Sao Miguel Travel Guide – Explore The Green Island
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A rental car is a must to explore all the beautiful places, hidden spots and all at your own pace.
A car rental company directly from São Miguel will give you a perfect start right at the airport of Ponta Delgada.
Seasons – Must-Dos and Specials
Summer brings consistent surf to Praia de Santa Bárbara and perfect conditions for kayaking on the twin lakes of Sete Cidades. It’s festival season, with São João’s bonfires and local festivities lighting up the warm nights. You can also taste the season’s sweetest pineapples, which are fresh from São Miguel’s plantations.
Autumn is the best time of year for birdwatching on São Miguel. Rare endemic species such as the Azores bullfinch (priolo) can be spotted at the Reserva Natural do Priolo, while migratory seabirds can be seen around the Ponta da Galera area. The island’s golden light and quieter trails offer nature lovers an amazing experience.
Go to Praia do Monte Verde to experience powerful waves, which are perfect for expert surfers. Soak in the steaming pools of Caldeira Velha, where the mix of mist and heat creates a mystical atmosphere. Explore the Christmas market in Ponta Delgada, where you can find local crafts and seasonal treats. The quiet winter landscape, especially from Miradouro do Pico Bartolomeu, offers breathtaking foggy views.
Spring is the peak season for hydrangeas, when the island comes alive with colours that cannot be found anywhere else. Make sure you don’t miss the Festa do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres in May, the Azores’ grandest religious festival. The season also offers rare blue whale sightings alongside ideal hiking weather, making it perfect for exploring the trails of Lagoa do Fogo.
Our 3 Must-Dos
All Landmarks, Activities and Spots
Parque Terra Nostra
An enchanting botanical garden showcasing the island’s rich biodiversity, from many endemic species to numerous invasive plants from around the world. You can take a lovely stroll through the park across small rivers, past sculpture gardens and end up bathing in the warm thermal springs of Furnas.
Lagoa do Fogo
During the off-season, you can drive yourself and enjoy the panoramic view of the crater lake. In the summer, a shuttle bus will drive you the last few kilometers to the lake to protect the area from overtourism. The hike down to the lake is really awesome. You can’t swim there, but the nature is so beautiful that just taking in the scenery is enough.
Springs of Furnas
A must-do tourist highlight is the hot, mineral-rich, iron-infused thermal pool of Furnas. The thermal waters are at a perfect bathing temperature, just like a hot tub. Located directly in the Botanical Garden, entry costs 17 euros and allows you to enjoy everything it has to offer. We loved the cold showers while sitting in the hot bath surrounded by exotic forests.
Centro Ambiental do Priolo
Learn about the priolo, one of Europe’s rarest birds, found only in the Azores. This species was saved from extinction through years of conservation efforts. At the Centro Ambiental do Priolo, the friendly staff will answer all your questions. Entry is free. You can also take a guided tour, participate in hands-on activities, and support SPEA’s efforts to protect Azorean wildlife.
Miradouro do Pico Bartolomeu
Drive or hike up to Miradouro do Pico Bartolomeu and keep an eye out for the Priolo along the way. From the top, you have a beautiful panoramic view of the sea and the stunning green forests of Sao Miguel.
Vila Franca do Campo
Visit the first capital city of São Miguel. Take a stroll around the harbour and through the lovely old town. Don’t miss the famous islet and the stunning natural lagoon right in front of the town, which is perfect for snorkelling.
Chá Gorreana
Europe’s oldest tea plantation has paths right through it so you can enjoy the large, tiered green fields and get an impaccable view. Afterwards, visit the museum for free and buy some souvenirs in the plantation shop.
Igreja de São Nicolau
For us, it is the most beautiful church on the island. It looks especially incredible from the outside thanks to the avenue lined with tall, dark trees, which provide a great contrast to its classical Azorean white facade. It is a great motif for photos of beautiful architecture.
Santuário Diocesano de Nossa Senhora da Paz
A cathedral at the end of a stepped climb makes this cathedral unique. From the top, you have a beautiful view over Villa Franca do Campo and the ocean to the south.
Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego
In the east of the island, a finely landscaped park with many seating and barbecue options spread over several places with a great view of the cliffs. Perfect for a BBQ in the evening or a small snack after a day on the beach at Praia do Lombo Gordo. For us the best Miradouro of São Miguel.
Cascata do Risco
This is a great new hiking area alongside waterfalls, offering stunning views of the ocean and mountains. You walk over wooden bridges and amazing new trails. Children will love building wooden boats and racing them in the old mill canals at the edge of the trail.
