stories we did those days in São Miguel where the accommodations are shown in this link.

Built over a hundred years ago (dating back to 1888), the name of the Nossa Senhora de Lourdes estate comes from the existence of a niche on the main façade of the house with Nossa Senhora de Lourdes (Our Lady of Lourdes), protector of sailors. The entire estate was occupied by vineyards that produced the grapes used in the production of a famous wine (it was one of the largest wine houses in the area) and to this day the hosts still produce a delicious vinho abafado, typical of the island.

Quinta de Nossa Senhora de Lourdes has 3 double rooms with their own bathroom (some with a small kitchen) surrounded by a beautiful garden, in addition to the main house where the charming couple responsible for this beautiful project, Esmeralda and Anselmo, live.

The best thing about this accommodation, besides its hosts, is that it has several common areas such as the fantastic pool overlooking the sea, the island and the famous “elephant-shaped rock”, where you can have breakfast on the terrace, if it’s nice, or inside with the views, on cooler days. The accommodation also has a small gym and two common rooms, one with a small wine cellar and pool table, and the other with sofas, piano and access to a patio with a fountain that invites you to relax.

The hosts, Esmeralda and Anselmo, are charming people with whom you can learn a lot about the island and the particularities of Capelas (it was here that the old port and whaling factory of the island was located). If you have time, they will show you the property and its different spaces, the rooms are an authentic small ethnographic museum with a multitude of objects of life on the island: various instruments from the time of whaling, barrels and different presses from their cellar, tools with which they worked the fields, etc.).

Other accommodations that we recommend in the Northwest:

São Vicente Lodge Panoramic Retreat (from 63€/night): an ideal accommodation whether you are two people or a group of up to 10 people as they have both double rooms and a house with 5 rooms. In addition, the lodge has common areas such as an outdoor swimming pool and garden with barbecue.

Solar Pontes (from 64€/night): comfortable double rooms, some with sea views, others with views of the Azorean greenery.

Acorsonho (from 107€/night): small apartments, all with access to the indoor and outdoor swimming pools, gym, tennis court, games room and even mini-golf.

Quinta da Tilia Boutique Retreat (from 174€/night): if you are traveling with your family or a group, this villa with sea views and a huge outdoor space has 3 rooms

Casa do Vale do Sossego (from 246€/night): 18th century house with 5 spacious and comfortable rooms and large garden with barbecue.

Quinta das Flores (from 300€/night): well-kept 2-bedroom country house with outdoor pool and garden

You can see more accommodations in Capelas and surroundings here:

Where to stay in Lagoa, Caloura and Vila Franca do Campo

If you want to stay in the south of the island, centrally located to visit all areas of São Miguel but escaping the hustle and bustle of Ponta Delgada, you have several options in the surroundings, such as Lagoa, Caloura or Vila Franca do Campo, with dining options and somewhat more affordable prices.

At RandomTrip we stayed a few nights on our last visit in 2025 in an authentic windmill converted into accommodation!

This old 19th century mill is located in Feteiras, 20 minutes from the capital, and was the mill that supplied the town’s population with wheat and other cereals. The Moinho das Feteiras (from 160€/night), part of Casas Açorianas, consists of three levels: the kitchen and living room downstairs, the bathroom on the middle floor and a fascinating room with 360º windows and sea views on the top floor.

In addition to the mill, the most original and remarkable accommodation of the property, the farm also has two old barns rebuilt for rural tourism, typical buildings that coexisted with the mills of the time, intended for the storage of grains and similar products. Each barn at Moinho das Feteiras offers a lot of comfort and sea views, and can accommodate up to 4 people.

You can see the stories we made those days in São Miguel where the accommodations are shown in this link.

Here are some other suggestions for accommodations:

Caloura Hotel Resort (from 100€/night): in Caloura, 4 star hotel with amazing sea views

White Exclusive Suites & Villas (from 200€/night): in Lagoa, located in a bay of volcanic rock and traces of ancient Azorean architecture.

Sul Villas & Spa (from 238€/night): in Lagoa. Here you can enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean both from the villas and the outdoor saltwater pool:

You can see more accommodations in the south of São Miguel here:

Where to stay in Sete Cidades

Lagoa de Sete Cidades is undoubtedly one of the most iconic places in São Miguel, and it is possible to stay overnight in the small village of the same name at the water’s edge (or nearby). It is important to note that the options for lunch or dinner in Sete Cidades are very limited (there are a few more in Mosteiros, about 15 minutes away), so if you decide to stay there you should ideally choose a self-catering accommodation.

At RandomTrip we have not yet stayed in Sete Cidades, but below we list several accommodations we have noted for future visits to São Miguel.

Sete Cidades Nature Villa (from 159€/night): villas with 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms at 13 minutes walk from the lagoon

Quinta da Queiró (from 159€/night): farm with different types of houses, with 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms.

Lake Cottage Panoramic View (from 238€/night): a two-bedroom house with a breathtaking terrace overlooking Lagoa das Sete Cidades

Sete Cidades Lake Cabin – Casa da Lagoa (from 300€/night): Can you imagine waking up with these views? This chalet has two bedrooms and breathtaking views. It has 165 m2 and as a picture is worth a thousand words, here it goes:

Sete Cidades Lake Lodge (from 334 €/night) also has canoes and bicycles to explore the lagoon on your own. The easiest way for you to see where the cabins are located in the peaceful surroundings of the lagoon:

You can see more accommodations in Sete Cidades here:

Where to stay in Mosteiros

If sunsets are your thing, Mosteiros is the place par excellence to enjoy them in São Miguel, besides being a super quiet area. Of course, you will be at one end of the island, so it will take you longer to get to the other end areas like Nordeste or Furnas, so we do not recommend you to make Mosteiros your base for the whole trip, but as a place to spend some of the nights and explore this area of the island.

At RandomTrip we did not get to enjoy staying in this area of the island, but we leave you some accommodations that we have saved for future visits to São Miguel:

Canto Do Mar (from 149€/night): one or two-bedroom houses (accommodating up to 5 people) within a 15-minute walk to Mosteiros beach and its incredible sunset.

