The Good Sao Miguel Itinerary for five Days within the Azores


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In the event you’re pondering of planning a visit to the Azores islands, chances are high you are making an attempt to determine which island(s) to go to. As a result of that is precisely what I did as soon as I made a decision I wished to go to this Portuguese island chain.

The factor about visiting the Azores is that its 9 volcanic islands are all fairly totally different – however they’re NOT all grouped shut collectively like you may think. I initially thought my husband Elliot and I might simply go to 2 or perhaps even 3 islands throughout a brief journey to the Azores. However, upon doing extra analysis, I quickly realized that will require inside flights, a number of automotive leases, and general extra of a headache to plan.

So as a substitute we determined to focus simply on ONE island within the Azores for our first, quick journey.

We determined to go to São Miguel, the biggest and most populated island within the Azores. And it ended up being the BEST alternative! We had the liberty and time to completely discover the entire island, and did not must stress about flights or ferries or a number of automotive leases.

View on São Miguel island in the Azores
São Miguel additionally form of has all of it!

This itinerary will cowl my perfect journey to São Miguel island within the Azores!


Why select São Miguel within the Azores?

In the event you’re solely going to go to one island within the Azores, I believe there’s an awesome argument to be made for it being São Miguel. Just a few the reason why we personally selected it:

  • São Miguel is well-connected by worldwide flights to each mainland Europe (principally with flights to Portugal) in addition to the US east coast. We hopped on a direct flight to Ponta Delgada, the biggest metropolis on São Miguel, from New York, and have been there in nearly 5 hours.
  • It is the biggest island within the Azores, that means there’s LOTS to see and do. Even for those who’re planning an extended journey within the Azores, you actually ought to commit no less than 3 days to São Miguel to see all the principle sights.
  • And talking of that, there are quite a lot of sights on São Miguel, from scenic lakes to scorching springs to seashores to geothermal areas to even a tea plantation! It is an awesome island to get an general style of the Azores.
  • Lastly, since it is also probably the most populated island within the Azores, there are additionally extra resorts, eating places, and vacationer companies on São Miguel when in comparison with among the different islands. In the event you’re visiting throughout excessive season (which, it is possible that you may be), this implies you must nonetheless be capable to discover a place to sleep and a automotive to lease while not having to e-book 6 months upfront.
View above FurnasView above Furnas
View above Furnas

We paired up a go to to São Miguel with a while in Porto and the Douro Valley on mainland Portugal, and it was such a enjoyable journey. My steered 5-day Azores itinerary simply focuses on São Miguel, and will both be achieved by itself, or paired up with a go to to a different island or one other metropolis in Portugal, relying on how a lot time you’ve got.


5 day Sao Miguel Azores itinerary

Once more, this Azores itinerary is simply going to concentrate on the island of São Miguel. And I’ve gone with 5 days, because it’s sufficient time to actually discover the entire island with out speeding in any respect. You may in fact spend much less or extra time, however that is the itinerary I personally counsel, primarily based by myself travels to São Miguel.

Highlights of this Azores itinerary embrace:

  • Visiting many scenic viewpoints (miradouros)
  • Soaking in pure scorching springs
  • Visiting a pineapple farm
  • Seeing Europe’s solely tea plantation
  • Occurring a meals tour
  • Stress-free on some black sand seashores
  • Visiting well-known lakes
  • A whale watching tour
  • And far more!

Sao Miguel is just not a small island, protecting 287.5 sq. miles. However it’s sufficiently small that you will by no means be driving for hours at a time; actually, it solely takes a bit over an hour to drive throughout the entire island.

Amanda and Elliot on Sao Miguel island in the AzoresAmanda and Elliot on Sao Miguel island in the Azores
Let’s go to Sao Miguel!

Who is that this itinerary for? This itinerary is for the traveler who loves stunning surroundings, native tradition and historical past, making an attempt conventional meals, and a really gentle smattering of outdoorsy journey (suppose: straightforward walks, scorching springs, and boat excursions). That is NOT a hiking-focused itinerary, as I am not that form of traveler!


