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São Miguel invites visitors to indulge in the array of experiences and admire the beauty of the island. As the biggest island with arguably the most to offer, it’s no wonder that São Miguel reins as one of the best islands to visit in the Azores. With so much to do, it’s difficult to narrow down to the best things to do on São Miguel, Azores. Between history, culture, cuisine, natural wonders, and adventure, there’s something for everyone. Below, we outline the best things to do on São Miguel, Azores by category to appeal to every type of traveler.
History and Culture
The island of São Miguel is rich in history and culture making it perfect for travelers looking to gain insight into Azorean heritage. Here are a few of the best history and cultural attractions in São Miguel, Azores.
Ponta Delgada’s Historic Center
Step back in time as you wander through the capital city of São Miguel. Filled with cobbled streets and quaint squares, Ponta Delgada’s historic center entertains visitors with its charming cafes, artisan shops, and bustling markets. The centuries-old buildings and ornate churches lend to fulfilling sightseeing. Don’t miss the city’s gems of the iconic Portas da Cidade (City Gates) and Royal Palace.
Museu Carlos Machado (Carlos Machado Museum)
For a glimpse into São Miguel’s artistic and cultural heritage, Museu Carlos Machado is an ideal place to spend your afternoon. Housed in a former convent dating back to the 16th century, Museu Carlos Machado is the Azores’ oldest museum. The museum features collections of archaeological finds, religious art, and ethnographic exhibits that trace São Miguel’s history back to prehistoric times.
Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Paz
Located outside of the bustling capital of Ponta Delgada, Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Paz sits on a hill in São Miguel’s countryside overlooking Vila Franco do Campo. The charming chapel dates back to the 16th century and features a Baroque altar and Portugal’s famous azulejo tiles. Settled in the countryside amid stunning surroundings and tranquility, the sanctuary draws tourists and pilgrims alike to relish in its serenity. The chapel is only one of the several ornate representations of São Miguel’s deep-rooted Catholic faith.
Viewpoints
Like on any island of the Azores, visitors are bound to come across several signs for “miradouros.” These signs lead to stunning views of the island or coast and are part of what makes the stunning Azores special. While there a myriad of viewpoints that deserve praise, two in particular outrank the others as the best overlooks on São Miguel.
Miradouro da Vista do Rei at Sete Cidades (King’s Viewpoint)
You cannot visit São Miguel without experiencing the infamous Sete Cidades. And the best way to see it is from Miradouro da Vista do Rei, or King’s Viewpoint. Located in the heart of the island, Miradouro da Vista do Rei grants tourists sweeping panoramic views of the iconic Sete Cidades. With the unpredictable Azores weather, I recommend allotting enough time to wait out any possible cloud coverage when visiting. While it’s common for fog to blockade the stunning view, it is just as common for the coverage to clear within minutes. And it’s very much worth it!
Miradouro da Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth Viewpoint)
Another famous and gorgeous viewpoint, Miradouro da Boca do Inferno, offers a stunning overlook of the lake and the coast beyond. Near Sete Cidades, Boca da Inferno illustrates the power of nature and the raw beauty of São Miguel island.
Hikes
The Azores is a hiker’s paradise, and São Miguel island represents that well. Visitors could spend weeks exploring all the best hiking trails on São Miguel, but these two should be on everyone’s list.
Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake)
Lagoa do Fogo, or Fire Lake, boasts one of São Miguel’s most noteworthy hikes. The trail leads hikers toward the gorgeous Fire Lake seated within the volcanic crater while offering panoramic views along the way. The trail is moderately challenging with rocky terrain and steep inclines but is well worth the effort.
Caldeira Velha
Caldeira Velha allows visitors to discover the volcanic landscape and geothermal activity of São Miguel island. The trail weaves through a landscape of vegetation, waterfalls, and hot springs. Along the way, hikers can take a reprieve by soaking in the warm mineral-rich waters. The stunning scenery and relaxing ambiance make hiking Caldeira Velha one of the best things to do on São Miguel.
