São Miguel

Discover

Where you’re surrounded by nature and everything else fades away

São Miguel, Azores

A small green island in the midst of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s the perfect destination for those who love nature. A trip filled with hikes through lush trails and incredible viewpoints.

Language: Portuguese

Currency: Euro

Capital: Ponta Delgada

  • São Miguel is the biggest island in the Azores and a perfect mix of nature and laid-back island life. From dramatic volcanic landscapes to peaceful green valleys, crater lakes and hot springs.

    The island is famous for its hydrangeas, which bloom everywhere in bright blues, pinks and purples and did you know their color actually changes depending on the soil.

    With just over 130,000 people, it never feels crowded. You’ll find cozy villages, quiet hiking trails, bubbling hot springs and plenty of spots to enjoy local food, like fresh seafood and even pineapples grown right on the island.

    Whether you’re here for the nature, the outdoor adventures or just to enjoy the view, São Miguel has a calm, welcoming vibe that makes you want to stay a little longer.

  • The best way to explore São Miguel is by renting a car. The island isn’t that big, but having your own transportation gives you the freedom to stop at every miradouro (viewpoint), hidden beach or roadside snack spot you come across. Some of the best places are off the main roads, and part of the fun is driving around and seeing where the road takes you.

    The roads are generally in good condition, and driving here is pretty relaxed. There’s also a bus network, but it’s limited and not the most convenient if you want to explore freely.

    If you’re staying in Ponta Delgada and don’t want to rent a car every day, you can easily book guided tours to places like Sete Cidades or Furnas. But for full freedom, a car is definitely the way to go.

  • To really explore São Miguel without rushing, I’d recommend spending about 5 to 7 days on the island. That gives you enough time to see the highlights but also to slow down, go for hikes, hit the beach and discover those hidden spots along the way.

    It’s a small island, but there’s so much variety in the landscapes that every corner feels different. With a week, you’ll have the freedom to mix active days with chill ones and actually get to see the island instead of ticking off sights.

  • São Miguel is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit is between May and October. This is when the island is at its greenest, the hydrangeas are in full bloom and the weather is generally warm and sunny.

    That said, the Azores are known for having all four seasons in one day, so it’s always a good idea to pack layers and be prepared for any unexpected changes in the weather. Even on a misty and rainy day, the island has a certain charm.

  • São Miguel’s cuisine is simple, hearty and full of local flavor. Think fresh seafood, tender meat stews and sweet pastries. One of the island’s most famous dishes is Cozido das Furnas, a stew slow-cooked underground using natural volcanic heat. It's a must-try!

    You’ll also find plenty of fresh fish on the menu, like tuna, octopus and grilled limpets. And don’t skip the local cheeses! They’re creamy, slightly salty and often served with a drizzle of honey. For something sweet, grab a queijada or bolo lêvedo (a fluffy sweet bread).

    Whether you’re dining at a cozy restaurant or grabbing something from a local bakery, the food here feels fresh and made with love.

A week on

São Miguel, Azores

São Miguel is the largest island of the Azores and while it’s not very big, it’s packed with things to do (especially if you love the outdoors). 5 to 7 days is the ideal amount of time to explore the whole island, from volcanic lakes and hot springs to lush hikes and dramatic coastlines. On this page, I’ll share some of my favorite things to do on São Miguel.

Where to stay

The capital, Ponta Delgada, is the perfect base for your adventures. Centrally located, it makes it easy to explore all corners of the island.

How to travel around

The best way to get around the Azores is by car. It gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, find hidden spots and enjoy the beautiful roads.

What to do on São Miguel

Discover Ponta Delgada

Ponta Delgada is the capital of São Miguel and a great base for your Azores trip. With its cobbled streets, ocean views and tiny cafés, it’s perfect for a stroll and a first taste of the island life. You’ll find historic buildings, local markets and plenty of spots to try something typically Azorean. The city is small, charming and easy to explore on foot. And after a day of exploring the island, there are plenty of great restaurants to end the day with a nice dinner.

Admire the view of Sete Cidades

Sete Cidades is one of the most magical spots on the island. A huge volcanic crater filled with two lakes, one green, one blue, surrounded by lush hills and quiet nature.

You’ll find this crater in the west of São Miguel, about a 40-minute drive from Ponta Delgada. The two lakes are actually one body of water, separated by a narrow bridge, which makes the view even more unique.

You can drive down into the crater, walk along the lakes, or head up to Miradouro da Vista do Rei for a classic panoramic view. Right next to the viewpoint, there’s an abandoned hotel that once offered luxury views but now it just quietly overlooks the valley.

Hike to Lagoa do Canário

A must-visit viewpoint on São Miguel is Boca do Inferno, possibly the most iconic in the Azores. To reach it, you'll pass by Lagoa do Canário, a serene lake tucked away in a forest.

