10 Best Things to Do in SAO MIGUEL You’ll Love (Azores)
Looking for the best things to do in Sao Miguel Azores? In this article, we will share the very best activities and places to see that we experienced during our trip to Sao Miguel Azores. From breathtaking views, jungle hot springs, charming towns, waterfalls and more – every type of traveller will find something to love from the things to do in Sao Miguel Azores.
The Azores are Europe’s most exotic and distant islands, they are the furthest western point in the continent, isolated in the middle of the pacific ocean. With short direct flights from the UK, the US and Europe, you will have experiences that you would have never thought possible so close to home. Plus, the Azores have been recognised as one of the most sustainable tourism destinations in the world, an accolade only shared by 13 regions across the globe.
Sao Miguel is the largest of the islands within the Azores archipelago and is simply incredible. It is packed with natural beauty, and after spending a week there (see our 7-day itinerary) it’s safe to say we fell in love and can guarantee that you will too. We can not believe that these islands are still a hidden gem, with most people looking a bit clueless when we told them where we were going on holiday. Make the most of it while it lasts!
Continue reading to find out our top 10 things to do in Sao Miguel Azores plus some honourable mentions!
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Contents
Essential Travel Tools
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🏨 Accommodation: Booking.com
📸 Tours: Viator/Klook
🚗 Car hire: Discover Cars
Map of the best things to do in Sao Miguel Azores
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Top 10 Things to do in Sao Miguel Azores
1. Sete Cidades – Best things to do in Sao Miguel for hikers
Price: Free
Ok, so this one is pretty obvious, but for good reason! Setes Cidades is incredible and one of the real jewels of the Azores. It has been made famous by its iconic twin lakes which are situated in a three-mile wide, volcanic crater. You truly have to see it to believe it, and once you do, you will never forget it.
The landscape is best seen from above, from one of the several viewpoints dotted around the area. Miradouro da Vista do Rei, the ruins of Monte Palace Hotel and Miradouro da Boca do Inferno are the main ones. Just make sure you go on a clear day for the best views.
Tips
#1: At Boca do Inferno, after viewing the sights from the balcony, head to the right for a more organic, less crowded viewpoint along one of the cliffs that jut out.
#2: use the webcams on SPOTAZORES (http://www.spotazores.com/cams) to check the live weather and make sure you will have the best, clear view of the lakes.
2. Caldeiras Velha – Best things to do in Sao Miguel for relaxation
Price: €8pp
Sao Miguel has the largest concentration of thermal pools in Europe, yet another reason that makes the Azores so unique and special. These hot springs in particular were our favourite on the island.
The Azores has the largest concentration of thermal waters in Europe and we consider these hot springs one of our Sao Miguel favourites. Bathing in 39℃ pools, or the 21℃ waterfall pool if you don’t mind the cooler water, is not only relaxing but a true bucket-list experience. High in the mountains, surrounded by nature, that 1.5 hour time limit goes by so quickly. This is the ultimate Instagram hot spot so make sure you don’t miss it.
Tip: Remember to take dark swimmers and maybe a padlock for the lockers.
3. Whale Watching – Best things to do in Sao Miguel for wildlife
Price: €60pp for a 3-hour tour
There aren’t many places you can see blue whales or even whales in general, but you can from Sao Miguel. We went with Futurismo for our tour as we found them to be highly rated and extremely considerate of the animals. Our boat kept a safe distance from the magnificent creatures we saw whilst the qualified marine biologist delivered expert commentary throughout the tour. There aren’t just whales to see but also dolphins, turtles and other sea life – truly an unmissable experience.
Tips
#1: take some travel sickness tablets before your tour even if you don’t think you will be seasick. Better to be safe than spewy
#2: Book this tour early on in your Azores itinerary in case it is cancelled due to rough sea conditions. This gives you more opportunities to reschedule.
4. Lagao do Furnas
Price: €3pp if entering from the northern car park to view the geysers (€10 for 1-hour canoe hire, €10pp entry for Grena park walks with access to waterfalls)
There are so many things to do at Furnas Lake that you could spend a full day here. And why wouldn’t you? It’s beautiful! From kayaking on the lake to the 5km perimeter walk, waterfall hikes and geyser boardwalks- this is sure to be a highlight on your Sao Miguel trip. We loved the lake so much that we stayed in a cottage on the southern coast (read more about our accommodation choices here) and would drink Azorean red wine of an evening, watching the carp leaping out of the water. Don’t forget to check out this lake from the Miradouro do Pico do Ferro for one of the best views on Sao Miguel.
Tip: if you park in the southern car park or along the roadside to walk around the lake, you can see the geysers for free
5. Terra Nostra Gardens
Price: €10pp
This place is iconic in the Azores. We’re sure you’ve already seen pictures of the big orange pool located in the centre of the park. Boasting three pools with temperatures ranging from 35-40℃, this is the perfect place to unwind in the beauty of the gardens. Our favourite pools were the jacuzzis which gave amazing “bathing in nature” vibes. This might also be one of the few hot springs left on Sao Miguel without a time limit so definitely make the most of this one.
The hot springs aren’t the only thing to do here either. The gardens hold an impressive collection of flora, winding pathways and grottos bringing a further element of adventure and exploration to the park. Take your time to follow the different pathways and find a little bench where you can enjoy a moment of zen.
Tips
#1: Bring old or dark swimwear here as the iron-rich water stains your clothes and skin but it’s worth it.
#2: For an extra element of luxury, why not book a stay at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel where you can enjoy 24-hour access to the gardens.
#3: This place can be enjoyed on a cloudy or even rainy day – save those clear days for some of the other sights.