Day 1: Arrival and western Sao Miguel

Highlights at present: A pineapple farm, the lakes and views round Sete Cidades (with an optionally available quick hike), and a black sand seashore

Complete driving time at present: 2 hours (84 km) (map link)

I’ll assume that you will be arriving on São Miguel on the Ponta Delgada airport (PDL, formally the Aeroporto João Paulo II) within the morning. Flights from the US are quick in a single day flights, normally arriving to Ponta Delgada earlier than breakfast.

I like to recommend grabbing a espresso on the airport, after which selecting up your rental automotive able to hit the street. (You *might* attempt to verify into your resort, however it would possible be too early, and also you’re higher off performing some sightseeing first and checking into your resort later.)

A notice on driving on São Miguel: Sure, you want a rental automotive on São Miguel. There aren’t quite a lot of public transit choices, and it will be too costly to make use of taxis to get in all places on this itinerary. The excellent news is that driving right here is fairly straightforward; the most important highways are nonetheless principally simply 2-lanes, they drive on the proper like a lot of the world, and Google Maps will get you in all places. You do want to order your automotive effectively upfront, although; I take advantage of Auto Europe for reserving rental vehicles in Europe.

Late morning: Pineapple farm

For a late morning pick-me-up, drive into Ponta Delgada (it is a very quick drive from the airport) and go to a pineapple farm! The Azores develop candy, scrumptious pineapples inside greenhouses, and there are a number of pineapple “farms” proper on the outskirts of town.

Pineapples growing in a greenhousePineapples growing in a greenhouse
Pineapples rising in a greenhouse

The farm Elliot and I visited was Plantação de Ananás dos Açores, which provides a free self-guided tour you possibly can take to study all about rising pineapples. In addition they have a bit cafe right here the place you possibly can attempt a bunch of pineapple meals and drinks, together with even a pineapple beer!

Fresh pineapple juice, plus a pineapple and ham sandwich on sweet Azorean breadFresh pineapple juice, plus a pineapple and ham sandwich on sweet Azorean bread
Recent pineapple juice, plus a pineapple and ham sandwich on candy Azorean bread

Different pineapple farms close by you possibly can go to embrace Ananás Santo António and Plantação Ananases A Arruda – however I actually advocate the one above with the cafe!

Afternoon: Sete Cidades

After getting a pineapple-infused meal in you, it is time to discover among the greatest spots on the western finish of Sao Miguel. Make for Sete Cidades, a bit parish in an historical volcanic crater that is now residence to a few of São Miguel’s most well-known lakes and views.

Head to Miradouro da Vista do Rei first, a extremely popular lookout with views over each Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul. In July and August, there may also be a TON of hydrangea buses blooming on this space.

Sete Cidades lakes viewSete Cidades lakes view
The view from Miradouro da Vista do Rei

The parking space across the viewpoint (alongside an deserted resort) can get very busy throughout excessive season, however it’s price being affected person for a spot, because the views are iconic and spectacular!

From the perspective, IF you need to squeeze in a bit hike, head subsequent to Miradouro da Boca do Inferno. You used to have the ability to drive proper as much as this viewpoint, however now you need to perform a little stroll by way of a forest first (park the place “Parque estacionamento Lagoa do Canário” is marked on Google Maps, and the path begins proper throughout the road).

This hike is generally flat and straightforward, save for the final perhaps 10 minutes, the place you do must climb a hill to get to the views. As soon as up there, observe the path out to the perspective over two separate crater lakes. Once more, the views are very a lot price it!

Walking out to Miradouro da Boca do InfernoWalking out to Miradouro da Boca do Inferno
Strolling out to Miradouro da Boca do Inferno
View from Miradouro da Boca do InfernoView from Miradouro da Boca do Inferno
The view!

After your little hike, you possibly can observe the principle street again and down into the city of Sete Cidades (when the hydrangeas are blooming, this drive is very gorgeous). In the event you’d reasonably skip the hike above, one other factor you are able to do is lease a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard to make use of on the lakes for as much as an hour (more info here.)

In Sete Cidades, make sure you cease to see the Igreja de São Nicolau, a cute church that is very photogenic.

Igreja de São Nicolau in Sete CidadesIgreja de São Nicolau in Sete Cidades
Igreja de São Nicolau

Late afternoon: Black sand seashore

From Sete Cidades, it is not a far drive to the parish of Mosteiros on the northeast coast.