Mosteiros
In this nice trendy village on the western edge of the island. There are several nice natural pools for swimming and jumping in, with a promenade featuring a bar and restaurants. There is also a beautiful beach from which you can enjoy a wonderful view of the sunset between two rocks.
Miradouro do José Furtado
Perfectly located near Fenais Da Ajuda wooden viewing platforms around a lighthouse with fantastic views to the west over steep high cliffs make the perfect spot for an unforgattable sunset.
Miradouro Grota do Inferno
Walk along a path that is wide at the beginning and then becomes the well-known pass bordered by wooden fences, offering a phenomenal view of the two different coloured lakes of Sete Cidades, Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde. Although it is a popular viewpoint, it is definitely worth seeing.
Praia do Lombo Gordo
It’s the best on the island, a black sand beach in the east near the Miradouro da Ponta which is great for swimming and just relaxing on a sunny day especially in the morning when the sun still warms the sand. You need to drive down a steep road and walk the last few metres from the car park.
Ponta da Ferraria
A truly unique experience swimming in a natural pool where volcanic thermal waters mix with the Atlantic Ocean. On a stretch of coastline resembling the moon, there is a guarded pool with showers nearby. Like a heated wave pool right in the ocean with ropes to hold on to and stone surfaces for sunbathing.
Praia Ribeira das Tainhas
A chill laid back beach full of locals very close to Vila Franco Campo perfect to make quick use of good weather and take a quick bath in the ocean.
Cascata do Segredo Waterfall
It’s a scenic hike through a dense forest. At the beginning, you pass old, overgrown industrial facilities. The highlight is the waterfalls, where you can cool off by jumping in. To reach the main waterfall, you must either walk up the riverbed after crossing the river for the first time, or climb steeply down to the right at some point.
Whale Watching
One of the most special things you can do, taking a tour onto the ocean searching and looking out for the largest animal living. Amazingly friendly guides will talk you through it and explain everything. You have chances to see rare whales like migrating blue whales in spring or the resident sperm whales all year around.
Pico da Vara
Climb 1,105 metres above sea level to reach the highest mountain on São Miguel. The hike up through the mystical forest is well worth the effort. On sunny days, you can enjoy a fantastic panoramic view from at the top. Even on rainy days, the fog in the forest creates an awesome atmosphere, providing the perfect setting for amazing photos.
Surfing Lesson
There are perfect conditions for all levels of surfer, from light, consistent waves in Monte Verde and Santa Bárbara, to more varied and difficult spots like Mosteiros. There are also many excellent schools offering introductory lessons. The Best ones was this.
Our 3 Golden Food Tips
All Food Spots
La Gelateria
You will find the best ice cream on the island at this cute little place in the centre of Ponta Delgada. Definitely try to come by when strolling through the old town. We highly recommend trying the local pineapple ice cream — it’s really, really good!
Mãe D’Alma Cafetaria
This is a nice, trendy little bakery located right next to a large public car park, which is full of locals every morning, especially during the week. The coffee, sandwiches and Pastel de Nata are all excellent. The botanical garden, António Borges, is only a few minutes away.
The Gin Library
Experience Europe’s largest gin collection at the highly rated Solar Branco Estate. Discover gins from all around the world, including their Ghosts of the Ocean, which is made on the island. They also offer workshops on how to make the perfect gin.
Santa Bárbara Beach Club
There is a tranquil and delicious beach club directly at the great Surf Beach. It’s a great place to enjoy some good food, especially small snacks, while taking in the beautiful beach views.
Food & Friends
Great burgers in a food truck in a large public car park near Miradouro da Vista do Rei, which offers a fantastic view over Sete Cidades. The burgers and chips are great and perfect for a quick snack in between. Right next door is Quinta Regional, a truck selling regional fruit and delicious juices.
Restaurante Terra Nostra
This restaurant is located in the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel in Furnas, right next to the hot springs. It offers Azorean cuisine, focusing on regional ingredients and local flavours. The famous Cozido dish is traditionally cooked in a pot buried in volcanic soil. While we didn’t think it was the best, it’s definitely worth trying.
Restaurante Bom Pesqueiro
Located right on the waterfront in Ponta Delgada, you can enjoy an interactive fish selection, guided by the friendly chefs. The prices are reasonable, the food is amazing, and the wine list is exceptional.
Tá ligado
This bar is located in a small village on the north side of the island, away from all the tourists. The owner is super nice and speaks very good English. He will make you the best bifana, and everything is super cheap. It’s an experience you have to embark on, but it’s definitely worth it — it couldn’t be more authentic!
