Simply Wanderfull
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Could there be a heaven on earth? If so, it could very well be on São Miguel Island in Portugal’s beautiful Azore Islands. Nestled in the heart of The Atlantic Ocean, São Miguel Island, the largest of the Azores is a lush paradise that feels like a well-kept secret just waiting to be discovered. Travel to São Miguel, Azores, is an unforgettable experience filled with stunning landscapes, rich culture, and outdoor adventures.
A trip to Sao Miguel Azores islands offers a tranquil escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. You will encounter lush forests, mountain sides with cascading waterfalls, vibrant hydrangeas, wild flowers and beautiful blue and green lakes. If you are looking for a trip to nourish your mind, body and soul, keep reading, the Azores just might be the place for you!
My girlfriends and I embarked on an unforgettable 7-day road trip around São Miguel Island, where we experienced an incredible adventure filled with hiking, kayaking, and canyoning. We enjoyed the finest foods and drinks that the Azores has to offer while staying in beautiful hotels along the way. Immersing ourselves in the rich culture of São Miguel, we created memories that will last a lifetime.
Let us be your tour guide for Sao Miguel Azores here in this article! Thankfully, my friend and I love to plan holidays. For months, we carefully researched São Miguel Island to create a luxurious and exciting itinerary for all. If you’re interested in exploring more of our planned trips, be sure to check out our adventures in Iceland, the Canadian Maritimes, and Adventure Quebec and many more!
In preparation for our journey, I created a Essential Packing List and a colourful Tri-Folded Itinerary Brochure that includes all your travel details at your fingertips. If you are looking for more ways to research Sao Miguel Azores check out: Lonely Planet Pocket Azores (Pocket Guide).
São Miguel Island Overview:
São Miguel Island is the largest and most populous island of the Azores islands. It stretches about 40 miles (65 km) in length and reaches a maximum width of 10 miles (16 km). With a population of around 140,000 residents, Ponta Delgada serves as its capital and the main urban center. Needless to say you can scoot around the island pretty quickly and nothing is really too far away.
Getting to the Azores:
Getting to the Azores is pretty straightforward. There are direct flights from Porto and Lisbon, Portugal. If you are flying from North America, most major Eastern cities may have direct flights to Ponta Delgada (Airport Code: PDL). We were very lucky to have found a direct flight from Toronto into Ponta Delgada on Azores Airlines. The flight time was just under 6 hours (a little longer coming back). It was very convenient and nice to have a direct flight option.
For flight information, check out Kayak.com or directly through these airlines that service Ponta Delgada: Azores Airlines, Ryanair, and TAP Air Portugal.
If you plan to visit the other Azores islands on your journey check out Azores Airlines for up to date flight information. Some of the smaller popular islands to visit are: Faial, Pico and Terceira.
Arrival Tips:
The Ponta Delgada airport is fairly small so it is fairly easy to find your way around. The currency in the Azores is in Euros.
Some visitors decide to stay in Ponta Delgada for the duration of their trip and take day trips to all the points of interest. I would recommend not staying in Ponta Delgada for your entire trip. There are so many beautiful hotels to discover on the island outside Ponta Delgada that provide you with a unique peaceful Azores experience.
Car rental at Ponta Delgada Airport offers a convenient way to explore São Miguel Island and beyond. For the Best Car Rental companies in Sao Miguel Azores check out Sixt, Guerin, and Ilha Verde. All of these car rental companies offer customer service desks located right in the airport terminal, making it easy to pick up your vehicle upon arrival. We used Sixt Car Rental and had a great customer service experience. I like to compare car rental prices using Carrentals.com or Kayak.com.
The people of the Azores speak mainly Portuguese but understand and speak English. We were able to converse with ease for our entire stay.