Waterfalls
The lush landscape of the Azores wouldn’t be complete without their cascading waterfalls. Luckily, São Miguel is not lacking in that area. The island is a paradise for those looking to chase waterfalls. Several scenic waterfall spots dot the island, but these three are some of the highest-ranked among tourists and locals.
Salto do Prego
Located in the village of Faial da Terra, Salto do Prego secures the position as São Miguel’s most popular waterfall. The trail to get there provides visitors with a scenic and relaxing hike with the reward of swimming beneath the waterfall when you arrive.
Ribeira dos Caldeirões
Nordeste is home to another of São Miguel’s famous waterfalls, Ribeira dos Caldeirões. This series of waterfalls dots the park but visitors will spot the first one right from the parking lot. As you wander through the gardens and stone pathways, you’ll encounter more waterfalls both large and small. The landscape makes visitors feel like they are in a fairytale with the picturesque bridges, moss-covered stones, and vibrant flora.
Salto do Cabrito
Salto do Cabrito sits on the hillsides near Ribeira Grande. A short hike through the forest takes you to the bottom of this majestic waterfall where you’ll feel the refreshing mist hit your face. You even have the option to take a refreshing dip in the natural pool below to cool off.
Volcanic landscape
The volcanic landscape of the Azores lends to it’s unique natural features that provide so much to explore. One of the best things to do on São Miguel, Azores is to discover thermal pools, lava tubes, geysers, and other features of the island’s volcanic landscape.
Caldeiras da Lagoa das Furnas
Furnas is a volcanic wonder and one of the best places to explore on São Miguel. The geothermal activity provides a landscape filled with fumaroles, bubbling mud pools, and steaming geysers. One of the best places on the island to see the volcanic activity at work is Caldeiras da Lagoa das Furnas. Located at the north end of Furnas Lake, this area is home to several geysers. You can even witness the traditional Cozido das Furnas cooking underground by the natural geothermal heat.
Poca da Dona Beija
São Miguel’s hot springs provide an ideal place to relax, rejuvenate, and take a break from the island’s adventures. The mineral-rich waters of Poca da Dona Beija act as the perfect escape with its series of natural thermal pools fed by volcanic springs. Each pool offers a different temperature and therapeutic benefit.
Gruta do Carvão
The island’s volcanic activity has left behind an intriguing feature that has become a top tourist attraction. The Gruta do Carvão is one of São Miguel’s most captivating lava tubes. Visitors can take a guided tour through the passages and chambers formed by ancient lava flow and marvel at the intricate geological formations. Along the way, you can learn about the cave’s formation and its role in São Miguel’s volcanic history.
Cuisine
A key part of experiencing a destination is indulging in its local cuisine. Azorean food is rich in flavors and includes some unique dishes that you need to try during your Azores travels. It’s not just about sampling the cuisine; it’s also about indulging in the culinary experiences.
Cozido das Furnas
One of the top dishes in the Azores can be found on São Miguel island. Cozido das Furnas consists of meats, vegetables, and spices slow-cooked underground using the geothermal heat of Furnas Valley. The result of the dish cooked in volcanic soil lends to a flavorful meal unlike any other. Try Cozido das Furnas at Restaurante Tony’s for the most popular and worthwhile Furnas dining experience.
Pineapple Plantation Tour and Tasting
When one thinks of food in Portugal or the Azores, they don’t often think of pineapple. Yet, São Miguel island produces delicious pineapple at their Pineapple Plantation in Fajã de Baixo. Visitors can embark on a guided tour of the plantation to learn about the island’s unique pineapple cultivation techniques and see greenhouses filled with rows of pineapple plants. However, my favorite part of the tour is sampling their delicious pineapple products. I recommend trying the pineapple preserves and liqueur.