Considered one of my favourite seashores on São Miguel is Praia dos Mosteiros, a small-ish black sand seashore with views out in the direction of some sea stacks and rock formations. The seashore is dramatic, has parking close by, and even has restrooms and a bit snack bar. This can be a good spot to seize a drink, and even go for a day dip for those who can stand the chilly water temp.

Praia dos Mosteiros black sand beachPraia dos Mosteiros black sand beach
Praia dos Mosteiros
Praia dos Mosteiros black sand beachPraia dos Mosteiros black sand beach
Praia dos Mosteiros

Professional tip: Black sand will get HOT within the solar; it is a good suggestion to put on sandals or water footwear right here.

Night: Ponta Delgada

By now, you can verify into your resort, get dinner, and doubtless have an early evening for those who spent the earlier evening on a airplane!

Just a few spots in Ponta Delgada which can be good for dinner embrace:

  • Ta Gente (meals plus good cocktails)
  • A Tasca (Portuguese)
  • Louvre Michaelense (reservations really useful)
  • Taberna na Boavista (tapas-style with a cute out of doors backyard space)
  • Adega do Mestre André (a extra native spot)
Meal at Louvre Michaelense in Ponta DelgadaMeal at Louvre Michaelense in Ponta Delgada
Dinner at Louvre Michaelense

The place to remain on Sao Miguel

Essentially the most handy place to remain on São Miguel is in Ponta Delgada, the biggest metropolis on the island. It is situated on the southwestern coast of the island (close to the airport), and makes a great base because it has a great variety of resorts and eating places when in comparison with another cities.

In the event you’re simply staying for a couple of nights, I like to recommend simply selecting one resort in Ponta Delgada. Bonus for those who select a resort that provides parking, as avenue parking in Ponta Delgada could be laborious to come back by in the summertime. My prime Ponta Delgada resort ideas are:

  1. Grand Hotel Açores AtlânticoThe highest-rated resort on the island, this luxurious spot is on the water and provides paid parking. (Read reviews | Book a room here)
  2. Octant Hotels Ponta DelgadaOne other nice waterfront possibility with trendy rooms, a rooftop bar, and paid parking. (Read reviews | Book a room here)
  3. Hotel Gaivota AzoresA smaller resort in a great location that is been lately transformed. Some rooms have harbor views. Observe although that they do not present parking. (Read reviews | Book a room here)
  4. Villa EsmeraldaThis boutique resort provides apartment-style rooms with full kitchens which can be excellent if you wish to cook dinner some meals for your self. Villa Esmeralda contains one parking spot for each residence in a lined storage. (That is the place Elliot and I stayed!) (Read reviews | Book a room here)
  5. Casa da GaleriaOne other apartment-hotel possibility, situated inside a historic constructing in Ponta Delgada. Additionally has parking, although the storage is reported to be tight. (Read reviews | Book a room here)
Room at Villa Esmeralda in Ponta DelgadaRoom at Villa Esmeralda in Ponta Delgada
Room at Villa Esmeralda

In the event you’re staying a bit longer or do not thoughts shifting round after only a evening or two, although, then you definitely may need to spend a pair nights in Ponta Delgada, after which one other couple of nights elsewhere on the island. Another spots that I’d contemplate embrace:

  1. Solar Branco Eco Estate & Boutique HotelNot removed from Ponta Delgada, this eco resort is situated in a quiet spot and can be residence to the Gin Library!
  2. Sensi Azores Nature & Spa in Ginetes – An unbelievable spot on the east finish of the island providing luxurious rooms, an infinity pool, a restaurant, and a spa and wellness heart. (Read reviews | Book a room here)
  3. Terra Nostra Garden Hotel in Furnas – Keep on the resort inside Terra Nostra Park, which is known for its pure scorching spring. This historic resort is among the greatest within the Azores. (Read reviews | Book a room here)
  4. Octant Hotels FurnasOne other luxurious possibility in Furnas with mountain views, a spa and wellness heart, and a second À TERRA restaurant. (Read reviews | Book a room here)
  5. The Lince NordesteIf you wish to keep on the north of the island, this spot is a good possibility. It has an outside pool, a spa, and bicycles for visitors to make use of. (Read reviews | Book a room here)

Day 2: Ponta Delgada

Highlights at present: Exploring Ponta Delgada and a meals tour

Complete driving time at present: 20 minutes (15 km) (map link)

Have a leisurely morning at present. Maybe pop over to Intz48 Espresso Roasters for a very nice cup of espresso – however do not eat a heavy breakfast, as a result of your first exercise at present is a meals tour!