If you want to pick up some snacks, beer and wine for your trip there are small grocery stores on São Miguel Island and are commonly referred to as minimercados or mini markets. These local shops can be found in most villages and offer a variety of essential groceries, snacks, and beverages. These markets also sell beer and wine. The wine and beer selections are super cheap. We were shocked and excited to find bottles of wine for only €5 and they were surprisingly very nice with a high rating on Vivino!
The Itinerary At A Glance:
Our 7-day itinerary begins and finishes in Ponta Delgada. We begin our adventure by visiting the Sete Cidades on the Western side of the island for 3-nights with adventures that include hiking, kayaking and taking a dip in the natural thermal waters at Ponte Da Ferraria.
From there we make our way towards Furnas, which is located on the Eastern side of island with a stop along the central coast for a visit to a tea plantation and gorgeous viewpoints. We will spend 3-nights in Furnas and explore the South-Eastern side of the island on a gorgeous waterfall hike to the north-eastern area close to Nordeste for an exhilarating canyoning experience.
We finish up our incredible trip in Ponta Delgada with a boat tour to Vila Franca Do Campo before exploring the village of Ponta Delgada on our final day. With this itinerary you will explore almost the entire island.
Watch Our Visit Sao Miguel Azores
Sao Miguel Itinerary Google Maps
Where To Stay:
Sao Miguel offers a stunning blend of natural beauty and luxurious accommodations. This volcanic paradise boasts lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and thermal hot springs, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both adventure and relaxation. Here is a list of the most luxurious stays throughout Sao Miguel Island.
- Sensi Azores Nature & Spa – Experience the charm of a luxurious boutique hotel that offers breathtaking views of both the ocean and the countryside. This beautifully transformed farmhouse exudes warmth and elegance, creating an inviting atmosphere for guests. The cozy, quaint setting is perfect for relaxation, and the lounge bar serves expertly crafted cocktails alongside delectable food—don’t miss out on trying the locally made gin! Sensi is situated on the West side of the island and in close proximity to Sete Cidades, Ponta Da Ferraria, and Mosteiros Beach.
2. White Exclusive Suites & Villas – If you are looking for the ultimate luxury you may want to consider a stay at White exclusive suites. White Exclusive Suites & Villas, located on the stunning south coast of São Miguel Island in the Azores, is a boutique resort renowned for its breathtaking ocean views and luxurious accommodations. Housed in a beautifully transformed manor, the hotel features nine elegantly designed suites and two exclusive villas, all seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape. Guests are drawn to its exceptional amenities, including a heated saltwater infinity pool, a wellness spa, and a restaurant that highlights local dishes. Nearby attractions include Vila Franca Do Campo, Lagoa do Fogo, and Ponta Delgada city center.
3. Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort: Located on the picturesque northern coast of São Miguel Island in the Azores, offers a unique blend of luxury and sustainability. This eco-friendly resort features modern villas and studios, providing guests with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding mountains. With direct access to Santa Barbara beach, visitors can enjoy a range of activities, from surfing to relaxing by the pool. Guests can indulge in delicious local cuisine at the on-site restaurant while immersing themselves in the serene beauty of the Azores, making it an ideal destination for eco-conscious travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Nearby attractions include: Gorreana Tea Plantation, Parque Natural Da Ribeira Dos Caldeiroes, a lookout Miradouro de Santa Iria and a beach called Praia Da Viola
4. Terra Nostra Garden Hotel: Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, located in the serene Furnas Valley of São Miguel, Azores, is a remarkable destination for travellers seeking a blend of history and natural beauty. Opened in 1935, this iconic hotel is renowned for its stunning Art Deco architecture and lush surroundings, including the famous Terra Nostra Botanical Garden.
Guests can enjoy the unique thermal pool filled with volcanic water, which offers therapeutic benefits and relaxation.
*TIP: Guests of the Terra Nostra Garden hotel, can use the thermal pools after hours when the crowds leave the park which is a great bonus to staying at this hotel.
