The 20 Best Things to Do on São Miguel (Azores)

São Miguel is the largest island in the Azores, an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean that belongs to Portugal. There are year-round flights from Lisbon and Porto to and from Ponta Delgada, the capital of the Azores. During the high season (April through October), there are many more flight connections to various cities in Europe and North America. The archipelago consists of volcanic islands that are exceptionally green. It’s no wonder the islands are also known as “the Hawaii of Europe.”

The green landscape dotted with volcanoes is made even more beautiful by the many lakes and waterfalls, inviting you to get active. You can enjoy hiking, biking, or mountain biking, or try something a bit more daring, like rappelling down steep rock faces. On the lakes and along the coast, you can go on kayaking or sailing trips while watching rare seabirds glide by. Add to that soaking in volcanic hot springs, snorkeling, or diving—and, as the icing on the cake, whale watching.

Are you already looking forward to a vacation in the Azores? Reserve a rental car and get inspired by our descriptions of the most beautiful sights and best activities on São Miguel!

1. Ponta Delgada

Although virtually every international traveler arrives in São Miguel at Ponta Delgada Airport, the capital isn’t always the first destination. Many people drive straight to another town on the island in their newly rented car. But Ponta Delgada is a great base for day trips. It’s also a lively town, especially around the harbor. In the evening, this is the perfect spot to take a stroll or settle down at one of the many outdoor cafes.

In Ponta Delgada, you can’t miss the distinctive architecture of the Azores, characterized by the contrast between black volcanic stone and white stucco. Near the harbor stands the city’s symbol, the Portas de Cidade, an elegant 18th-century city gate with three arches. Next to it stands the bell tower of the São Sebastião Church, which has a richly decorated interior. You can’t climb that bell tower, but you can climb the Torre Sineira near City Hall. The final stretch to the top is very narrow.

The Carlos Machado Museum is housed in a former monastery, and that historic building alone makes it worth a visit. There are sections dedicated to natural history, scenes from island life, and an exhibition of antique toys. A separate section is devoted to Azorean art.

If you have the chance, attend a performance or concert at the Coliseu Micaelense. The interior is quite unique: a sort of circus tent, where the audience sits in separate alcoves. Want to escape the hustle and bustle of the old town for a while? Then head to the Jardim Botânico António Borges, which features an enormous variety of plants and flowers, including impressive old trees.

There are three pineapple plantations near the capital that you can visit for free, though the owners naturally hope you’ll buy something from their little shop. The Santo António plantation gets good reviews from most visitors.

Are you worried about driving through the narrow one-way streets in Ponta Delgada? Then park your rental car in the large parking garage under the road along the harbor. There are two entrances: if you’re coming from the east, it’s just past the pedestrian bridge, and if you’re coming from the west, it’s just past the large square with the city arches.

2. Gruta do Carvão

You can drive your rental car to the Gruta do Carvão in your rental car, as this interesting lava tunnel is located right off the main access road to the airport. The exit is clearly marked with a brown sign. You must reserve tickets for a guided tour of this cave in advance.

3. Rocha da Relva

If you drive west from Ponta Delgada on the main road, you’ll soon see a lookout point with large letters spelling out: RELVA. There, you can sit under a small shelter and enjoy a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s also the starting point of a hiking trail leading down to the rocky coastline below. Please note: although the trail is paved, some sections are very steep and can be slippery when it rains. You can drive the first part of the way in your rental car to a larger, lower-lying parking lot. The road leading there is very narrow.

4. Lakes of Sete Cidades

On São Miguel, there’s no shortage of miradouros (viewpoints), and that’s certainly true around the iconic lakes of Sete Cidades in the west of the island. A famous viewpoint is Miradouro da Vista do Rei, where you have a fantastic view of the two largest crater lakes, also known as the Green and Blue Lakes. According to local legend, the colors were created by the tears of a blue-eyed princess and a green-eyed shepherd, who were forbidden to be together. The reality is a bit less romantic: the Green Lake gets its color from algae growth. It’s best to drive here as early as possible to beat the crowds. For a different perspective on the crater lakes, climb to the roof of a nearby abandoned hotel (which, by the way, is absolutely hideous).

For yet another view, drive east from these large lakes to the parking lot at Lagoa do Canario. Across from the parking lot, walk through an entrance gate, and the trail will take you to Miradouro da Grota do Inferno in about 15 minutes. The final stretch is particularly spectacular as you walk along the hilly path to the lookout point. From an elevation of nearly 800 meters, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the lakes. You can also clearly see the road that runs halfway around Lagoa de Santiago. Take that road to a viewpoint that’s nowhere near as crowded as the others: Miradouro do Cerrado das Freiras. From there, you’ll have a great view of the bridge connecting the two large lakes. You’ll get there by descending from the viewpoint along a road with a few sharp hairpin turns. At the lakes, you can rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards.

