São Miguel Travel Guide: Explore the Azores’ Hidden Gem in 5 Days

If you’re craving adventure and serenity, São Miguel in the Azores archipelago is your dream destination. Whether you’re chasing magnificent volcanic landscapes or want to enjoy some quiet time by the sea, this is the place.

The best time to visit? Spring, Summer, and Autumn. The weather is warm and perfect for all the island's outdoor activities such as swimming and hiking. But if you’re a fan of fewer crowds and don’t mind some rain, winter is perfectly fine — we went in late November and just had one day of rain.

You can find great deals using sites like Skyscanner, Wayaway, and Kayak or simply go directly to Ryanair, TAP, and SATA Azores Airlines. Book at least a month in advance to snag the best price!

When it comes to getting from the airport to the city, public transportation on the island is less frequent than what we're used to in mainland cities. For this reason, we recommend renting a car and picking it up at the airport (see more details in the transportation section).

We spent five days exploring São Miguel island. As there’s no shortage of things to do, you can choose to stay longer. Here's how we’d recommend structuring your trip. Please keep in mind that this is just a guideline — you can adjust it to suit your preferences and convenience!

• Portas da Cidade — Start from the city gates, and from there, it’s a short walk to the beautiful Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião.
• Lagoa das Sete Cidades — Welcome to Lagoa das Sete Cidades, where one lake is blue and the other is green. According to legend, the lakes were formed from the tears of star-crossed lovers. The views are stunning, but good luck trying to decide which lake to take more pictures of.
• Miradouro do Cerrado das Freiras — This viewpoint offers views of Sete Cidades but with way fewer tourists than the more famous spots.
• Lagoa do Canário — Tucked away in the middle of lush greenery, it’s so peaceful that even the birds seem to whisper their chirps. Don't expect to see any actual canaries here, though false advertising at its finest!
• Praia das Milícias — If you’re a beach fan, Praia das Milícias will be your spot! Between the dark sand and the occasional wave sneaking up on your picnic, you’ll have all the ingredients for a relaxing day.
• Lagoa das Empadadas — Despite the name, there are no actual empadas (Portuguese pastries) here, but don’t let that stop you! This peaceful, hidden gem is where lakes come to meditate. You’ll feel like you’ve entered a Zen garden designed by Mother Nature.
• Miradouro da Boca do Inferno — The name literally means "Mouth of Hell," but don’t worry it’s only metaphorical (we hope). Instead of eternal flames, you’ll find jaw-dropping views of Sete Cidades that might actually make you gasp.
• Miradouro da Vista do Rei — Welcome to the viewpoint where even kings felt the need to stop and say, “Wow, that’s pretty neat!” This spot offers a majestic view over the twin lakes of Sete Cidades. This spot is next to the Monte Palace Hotel.
• Monte Palace Hotel — Once a luxury hotel, now it's perfect for urban explorers and people who love hunting for ghosts or just want to know what feels like to be in a 5-star hotel.

• Miradouro da Lagoa de Santiago — Start your day with the stunning views of Lagoa de Santiago from this peaceful lookout. Surrounded by lush greenery, it's the perfect spot for a quiet moment with nature.
• Caldeira do Alferes — Discover the hidden gem of Caldeira do Alferes, where nature’s raw beauty meets volcanic history. A quiet spot to soak in the magic of the São Miguel.
• Hydraulic Tunnel of Sete Cidades — Up for an adventure? Walk through the historic Hydraulic Tunnel of Sete Cidades for an unforgettable experience and some of the most unique views of the island.
• Praia dos Mosteiros — Black volcanic sands meet the Atlantic at Praia dos Mosteiros. A perfect spot to unwind, swim, and enjoy the dramatic coastal scenery.
• Ponta da Ferraria — Enjoy the natural thermal waters at Ponta da Ferraria, where you can take a dip in the ocean's warm embrace, thanks to volcanic heating beneath the surface!
• Sunset in Lagoa das Sete Cidades — End your day with a breathtaking sunset over the Lagoa. The vibrant colors reflecting on the water make for an unforgettable and tranquil experience.