Terra Nostra is a great central location for sightseeing on the Eastern side of the island. Nearby attractions include, Sanguinho hike that includes the Salto Do Prego Waterfall, Canyoning in Parque Natural Da Ribeira Dos Caldeiroes, Miradouro Do Pico Do Ferro viewpoint and you can also enjoy a walk around the tiny village of Furnas that includes some great restaurant options including A Quinta-Furnas, and A Terra restaurant inside Octant Furnas Hotel.
The restaurant at Octant Furnas, À TERRA, is beautifully decorated with natural elements, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, while the food and drinks are exceptional. Their lounge music was a perfect complement to the dining experience. I had to ask our waitress for the playlist! Click here to listen: Raggae Therapy: 5 Hours Playlist.
5. Ponta Delgada Hotels: If you decide to stay in Ponta Delgada I would recommend these 2 hotel options for luxury: Octant Ponta Delgada and the Grand Hotel Acores. They are both located in the main streets of Ponta Delgada. We stayed at the Octant Ponta Delgada on our last night where we enjoyed a cocktail in their tastefully decorated Whale Rooftop Bar and dinner at their restaurant À TERRA.
Things To Do
The nice thing about the Azores is you can do as little or as much as you like. If you are an outdoor enthusiast like us, you will be in your happy place. San Miguel Island is full of outdoor adventures including incredible hiking, kayaking, canyoning, experiencing the wonder of swimming in some natural hot springs, boat tours, horseback riding, buggy tours, whale watching and so much more!
A couple other notable things to do that I should mention if you have time in your itinerary: take a visit to the Pineapple plantation and see the process of growing pineapples. They also have a cute little gift shop filled with pineapple influenced items. Another notable thing to check out if your time permits, is the Terra Nostra Gardens. Wander through a stunning array of plants, hydrangeas and wild flowers from all around the world.
Here are some of the outdoor adventures we experienced and can highly recommend.
Hiking on San Miguel
Hiking in the Azores is an extraordinary experience, offering breathtaking views of volcanic landscapes, lush greenery, and dramatic coastlines that make every trail a unique adventure. After thorough research and careful consideration of the best hikes for the timeframe, I will write about the trails that we explored.
I also want to mention the Visit Azores website as a valuable site for planning and researching possible hikes in the Azores. I printed out all of the hiking trail maps for our planned hikes before we left and they really came in handy.
If you would rather have a planned hiking tour I would suggest using Get Your Guide for a variety of guided hikes on Sao Miguel Azores.
Serra Devassa Hiking Trail:
This incredible 4.9 km circular hike takes you on a forest bathing experience like no other. The hike will take you approximately 2 hours to complete and is considered moderately difficult. The trail head begins in the parking lot of Lagoa do Canario which is situated in Sete Cidades park area.
The path winds along a densely forested path that leads to gorgeous lakes, and then you will begin to climb to the trails highest peak called Pico das Éguas which is 873 feet above sea level. The day we visited was foggy and rainy and so we didn’t get to experience the views but apparently they are spectacular and provide a panoramic view of the lush landscapes.
Even though it was rainy and foggy the day we visited we wouldn’t have changed a thing. The greens of the trees and wild flowers were so incredibly vivid and we feel that we would have missed that appreciation had it been a sunny day.
Hiking the Serra Devassa trail immerses you into a calming embrace of nature, allowing for a rejuvenating forest bathing experience that helps to promote mental clarity, reduce stress, and can enhance your overall well-being through the calming sights, sounds, and scents of the lush surroundings.
By the end of this hike we felt like we had climbed Mount Everest! What a feat! Laughing in the rain at how windy and foggy it was at the highest peak, to the beauty of the lush greenery and the views around the beautiful lakes; it really was the BEST hike imaginable!
This hike was incredible and will forever be etched in my memory as one incredible journey shared with great friends. I would highly recommend this hike if you are visiting the Azores.