Mosteiros Beach House 10 (from 156€/night): a well-equipped two-bedroom house with kitchen and barbecue, right on Mosteiros beach, ideal for those who like to sleep to the soundtrack of the sea.

Villa Varzea (from 170€/night): a restored centenary villa very close to Mosteiros, in an ideal environment and with several types of rooms.

Sensi Nature and Spa (from 180€/night): rural tourism with 20 rooms, outdoor infinity pool, indoor pool and an incredible terrace from where to say goodbye to the sun in the sea.

Blue OceanView Relaxing Cottage (from 217€/night): a beautiful house that accommodates up to 4 people (1 bedroom and a sofa bed) with stunning sea views, 4 minutes walk from Mosteiros beach.

Mosteiros Place (from 404€/night): 4-star apartments, for 2 to 4 people, with minimalist design and outdoor pool with breathtaking sea views

You can see more accommodations in Mosteiros here:

Remember that all prices mentioned in this post are approximate and may change depending on the type of room and the season of each accommodation.

Best restaurants in São Miguel

Gastronomy is one of the Azores’ strong points, and if there’s one thing São Miguel has plenty of, it’s restaurants and culinary variety—ranging from the most traditional fare to fusion cuisine.

Before recommending specific restaurants, here are some of the traditional dishes you can try:

• Bolo lévedo: an addictive sweet bread typical of the Azores, originally from the Furnas area, and similar (though not identical) to the Bolo do caco from Madeira. The best and most traditional versions are those made by Gloria Moniz and Rosa Quental, although you can find it practically anywhere on the island.

• Queijo fresco with pimenta da Terra, served on a Hawaiian ginger leaf: translated, fresh cheese with pimenta da Terra(a sauce made with a spice blend derived from peppers) served on a Hawaiian ginger leaf. It’s often served as an appetizer in many restaurants, and it’s delicious.

• Lapas (limpets): Also common in Madeira and the Canary Islands, in the Azores they are usually served grilled with lemon and/or a butter-and-garlic sauce.

• Cracas: a crustacean belonging to the barnacle family. They are typically cooked in seawater with onion and garlic and are usually served as an appetizer.
• Volcanic stew: Due to the Azores’ geothermal activity, locals began long ago to harness that heat to cook food. Today, the most typical dish is volcanic stew, which is prepared by placing all the ingredients in a pot that is buried in holes in an area with geothermal heat and left there for hours. The most famous version is from Furnas (you can see recommended restaurants where to try it here), although it’s also made near Ribeira Grande, at Bar Restaurante Caldeiras

• Bife à regional: one of São Miguel’s most iconic dishes, also very popular among locals. It’s a beef steak (usually of very high quality) cooked to your liking, served with a sauce made of garlic, butter, and bay leaf (there are several recipes; it may also include beer, brandy, wine, etc.), along with French fries, pimenta da terra, and a fried egg on top. You’ll find it at practically every restaurant on the island, though if you ask the locals, the ones that always make the list of the best are at O Galego, Associação Agrícola, or Alcides. At Randomtrip, we tried all three (some several times, and others at different restaurants) and settled on the one at O Galego and the one at Botequim Açoriano, which, although it doesn’t usually make the lists, we found to be among the best

• Tuna steak: The Azores are famous for their beef and dairy products, but you can also find high-quality fish there. One of the typical dishes is bife de atum, a fresh, high-quality tuna steak cooked to your liking and prepared in various ways. Our favorite is also the one at Botequim Açoriano—one of the best we’ve ever tasted.

• Fresh fish: In addition to tuna, you can also enjoy other types of fresh fish on São Miguel. The best and most flavorful varieties include goraz (sea bream), veja (wrasse), abrótea (brottola), boca negra (red seabass), raia (stingray)… We recommend trying them at Bar Caloura or at Botequim Açoriano (we tried the skate and it was incredible)

• Morcela com ananás: blood sausage with pineapple (from São Miguel), a very typical appetizer that you can find in many restaurants.
• Polvo guisado: a stewed octopus dish that is very typical throughout the Azores, made with potatoes and many other ingredients, and is often served on Christmas Eve.
• Sopas do Espírito Santo: the Espírito Santo festivities (7 weeks after Easter Sunday) are among the most important across all the Azores islands, and this soup is served on the last day of the festival. The recipe varies by island, but generally includes meat, sausages, potatoes, vegetables, bread… If your visit coincides with these festivities, you’ll have the chance to try it.
• Chicharros fritos com molho de Vilão: another very typical dish of the Azores. These are fried horse mackerel served with a special sauce made with salt, garlic, pimenta da terra, wine, vinegar… Try them at Mané Cigano
• Queijada da Vila: a traditional sweet from Vila Franca do Campo (hence the name); they are made at Queijadas do Morgado (where you can see the production process), though you’ll find them all over the island. It is a small convent-style sweet that is said to have been created by the nuns of the Convent of Santo André

• Fofas da Povoação: a traditional sweet from Povoação, similar to an éclair. The original recipe is said to have come from Dona Angelina, who has since passed away, and they’re still available at her family’s café/grocery store. On Randomtrip, we tried them at Pic Nic, on the recommendation of our friend Raquel.

• Azores Pineapple Cake: Since pineapples are a staple of São Miguel, it was only natural that there would be a dessert made with them. The base is made with flour, milk, eggs, sugar, margarine, and yeast, and it’s topped with pineapple, sugar, and water. Delicious! You’ll find it in many restaurants on the island.

Here are some other drinks we recommend trying in São Miguel:

• São Miguel Tea: With the oldest tea plantations in Europe, you simply must try the tea (cha). You can do so at the plantations themselves (Gorreana or Porto Formoso), or at virtually any bar, hotel, or restaurant on the island. However, if you want to learn more, we recommend trying some of the experiences offered at Chalet Da Tia Mercês in Furnas (reservations required at least 48 hours in advance)

• Passion fruit Kima: To put it simply, this refreshing drink is like the Azorean Trina, but—of course—flavored with passion fruit. Although it also comes in pineapple flavor, the passion fruit version is what we can call the most famous drink in the Azores and the one we miss the most—especially those of us who became addicted to it while traveling there. It is made by Melo Abreu (you may recognize the name from Especial beer), a brewery in Ponta Delgada whose history dates back to 1892.