5. Ponta do Escalvado / Praia dos Monteiros

From the town of Sete Cidades, it’s only a seven-kilometer drive to Ponta do Escalvado. From there, you’ll have a beautiful view of the jagged volcanic rocks along the west coast of São Miguel. There’s limited parking, so if you want to enjoy the sunset here, you’ll need to drive there well before the sun goes down. Or you can drive to the volcanic sand beach Praia dos Mosteiros, with dramatic rock formations rising out of the ocean.

6. Ponta da Ferraria

You’ll find more space to park your rental car a little further south, at the Miradouro da Ilha Sabrina. Here, too, you’ll enjoy a beautiful view of the coast and the thermal baths below. The path down is a bit challenging, and it leads to the pavilion of the official Termas da Ferraria, which features a pool filled with water from thermal springs. More interesting is the natural pool behind it, nestled among the rocks. Here, the warm water from the springs mixes with the cold water of the ocean. You can lower yourself into the water using a ladder, and there are ropes to hold onto. Try to visit this spot at low tide, as that’s when the water is warmest. Be sure to wear water shoes, as the lava rocks are sharp.

7. Gorreana Tea Plantations

Tea plantations are usually associated with Asian countries like India or Sri Lanka, but tea production also came to Europe in the late nineteenth century. The oldest European tea plantation is located on the north coast of São Miguel: Chá Gorreana, fifteen kilometers east of Ribeira Grande. A walk through the estate is a serene experience, and there are always guides on hand to tell you more about how the tea bushes grow and how the leaves are processed into tea. Plan your visit between April and September, as that’s when the harvest takes place. There’s a café on the grounds where you can enjoy freshly brewed tea, and of course, you can also buy packaged tea.

8. Cascata do Limbo

Although Cascata do Limbo is very easy to reach, it isn’t very crowded. Perhaps it’s because this waterfall isn’t mentioned much in travel blogs, since its beauty certainly isn’t the reason. From the spacious parking lot in Moinhos, it’s just a short walk to the waterfall, which is nestled in the middle of dense vegetation. People who walk there often stay only briefly, but it’s really worth taking the time to enjoy the serene surroundings.

9. Salto do Cabrito

South of Ribeira Grande lie the Salto do Cabrita waterfalls. If you follow the main road to Lagoa do Fogo, halfway along there’s a turnoff onto a narrow road that descends very steeply to a parking lot just below the waterfall. If you’d rather not drive down such a steep slope in your rental car, opt for the parking lot at Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande, a small oasis of relaxation with hot springs and a restaurant. A circular hike begins here that takes you past the waterfall, among other sights.

10. Lagoa do Fogo

A little further south lies one of São Miguel’s most beautiful crater lakes, Lagoa do Fogo. However, if you want to drive there in a rental car between mid-June and late September, you won’t be able to—at least not between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. During that period, shuttle buses run between a stop north (Caldera Velha) and one west (Casa da Água) of the lake. You can still drive to Lagoa do Fogo before 9:00 a.m. and return later, since only traffic heading toward the lake is blocked. Or you can wait until 7:00 p.m. and then drive to the crater rim. Keep in mind, however, that the parking lot at Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo is free for only the first twenty minutes; after that, you’ll have to pay.

You’ll need to take the above restrictions into account, but the crater lake is one you absolutely shouldn’t miss when visiting São Miguel. If you enjoy hiking, you can opt for the five-kilometer-long trail that starts just northwest of Vila Franca do Campo.

11. Ilhéu de Vila Franca

Off the coast of Vila Franca do Campo lies a truly remarkable little island. It was formed by the eruption of an underwater volcano, and its perfectly round crater is a unique spot for swimming and snorkeling. It’s (naturally) quite rocky there, but at low tide, a small beach even forms inside the crater! Looking for a unique experience and breathtaking scenery? Then you won’t want to miss this spot. Be sure to get there early to reserve a boat to the islet at the port of Vila Franca. Sea kayaking around the islet is also a fun activity. From the harbor, it takes about forty minutes to reach it. You can explore various caves and get a close-up view of the cliffs. In addition to its unique landscape, the islet is known for its diverse birdlife. That’s why the trail to the highest point is closed off, but the view just before the gate is also beautiful. For the same reason, you can only visit the islet between June 15 and October 15.