6. Parque Natural Da Ribeira Dos Caldeirões
Price: Free
Located in the northeast of the island, Parque Natural Da Ribeira Dos Caldeirões is a gorgeous, free-to-enter, national park that is well worth a spot on your Azores itinerary. Home to waterfalls, watermills and winding paths through tropical forests to explore, this place showcases the best of what Sao Miguel has to offer. It also has a cafe, gift shop, toilets and covered picnic areas making it very family-friendly and accessible.
The waterfall just before the park entrance absolutely blew us away and was one of the best we have seen. Follow the path to its base before crossing the stream via the stepping stones for another angle. Also, on a hot day, that spray is so refreshing!
Tip #1: why not add some adrenaline to your visit by booking a canyoning tour?
7. Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo
Price: €11.20pp
The crater of an ancient submerged volcano, this small paradise islet 1km off the coast of Vila France do Campo makes for the perfect day trip. Having previously hosted the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Championship, the almost perfectly circular, wave-free lake with its crystal clear water provides excellent conditions for swimming and diving.
Access to the islet is via a ferry which can be prebooked here and runs from June to October each year. Alternatively, you could include this as part of a whale-watching tour.
Tips
#1: this is the perfect place to capture on a drone
#2: daily visitor numbers to the islet are limited so book early to avoid disappointment
8. Lagao do Fogo
Price: Free
Lagao do Fogo, or the “lake of fire”, is the highest elevated lake on Sao Miguel. Catch your first glimpse of this flame-shaped body of water from Miradouro do Pico da Barrosa before heading down to Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo. From this viewpoint, you can hike 30 minutes down the meandering trail to a small beach on the lakeside. However, this area is protected by the Azorean government which means swimming in the lake is strictly prohibited. You can continue further along the shore to extend the walk and find a more private spot to enjoy a picnic lunch.
Tips
#1: As this is only a 10-minute drive from Caldeira Velha, why not follow up your hike with a soak in the tropical thermal pools?
#2: Save for a clear day so keep an eye on those webcams at SPOTAZORES (http://www.spotazores.com/cams)
9. Gorreana Tea Factory
Price: Free but tip jars are dotted around
Gorreana Tea Factory is the only tea plantation in Europe. Initially surprised by this fact, it actually makes sense with the Azorean self-sufficient way of life that they would produce their own tea. This quaint family-run factory offers free self-guided tours along the whole production process as well as a tasting of their black and green tea. The tea is also served in the cafe and for sale in the shop if you fancy taking any home with you.
Make time to stroll through the tea fields on the opposite side of the road during your visit. We believe this is where the magic of this place lies. Walking amongst the rows of tea, it’s hard to believe you are still in Europe. The view from the top of the hill looking down at the white and red factory with the Atlantic in the background – absolute bliss!
Tip: Go in the week to see the factory in full swing
10. Explore Ponta Delgada
Price: most of the attractions we mention are free apart from Jardim Botânico José do Canto at €5pp and the lava caves at €7.50pp
This sounds general, however, we loved Ponta Delgada and felt it deserves a place in our top ten. The remarkable white and black, gothic architecture throughout the city is full of history and culture. Climb the stairs to the top of the city hall bell tour (Torre Sineira de Ponta Delgada) and enjoy the panoramic, 360° views over the city. Next, enjoy a coffee from Cafe Central whilst admiring the Igreja De São Sebastião (Catholic church) opposite before exploring one of the city’s botanical gardens such as Jardim Botânico António Borges or Jardim Botânico José do Canto.
Ponta Delgada is also home to some of the island’s best restaurants. Our personal hot picks are O Giro and Otaka but make sure you reserve to avoid disappointment. Honestly, we’ve been dreaming of the crispy nigiri tuna tartar from Otaka ever since.
Just outside of the city centre is the pineapple plantation (Plantação Ananases A Arruda) which is also free to visit and the lava caves (Gruta do Carvão – Monumento Natural) where you can go on a 30-minute guided tour of the lava tubes but it is advised to call ahead to reserve first.
Tip: Make dinner reservations at any restaurants you are eager to try to avoid disappointment. We found a lot of places were fully booked during our time in Ponta Delgada.
More Amazing Things to Do in Sao Miguel Azores
Choosing ten of the best things to do in Sao Miguel Azores was difficult so here are a few honourable mentions:
- Paragliding – imagine how amazing it must be to view the greenest island in the Azores from the sky. Azores Paragliding Adventures offer tandem paragliding and paratrike flights for €90pp. This activity is weather dependent so reach out to Azores Paragliding Adventures to arrange your flight nearer to your trip.
- Canyoning – Sao Miguel is full of natural wonders and a great way to explore is through canyoning. Rappel, jump and slide your way through the crystal clear waters and lush forests on a half-day tour.
- Beaches – with the main road following the island’s coastline, the natural pools and beaches are easy to get to. Being a volcanic island the sand is black rather than gold but we think this makes for some moody snaps. Some of the best beaches are Mosteiros for sunset and Santa Barbara for surfing.
- Ponta da Ferraria – we’ve already listed a few hot springs but we couldn’t forget to mention this one. Ponta da Ferraria is an oceanfront, natural hot spring that is fed into by the sea. Come at low tide and low swell for the best conditions. There are also changing facilities and lifeguards on hand to ensure everybody in the water is safe.
- Pico de Vara – why not hike the highest peak on Sao Miguel? At 1103m the views from this mountain are incredible. Follow PR07 SMI on the 7km challenging hike across a ridge and up the peak before enjoying panoramic views across the island.
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