• Laranjada: also by Melo Abreu, similar to the previous one but with an orange flavor.
• Melo Abreu Special Beer: The same factory that produces soft drinks also makes the Azorean beer Melo Abreu Special.
• Liqueurs from A Mulher do Capote: The capote and the capelo were traditional garments in the Azores in the past, worn exclusively by women to cover themselves completely. This liqueur distillery adopted that name and is famous for its Ezequiel passion fruit liqueur and its porcelain figurines filled with liqueur
• Gins from São Miguel: Several gins are also produced in São Miguel, which you can try at many of the island’s bars and restaurants. Some of them include Gin Baleia (Ghosts Of The Oceans), Rocha Negra, Azor Gin, and Goshawk Gin

Here are some restaurant recommendations we enjoyed in different parts of the island.

RandomTIP: It’s best to make reservations at restaurants, especially during the high season (June through September), and remember that in the Azores—as in Portugal in general—dinner usually starts between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., so making a reservation later than that may be difficult or impossible, depending on the restaurant.

Where to Eat in Ponta Delgada and the Southern Part of the Island

Although Ponta Delgada is where most of the restaurants are located, we feel that they have been getting worse as tourism has increased (fewer options, higher prices, lower quality…). Even so, there are several recommended options in Ponta Delgada (below, we recommend options in other areas of the south):

• Tasquinha Vieira: pricey but really, really good; fusion cuisine. The rice dish we tried was spectacular. We paid €56 for two dishes, a bottle of wine, and dessert.

• A Tasca: a “good, nice, and cheap” option, but they don’t take reservations, so you’ll have to wait in line (which tends to be long in the summer). In our opinion, it’s fine, but don’t let waiting in line for the restaurant derail your plans for the island—there are other options, and it’s not exactly a one-of-a-kind experience. If you decide to give it a try, you’ll need to leave your name and stay nearby since they call out names as they go…

• Õtaka: a Nikkei fusion restaurant. They offer several tasting menus (starting at €75 per person), or you can order à la carte. It’s a bit pricey, but it’s worth it if you’re looking for something different. They’ve opened another restaurant nearby, Ají, which also looks promising, though we haven’t tried it yet

• Alcides: one of the most legendary traditional restaurants in Ponta Delgada, where you can try the famous “bife à regional.” Reservations are a must. In 2015, we paid €50 for two, including an appetizer, two main courses, a bottle of wine, dessert, and coffee, but prices have gone up quite a bit since then.
• Adega do Mestre André: We went there a couple of times; one time we tried the abrótea steaks and the other time the steaks. It’s a good option in Ponta Delgada at a reasonable price (two steaks, a dessert, and half a liter of wine for €50).

• Cais 20: another legendary spot in Ponta Delgada because it stays open very late (until 2 a.m.). Recommended for tapas, seafood, and fish. We went with our friend Raquel, who is from São Miguel, and she explained that it’s very common to order an absurdo (a glass of beer—imperial—served with a small plate of cooked shrimp).

• O Galego: It competes with Alcides and the Associação Agrícola for the title of best bife à regional on São Miguel, but in our opinion, it’s the best. We paid €42 for an appetizer, two main courses, two beers, and two coffees. The bife is available as a half or a whole steak; in our opinion, the half is more than enough for one person.

• Rotas da Ilha Verde (vegetarian): one of the few vegetarian restaurants on the island, serving creative, high-quality dishes; they’ve been open for over 20 years. We’ve tried to go several times, but they were either closed or fully booked—hopefully we’ll manage to visit on our next trip. It’s essential to make a reservation well in advance.
• Ta Gente: recommended for tapas or cocktails, although the prices are a bit high.
• Nonna’s Teeth: wonderful pizzas with thin Neapolitan crust; they only have about 7 options and change the “Pizza of the Month,” the Nonna. The best we tried on the island (actually, in the entire archipelago). We ordered a Rockys pizza and a Se Scampi pizza, half a liter of house wine, a sparkling water, and a dessert (cannolo) and paid €49.30. At lunchtime, it’s easier to find a seat if you go early; for dinner, it starts to fill up around 7:15 p.m.… We went back several times afterward because they were so good.

• Forneria São Dinis: excellent wood-fired pizzas. We paid €42 for an appetizer, two pizzas, a bottle of wine, and water.

• Mané Cigano: a well-known local restaurant where you can sample traditional Azorean cuisine. The chicharros fritos (fried mackerel) is a standout, and the prices are reasonable. Unfortunately, it’s only open from noon to 3 p.m. and tends to get crowded.
• Michel Restaurant: We recommend trying the local cuisine (limpets, tuna, etc.)

• Jardim Natural Food & Coffee: a small café-restaurant right in the heart of the António Borges Botanical Garden, offering healthy food, reasonable prices, and a lovely setting.

• Palma Sushi: If you’re in the mood for sushi, we’ve heard great things about this place
• Taberna na Boavista: a restaurant serving delicious and original tapas (petiscos), though a bit pricey. We ordered the spicy octopus, patatas bravas, camarão na taberna, and the banh-mi—all delicious. With two glasses of wine and a bottle of water, the bill came to €60.

• Clube União Micaelense: a small, super-local bar where you can drink beer at reasonable prices and grab a bite to eat.
• Mascote: another local restaurant offering excellent value for money
• Aliança Restaurant: We didn’t have time to try it, but a local told us that, in his opinion, it serves the best steak on São Miguel—better than O Galego, Alcides, etc.
• Amphitheater: Located right in the heart of Portas do Mar in Ponta Delgada, here you can enjoy traditional dishes with a contemporary twist, prepared by students in training.
• Suplexio: If you’re craving burgers, look no further. Here you’ll find artisanal burgers and, to top it off, a bar serving Portuguese craft beer. What more could you want?
• Bolos do Vale: a café on the outskirts of Ponta Delgada where you can try the famous yeast buns (we paid €7.50 for two assorted yeast buns and two drinks)
• Confeitaria A Colmeia: a local bakery where, at Christmas, they make the famous bolo rei with pineapple from the Azores, the malamanhado
• Gelataria Abracadabra: artisanal ice cream in island flavors (dragon fruit, passion fruit, pineapple…) as well as classic flavors (chocolate, vanilla). We ordered two small scoops, each with two flavors, and paid €5.60—they were delicious.