Morning: Meals tour

Begin your day without work with a meals and tradition tour round Ponta Delgada with Hungry Whales. This food tour is among the greatest excursions within the Azores, and could have you visiting an area market and studying lots about Azorean meals tradition and the way it’s been influenced by the islands’ historical past.

Ponta Delgada city centerPonta Delgada city center
Ponta Delgada metropolis heart

The meals tour begins at 10 a.m. and lasts roughly 3.5 hours and can fill you up with 8-10 meals samples and a few drinks. I LOVE meals excursions as a method to study extra about native tradition once I journey, and it is a good one! (Book your spot here.)

Afternoon: Discover Ponta Delgada

You’ll wander across the heart of Ponta Delgada in your meals tour, however you may need to return to some spots for images, or perhaps commit a while to visiting an area museum or church this afternoon. (You will not want lunch after the meals tour!)

Just a few museum in/close to the middle of city embrace:

  • Museu Carlos Machado (museum in a former convent with displays on pure historical past and artwork)
  • Núcleo de Arte Sacra (sacred artwork museum)
  • Museu Militar dos Açores (army museum)

Or you may go for a bit nature stroll within the Jardim Botânico José do Canto or Jardim Botânico António Borges, each beautiful botanic gardens/parks.

Street in Ponta DelgadaStreet in Ponta Delgada
Road in Ponta Delgada
Igreja Matriz de São SebastiãoIgreja Matriz de São Sebastião
Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião

Late afternoon: Elective Gin Library go to

In the event you’re in search of a singular spot to get pleasure from a drink this afternoon/night, I can extremely advocate making the 10-minute drive to the Photo voltaic Branco Eco Property & Boutique Resort the place you may additionally discover the Gin Library.

The Gin Library is strictly what it appears like: an unbelievable assortment of gins from world wide. At the moment there are 1800+ bottles of gin, making it the biggest assortment in all of Europe! They make their very own gin right here, too, impressed by the flavors of native nature and the ocean.

You possibly can e-book a time for a brief demonstration and tasting, that are supplied each day on the hour within the evenings (after 4 p.m.). Extra info on booking here (a go to prices €15, and contains one gin and tonic).

Gin Library on Sao Miguel islandGin Library on Sao Miguel island
A part of the Gin Library
Drinks at the Gin LibraryDrinks at the Gin Library
Drinks on the Gin Library

Night: Wine bar

OR, for those who do not need to depart town this night, a great possibility in Ponta Delgada is to cease in for a wine tasting at Wine & Artwork by 1001 Garrafas. A 40-minute tasting right here pairs Azorean wines with native cheeses, and comes very extremely really useful.

Night: Good dinner

Exit for a pleasant dinner tonight in Ponta Delgada. I’d advocate making a reservation at A Terra, the upscale restaurant contained in the Octant Accommodations Ponta Delgada.


Day 3: North coast

Highlights at present: Coastal viewpoints, visiting a tea plantation, pure swimming pools, and a beachside dinner

Complete driving time at present: 2.5 hours (140 km) (map link)

Professional tip: There are many optionally available stops at present, and a few stuff you may have to pack in your automotive embrace: a swimsuit, towel, water footwear or mountain climbing sandals, and doubtlessly your mountain climbing footwear. And a dry change of garments!

Morning: Gorreana Tea Plantation

We’re headed out of town at present for a day exploring stunning viewpoints, gardens, pure swimming pools, and seashores, so get pleasure from breakfast at your resort or on the town.

The primary cease I like to recommend at present is on the solely working tea plantation in Europe!

On the best way, nevertheless, make a cease at Miradouro de Santa Iria, an exquisite viewpoint overlooking an extended stretch of Azores coast. From right here, this may remind you of one other European island – perhaps like Eire due to all of the inexperienced hills.