You can download a trail guide printable pamphlet here: Serra Devassa Hiking Trail Ma
The Vista Do Rei hike offers panoramic views of the Sete Cidades crater and its twin lakes (Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde). The hike begins as the Vista Do Rei lookout point and ends in the village of Sete Cidades (one-way). The full hike takes approximately 2 hours. We decided to only hike the top section of this hike and enjoyed the views of the twin lakes and ocean on the other side. We did not descend into the village of Sete Cidades. The hike follows along the ridge and was mostly scenic views and not too hard.
You can download a trail guide printable pamphlet here: Vista Do Rei Hike
I’m torn between whether the Sanguinho hike or the Serra Devassa hike was my favourite. They were both so uniquely incredible! The Sanguinho hike is located in Faial da Terra and begins from the road and takes you to gorgeous enchanting waterfall, and then back through an abandoned village. The hike is circular and will take you approximately 2-3 hours to complete. The hike is considered moderately difficult.
The waterfall is incredible to experience and you can even take a dip in the water if you want to brave the cold water! The abandoned village was super cool to see and there was actually a spot to relax and grab a cold beverage before descending back to the head of the trail. The views were spectacular!
You can download a trail guide printable pamphlet here: Sanguinho Hike & Salto Do Prego Waterfall
If you plan to visit the San Miguel island, you will most likely visit the Gorreana Tea Plantation. The Cha Gorreanan hike at the tea plantation in the Azores is a popular and scenic trail and is Europe’s oldest tea plantation! The hike is 3.4 km and takes approximately 1- 1/2 hours to complete. It is considered to be a moderately difficult hike.
This hike offers a unique experience in Europe, allowing visitors to walk through active tea plantations while enjoying beautiful coastal views. It’s an excellent way to combine nature, history, and local culture in a single, accessible trail.
You can download a trail guide printable pamphlet here: Chá Gorreana Hiking Trail
Thermal Hot Springs
Bathing in the thermal hot springs on São Miguel Island is an extraordinary experience that combines relaxation with the natural beauty of the Azores. A must-try is a visit to Ponta da Ferraria, where you can soak in a unique volcanic rock pool where geothermal waters mix with the refreshing Atlantic Ocean, creating a soothing atmosphere enhanced by the sound of crashing waves. This spot is particularly magical during low tide, allowing you to find the perfect balance of warmth and coolness while surrounded by stunning coastal cliffs.
You can find out when low tide happens at Ponta da Ferraria by checking the Tide King website, which provides detailed tide times and charts specific to the area. We visited in September and our low tide was at 8am. The water was so warm and wasn’t over crowded with people. We all agreed that this was one of the coolest things that we have ever experienced!
Meanwhile, the Terra Nostra thermal pools offer a serene escape within a lush botanical garden. The large, iron-rich pool is renowned for its distinctive reddish-brown colour and mineral properties that are said to rejuvenate both body and mind. They suggest that you wear a dark coloured bathing suit if you plan to use the thermal pool. I found it to be interesting experience.
Canyoning
Experience the thrill of canyoning in the breathtaking Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeiros in the Azores, where adventure meets stunning natural beauty. Canyoning, is an exhilarating sport that combines hiking, swimming, and rappelling through waterfalls. We booked our adventure through Picoadventura and we had some great guides that made us feel comfortable and safe. We also signed up for the beginner course. This is truly an exhilarating experience that we all enjoyed! Our adventure included a hike up to the top of the waterfall, took a natural slide down, jumped, and then repelled to the bottom.
So what is Canyoning anyway? Canyoning involves exploring canyons by moving down a watercourse using various techniques. This can include:
- Rappelling: Descending steep cliffs using ropes.
- Swimming: Navigating through natural pools and streams.
- Jumping: Leaping into deep water from rock ledges.
- Sliding: Using natural water slides for a fun descent.
Kayaking
Discover an enchanting experience of kayaking in the Azores, specifically on the stunning Sete Cidades Lakes. Nestled within a volcanic crater on São Miguel Island, these twin lakes—one a vibrant blue and the other a lush green—offer a unique backdrop for paddling adventures. We booked our kayaking tour through Azores Adventures.
