Sao Miguel 4-Day Itinerary Overview
This Sao Miguel itinerary is split into 4 days. Each day you get to explore a different part of the island. This itinerary highlights the best and most amazing sights on Sao Miguel.
The island is relatively small, so it is possible to base yourself in one location – that is usually Ponta Delgada, the largest city and capital. You can, however, find cheaper, better, but also more remote accomodations in other towns around the island.
This guide will take you through 3 days of driving where you will explore the western, central, and eastern parts of the island as well as a day exploring Ponta Delgada where you can stroll the streets or take one of the many tours to see whales.
Day 1: Western Sao Miguel (Aqueduct, Miradouro da Boca do Inferno, Vista do Rei and Hotel Monte Palace, lunch in Sete Cidades, Mosteiros, Ponta da Ferraria, Capelas)
Day 2: Central Sao Miguel (Pineapple Plantation, Lagoa do Fogo, Caldeira Velha, Porto Formoso, Miradouro de Santa Iria, Cha Gorreana Tea Factory, Our Lady of Peace Chapel, Ilha do Vila Franca do Campo)
Day 3: Eastern Sao Miguel (Pico do Ferro, Lagoa das Furnas, Park Grena, Parque Terra Nostra, Salto do Prego, Lighthouse Arnel, Miradouro Ponta do Sossego)
Day 4: Ponta Delgada (Gruta do Carvão, Portas da Cidade, churches of Ponta Delgada, Forte de Sao Bras de Ponta Delgada, whale watching tour)
How to Get to Sao Miguel?
Sao Miguel is the largest island in the Azores and is home to the largest international airport in the Azores.
The Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL) is serviced by many European Airlines and domestic Portuguese flights from the mainland as well as Madeira.
There are also Transatlantic flights available with regular flights to the United States and Canada.
The airport is centrally located and is a mere stone’s throw away from Ponta Delgada (about 10 minute drive).
There are taxis available at the airport, but you need to call them first, which isn’t really handy (nor cheapest).
If you want to have a transportation to the city (or your accomodation) reserved in advance and waiting for you, I recommend this service. (ontravel)
Renting a Car in the Azores
The best way to get around the Azores is to rent a car. The process is easy – if you have a valid licence you simply walk into one of the stores and rent-a-car for the day (or two or more). Parking all around island is free of charge and parking lots are spacious and well marked. Driving around is very simple as well since the island itself doesn’t have a lot of traffic and the roads are nice.
I can recommend renting from Ilha Verde. They have multiple options and are easy to rent at.
>> Click here for rental car in Sao Miguel
Sao Miguel Tours for Those Not Renting a Car
If you are, for any reason, unable to rent a car, I recommend booking different tours to visit various locations around the island. Why? Because with just taking the public transport to go around you’ll see much less and need more time (and nerves). Public transportation is not as common in the Azores as one might like. Hence booking a tour is an obvious solution and you’ll get the most for your money.
I took some of the tours myself on my first visit to the Azores – found them to be very affordable and well-managed. Usually lunch is included as well, which comes handy.
Here are three highly recommended tours that will help you see a large amount of the sites I listed in this Sao Miguel itinerary:
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Sao Miguel Itinerary Day 1 (Western part)
The western side of Sao Miguel is probably the most beautiful one too. With lush green forests and stunning volcanic lakes, spending a day driving around the western side will surely take your breath away. As I like to say – the views touch your soul.
Coal Aqueduct
Start your trip to the old Coal Aqueduct that cuts through the epic landscape. Take the time to explore the area and walk amongst the old pillars.
During the hydrangea season, the perpetual greenery is broken up with the wonderful blue flowers that grow all over the island and line most of the roads and paths.
Visiting the Coal Aqueduct should take no longer than 30 minutes and is the perfect introduction to Azorean nature.
Miradouro da Boca do Inferno
Miradouro da Boca do Inferno is one of the most famous vantage points in Sao Miguel and one of the best Azores photography locations. It is the view you think of when you hear someone reference „the Azores“.
The picture-perfect viewpoint is easily accessible as you drive west from Ponta Delgada.
You can drive relatively close to it, but then you will need to ditch your car at the roadside car park (parking is free of charge) and head up to the view on foot.
The trail is well marked out and easy to follow, and there are likely to be plenty of other people to follow.
Once you reach the viewpoint, you will be taken aback by the stunning views of the four main lakes of the western part of Sao Miguel – Lagoa Santiago, Lagoa Rasa, Lagoa Azul, and Lagoa Verde (barely seen from this viewpoint).