From Lagoa do Canário, it’s about a 1-kilometer walk to the viewpoint. The last stretch does involve a bit of climbing, but once you reach the top, the view over the crater lakes is absolutely stunning. It’s best visiting on a clear day, as the mist can often roll in, hiding the full beauty of the area.

Swim in the Natural Pool at Ponta da Ferraria

Ponta da Ferraria is one of those special places on São Miguel. A spot where the island’s volcanic energy meets the ocean in the most unexpected way.

Here, you can actually swim in the sea while warm thermal water bubbles up from beneath the rocks. It’s a natural pool hidden between dramatic cliffs, and if you visit during low tide, the water is beautifully warm and calm enough for a dip. At high tide, it can get a bit wild, so check the tides before you go.

The drive there already feels like an adventure. The road winds down the cliffs with wide views over the coast, and once you arrive, it’s just a short walk down to the water.

Go dolphin and whale watching

Another must do activity on São Miguel is going dolphin and whale watching. The waters around the island are home to more than 20 species, including sperm whales, blue whales (in spring) and several types of dolphins. Seeing them up close is something you won’t soon forget.

Tours leave from Ponta Delgada or Vila Franca do Campo and are usually done in small boats or zodiacs. Most companies work with marine biologists, so you’ll also learn a lot along the way. The smaller boats make it easier to spot the animals up close, but they can be quite bumpy, just something to keep in mind if you get seasick easily.

The best time to go is between April and October, when the sea is calmer and sightings are more frequent, but don’t worry, whales and dolphins are seen year-round.

Bring layers and be prepared for changing weather, since it can get chilly out on the water. Keep in mind that sightings aren’t guaranteed, it’s always a bit of a game of luck. But even just being out on the open ocean with the island in the distance is worth it.

Enjoy the view at Lagoa do Fogo

Lagoa do Fogo is one of São Miguel’s most stunning natural highlights. Nestled inside a volcanic crater, this lake is surrounded by lush greenery and steep slopes, making it a breathtaking spot to visit.

To get there, you can drive from Ponta Delgada in about 30 minutes, to the Miradouro da Barrosa viewpoint. During summer (June to the end of September), vehicle access is restricted to protect the area. Instead, you’ll need to park at Caldeira Velha or Casa da Água and take a hop-on/hop-off shuttle service that runs between these points and the viewpoint. The shuttle tickets can be bought online or locally.

Whether you’re hiking or simply soaking in the scenery, Lagoa do Fogo offers a peaceful and raw nature experience. Trails range from easy walks to more challenging hikes, so there’s something for every explorer. Just bring layers, weather can change quickly, especially with the fog.

Keep in mind that fog is common here, often rolling in and hiding the views completely. If you want to check the conditions before you go, webcams are available online so you can see the current view. On clear days, the views are incredible, but even in mist, it is a vibe!

Walk through Europe’s only tea plantation

Along the lush, green hills of São Miguel’s north coast, you’ll find Chá Gorreana, Europe’s oldest and only (still operating) tea factory.

The vibe here is super easygoing. You can wander through the factory at your own pace, learn about the whole tea-making process and then head out into the fields for a walk between the plants. It’s calm, quiet, and the views are amazing. Oh and don’t skip the tasting room either!

Find the hidden waterfall Cascata da Ribeira Quente

Tucked away just off the road between Furnas and Ribeira Quente, you’ll find this hidden waterfall. It’s surrounded by lush greenery, mossy rocks, and that misty, jungle vibe São Miguel does so well.

The waterfall isn’t huge, but it ended up being one of our favorites on the island. You’ll need to stop just before the tunnel, then follow the sound of the water. A short walk along the stream and over a few rocks takes you straight to it.

It’s usually pretty quiet here and you might even have the place to yourself. Perfect for a quick stop, some dreamy photos or just a moment to enjoy nature at its best.

See the bubbling waters at Caldeiras das Furnas

Right in the middle of Furnas, you’ll find the caldeiras — bubbling hot springs and steaming vents that make it clear this island is still very much alive. The geothermal activity here is all thanks to São Miguel’s volcanic past (and present). You’ll probably spot the steam (and smell the sulphur… not great!) before you even get there.

The area’s small, but fun to walk around. You’ll see boiling mud pools, steam rising straight from the ground, and locals using the hot water to cook corn on the cob, which you can actually try.

If you're driving along the east coast of São Miguel, make sure to pull over at Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego. It’s one of the best viewpoints on this side of the island with a panoramic view over the cliffs, the ocean and the village of Nordeste in the distance.

The viewpoint itself is surrounded by a garden with colorful flowers, picnic tables and walking paths. It’s all really well kept and kind of feels like a park with an epic view. On a clear day, you’ll want to stay for a while.

Admire the view at one of São Miguel’s best viewpoints

Hike around at Salto Do Cabrito

Salto do Cabrito is one of São Miguel’s waterfalls and a popular spot for canyoning. The 40-meter waterfall flows through a narrow canyon into a crystal-clear pool below, making it perfect for a refreshing swim.