• La Gelateria: another Italian-Azorean ice cream shop that was recommended to us, although we didn’t get a chance to try it
• To buy cheese: Rei dos Queijos or Príncipe dos Queijos. Both also sometimes sell Flores butter (one of the best) and “Rainha do Pico” butter.
• Bars for a drink in Ponta Delgada:
  • Cantinho dos Anjos: a legendary bar and popular hangout where you can grab a few beers and soak up the atmosphere.
  • Raíz Bar: a great spot for a drink with live music. On Fridays and Saturdays, starting at 10 p.m., there are usually concerts featuring blues, jazz, rock, folk, or African music.
  • Resvés: a cocktail bar with a great atmosphere and good music
  • petrichor.bar: a fascinating cocktail bar where every cocktail tells a story inspired by the Azores.
  • Outro Lado: another cocktail bar that was recommended to us at the Tremor festival.

Outside of Ponta Delgada but in the southern part of the island, you also have plenty of options. Here are our recommendations:

• O Rui (Lagoa): a local restaurant that looked promising. We wanted something quick and light, so we ordered a tuna sandwich and a beef sandwich, a beer, and a bottle of water. We paid €17; everything was delicious. The other dishes looked good, too.
• Pizzaria Rosárium (Lagoa): an Italian restaurant that was recommended to us in Lagoa, but we didn’t end up going.
• Borda D’Agua (Lagoa): recommended for fresh fish.
• Bar Caloura (Caloura): an excellent seaside restaurant serving the freshest fish; ask what the catch of the day is, and get there early since they don’t take reservations.

• Casa do Abel (Caloura): Run by the same people who own Bar Caloura, they have this other restaurant that specializes in meat, though we didn’t get a chance to try it.
• Mercado da Vila (Vila Franca do Campo): Several chefs from other restaurants on the island got together and set up this market where you can sample foods from different places (the Azores, Mexico, Italy, Japan…). We didn’t get a chance to try it, though the prices seem a bit steep.
• Atlântico Azorean Restaurant (Vila Franca do Campo): recommended for sushi and seafood.
• Queijadas de Vila Franca (Vila Franca do Campo): Be sure to try the famous “queijadas”—they’re a real treat!

Where to Eat in the North and Central Regions (Ribeira Grande, Rabo de Peixe, and the surrounding area)

In our opinion, this area offers the best food, the most local options, and the best prices. Here are our recommendations:

• Associação Agrícola (Rabo de Peixe): a legendary spot to try the famous bife à regional, though in our case we preferred O Galego. We paid €42 for an appetizer, two main courses, a bottle of wine, and two coffees. It’s a good choice if you’re traveling with people who eat meat but if you don’t, they offer both options and have delicious vegetarian choices. The Bife de Seitan à Associação is spectacular.

• Botequim Açoriano (Rabo de Peixe): an excellent restaurant where we had the best tuna of our two months in the Azores, and one of the best bifes á regional. We also tried other fish, limpets, blood sausage with pineapple, etc.—all delicious. Excellent service. It’s good, but the prices have gone up a lot (tuna €25, bife €30).

• O Pescador (Rabo de Peixe): another great choice for fish, seafood, and cataplana.
• O Silva Restaurant (Ribeira Grande): Several locals recommended it to us so we could try the Arroz de Cherne, and we finally managed to go on our last trip. We paid €55 for a rice dish for two (€38), a bottle of wine, and a bottle of water. They say their steak is also delicious, but since the rice dish was so filling, we couldn’t try it.

• Tuká Tulá (Ribeira Grande): a great spot for dinner with a view of the sunset, right by the sea. We paid €55 for an appetizer, two main courses, two gin and tonics, a bottle of wine, dessert, and two coffees.

• Snack Bar Carlos Freire (Ribeira Grande): a local spot for good, affordable food
• Faria Restaurant (Ribeira Grande): another local restaurant with reasonable prices; on certain days, they serve the famous stewed octopus
• Caldeiras Bar & Restaurant (Caldeiras de Ribeira Grande): located right across from the lesser-known Termas das Caldeiras hot springs, this spot serves the famous volcanic stew—just like in Furnas—as well as other local dishes. The service is excellent.
• Já Marchava (Caldeiras de Ribeira Grande): a food truck that isn’t open year-round; they serve delicious burgers and sandwiches, and it’s a great spot for a quick bite. The couple who runs it were lovely.

• Restaurante Maré Cheia (Porto Formoso): quite off the beaten path and recommended for limpets, fresh fish, and their fish soup.
• Casa de Pasto O Amaral (Porto Formoso): also off the beaten path; highly recommended: fried mackerel, limpets, and fish
• Azores Brewing Company and Vulcana: If you’re a fan of craft beer, there are two places just outside Ribeira Grande where you can try some local brews. The outdoor area at Azores Brewing Company is super photogenic, with a mural and a sort of transparent “bubble house” with tables where you can enjoy your beer; however, when it comes to the beer itself, we liked Vulcana better, and apparently they frequently host events with live music (you can check out their schedule here)

Where to Eat in Furnas

Furnas is known for its use of geothermal heat in cooking. Here are the restaurants we recommend:

• Chalet da tia Mercês: a sustainable local project featuring local products from all the islands (reservations must be made at least 2 days in advance). They offer various experiences, such as brunches (Geothermal or All Azores Tea Brunch) or honey and mineral water tastings, all centered on harnessing the volcanic heat of Furnas and its variety of mineral waters. On our first visit, we tried the All Azores Tea Brunch (featuring products from all the islands), and on our second visit, the Geothermal Brunch, where Paula explained lots of interesting facts about the different drinking waters of Furnas, how the waters and temperatures affect tea preparation, made us a “magic tea” that changes color, and we tasted various foods cooked using Furnas’s heat in different ways (eggs, cheeses, cassava, etc.). We think it’s a perfect way to learn more about the area.