Miradouro de Santa Iria viewMiradouro de Santa Iria view
Miradouro de Santa Iria

Then make your manner down the street to the Gorreana Tea Plantation, or Chá Gorreana. This tea plantation dates again to 1883, when it was began by Ermelinda Pacheco Gago da Câmara (we love a feminine entrepreneur!). The tea thrives right here on São Miguel due to the island’s humid, moist, and gentle local weather, together with the acidic volcanic soil.

If you go to Chá Gorreana, you possibly can discover contained in the tea manufacturing facility (there are guides in sure rooms if in case you have questions), get pleasure from some samples of their inexperienced and black tea, and in addition discover the tea fields themselves. The plantation covers 79 acres (32 hectares), and there are some trails by way of the fields that you’re free to stroll by way of by yourself.

Rea fields at Gorreana Tea PlantationRea fields at Gorreana Tea Plantation
Exploring the tea fields
Tea tasting at Gorreana Tea PlantationTea tasting at Gorreana Tea Plantation
Tea tasting!

I extremely advocate strolling up into the fields, because the views are unbelievable!

Professional tip: Cha Gorreana was one of many busiest locations we visited on the island, with a number of massive tour buses dropping teams off. There may be parking behind the principle plantation constructing; attempt to keep away from parking alongside the driveway, because it blocks visitors and slows every little thing down.

Elective late morning: Pure swimming pools

From the tea plantation, you’ve got a pair choices for what to do subsequent. One possibility is to move into the close by parish of Maia to swim within the Piscinas Naturais das Calhetas da Maia, that are pure ocean swimming pools. IF the ocean is calm sufficient, you possibly can climb all the way down to the swimming pools and go for a swim (that is greatest achieved at low tide, or on calmer days, and I might advocate water footwear or sandals for the rocks).

For lunch, Oestrela Bar & Restaurante overlooks an area seashore right here, or you possibly can drive a bit additional to Moofana to get a bifana sandwich.

Elective late morning: Waterfall hike

An alternative choice alongside the north coast is to see the Cascata do Salto da Farinha, or Salto da Farinha waterfall. This entails a hike, so be sure to come ready!

You possibly can first cease on the Miradouro do Salto da Farinha, which provides up some good coastal views. Seize some lunch on the best way (perhaps a sandwich from Moofana), and you’ll get pleasure from it at a picnic desk right here. From this viewpoint, you possibly can really take a fast path all the way down to the waterfall for those who simply need to get some images.

OR, you are able to do a little bit of an extended hike by persevering with down the (windy, unpaved and really steep) street to a parking space close to a rocky seashore (it is marked on Google Maps as Pequena Rota PR21 SMI – Salto da Farinha – Podrão das Alminhas). From this parking space, there’s one other path that takes you to the waterfall that’s longer. (Many individuals will park their vehicles additional up this street and stroll down, as it’s a little bit of a scary drive!)

Observe that the waterfall is greatest seen after the island has had some rain; throughout much less moist stretches, it generally dries up.

Afternoon: Nature park

After swimming or your hike (or perhaps each, relying on how a lot you need to pack in!), the opposite cease I like to recommend making on the north coast is at Parque Pure da Ribeira dos Caldeirões, a small nature park with stunning landscapes, tons of hydrangea bushes, and even some small waterfalls.

Ribeira dos Caldeirões natural parkRibeira dos Caldeirões natural park
Ribeira dos Caldeirões pure park

There are paved trails main down into the park, together with a small cafe and restroom services. This spot is free to go to with loads of parking, so it actually ought to be a must-stop!

Elective late afternoon: Extra pure swimming pools

In the event you skipped the pure swimming pools this morning, there’s yet another likelihood to get pleasure from some on the north coast within the city of Nordeste, on the far northeastern nook of São Miguel. The Piscina Pure Da Boca De Ribeira is a pure swimming pool fed by ocean waves however arrange extra like an actual swimming pool.

There’s free parking and restrooms close by, and that is one other stunning place for a swim on a pleasant day.