Gorreana Tea Plantation Tour and Tasting
Did you know that Europe’s oldest tea plantation is located on São Miguel? Honestly, me either until I did some research on it! Gorreana Tea Plantation lets visitors see the tea fields, learn about the tea production process, and, of course, try the tea for themselves. Gorreana Tea’s rich history and sustainable practices make it an interesting destination on São Miguel.
Ponta Delgada Food Tour
I love a good food tour because it’s through local food that you can really get a feel for a destination. The same is true for the Azores. However, Ponta Delgada is one of the few, if not the only, places throughout all nine Azores islands that offer food tours. That is why a Ponta Delgada Food tour should be on everyone’s list as one of the best things to do on São Miguel. Dive into the city of Ponta Delgada and Azorean cuisine from the lens of a local.
Swimming and beaches
You can’t discuss the best things to do on an island without including the best beaches and locations to swim. Thankfully for ocean lovers, there are plenty of fantastic places to swim or lounge on the beach in the Azores. These three in particular are just the beginning.
Santa Barbara Beach
For a gorgeous golden sand beach and stunning coastal scenery, look no further than Santa Barbara Beach near Ribeira Grande. Santa Barbara Beach offers ample space for all the beach activities you can think of, making it a favorite destination for surfers and swimmers.
Mosteiros Beach
If you’re looking for a bit of a contrast to the golden sand of Santa Barbara Beach, head to São Miguel’s western coast to find Mosteiros Beach. This gem is known for its dramatic rock formations and breathtaking sunsets. Mosteiros Beach is another top place to swim, snorkel, or explore tidal pools for marine life.
Ponta da Ferraria
Also on the west coast, Ponta da Ferraria has become a hotspot for tourists to experience a one-of-a-kind swimming experience amidst volcanic landscapes. Here, visitors can soak in natural rock pools heated by geothermal springs where warm and cold ocean waters blend.
Water Activities
If you love water activities, São Miguel has plenty to keep you entertained. Some of the best things to do on São Miguel involve the water.
Whale Watching
The marine life around the Azores is impeccable, and the best way to see it is by embarking on a whale-watching excursion. It’s magical to see dolphins, fin whales, sperm whales, blue whales, and other marine creatures in their natural habitats.
Scuba Diving/Snorkeling
Of course, you can see some of the marine life from the surface of the water, but to really see the diversity of the marine ecosystems around the Azores, I recommend diving or snorkeling. With the help of a tour guide, you can explore anything from shipwrecks to underwater caves to coral reefs.
Kayaking
Kayaking in São Miguel gives visitors a new way to see the island. Whether it’s paddling along the island’s coastline, hidden coves, or serene lakes, you’ll discover more of Sāo Miguel’s natural beauty wherever you go.
Adventure Activities
The Azores continues to rank as one of the top adventure destinations in Europe for good reason. The countless adventure activities could account for most of the list of best things to do on São Miguel. Instead, I’ve listed only a few of the extreme activities adrenaline-seekers might want to add to their list.
ATVing
Why drive around the island when you can explore by ATV instead? The terrain and scenery of São Miguel provide the perfect setting for a day of quad-riding. ATV tours take you through winding paths, forests, and volcanic landscapes, letting you experience the island’s natural beauty up close in a thrilling way. You can discover remote corners of the island by going off the beaten path or discover top sites like the famous Sete Cidades.
Canyoning
There’s nothing like the thrill of canyoning; São Miguel’s ravines and waterfalls offer the perfect setting! On a guided tour, you can descend waterfalls, jump into natural pools, and navigate the island’s lush landscapes. This activity is for those really seeking an adrenaline-pumping and unforgettable journey through São Miguel.
Paragliding
If the land or water isn’t your thing, maybe the sky is! For a unique way to see São Miguel, join a paragliding experience with a local tour company. Soar above the island and enjoy panoramic views of the volcanic peaks, rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and azure waters. It may not be for the faint of heart but for those brave enough, I’m positive you won’t regret it.
With its array of activities and attractions, São Miguel offers something for every traveler. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures, serene nature exploration, or immersive cultural experiences, São Miguel is sure to impress.