Café Canto do Cais
Near Capelas in the north-west, we were surprised by a small, inconspicuous restaurant on a street corner with a rustic tavern atmosphere. The chefs came to our table themselves to ask if everything was to our liking. The restaurant’s tradition of serving fresh fruit with every meal adds a nice tropical touch.
Restaurante Ponta do Garajau
On the other side of the island, in the south-west, is the village of Ribeira Quente. Set in a classic stone courtyard, this restaurant serves excellent fish, limpets and much more — from great steaks over grilled tuna to fresh salads. It’s definitely a great choice for lunch or dinner!
Nonnas Teeth
Enjoy high-quality Neapolitan-style pizza in the heart of Ponta Delgada. Baked at 430 degrees to give a light crust, there are many different pizzas to choose from, including vegetarian and vegan options. The tiramisu is absolutely amazing and highly recommended.
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Rotas da Ilha Verde
In a side street in Ponta Delgada, there is a very popular vegetarian restaurant, so it’s best to try to come outside of rush hour or reserve in advance. For starters, there is a cheese fondue in a baguette, which is really good. And for the main course, we found the bean stew with seitan spiced rice & fried yams to be the best.
Rulote Vamos ao Vadim
It’s a great place for everyone, whether you’re vegetarian or want chicken, pork, or beef. They have great traditional bifanas and burgers, which we felt were the main dishes on the island. The chicken burgers are great, and the vegan patties are phenomenal. It’s a great place to end a good beach day.
Jewel of India
The Indian food there is surprisingly good. It’s definitely good if you’re tired of seafood and burgers and want something different. The butter chicken is perfectly spiced, the garlic naan is great, and the mango lassi is amazingly fresh.
Quinta dos Sabores
A unique farm-to-table dining experience, focusing on fresh, organic and seasonal ingredients. There are plenty of options to choose from to create your courses, with helpful suggestions from the friendly staff.
Restaurante Poço Azul
A simple, lovely, charming restaurant with many options featuring Mediterranean, European, and Portuguese cuisine. And also a very nice vegetarian menu. We loved the cheese from Furnas village and the dessert, the dairy-free mousse au chocolat and Poco Azu, their own creation.
Õtaka
A concept that is very popular today is a fusion restaurant. This restaurant combines Japanese and Peruvian cuisine in an upscale style. The 8-course tasting menu really blew us away. Whether vegetarian, fish, meat or dessert, everything was truly perfect. If you want to enjoy a fine meal on your last evening, this is definitely a good choice.
MôMô
Great food and an ocean view! The restaurant is located in a spa resort on the west side of the island. The mushroom risotto with truffle foam and the catch of the day were absolutely fabulous. We highly recommend coming in the evening to feel the special sunset atmosphere.
Budget Tips
A Lot Is Free
Other Ideas To Save
Top Handpicked Stays
Quick Visa Overview
EU/EEA, UK, US, Canada, Australia and Japan citizens can visit the Azores visa-free for up to 90 days. Just bring a passport valid for at least three months beyond your stay. Others must apply for a Schengen (short-stay) visa.
Google Maps & PDF
Google Maps List
Whale Wisdom
How To Pack The Best Way
The weather in the Azores changes quickly, so bring a lightweight waterproof shell and keep your electronics in dry bags when hiking or going on boat trips.
Bring a small waterproof backpack for daily activities to protect devices and anything else that shouldn’t get wet.
Bring a universal charger with USB-C, USB-A, and multiple ports to power all devices efficiently without extra adapters.
To save luggage space and weight allowances, travel with your heaviest shoes or jacket on board.
Ispiration Lists – For Your Trip
Geothermal Pools
Relax in naturally heated waters surrounded by green, hilly landscapes.
Food Cooked by Lava
Traditional stew slow-cooked underground by the island’s volcanic steam, called Cozido
Ananas Plantages
Exotic greenhouses where sweet Azorean pineapples are grown year-round
Swim in a Volcanic Crater
Calm, clear waters ringed by dramatic cliffs inside an ancient volcanic crater
Ibiza
Mediterranean, crowded, party-focused, minimal wilderness or quiet village lifelotuseaters
Maldives
A flat, coral-based paradise: No volcanoes or hiking, just white sand, snorkelling and relaxation
Jamaica
Caribbean island with cliff diving, bamboo rafting, glowing caves, and vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture.
Lofoten
Rugged Arctic islands with dramatic fjords, colorful fishing villages, Viking history, and magical Northern Lights.
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