• Restaurants where you can try Furnas stew (reservations are recommended at any of them)
  • Tonys: one of the most popular options; it’s usually pretty crowded
  • Vale das Furnas: next to the Furnas campground, recommended by our friend Iolanda, who says it offers good value for the money
  • Caldeiras e Vulcões: also quite famous, and they offer vegan stews
  • Banhos Férreos: We tried it during our last visit to the island and loved it

• Miroma: The locals spoke highly of the stew at this place
• Restaurant at Terra Nostra: although it’s pricier, it’s excellent, according to our friends Iggy and Luis, who stayed at the hotel and tried the cocido there.

• Queijaria Furnense: a place to taste and buy the local cheese made with brine from the bitter waters of Furnas (one of the 70 mineral springs in the area), which is carbonated and rich in iron. Here, they produce about 340 cheeses a day, in 5 different varieties, with the butter-style cheese being the bestseller. On the island, it is known as queijo do vale (cheese of the valley, from the Furnas Valley), and the idea to create the cheese and the cheese shop came from the owner, who, at age 16, wanted to create a unique cheese. We recommend ordering the cheese platter to try several varieties.

• Gloria Moniz and Rosa Quental: to try the famous bolos lévedos, which originated right here in Furnas. They’re served them plain or with various fillings (butter, fresh cheese, ham and cheese, cheese and chorizo, etc.)

• Restaurante Ponta do Garajau (Ribeira Quente): recommended for fresh fish, baked octopus, and limpets.
• Café Adelino (Ribeira Quente): a super-local restaurant recommended by our friend Raquel, who’s from São Miguel, for its garlic bread and chicken wings with hot sauce.
• Emanuel Casado – Mel e Doçaria Tradicional : If you’re craving something sweet, you’ll find a variety of honey-based candies and sweets here (they also sell honey).

Where to Eat in the West (Mosteiros and Sete Cidades)

There aren’t as many options in this area, and you’ll need to make a reservation for the best ones—keep that in mind if you’re staying around here:

• O Américo de Barbosa (Mosteiros): specializing in polvo assado, it was recommended to us by many locals. Especially in the summer, reservations are a must.
• Gazcidla (Mosteiros): another option for polvo assado
• Seaside Vibez (Mosteiros): a bar serving snacks (burgers, chicken wings, cheese sticks, etc.) with a view of the sunset.

• Sunset Poço da Pedra (Mosteiros): just like the previous one, a great spot to enjoy the sunset.

• Pizzeria Fantasia (Mosteiros): great wood-fired pizzas and tiramisu. Reservations are a must, and be on time. Unfortunately, it seems to have closed for good
• O Sole Mio (Ginetes): delicious pizzas, Italian restaurant
• O Raião Restaurant (Candelaria): all-you-can-eat buffet featuring delicious, affordable local food (€12)
• São Nicolau and Lagoa Azul (Sete Cidades): both offer all-you-can-eat buffets featuring local cuisine; tour groups often stop here.
• O Poejo (Sete Cidades): for a quick bite (they serve appetizers, sandwiches, and daily specials) or for an afternoon snack.

Where to Eat in Nordeste and Povoação

This “more remote” part of São Miguel doesn’t have many options, and in fact, we didn’t even include some of the places we tried because they weren’t very good. Here are the ones we liked:

• Os Melos and Poço Azul (Achadinha): both are all-you-can-eat buffets, and many tour groups stop here, so they tend to get crowded. We went to Melos because we were looking for a quick bite before hiking a nearby trail, and it wasn’t bad, though we wouldn’t go out of our way to visit (€12 per person, drinks not included)
• Casa de Pasto O Cardoso (Lomba da Fazenda): We didn’t get a chance to try it, but it was recommended to us for its steak, tuna, and fried mackerel
• Elias Snack Bar (Nordeste): for a quick bite to eat in Nordeste, such as hamburgers, bifanas, and similar items.
• Tasca do Costa (Northeast): recommended for its octopus; in our case, we arrived late and there weren’t many options left, so we ordered some soups and a cheese platter—everything was delicious.
• Tronqueira (Northeast): a restaurant with ocean views. They offer a buffet, but the real highlight is ordering à la carte (fresh fish, polvo a lagareiro, their steak…)
• Sabores da Terra (Povoação): We went without high expectations and were pleasantly surprised by their limpets (the best we had on São Miguel) and their steak—the sauce was spectacular. We paid €44 for some limpets, a steak, grilled chicken, a bottle of wine, and water. I also highly recommend the polvo a lagareiro.

• O Riquim (Povoação): another option in Povoação; it was recommended to us for its baby squid (lulinhas). We ordered the lulinhas grelhadas, grilled chicken, water, a glass of wine, and dessert for €33.
• Pic Nic (Povoação): Here we tried Povoação’s famous fofas—they were delicious. Two coffees and two fofas for €4.60

Where to Eat in the Northwest (Capelas and Surrounding Areas)

We stayed for a couple of nights near Capelas; it’s a pretty local area, though the selection of restaurants is quite limited (if you’re looking for more options, we recommend heading to Rabo de Peixe or Ribeira Grande, which are nearby).

• Solar O Rei dos Frangos (São Vicente Ferreira): specializing in grilled chicken
• A Baleia (Capelas): recommended for its steak and tuna
• Café Canto do Cais (Capelas): highly recommended by locals, with excellent service, though we found the food to be just average. We ordered the fish soup (which was good) and a platter of grilled fish; we didn’t like many of them (we think it’s better to order a specific type of fish directly or choose other dishes)

São Miguel itineraries

As you will have seen if you have read our entire guide, São Miguel has many incredible places to visit, so to see everything you will need at least a full week.