Night: Seashore dinner

From Nordeste (or from Parque Pure da Ribeira dos Caldeirões for those who skipped Nordeste), it is a comparatively straightforward and quick drive again the best way you got here (40 minutes’ drive at most) to Praia do Areal de Santa Bárbara, or Santa Barbara Seashore.

This huge, lengthy seashore has darkish sand and plenty of lava rocks and is well-liked with surfers. There is a beachside restaurant close to the seashore’s predominant parking space referred to as TukáTulá Seashore Bar that’s wonderful for dinner – however it’s worthwhile to e-book forward (name or e-mail), or be keen to place your title on the checklist and wait. Ready is definitely beautiful, although; you possibly can get pleasure from a drink on the rooftop, or perhaps seize a recent piña colada and revel in it beachside.

Fresh piña colada in an Azorean pineappleFresh piña colada in an Azorean pineapple
Recent piña colada in an Azorean pineapple

The opposite possibility for a faster dinner at this seashore is to move to the far finish to a spot referred to as Seashore Membership – Surf & Snacks. Right here you may discover picnic tables overlooking the seashore, and a extra laid-back menu with issues like drinks and pizzas.

Both manner, it is a nice seashore to observe the sundown from!

Sunset at Santa Barbara BeachSunset at Santa Barbara Beach
Sundown at Santa Barbara Seashore

Day 4: Central Sao Miguel

Highlights at present: Boat journey, a lake journey, and scorching springs

Complete driving time at present: As much as 1.5 hours (83 km) (map link)

Morning: Whale watching or boat journey

Begin at present by getting out on the water!

The primary possibility is to go on a whale watching tour. This whale tour runs from Ponta Delgada, and can take you out to search for whales, dolphins, and different marine life. You possibly can e-book a tour both on a catamaran (extra secure and comfy, with bogs onboard) or on a zodiac-style boat (extra thrilling and you may get nearer to wildlife, however zero safety from the weather).

You can even e-book a whale watching tour from the city of Vila Franca do Campo on the south coast. A tour like this contains whale watching and in addition a brief tour round Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo, an island shaped by an historical volcano eruption. These ones are ONLY supplied on the small zodiac-style RIB boats.

Whichever you select, e-book the earliest tour time for the very best climate/sea situations and a greater likelihood of seeing whales.

View of Vila Franca do Campo from the waterView of Vila Franca do Campo from the water
View of Vila Franca do Campo from the water

Professional tip: Bear in mind, whales are wild animals and sightings are NOT assured in any respect. Additionally, you WILL really feel the movement of the ocean on the zodiac excursions, so take any seasickness meds upfront.

If whale watching is not your jam however you continue to need to get out on the water (hello, it is me! I truthfully do not love whale watching 90% of the time), there’s nonetheless an possibility for you!

Head to Vila Franca do Campo and e-book a quick zodiac tour around the islet. You may get to see São Miguel from the water and study all concerning the little volcanic island of Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo, which really was privately owned, and has greater than as soon as hosted the Purple Bull Cliff Diving World Collection.

This boat tour will not allow you to out of the boat in any respect, however is a enjoyable method to get out on the water for a bit.

Ilhéu de Vila Franca do CampoIlhéu de Vila Franca do Campo
Up shut with Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo

(You CAN swim within the lagoon at Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo, however you need to purchase tickets for a ship to take you on the market on the harbor, at Bilheteira Ilhéu de Vila França do Campo. These tickets can solely be purchased in-person day-of, and the boats run to/from the islet hourly.)

Lunch: Bar Carloura

In the event you opted to move to Vila Franca do Campo for a tour, then having lunch at Bar Caloura is should. This can be a extremely really useful native spot serving up seafood dishes and ocean views. There’s additionally one other pure swimming pool right here, which you’ll be able to see from the restaurant.

In the event you did a tour from Ponta Delgada, then you definitely’ll most likely simply need to have lunch on the town.

Elective afternoon: Lagoa do Fogo

Lagoa do Fogo, or the “Lake of Hearth,” is a big lake situated in an previous volcanic caldera within the heart of São Miguel island. The lake could be very typically shrouded in clouds and fog, which is why I am including this as a optionally available exercise at present. Going up the mountain to solely take a look at fog most likely is not price it.