This is the perfect place to spend an hour or less wandering around and soaking in the views.
This is a very easy hike. You can extend it to Lagoa das Eguas Norte, it will take you additional hour and many beautiful views all around the western part. More about hikes in Sao Miguel here.
Vista do Rei (Kings View) and the abandoned Hotel Monte Palace
Vista do Rei („Kings View“) is an impressive view that looks over Lagoa Verde, Lagoa Azul, Sete Cidades and the surrounding crater.
The view gained its name and its fame when a visiting king from mainland Portugal came to the islands and declared this view his favorite on the island and set up camp by the viewpoint.
Beside the main road is the abandoned Hotel Monte Palace, a 5-star hotel from the 1980s that stayed open for a bit over a year. The hotel has been stripped of nearly everything of value by locals, but it’s a fun place to explore for about 30 minutes. Head to the roof for one of the best views in the Azores. The roof lifts you much higher than the Vista do Rei viewpoint and gives an amazing panoramic view of Lagoa Verde and Azul. It is important to be careful while exploring the building as it is in a state of disrepair – some parts are dangerous.
The building has now been sold (to a Chinese company) and will soon get a purpose in life. Expect to spend around an hour or less enjoying Vista do Rei and exploring the hotel.
Lunch in Sete Cidades
Head to the small town of Sete Cidades for lunch and to explore the lakes close up. There are a few restaurants in the little town serving local food and drinks. Parking is free.
I can recommend two restaurants:
* Sau Nicolau – has a buffet option of unlimited good food, with unlimited drinks included (careful there! ;)), for around 15€
* Lagoa Azul – menu options, anything from steaks to bifanas to burgers and chips, prices varying from 5€ to 20€. By the lake!
You’ll spot people kayaking on the lakes in the summertime, but nobody swims…
Spectacular Sea Stacks at Mosteiros
On the northwestern shore of Sao Miguel is the village of Mosteiros, a seaside village that is home to stunning islets and sea stacks and lava pools that sit just off the shore. You can park at the beggining of the town, there’s a big parking lot on the left side of the road. Parking is free. There are parking places further in town as well, but often occupied – the town is very small.
Take the time to check out the view of the islets and explore the natural lava pools around the beach or simply spend time sitting on the black sandy beach as you recover from lunch. There’s a bar at the beach too. Fancy a swim?
Warm dip in the Atlantic ocean – Ponta da Ferraria
Just a few minutes drive away is Ponta da Ferraria. It’s located on the western shore of Sao Miguel. Here you will find a natural hot spring in the ocean – it feels like a hot tub during low tide.
There’s no entrance fee, it’s opened 24/7 all year round. Big parking lot is free too, and it’s just about 4-minute walk away from the ocean.
Careful during high tide and moody weather – the power of the ocean is might, it can get dangerous. Same goes for Mosteiros lava pools.
End the Day in Capelas
The small town of Capelas on the north shore is the perfect place to end the first day of exploring the island of Sao Miguel.
Located on Sao Miguel’s north, it’s the ideal place to walk around and check out the azure waters.
Head to the Elephants Trunk viewing point to check out the natural feature where the cliff looks like an elephant’s trunk dipping into the ocean.
Midadouro do Porto das Capelas is a wonderful viewpoint and is a great place to take a quick swim in the Atlantic Ocean.
Sao Miguel Itinerary Day 2 (Central part)
Day two of the itinerary will take you through the main sights of the central part of Sao Miguel.
Pineapple Plantation (Plantacoes de Ananases A. Arruda)
Located just outside of Ponta Delgada is a pineapple plantation. Pineapples are one of the most important products of the Azores.
The pineapple was bought over from Brazil to be cultivated on the islands and has transformed into its own unique pineapple. Instead of taking 6 months to grow, the Azorean pineapple is grown over a 2-year period although it ends up being smaller than the average pineapple and is much sweeter.
The plantation is entirely organic and a great way to spend an hour learning all about how they are grown on the islands with greenhouses taking you through each phase of growth. There is also a shop where you can purchase all manner of pineapple-based goods.
Take it from me, the pineapples in the Azores are phenomenal.
There are many different pineapple plantations around Ponta Delgada, the one mentioned above is just one of them. All of them are free od charge for a visit.
Pico da Barrosa – Lagoa do Fogo
Pico da Barrosa is the best place to get an epic vantage point of Lagoa do Fogo.
The large crater lake is used as a reservoir to provide the lower-lying towns with fresh water. Because of this reason, swimming is illegal in the lake.