As we do not always have so much time to enjoy the island, we leave you several suggestions of itineraries for 3, 5 and 7 days.

Remember that if you don’t have a rental car and want to make the most out of your time, you can hire tours to explore the different areas of the island. Here is a west tour and an east and Furnas tour,

Things to do in São Miguel in 2-3 days (a weekend)

A weekend is very little time for São Miguel, so if this is your case we recommend that you choose: either stay in one area or assume that you are going to spend some time on the road and visit several areas in a lighter way (in which case, we recommend getting up early!). Here is a 2 and a half day itinerary to visit the most special parts of São Miguel (in our opinion)

3-day Itinerary in São Miguel: Sete Cidades and Thermal Waters

• Day 1: Arrival in São Miguel at noon and check-in at accommodation in Ponta Delgada. Visit Lagoa do Fogo and its viewpoints, hot springs in Caldeira Velha and Salto do Cabrito. Dinner in Ponta Delgada. Days 2 and 3 are interchangeable knowing that the Furnas day does not require good weather but the Sete Cidades day does.
• Day 2: Sete Cidades and Mosteiros. Start at the Vista do Rei viewpoint (in front of the ruins of the Monte Palace Hotel), continue to Lagoa do Canario and Grota do Inferno (possibility to do the Serra Devassa trail), go down to Sete Cidades stopping at the viewpoints. Lunch on the trail or in Sete Cidades. Continue to Mosteiros, visiting the Ponta de Ferraria with its warm sea water, the viewpoint of Ponta do Escalvado, and make beach / natural pools in Mosteiro, where you can also enjoy the sunset. Return to Ponta Delgada for dinner.
• Day 3: Furnas. Visit Terra Nostra, Furnas lagoon, Furnas village and eat cocido. In the afternoon, go to the different viewpoints, pass by Praia do Fogo in Ribeira Quente and return to Furnas for Poça Dona Beija in the evening.

Things to do in São Miguel in 4-5 days

4 or 5 days is the minimum to visit São Miguel and get a good idea of the island, although if you can a week is the best to see everything more calmly and enjoy relaxing in its hot springs and spa areas. Here is an itinerary for 5 days.

5-day itinerary in São Miguel:

• Day 1: Arrival in São Miguel at noon and check-in at accommodation in Ponta Delgada. Visit Lagoa do Fogo and its viewpoints, hot springs in Caldeira Velha and Salto do Cabrito. Dinner in Ponta Delgada. Days 2 and 3 are interchangeable knowing that the Furnas day does not require good weather but the Sete Cidades day does.
• Day 2: Sete Cidades and Mosteiros. Start at the Vista do Rei viewpoint (in front of the ruins of the Monte Palace Hotel), continue to Lagoa do Canario and Grota do Inferno (possibility to do the Serra Devassa trail), go down to Sete Cidades stopping at the viewpoints. Lunch on the trail or in Sete Cidades. Continue to Mosteiros, visiting the Ponta de Ferraria with its warm sea water, the viewpoint of Ponta do Escalvado, and make beach / natural pools in Mosteiro, where you can also enjoy the sunset. Return to Ponta Delgada for dinner.
• Day 3: Furnas. Visit Terra Nostra, Furnas lagoon, Furnas village and eat cocido. In the afternoon, go to the different viewpoints, pass by Praia do Fogo in Ribeira Quente and return to Furnas for Poça Dona Beija in the evening. Return to Ponta Delgada for dinner
• Day 4: Ponta Delgada and surroundings. Visit the city (portas da cidade, promenade, pineapple plantations, museu do Machado…), have lunch and in the afternoon go to one of the beach areas/natural pools (Milicias, Lagoa, Caloura, …) or to the tea plantations in the north.
• Day 5: Northeast and Povoação. Visit the different viewpoints (Ponta do Arnel, Ponta do Sossego, Ponta da Madrugada), the environmental center do Priolo, etc. Lunch in Nordeste or Povoação and in the afternoon hike the Salto do Prego trail.

Things to do in São Miguel in one week (7 days)

With a week you can take things a little slower (or do it at a good pace to visit many more places), and for us this is the ideal number of days to visit São Miguel.

One-week itinerary in São Miguel:

• Day 1: Arrival in São Miguel at noon and check-in at accommodation in Ponta Delgada. Visit Lagoa do Fogo and its viewpoints, hot springs in Caldeira Velha and Salto do Cabrito. Dinner in Ponta Delgada. Days 2 and 3 are interchangeable knowing that the Furnas day does not require good weather but the Sete Cidades day does.
• Day 2: Sete Cidades and Mosteiros. Start at the Vista do Rei viewpoint (in front of the ruins of the Monte Palace Hotel), continue to Lagoa do Canario and Grota do Inferno (possibility to do the Serra Devassa trail), go down to Sete Cidades stopping at the viewpoints. Lunch on the trail or in Sete Cidades. Continue to Mosteiros, visiting the Ponta de Ferraria with its warm sea water, the viewpoint of Ponta do Escalvado, and make beach / natural pools in Mosteiro, where you can also enjoy the sunset. Return to Ponta Delgada for dinner.
• Day 3: Furnas. Visit Terra Nostra, Furnas lagoon, Furnas village and eat cocido. In the afternoon, go to the different viewpoints, pass by Praia do Fogo in Ribeira Quente and return to Furnas for Poça Dona Beija in the evening. Return to Ponta Delgada for dinner
• Day 4: Ponta Delgada and surroundings. Visit the city (portas da cidade, promenade, pineapple plantations, museu do Machado…), have lunch and in the afternoon go to one of the beach areas/natural pools (Milicias, Lagoa, Caloura, …).
• Day 5: Northeast and Povoação. Visit the different viewpoints (Ponta do Arnel, Ponta do Sossego, Ponta da Madrugada), the environmental center do Priolo, etc. Lunch in Nordeste or Povoação and in the afternoon hike the Salto do Prego trail.
• Day 6: Vila Franca do Campo. In the morning visit the islet of Vila Franca, return for lunch, and in the afternoon Lagoa do Congro and Lagoa de São Bras.
• Day 7: In the morning do the Poço Azul / Salto da Farinha trail, have lunch at Ribeira Grande and in the afternoon visit the contemporary art center Arquipélago. See the sunset in Santa Bárbara and have dinner at Tuká Tulá.