BUT, for those who handle to hit a transparent day, then you definitely may need to do that. (Elliot and I did hit a transparent day, however we didn’t know the following bit of information on the time…)

As of 2024, you possibly can not drive the street EN5-2A to the Lagoa do Fogo viewpoints in your personal automotive throughout the excessive season (even when Google Maps tells you you possibly can, you can not!). As a substitute, from mid-June by way of September, the island now provides a shuttle service to take you as much as the lake and its viewpoints.

Buses run round, hop-on hop-off fashion routes between two parking areas: one on the Caldeira Velha car parking zone, and one other on the Casa de Água lot. Nonetheless, it is price noting that when you get off the bus (like, at a viewpoint), one other bus will not come round for about half-hour. Which means you most likely want to permit 2+ hours even for those who simply need to go to the 2 predominant lake viewpoints.

Personally, for those who’re visiting throughout the obligatory shuttle season, I am undecided visiting Lagoa do Fogo only for the viewpoints is price it by yourself.

An alternative choice: In the event you do not thoughts a really busy day, you may e-book this half-day tour that features visiting Lagoa do Fogo plus entry to the recent springs I point out beneath! It leaves from both Ponta Delgada or Vila Franca do Campo within the early afternoon.

Late afternoon: Caldeira Velha scorching springs

A spot I contemplate to be a must-visit is the Centro de Interpretação Ambiental da Caldeira Velha, a nature protect with a collection of naturally-fed scorching springs. This spot offers main Jurassic Park vibes with large ferns and luxurious greenery, and there are three predominant swimming pools at various temperatures to soak in.

Caldeira Velha hot springsCaldeira Velha hot springs
Caldeira Velha scorching springs

The good pool is the biggest and has a small waterfall cascading into it, whereas the warmer swimming pools are smaller. Entry to Caldeira Velha is ticketed and timed, although, to make sure it does not get *too* overly crowded.

You possibly can pre-book tickets yourself online here (you MUST e-book greater than 24 hours upfront), however take into accout the timing for those who plan to attempt to go to Lagoa do Fogo by yourself. (The Lagoa do Fogo bus has a cease proper on the Caldeira Velha car parking zone, although, which is helpful!) The most recent entry instances are both 4:30 p.m. (in spring and fall) or 6 p.m. in summer time, and you purchase tickets for a 90-minute go to.

Caldeira Velha hot springsCaldeira Velha hot springs
This double-layer pool is sweet
Caldeira Velha hot springsCaldeira Velha hot springs
That is the good pool

(OR, like I discussed above, this half-day tour contains visiting Lagoa do Fogo AND entry to Caldeira Velha.)

Return to Ponta Delgada (or wherever you are staying) tonight and have dinner there.


Day 5: East finish of Sao Miguel

Highlights at present: Heaps extra coastal viewpoints, plus visiting two geothermal parks

Complete driving time at present: 2.75 hours (144 km) (map link)

You possibly can have a extra leisurely morning at present and revel in breakfast at your resort or on the town. Then hit the street and head east in the direction of Furnas, which is probably the most geothermally-active a part of São Miguel island.

Morning: Furnas viewpoint

In your manner into the city of Furnas, take a fast detour to the Miradouro do Lombo dos Milhos. From this viewpoint you may get wonderful views over Furnas, surrounded by inexperienced mountains and colourful hydrangea bushes.

Miradouro do Lombo dos Milhos viewMiradouro do Lombo dos Milhos view
Miradouro do Lombo dos Milhos view

Morning: Fumaroles at Lagoa das Furnas

From the perspective, head all the way down to Lagoa das Furnas and the fumaroles and boiling mud alongside the lake at Antigo Pomar das Caldeiras da Lagoa das Furnas (free to go to, however you need to pay for parking). There is a very quick collection of boardwalks right here to get nearer to the vents and boiling mud, and you too can see the place they’re cooking Cozido das Furnas, an area dish of meat and root veggies that is cooked underground utilizing the volcanic warmth.

There is a small bar/cafe proper subsequent to the fumaroles tucked into some tall bushes that is an awesome spot to seize a drink (although I would not have the cozido right here).

