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São Miguel is the most visited island in the Azores, and for good reason! Not only is São Miguel the largest of all the Azores islands, but it also has the perfect blend of activities to give guests a taste of all the Azores offers. This 4-day Sao Miguel Azores itinerary takes travelers to all the top spots to show why São Miguel is a must-visit on your Azores adventure.
Note: This itinerary assumes that visitors are basing themselves overnight in Ponta Delgada but can still work from whatever area you’re based in.
São Miguel Itinerary Day 1: Ponta Delgada
What better way to start your São Miguel Azores itinerary than in its historic capital city of Ponta Delgada. The town is charming and gives visitors plenty to do without needing to go too far.
Breakfast at a local café
The café culture in the Azores is a beautiful thing, which is why you should start your first day with breakfast at a local café. There are too many great cafes in Ponta Delgada to pick just one, so I recommend finding one near where you’re staying.
Walking tour of the historic center
The best way to explore a new city is on foot. A walking tour of Ponta Delgada’s historic center will show you everything you may miss on your own. More importantly, you will learn about the city and the island’s history along the way.
Tour and lunch at Pineapple plantation
After exploring the city a bit, head over to one of the city’s top attractions, the pineapple plantation. There, you can tour the facilities and see how they grow pineapples. The best part, though, is trying all the different ways they use the pineapple. This makes the pineapple plantation a perfect spot for a light lunch before exploring more. I recommend trying a sandwich with their pineapple preserves for lunch and pineapple cake for dessert. The pineapple liqueur is also worth tasting if you’re feeling up for it!
Gruta do Carvão
Part of what makes the Azores landscape unique is its volcanic features. To see some of the ancient lava flow, travelers should visit Gruta do Carvão. This attraction is a large lava tube with passages and chambers that guests can explore on a guided tour.
Ponta Delgada Food Tour
Azorean cuisine is one of a kind, and a Ponta Delgada food tour introduces visitors to it in the perfect way. The Fat Dolphin Food Tour allows you to sample several dishes and learn about local culinary customs. You’ll also get the perk of receiving local recommendations for restaurants to eat at during your time on the island.
São Miguel Itinerary Day 2: Western São Miguel
Western São Miguel is home to some of the island’s top attractions! Your second day on the island will be filled with stunning nature and adventure, making you fall in love with the Azores.
Miradouro Boca do Inferno
The Azores is known for its miradouros, or lookout points. Miradouro Boca do Inferno is one of the most famous in the archipelago. This is why it should be your first stop when exploring Western São Miguel.
Sete Cidades
If there is one natural attraction you need to see in the Azores, it’s Sete Cidades. The best viewpoint is Miradouro da Vista do Rei at Sete Cidades, AKA King’s Viewpoint. While you can visit Sete Cidades independently, there are also options for a buggy/quad Sete Cidades guided tour. For the adventurous ones, ATV tours are another great option.
Lunch near Ponta Ferraria
The next attraction on the 4-day São Miguel Azores itinerary is Ponta Ferraria, but first, grab some lunch nearby. Two great restaurant options include Restaurante O Raião and ‘O Sole Mio (both of which are only a few minutes from Ponta Ferraria).
Ponta da Ferraria
Ponta da Ferraria is a unique volcanic hot pool in the ocean. It can sometimes be tricky to navigate with the rocks and crashing waves, but they have ropes to help visitors handle any rockiness.
Mosteiros Beach
Mosteiros Beach wonderfully represents Azores beaches with blue waves crashing against intricate rock formations. The beach is an ideal spot to swim, snorkel, and explore some marine life in the tidal pools.
Dinner and sunset in Mosteiros
After a day of adventure, I’m sure you’ll work up an appetite. Near Mosteiros Beach are two casual restaurants with outdoor seating where you can enjoy the sunset: Sunset Poço da Pedra or Seaside Vibez.
São Miguel Itinerary Day 3: Furnas
Furnas is a must-visit for travelers to São Miguel who want to experience the volcanic landscapes of the island. Your third day on the island will introduce you to everything there is to do in Furnas and the surrounding area.
Breakfast at Queijadas do Morgado
Queijadas de Vila Franca do Campo are a staple of São Miguel Island, and come from a café called Queijadas do Morgado. Luckily, Queijadas do Morgado is located on the way to Furnas, making it the perfect stop for these Portuguese custard cakes for breakfast.
Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Paz
Also, on the way to Furnas, you’ll come across one of the island’s most famous ornate religious landmarks. Perched on a hill overlooking the town of Vila Franco do Campo, Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Paz is a charming chapel dating back to the 16th century.
Furnas
Furnas is renowned for its geothermal features, which give visitors a glimpse into the intriguing volcanic activity of the Azores islands. Although it’s a small town, Furnas offers plenty to see and do to fill your day. That is why we wrote a whole post on how to spend a day in Furnas, São Miguel. Use this as your guide during the rest of your third day in São Miguel, and you won’t be disappointed.
São Miguel Itinerary Day 4: Northern São Miguel
If you think you’ve seen a lot so far, you still have a whole other part of the island to explore. The northern coast has so many gems waiting to be discovered.