Transportation: rent a car in São Miguel

As on all the islands of the Azores, we believe it’s essential to rent a car in São Miguel so you can fully enjoy the island, make the most of your time, and visit all the places recommended in this guide at your own pace.

At Randomtrip we rented a car through Autatlantis, both on São Miguel and the other islands, and everything went perfectly: the service upon arrival was quick and efficient, the car (a Citroën C3) was like new, and we didn’t have a single problem. But you really should use a comparison site (at Randomtrip we use DiscoverCars) to see which one offers the best price. Virtually all companies include a deductible in their insurance, and Autatlantis is one of those with the lowest deductible (€700, compared to €1,300–€1,500 at other companies).

On our last visit to São Miguel, we tried another company, Magic Islands, which we unfortunately cannot recommend. We booked directly with them, choosing the highest insurance coverage they offered (Plus). We had a flat tire, which wasn’t covered by the insurance (in theory, there was an extra insurance to cover that, but they never offered it to us—neither during the booking process nor when we picked up the vehicle), and the handling and service from that point on were terrible: they didn’t answer our calls even though we were calling during the hours they had specified for contact, the insurance company didn’t offer us any assistance (so we had to arrange the tow truck and everything else on our own), the car was missing its warning triangles, and we had to pay for a taxi from where we were (Nordeste) to Ponta Delgada so they could give us another vehicle. When we returned the vehicle at the end of the rental, they greeted us with an arrogant and cocky attitude, verbally threatening that they hoped we had photos of some scratches or they would charge us for them (we had a video to confirm they were already there), they ignored us for quite a while, and told us in a mocking tone that we had a hefty bill to pay (the cost of repairing the tire) and that “this wouldn’t have happened if you knew how to drive,” in a mocking tone. Completely unacceptable and inappropriate customer service. After many calls, emails, and complaints, they agreed to refund us only the cost of the assistance they should have provided, while we still had to pay for the tire replacement and the taxi. We recommend that you do not rent from Magic Islands Rent A Car, read the terms and conditions and reviews of each company carefully—not just the prices—and purchase the extra insurance from DiscoverCars.

Car rental prices in São Miguel rarely drop below €25 per day, and—especially in the summer—we recommend booking well in advance to avoid running out of cars or finding that the few available come with exorbitant prices (there have been summers when rates reached €100 per day, and we know several people who were unable to rent a car because they waited until the last minute).

You can check and compare other companies with availability for your dates on comparison sites like DiscoverCars. Be sure to carefully review each company’s rental terms (deductible, insurance coverage, fuel policy, reviews, etc.)—not just the price.

Parking in Ponta Delgada: Although you generally won’t have to worry too much about finding parking in the Azores, Ponta Delgada is the exception—if you’re staying in the city center, there may not be any free parking available. Be sure to check when you book your accommodation to see if it offers free parking and/or if there are free public parking areas nearby.

Another option if there are no rental cars available or if they’re too expensive is to rent a motorcycle (scooter), although we honestly don’t recommend it because of the long distances you have to travel on São Miguel and the unpredictable and changeable weather in the Azores.

You can also get around São Miguel by public transportation: there are three bus companies that connect various parts of the island; you can view the schedules here. Connections and frequencies are quite limited, but if you’re traveling on a tight budget, this can be a good option for visiting some of São Miguel’s main attractions.

Transportation: Traveling to other islands in the Azores from São Miguel

If you want to visit more islands, the only option from São Miguel is to fly to the other Azores Islands, since there are currently no ferries or boats departing from São Miguel (before the pandemic, there were boat connections to other islands).

All flights are operated by the local airline SATA (Azores Airlines), and it is advisable to book your flights in advance, especially during the high season (summer), when they may sell out or become significantly more expensive.

How to get internet in São Miguel?

To always have internet on your smartphone during your trip to the Azores Islands, the easiest and most convenient way (if your phone supports eSIM) is to buy an eSIM from Holafly, which has unlimited data (you get a 5% discount with the code RANDOMTRIP), or to buy an eSIM from Airalo, cheaper but with limited data (15% discount with the code RANDOMTRIP15). We tested Holafly’s eSIM card in our last trip to the Azores and it worked like a charm. You can read about our experience with Holafly here

The other option, cheaper but more cumbersome, is to buy a local SIM; Meo, Vodafone and Nos are the main companies in Portugal, all of them work perfectly in the Azores Islands.

More info about buying an eSIM or local SIM card for your Azores trip here:

eSIM Azores: best SIM/eSIM cards to stay connected in the Azores islands

How much does it cost to travel to São Miguel?

As always, giving a generic budget is very difficult as it depends greatly on your style of travelling. What we can do is to give you an orientation of prices and you can use to calculate your own budget:

• Flights: You can find flights for 50€ (round trip from Lisbon) to Ponta Delgada but it depends on how far in advance you book and your dates (in summer it is more difficult to find cheap prices).
• Car rental: from 25€/30€ per day the cheapest car (depending on the company and the number of days). In summer prices go up and it can be difficult to find a car at short notice.
• Accommodation: from 50€/night for a double room with private bathroom or an apartment with kitchen, centrally located.
• Restaurant meals: between 10 and 25€ per person per lunch/dinner in a restaurant

In total, as a guideline, a one-week trip to São Miguel with a rented car can cost between 500€ and 750€ per person (with the cheapest options of car, lodging and restaurants).