12. Nossa Senhora da Paz

For a different view of the volcanic islet, climb to the Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Paz chapel at the top of a hill on the north side of Vila Franca. The imposing staircase leading up was built in 1968 and consists of ten landings and one hundred steps. The staircase is adorned with tiled landings depicting religious scenes. To further enhance the route, the landings feature flower beds with hydrangeas and other plants. The chapel’s interior is modest, but the view of the town and the island is magnificent.

13. Furnas

Furnas is a unique little town: it’s located in an area with geothermal springs and steaming geysers and is one of the must-see places on São Miguel. In the village itself, you can already see simmering sulfur-rich water and bubbling mud pools at the Caldeiras. You’ll find even more geysers on the north side of Lagoa das Furnas. It’s fascinating to walk along boardwalks right through the area, past small geysers spouting hot water, steam, and boiling mud. You’ll also see pits with lids—that’s where the local specialty, Cozido nas Caldeiras, is slow-cooked underground. You can enjoy this dish at various restaurants in the village.

Of course, there are also hot springs in Furnas. The most beautiful is Parque Terra Nostra, where you can combine a soak in the water with a visit to a stunning botanical garden. It was laid out in the 18th century by an American consul who had his summer residence here. The expansive garden, featuring a wide variety of plants and flowers, is situated in the crater of an extinct volcano. After a stroll through this magnificent garden, it’s wonderful to relax in the large hot spring, which lies like a pond at the garden’s entrance. The color of the water reveals its high iron content.

The Poça da Dona Beija thermal baths are located a little further toward the lake. There are five different pools, and it’s especially nice to go there in the evening because, unlike Terra Nostra, this hot spring is open until 11:00 p.m. The pools and the tropical vegetation surrounding them are beautifully lit up at that time. A romantic way to end your day!

14. Miradouro do Pico dos Bodes

Another miradouro? Yes, because this one isn’t right on the coast and offers a slightly different view than the rugged rocky cliffs. Just east of Povoação, you’ll see a turnoff leading to two lookouts. The first one (Pôr-do-Sol) already offers a nice view, but for a truly spectacular panorama, drive your rental car further on to Pico dos Bodes. There’s a small observation tower there, allowing you to climb a little higher. From there, you’ll have a phenomenal view of the island’s southwest.

15. Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park

Old water mills form the heart of the small Ribeira dos Caldeirões Nature Park . Two of them are still in operation, while the others explain how water mills work. One of the exhibits is specifically designed for children. These water mills are set in an almost fairy-tale-like setting with a wide variety of trees, flowers, and shrubs, interspersed with various waterfalls. The largest waterfall is over forty meters high.

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ll find it here too, because you can go canyoning in Parque dos Caldeirões! You’ll descend along the stream from the top, rappelling down past the waterfalls.

16. Centro Ambiental do Priolo

The Azores goldfinch, known as the “priolo” in Portuguese, is one of the rarest birds in the world. This little bird lives in the far east of the island and forages for food in the laurel forest, which on São Miguel is now found only around Pico da Vara. It is estimated that around a thousand individuals of the species live near that volcano, which is more than thirty years ago when the priolo was a critically endangered bird. And that is thanks to the efforts of the Centro Ambiental do Priolo, which is located in an old forest ranger’s house.

There, you’ll learn not only about the priolo but also about the history of São Miguel. For instance, the bird was once considered a pest because it ate the leaves of orange trees, which used to be an important source of income for the island. Support the ongoing work of the volunteers who are protecting and restoring the laurel forest—and, in doing so, the priolo’s habitat. Hikes through this primeval forest are also organized from the center. Just south of Nordeste on the east coast, the turnoff to the center is marked by a brown sign. That turnoff is just past the Vista dos Barcos lookout point.

17. Farol do Arnel / Vista dos Barcos

Just outside Nordeste, there’s a cove along the road where you can park your rental car and enjoy the view of Ponta do Arnel. Below, you can see the Farol do Arnel, which is the oldest lighthouse in the entire Azores. A little further on, near the small road leading to the lighthouse, there’s more parking available. That road is very steep, and we advise against driving your rental car down it. You can walk down, but the climb back up is quite exhausting. And is it worth it? Actually, a viewpoint further along is much more beautiful, so we’d say: save yourself the trouble. That other viewpoint, Miradouro da Vista dos Barcos, is just a kilometer’s drive away.