Ribeira dos Caldeiroes
Start your day at the beautiful Ribeira dos Caldeiroes. With its lush greenery and waterfalls, this nature park is the perfect setting to start your day peacefully or adventurously, depending on your preference. If you want a slow, relaxing start to your day, indulge in a leisurely walk through the park. If you want to start your day with an adventure, book yourself a guided canyoning tour.
Gorreana Tea Plantation
The next stop on your Northern São Miguel Azores itinerary is to learn about the tea-making process at Gorreana Tea Plantation. Here, you can take a free self-guided tour of the plantation and try some tea. They also sometimes offer guided tours that you can join to learn even more.
Porto Formoso for lunch
At this point, you’ve likely worked up quite an appetite. Head to the village of Porto Formoso to grab lunch at a local eatery. Stroll through this coastal village before heading to Casa de Pasto – O Amaral for lunch to enjoy Azorean cuisine.
Miradouro de Santa Iria
On the way to your next destination, quickly stop at Miradouro de Santa Iria to catch one of the most scenic viewpoints on the island’s northern coast.
Salto do Cabrito
Now it’s time to be active again by hiking to another of the island’s several stunning waterfalls. With this spot, you can park at the top and take a longer route to the waterfall or drive almost to the waterfall and take a short walk to get there. Either way, you will be rewarded with a magical waterfall tucked among the rocky hillside.
Caldeira Velha
Caldeira Velha is another famous hot springs area on the island where you can soak and relax. This natural thermal spring also has an interpretation center where you can learn more about São Miguel’s geothermal activity.
Santa Barbara Beach
As one of the best beaches on the north coast of São Miguel, it is a great place to enjoy the views or lounge on its long stretch of black sand. The environment is incredible whether you are looking to surf or go for a swim.
Dinner in Ribeira Grande
Choose from one of the several high-quality restaurants in Ribeira Grande for dinner. Whether you’re looking for fresh seafood, local favorites, or international cuisine, there will be something to satisfy your craving. Consider some of the area’s top restaurants like Restaurante O Silva, TukáTulá Beach Bar, and Restaurante Faria.
Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo
If you have more daylight left, head to Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo for picturesque views over the lake. It’s the perfect place to end a fun-filled day on the island.
São Miguel Itinerary Optional Extra Day
If you have time, I recommend spending more time on São Miguel since there is so much to do. I will give you two options on what to add to your extra day on your São Miguel Azores itinerary. Choose an option based on your personal interests and preferences.
Option 1: Chase Waterfalls
If you didn’t get your fill of waterfalls during the rest of your trip, you could use this extra day to go “chasing waterfalls.” Starting in Caloura, work east to see some lesser-known waterfalls. Here is the best order working your way East:
Cascata do Segredo
Located outside the town of Agua de Alto, Cascata do Segredo is a small waterfall that offers a serene setting to relax or swim in the cool waters.
Cascata da Ribeira Quente
Cascata da Ribeira Quente is a gem not to be missed if you’re up for the challenge. The trail to reach this waterfall is not easily laid out like others around the island. Instead, you’ll have to be a little adventurous by clambering over some rocks and getting your feet wet as you cross the river. I only recommend this for the adventurous types, and I warn that it can sometimes be dangerous. Proceed at your own risk for a less-touristy look at the incredible nature of São Miguel.
Salto do Prego
Salto do Prego is the most well-known waterfall you will explore today, but it is still worthwhile. Although it is more popular, don’t be deceived. Reaching this waterfall with steep hills and stairs is still quite a challenge. When you get to the rushing waterfall, you’ll realize why it has become popular among tourists.
Salto do Cagarrão
If you haven’t had your fill of waterfalls for the day, you can hike to Salto do Cagarrão. This hike is about another hour’s hike from Salto do Prego, so you can link it to your Salto do Prego hike. You’ll notice, though, that many of the tourists will drop off at Salto do Prego, leaving Salto do Cagarrão much less busy.
Option 2: Water Activities
If you’d rather spend more time on or in the water than on land, there are plenty of water activities to try. Pick a couple to fill your day with adventure!
Whale watching
The Azores is a prime location for whale watching, so plenty of whale-watching tours leave right from Ponta Delgada. Spend a few hours on the open ocean to see what kind of marine life you can spot.
Swim with Dolphins
If you’d rather be in the water with the dolphins than observe them from a boat, there’s an option for that, too! This wild swimming with dolphins tour will allow you to get up close to these amazing creatures with guidance from trained professionals.
Snorkeling
If seeing marine life up close interests you, another option is a glass-bottom boat tour with snorkeling. With this tour, a biologist will accompany you to teach you about the marine life you’re seeing, and you’ll be able to spend time snorkeling in the Vila Franca do Campo area.
Kayaking
Kayaking is an incredible way to get out on the water and explore. The Vila Franca do Campo Islet Kayaking Experience, in particular, takes you to a protected islet where you can discover marine life and hidden caves.
Surfing
If you’ve ever wanted to try surfing, now is your chance. These exclusive surf lessons in São Miguel will teach you how to navigate the waves with the help of an expert instructor. No prior experience is necessary for this two-hour surfing program.
At first, four days may seem like plenty of time to explore the island, but this São Miguel Azores itinerary shows how much this island offers. Even with a jam-packed itinerary, you’ll leave plenty to explore on your next visit to the Azores.