Useful apps for traveling to São Miguel

We recommend some apps that will be useful for your trip to São Miguel:

• SpotAzores: (Android/iOS/Web): here you can see all the existing webcams in different points of the islands to see how the weather is. Because the weather is very changeable and it can be raining in one area of the island and bright sunshine in another, this app is the fastest way to make sure and avoid unnecessary trips. Note: The camera of Lagoa do Fogo is located at a fairly high point so even if the camera shows cloudy, it is possible that the viewpoint can have a view of the lagoon. We were alerted to this by our friends Ricardo and Catarina who were enjoying the island recently.
• Windy (Android/iOS/Web): essential app in our trips, even more so in the Azores. It allows you to see forecasts for rain, clouds, wind, etc. to help you plan your days based on the weather (as there are places that lose a lot depending on the weather). Obviously the forecasts are not 100% reliable. It also shows the available webcams
• Google Maps (Android/iOS): is the one we use to save / classify all the places we want to go / have gone and as GPS in rental cars. You can see other people’s opinions of the places, photos, restaurant menus, telephone numbers to contact them, etc.
• Maps.me (Android/iOS): application similar to Google Maps but that works offline (although Google Maps can also work offline) and in many cases has information that Google Maps does not have, especially trails. Useful whenever you are going to do a trail, to orient yourself, download the route from the official Azores trails website (click on Downloads->GPS), etc.

Tips for visiting São Miguel as a responsible tourist

• When participating in whalewatching, follow the guidelines provided by the center and be wary if they do not include measures such as: a ban on swimming with dolphins; a reduced and constant boat speed and a minimum distance of 50 meters from the animal; avoiding the presence of multiple boats within a 150-meter radius of the cetacean group; and not staying with the same animal for more than 10 minutes.
• Do not allow the disturbance, pollution and destruction of the nesting habitats of seabirds. The “cagarros” (shearwaters) are a migratory bird that nests in the Azores that will part of the soundtrack on your trip (more appreciated by some than by others, especially in the middle of the night) for its particular sound of “awa awa” as if they were singing the chorus of the song Video Killed the Radio Star. In order to avoid situations of capture or runover of young shearwaters on the road, the Government of the Azores annually promotes the SOS Cagarro Campaign which we advise you to read when you arrive in the archipelago.
• Never try to touch or feed an animal –don’t be an accomplice to animal abuse!
• Do not buy handicrafts made from sea animals or extracted from the sea (e.g. dolphin teeth, turtle shells, shark jaws, sperm whale ivory, …). The ivory trade, currently the only valuable product of the sperm whale, is still an argument for hunters. Buy local handicrafts made from alternative materials such as wood, stone or vegetable ivory.
• Respect other people and the island: don’t play your music loudly on the beach (if you want to listen to music, wear headphones), don’t leave trash, don’t throw cigarette butts, etc. Leave the beach better than you found it (if you find plastic, pick it up).
• In some natural pools, bathing is dangerous due to strong currents. Do not be brave.
• Always travel with travel insurance: medical expenses, theft or problems with your plane on a trip can mean a lot of money, so the ideal is to take out travel insurance. We always use IATI and recommend it.If you purchase your insurance through this link you have a 5% discount.

Checklist: what to take in your backpack/suitcase to São Miguel

Here is a list of must-haves that you can’t forget to take with you on your trip to the island of San Miguel:

• A  reusable water bottle like one of these to carry water with you all the time and void single-use plastic.
• A good camera to register your adventures. At Randomtrip we carry a Sony ZV-E10 and a Gopro Hero12 Black (for underwater pictures)
• A Power bank: taking so many pictures will drain your batteries, so it’s always a good idea to carry a good powerbank. At Randomtrip we travel with these 2 (Anker 20000 mAh and  Anker 10000 mAh), which allow us to charge both our phones and our cameras.
• Water Shoes like these ones, ideal for not hurting your feet when entering the water or not touching the ground. Keep in mind that in the Azores you will find lots of volcanic rock pools or pebble beaches so you will want to carry your water shoes at all times to make it easier to enter the water.
• Hiking shoes because the best way to get to know the Azores is by hiking the trails. At Randomtrip we use these Columbia ones.
• Snorkel kit (mask and tube) like this one, a must to take on this trip to contemplate the seabed.
• Water proof dry bag like this one, very useful for keeping your camera equipment, cell phone and wallet safe from getting wet on any boat trip (or even if the tide comes in on the beach).
• Sun screen: always look for a Coral Friendly Sunscreen, i.e. one that protects your skin without harming marine ecosystems by avoiding ingredients such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are harmful to corals. Nor that it has been tested on animals.
• Mosquito repellent: like this one, it should have at least 15% deet
• Fast drying towel like this one which doesn’t take a lot of space in your luggage
• A hat or a cap (like this one) and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun
• Windbreaker waterproof jacket: like this one, to protect yourself from the sudden weather changes in Azores
• First aid kit: In our first-aid kit there is always a medicine against seasickness (such as biodramine for seasickness on boats), antibiotics, anti-diarrhea medication (and a probiotic to recover more quickly), antihistamines, painkillers and antipyretics
• Travel insurance: always travel with travel insurance. We collaborate with different travel insurance companies so that you can get a discount with some of them:

“Sou da ilha das línguas de fogo. Com elas aprendi a metrificar o espírito. O indizível”.

“I’m from the island of tongues of fire. With them I learned to measure the spirit. The unspeakable”.

Natália Correia (1923-1993), writer-poet, essayist, translator, journalist, lecturer, one of the most important voices in Portuguese literature in the second half of the 20th century. She was born in São Miguel in 1923.

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A special thanks to Iolanda Costa, from Flores who we met in Terceira and who chose São Miguel as her home, and to Raquel, a native of São Miguel who is passionate about her island and has a special knack for getting us into places that are hard to book or visit on short notice. Without their “dicas” (recommendations), we wouldn’t have been able to enjoy such special spots on the island, since most of them go unnoticed by the average tourist.

Obrigada São Miguel. Although in some of your corners tourism has been too strong, you continue to surprise even those who, like us, are visiting you for the third time. And it surely won’t be the last. Até breve!

Disclaimer: Autatlantis helped us explore the island of São Miguel with one of their vehicles and Casas Açorianas-Associação de Turismo em Espaço Rural invited us to try some of the partner accommodations mentioned in this guide, but all opinions and information expressed in this post are our own.