Boat Tour
Just off the coast of San Miguel is the islet of Vila Franca Do Campo. Vila Franca Do Campo was formed by a submerged volcanic crater. It has beautiful views, and is great place for swimming, snorkeling or just taking a boat tour around the island. If you plan to spend the day, you may want to book your spot well in advance as they only allow so many people on the island each day and it is a very popular attraction. We decided to take a boat tour around the island and it was a nice shorter tour if you are strapped for time. For booking information check out Get Your Guide: Vila Franca Do Campo Around The Island Tour.
Lookout Points Of Interest
São Miguel Island in the Azores is renowned for its stunning lookout points, or miradouros, that offer breathtaking views of the island’s diverse landscapes. Here are some notable viewpoints to visit:
Must-Try Food & drinks
This article would not be complete without talking about food! My friends and I are real foodies and we all love to try new foods and drinks! Here are some of the foods, drinks and even a recipe for a San Miguel signature cocktail: The “Capriahana”.
- Bolo Lêvedo: A sweet bread that resembles a cross between a muffin and a cake. It is so delicious on its own or with a little butter or jam. It reminds me of an english muffin with a little sweet taste.
- Limpets: A popular seafood that reminds me of a muscle. They are served with butter, lemon and parsley.
- Cheese: The cheese in the Azores is so delicious. We tried so many different types of cheese and can honestly say they were all delicious!
- Cozido das Furnas: This hearty stew made with various meats (pork, beef, chicken and sausage) and vegetables, cooked underground using geothermal heat. It’s a unique culinary experience that takes about six hours to prepare. We did not try this but saw it being served and I will tell you that you better be hungry! It was a HUGE meal.
- Capriahana Cocktail: This Brazilian cocktail is very popular in the Azores. Made with limes, Brazilian rum, lemon/lime juice and ice. It is very similar to a Margarita but a little smoother and perfectly delicious! Get the full recipe below!
- Azorean Beer: I am a beer lover and the beer in the Azores is really nice! Refreshing and clean tasting, it is so good. I especially loved that an ice cold beer was only €1! What a deal!
Your Azores Adventure Awaits!
As we wrap up our incredible adventure in the Azores, filled with breathtaking landscapes, thrilling activities, and unforgettable moments shared with great friends, it’s hard not to feel a sense of gratitude for the experiences we’ve had.
From hiking around the stunning crater lakes of Sete Cidades to savouring the unique flavours of local cuisine, every moment has been a celebration of nature and friendship. The warmth of the Azorean culture and the beauty of its islands have left a lasting impression on our hearts.
I hope that one day you can embark on your own journey to this magical destination, where adventure awaits at every turn and memories are made to last a lifetime. Until next time, may your travels be filled with joy and discovery!
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Amazing read!
Thank you!💕
I never knew The Azores existed until I stopped there on a cruise from Southampton UK to Sydney, Australia. I was only there for 12 hours but got to see a lot during a tour of the island. I loved the story of the Green and Blue Lakes, how they were formed from the tears of a shepherd and a princess who shared a forbidden love!
Yes! Loved that story also🥰 Thank you for writing!
Love the mix of outdoor adventure with wonderful places to stay (and great food)!
Thank you Sonia! I hope you can visit one day soon🥰
This is absolutely beautiful! My husband I and actually met while were living in Spain for some church service, and before then, I had never thought twice about Portugal. And while we weren’t able to visit then, I’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg as to how beautiful it truly after seeing Spain. Life has been a little mundane lately, and as I listen to the carpet cleaners downstairs, it makes me want to go back to Europe so badly, and when I do, I will absolutely be stopping by the Azores. Thank you for sharing!!
Living in Spain must have been beautiful! I hope that you can make it happen and get to the Azores for a beautiful trip sometime soon! Thank you for sharing your story and really appreciate you writing 💕🙏🏼🥰