Fumaroles and boiling mud in FurnasFumaroles and boiling mud in Furnas
Fumaroles and boiling mud!
Furnas cafe in the treesFurnas cafe in the trees
Bar/cafe within the bushes, proper subsequent to the fumaroles

There’s additionally a nature park right here with some strolling trails, although I’d skip it since we’ll go to a greater one in a bit!

Afternoon: Lunch in Furnas

Have an early lunch in Furnas city. We had a superb meal of native beef at Queijaria Furnense, however if you wish to attempt the Cozido das Furnas dish, the place to go on the town is Tony’s.

Afternoon: Terra Nostra Park

Subsequent up is the massive Parque Terra Nostra, which has numerous strolling trails by way of native flora, plus an enormous thermal pool. An entry ticket will get you entry to every little thing, so convey a swimsuit if you wish to go for a dip!

Terra Nostra ParkTerra Nostra Park
Terra Nostra Park
Terra Nostra Park thermal poolTerra Nostra Park thermal pool
Terra Nostra Park thermal pool

Professional tip: The thermal pool right here has quite a lot of iron within the water (which is why it seems to be orange), and it WILL stain any light-colored swimwear. So both put on one thing you do not thoughts getting stained, or put on a darkish shade like black or navy.

In the event you plan to swim right here, permit no less than a pair hours to get pleasure from every little thing. In the event you simply need to stroll the paths, permit maybe one hour.

Late afternoon: Extra viewpoints

There are LOTS of wonderful miradouros alongside the southeastern coast of São Miguel, so I like to recommend stopping to see a couple of earlier than you come to your resort for the evening.

Cease at Miradouro do Pôr-do-Sol for stunning inland views, Miradouro de Água Retorta for views over a cute Azorean city, Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada for a dramatic view of lush coast, and Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego for a garden-like setting with much more views.

Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego is one you have maybe seen in images, with a “path” alongside a cliff lined with hydrangea bushes. This path does exist right here at this viewpoint (slightly below the picnic space), however simply notice that it is not really a mountain climbing path and could be very quick in actuality! It does make for unbelievable images, although, even when the bushes aren’t actually in full bloom.

Miradouro da Ponta do SossegoMiradouro da Ponta do Sossego
Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego

Additionally do not be shocked to search out numerous cats at a few of these miradouros! Locals feed the cats right here and supply them with little homes and shelters.

Then it is time to head again to your resort for yet another evening, and put together to move residence (on onwards to a different island or elsewhere in Europe) tomorrow.


The way to do Sao Miguel in 3 days

In the event you’re planning an extended journey to the Azores and need to go to Sao Miguel alongside extra islands, then you definitely may need to shorten your go to right here to simply 3 days. If that is the purpose, this is what I’d do with simply 3 days:

  • Day 1: Arrival, pineapple farm, Sete Cidades, Praia dos Mosteiros, dinner in Ponta Delgada
  • Day 2: Tea plantation, Caldeira Velha scorching springs, Santa Barbara seashore
  • Day 3: Elective morning round Ponta Delgada, Furnas/Terra Nostra Park, all of the viewpoints within the southeast

So mainly I’d reduce the day in Ponta Delgada (sorry, meals tour!), reduce the whale watching, and reduce Lagoa do Fogo. This might nonetheless assist you to hit all of the highlights on Sao Miguel in simply 3 days.

Amanda and Elliot in the AzoresAmanda and Elliot in the Azores
I am glad we stayed a bit longer!

When to go to the Azores

The Azores are pretty gentle and humid year-round, however do have a definite excessive and off-season. Excessive season falls throughout the European summer time months, typically June-August, when temperatures common between 70-80 levels F and you will positively need to e-book issues like resorts and rental vehicles upfront.

Off-season within the Azores is the European winter months, when temperatures hover within the 55-60 levels F vary, and a few vacationer companies won’t be open.

Blue hydrangea in the AzoresBlue hydrangea in the Azores
Wish to see peak hydrangea blooms? Go in July or August.

Personally, I’d go for shoulder season travel within the Azores and on São Miguel. The months of April-Could and September-October will nonetheless typically have good climate, however you may face smaller crowds on the predominant vacationer websites.

All of my images on this submit have been taken throughout a mid-September journey!


Who’s able to plan a visit to Sao Miguel within the Azores?



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