18. Ponta do Sossego

The east coast of São Miguel is also full of scenic viewpoints. One of the most beautiful is Ponta Do Sossego, because there—in addition to a beautiful view of the coast—you can enjoy a beautifully landscaped garden. This expansive garden is laid out across terraces at different elevations. There are covered benches and tables in various spots, making this a fantastic place for a picnic with an unobstructed view of the Atlantic Ocean. This spot is very popular among locals, and it can get quite crowded, especially on weekends. As a result, it can be difficult to find a parking spot for your rental car. It’s best to visit outside of peak vacation season and on a weekday.

19. São Miguel’s Most Beautiful Beaches

São Miguel’s natural beauty is the island’s biggest draw, but you’ll also want to relax on a beach and take a dip in the ocean. The beaches on the south coast are perfect for that, while the north coast has stronger swells and is better suited for surfing or bodyboarding.

Praia do Fogo is located seven kilometers south of the popular village of Furnas. This beautiful beach is also ideal if you’re traveling with children, as it slopes very gently and the seawater temperature is pleasant, thanks to underground hot springs.

Praia de Água D’Alto is a 600-meter-long sandy beach that’s particularly popular in the summer. It’s nestled between high rocky cliffs, which keep the water calm and make it perfect for swimming. Although there’s a large parking lot at the beach entrance, it can fill up completely during the summer.

The village of Povoação has a small black-sand beach, but it’s beautifully framed by a cliff covered in greenery. The best view of it is from the artificial pool right next to the beach, which is filled with seawater.

A magnificent beach on the north coast is Praia do Areal de Santa Bárbara near Ribeira Grande. It’s a perfect spot for a long walk along the beach, and the strong surf attracts people who want to learn to surf. There’s also a surf school where you can take lessons.

20. Whale and dolphin watching

You can go whale-watching and see various species of dolphins around São Miguel all year round. The largest whales migrate past the island from March through June. During this time of year, you can spot gray whales and (blue) fin whales. Boat tours for whale-watching excursions depart from various locations on the island. Keep in mind that seeing whales is never guaranteed, but you’re sure to encounter playful dolphins. Some boat tours combine dolphin and whale watching with a trip around the unique volcanic islet off the coast of Vila Franca.

Island Hopping in the Azores

The distances between the various island groups that make up the Azores are enormous. São Jorge, along with Santa Maria, belongs to the eastern islands. The central islands consist of Faial, Pico, São Jorge, Graciosa, and Terceira, and then there are Flores and Corvo, which form the western islands. There are no ferry connections between the island groups, though there are connections between the islands within each group. If you want to travel from São Miguel to another island, you’ll need to fly and book separate rental cars for each island. Here are links to rent a car on one of the other islands: Santa Maria, Terceira, Faial, Pico, São Jorge, and Flores.

Driving a Rental Car on São Miguel

The roads on São Miguel are very well maintained. However, some of the roads in the interior are quite narrow. Since it’s a mountainous island, don’t be afraid to drive through hairpin turns.

The Azores have an abundance of cows, and they sometimes need to be moved to another pasture or to the milking area. This means that you may occasionally (usually in the early morning and late afternoon) encounter groups of cows walking slowly across the road.

When to Rent a Car in the Azores

São Miguel is a year-round destination, though the weather can be quite unpredictable. Although June, July, and August are the warmest and driest months, you can still get a rain shower or find fog hanging somewhere. Note that word “somewhere,” because weather conditions on this relatively small island can vary enormously. For example, it’s not uncommon for fog to hang over the lakes of Sete Cidades in the west, while the sun is shining brightly in the east. Fortunately, there’s a very handy website for this: Visit Azores. There, you can use various webcams to see live weather conditions in different locations. For São Miguel, there are cameras located at Sete Cidades, Ribeira Grande, Lagoa do Fogo, and Furnas, among other places.

Make use of that website and don’t stick rigidly to your plans; instead, adjust them according to the weather conditions. That’s also why we don’t describe a tour of São Miguel above—because then you’d be too tied to a specific route, whereas—especially in the Azores—you need to be flexible in choosing your day trips. It’s really worth keeping a close eye on those webcams, because the weather can change quickly—for better or for worse.

Book a rental car in advance

No matter when you’re visiting São Miguel, it’s always advisable to book a rental car in advance. That way, you can be sure a car that suits your preferences will be waiting for you upon arrival at Ponta Delgada Airport. This is especially true if you prefer to drive an electric car, as the selection of electric cars available for rent on São Miguel isn’t very large (yet). The selection of rental cars with automatic transmissions is also much smaller than the selection of manual transmission cars.