The waterfall is also part of a great hiking loop that takes you through lush green paths, over narrow bridges and alongside bubbling streams. Most of the trail follows a bright green pipeline that snakes through the forest, it’s easy to stay on track. The route winds through a mix of eucalyptus, Japanese cedar and native trees, giving you plenty of shade and fresh forest air. Along the way, you’ll spot small waterfalls, peaceful pools, and sometimes even cows grazing in the fields. It’s a nice balance of easy walking with a few steeper spots. The total length of the loop is about 8,5 km and can be found here on the All Trails app or website.

Enjoy the hot springs of Caldeira Velha

Caldeira Velha is a thermal hot spring tucked in the forest near Lagoa do Fogo. It’s a mix of warm pools, a small waterfall, and thick green jungle vibes all around.

There are a few different pools you can soak in, each with slightly different temperatures and all warmed by the island’s volcanic activity. The water has a rusty orange tint from the minerals, but don’t worry, it’s totally safe.

It’s a popular spot, so it’s best to go early or later in the day for a more peaceful vibe. You’ll need to book a time slot online, since there’s a limit on visitors. The whole area is well maintained, with walking paths, changing rooms and plenty of tropical plants.

Perfect for a relaxing afternoon after a day of hiking!

Climb the highest peak of the island

Pico da Vara is the highest peak on São Miguel, and one for the real hiking fans. The trail is around 7 km one way and takes you up through forest paths, muddy stretches, and open ridges with amazing views.

You’ll need a permit to do this hike (free, but make sure to request it online in advance), since it goes through a protected nature reserve. It’s also the only place on the island where you might spot the Azores bullfinch, a rare bird that only lives here.

The climb is a bit of a workout, especially if it’s wet and slippery, but on a clear day the views from the top are definitely worth it. One of the more remote hikes on the island, but also one of the most rewarding.

Hike to Janela do Inferno

Janela do Inferno is a fun hike that leads to a little waterfall coming out of a cave. The name sounds intense, but the walk is actually pretty chill, the loop takes a bit over 2 hours in total.

The trail takes you through tunnels, across small bridges and past water channels surrounded by green forest. At the end, you’ll reach the “window to hell”, a rocky cliff face with water dripping down. It’s not dramatic, but the whole walk there is what makes it worth it. Quiet, green and peaceful.

Find the route here.

Walk around the Pinhal da Paz nature reserve

Pinhal da Paz is a peaceful forest park just outside Ponta Delgada. It’s not really a hike, but more of a calm spot to wander, have a picnic or just be in nature for a bit.

There are walking trails, tall pine trees, open fields, and even a few animals here and there. It’s quiet and well maintained, perfect for a slow morning or a break from driving around the island.

Not a must-see, but if you’re nearby and in the mood for some peace and quiet this is a nice spot.

Take a dip in the bright blue pool of Poço Azul

Poço Azul is a quiet spot tucked away in the eastern part of São Miguel. It’s a short walk through the forest to get to a bright blue pool and tiny waterfall surrounded by greenery.

It’s not very big or dramatic, but that’s kind of the charm. It feels wild and untouched, and there’s a good chance you’ll have it all to yourself. The water is a bit cold, but if you’re up for it, you can go for a dip.

Chase the best viewpoints

One of the best things about exploring São Miguel is checking out all the amazing viewpoints around the island. From dramatic cliffs to coastal lookouts, there’s no shortage of incredible viewpoints.

Some are well signposted, others you just come across while driving, which is why having a car really helps. It gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, take detours, and stop whenever something catches your eye.

There are so many miradouros, so hit the road and stop whenever something looks good to see which view you like best.

Spend some time on the beach

The beaches on São Miguel are mostly black sand and rocks, with some nice quiet spots too.

Praia dos Moinhos is good for a swim and has a relaxed vibe. Mosteiros has cool lava rock formations and great sunsets. Fajã de Santo Cristo is a bit hidden and perfect if you want some peace and quiet.

Having a car helps because you can explore and find your own favorite spot, whether it’s a full beach with a café or a quiet stretch with hardly anyone around. The sand isn’t white, but the volcanic beaches have their own charm.

Sleeping on a pineapple farm

One of our favourite stays on the island: a small hotel on a working pineapple farm just outside Ponta Delgada. At Herdade do Ananás, you sleep between the greenhouses where they grow the famous Azorean pineapples.

The rooms are very cozy and modern, but it’s the warm hospitality that really makes this place stand out. The staff is incredibly kind, the vibe is relaxed, and the breakfast is amazing (made with all local products, pineapple included).

They also give you a tour of the farm, and we even got to take home a pineapple cutting. We’re now growing our own Azorean pineapple at home!

There’s a hot tub tucked inside one of the greenhouses. And if you feel like staying in for dinner, you can eat right at the hotel and even try their own pineapple wine, made from the fruit grown on the farm.

Herdade do Ananás is such a special stay, and the perfect mix of local charm and comfort.