• Rabo de Peixe — Discover the authentic charm of Rabo de Peixe, a traditional fishing village on São Miguel. Stroll through the lively streets and enjoy a glimpse into local life and culture. This small village also gives a name to a series on Netflix: Rabo de Peixe. You’ll get absolutely soaked into it, we promise. The second season will be released this year.
• Gorreana Tea Factory — Visit Europe’s oldest tea plantation at Gorreana, where you can wander through lush green tea fields and learn about the production of this Azorean specialty. Don’t forget to sample some delicious, freshly brewed tea!
• Furnas — Explore the magical town of Furnas, known for its hot springs, fumaroles, and geothermal wonders. Don’t miss the chance to try the iconic “Cozido,” a stew cooked naturally in volcanic heat!
• Mata Jardim José do Canto — Wander through the picturesque Mata Jardim José do Canto, a beautiful woodland garden filled with towering trees and hidden trails. It’s a peaceful escape into nature’s embrace.
• Miradouro do Pico do Carvão — Welcome to the scenic lookout where you'll feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard, or maybe a Windows screensaver from the 2000s. At Pico do Carvão, you can’t escape the panoramic views. Seriously, they’re everywhere! Just make sure your camera is ready because every angle here is “the one.”

• Parque Terra Nostra — Step into the enchanting Parque Terra Nostra, a lush botanical garden filled with exotic plants, winding paths, and a famous thermal pool. It's the perfect place to relax and soak in the beauty of nature. There’s a lot to explore, and you can easily spend one full day in the park!
• Miradouro Ponta do Sossego —Surrounded by colorful gardens, it’s a perfect place to relax, have a picnic, and feel the peaceful beauty of São Miguel. If you’re into picnics, here you can find more spots for picnics.
• Bolos Lêvedos - GLÓRIA MONIZ — Treat yourself to the famous Bolos Lêvedos at Glória Moniz, where these delicious, fluffy sweet breads are made fresh daily. Perfect for a quick snack or a tasty souvenir from the island.

• Poça da Dona Beija — Unwind at Poça da Dona Beija, where you can dip into warm, natural thermal waters in a peaceful and rejuvenating setting.
• Quinta dos Açores — Treat yourself to some of the freshest local products at Quinta dos Açores, from delicious dairy treats to mouth-watering meats. It’s the perfect stop for a tasty Azorean experience!
• Plantação de Ananás dos Açores — Discover the unique taste of Azorean pineapples at this plantation. Take a tour and see how these sweet, tropical fruits are grown in greenhouses — and don’t forget to try a slice, the liqueur, and the jam!
• Centro de Interpretação Ambiental da Caldeira Velha — Explore the fascinating natural history of São Miguel at the Centro de Interpretação Ambiental da Caldeira Velha. Learn about the island’s volcanic origins while enjoying the lush surroundings of this stunning natural reserve.
• Miradouro da Vigia das Baleias das Feteiras— This scenic viewpoint offers panoramic views of the Atlantic, where, if you're lucky, you can spot whales swimming in the distance - a perfect spot for nature lovers and those who enjoy coastal beauty.
• Marina — We loved wandering around the marina in the evening — it’s the perfect spot for a quiet dinner.

We stayed in Hotel Arcanjo, a super cozy Hotel by the sea, that has good facilities, friendly service, amazing breakfast and last but not least the price is affordable. We loved waking up to views of the calm sea and waiting for the sunrise. It is only 10 minutes away from the city center by car. The city center and areas near the marina are super safe. Just be cautious in quieter parts of town at night.

São Miguel Island is easy to navigate, but if you want to truly experience its beauty, We highly recommend renting a car. Driving around the island gave us the freedom to explore hidden gems and scenic routes.

• Car rental: Renting a car costs us around €23/day. It’s totally worth it for the freedom to stop wherever you want for a photo-op!
• Public transport: There are buses, but they’re pretty limited. Honestly, a car is the way to go.
• Taxis & Uber: We recommend to avoid taxis as they are very expensive. Be aware that Uber has not yet arrived on this island.
• Cycling: If you feel brave enough you can rent a bike, or even better, an e-bike. Be aware that the island is quite hilly.

Azorean cuisine is simple but delicious, with an emphasis on fresh seafood.

You have to try the Cozido das Furnas—it’s literally cooked underground in volcanic steam. Also, try the local limpets.

And don’t skip desserts, malassadas (fried dough, which is then sprinkled with granulated sugar), and pineapple cake made with a unique pineapple produced only in São Miguel. Don’t forget to try Bolos Lêvedos, sweet and fluffy buns. Enjoy the flavours and when back in the mainland hit the gym.

São Miguel is pretty budget-friendly. However, if you’re more into a let’s say luxurious trip style, you can also find it in São Miguel.

Here’s a rough breakdown based on our experience:

• Budget travel: ~€50-70/day (hostel, street food, simple meals).
• Mid-range: ~€100-150/day (3-star hotel, sit-down meals).
• Extravagant: ~€200+/day (luxury hotel, tours, fine dining).

Overall, we felt super safe in São Miguel. It’s a quiet place with friendly locals, but like anywhere, it’s good to be cautious.

Some parts of the outskirts such as Rabo de Peixe at night might feel less safe but generally, the island is a safe place.

People in São Miguel are incredibly welcoming and polite. Here are some essentials like “Bom Dia” (Good morning), “Boa tarde” (Good afternoon), and “Obrigado/Obrigada” (Thank you).

• Festivals: If you’re lucky enough to be there in May, you might catch the Festas do Senhor Santo Cristo, the biggest festival on the island. Also if you visit the island during the Spring you can also see hortênsias blooming. You can find them all over the place in many sizes and colors. Blue is the most common. However, you can find hortênsias in pink, lilac, red, and white.
• If you’re more into art, this art biennale is for you: Walk and Talk.

If you’re into hiking, São Miguel is your lucky place. On this website, you can find a huge panoply of trails, from beginner level to advanced.

The Azores use the Euro. There are plenty of ATMs in Ponta Delgada. Most places accept credit cards, but it’s always a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases.

• Tip: You don’t need to tip in restaurants, but it’s nice to round up your bill or leave a small amount for good service.

If you’re a European citizen, you’re good to go because the European Health Insurance Card, EHICI works in the islands once they belong to Portugal.

It’s not necessary any special vaccinations to visit the Azores.

Pharmacies are easy to find in town, and the tap water is totally safe to drink.

Packing for São Miguel was all about layers and comfort. Here’s what we recommend:

• Essentials: Passport, travel insurance, hiking shoes (sprinkled with strength to climb the best hiking routes), and a reusable water bottle.
• Clothing: comfortable clothes and shoes (light jacket, sweater), swimsuit (old one because the water in Parque Terra Nostra is rusty and it’s likely to stain your swimsuit.).
• Other: Sunscreen, a portable phone charger, and your camera - you’ll want it for those epic views!
• Pro tip: Trust us, the weather can change in the blink of an eye, so an umbrella or poncho and layers of clothes can be your best friend!

• Local SIM card: If you’re coming from outside Europe you will need a SIM card. You can buy one at the airport or at the shopping mall in Ponta Delgada.
• Wi-Fi Quality: is pretty solid in Ponta Delgada, especially in cafes and hotels.
• Apps we used: Google Maps (an old friend of any occasion), Maps Me (offline maps, a lifesaver if you ran out of internet on your SIM card), and Windy (for checking the unpredictable weather).
• Plugs: Bring a Type C or F adapter if you’re coming from outside Europe.