The view over the lake is impressive. You can park (free) a few meters below the best viewpoint.
There’s a visible path that leads all the way down from the viewpoint to the lake. The walk is short, about 20 minutes. It’s the way back that gets you sweating!
On cloudier days, you may find visibility to be poor. However, the weather in the Azores moves quickly and the view should clear up in a short amount of time.
Caldeira Velha
Caldeira Velha is a hot spring area rich in volcanic minerals (such as sulfur). It is located amidst incredible nature, has some amazing waterfalls and hot springs that you can relax in. Reservation is needed (here), parking lot is free, the entrance fee to the hot springs (and to visit the area) is 10€. There are showers, toilets and lockers inside.
I highly recommend!
Miradouro da Santa Iria
Don’t forget to stop at a stunning viewpoint. Parking lot is free of charge of course, and a minute-long walk will bring you to miradouro da Santa Iria. Beautiful!
Porto Formoso and Praia dos Moinhos
A small village with a beautiful black sand beach – Praia dos Moinhos. There is a spacious parking lot (free of charge) for all visitors close to the beach. Besides the beach there’s a beautiful waterfall nearby (Cascata do Porto Formoso) with amazing walk through lush green forest. During hydrangea season the flowers are just stunning.
You can grab a lunch at the beach, I recommend O Moinho Terrace Cafe (cheap and delicious food), but there are other restaurants too.
Cha Gorreana Tea Factory
The Azores is the only place in Europe where there are tea plantations. The Cha Gorreana (Tea Factory) is a wonderful place to learn about cultivating tea on the islands. They produce green and black teas. As you walk around the factory, you will learn all about tea production and how the tea is cultivated and dried. The visit is free of charge.
After walking around the production center, you can spend some time sitting in the café tasting the different teas. Degustation is complimentary.
You can also walk around the plantation and even take a short hike (30 minutes altogether) to the nearby waterfall where they get the water for the plantations.
There is also a toilet and a gift shop where you can purchase local teas to take home.
Our Lady of Peace Chapel
Head to the hills above Vila Franco do Campo to the Our Lady of Peace Chapel.
The stunning chapel is situated on top of a hill with a beautiful, symmetrical staircase leading up to it. The impressive grounds are covered in colorful flowers that contrast the black and white lava stone structure. The chapel was a former hermit’s residence and its secluded, hilltop location provides an amazing view over the bay and out towards the islet of Vila Franco do Campo.
Vila Franco do Campo is another interesting place to stop off for lunch and I suggest checking out Atlantico Grill for awesome fresh seafood right on the harbor.
Option in Vila Franca do Campo – visit Ilha do Vila Franca do Campo
A beautiful little islet is located just a short boat-ride from the coast. A small, volcanic islet is a place of natural beauty and an epic nature reserve that is home to plenty of amazing flora and sea birds. The crater of the volcano has filled in with seawater and the crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming and diving.
The islet is a protected area, but with limited access around it it’s open for visitors. It has enclosed beach, so you can swim in the ocean but stay safe at the same time.
During the summer months, there is a regular boat service to the island but because it is a nature reserve, the number of people who are able to visit daily is limited to ensure that there is minimal impact on the island’s ecosystem.
The price for the boat-ride is 12€ and that’s the only charge you’ll get. The ride takes around 15 minutes. You can stay on the islet as long as you want, most visitors stay for an average of 1,5 – 2 hours. In a qiosk where you’ll purchase the boat ticket you can also rent a snorkeling equipment (pay 20€ and get 10€ back when you return the equipment) and water (1€ for 1,5L bottle).
Sao Miguel Itinerary Day 3 (Eastern part)
The eastern side of Sao Miguel is a hive of volcanic activity with plenty of thermal pools and springs to keep any nature lover entertained. The area is home to the highest concentration of hot water springs in the whole of Europe.
As you drive into the region, you will often see the steam from the springs rising into the air from all around.
I recommend you first head towards Furnas. Furnas is a town inside a volcanic crater. A beautiful viewpoint stands just above it (or better say at the edge of the crater) – Pico do Ferro. You could also walk down from here to the lake.
Lagoa do Furnas and Park Grena
Head to the shores of Lagoa das Furnas where you will find geothermal, natural hot springs bubbling away.
The entrance to the whole hot springs area is 2€. It’s well worth the visit, even if just to take a stroll around the lake.
Cozidos: With wooden walkways running above the springs, you can get up close to these volcanic springs and really feel the heat (and smell) from them. Buried in the ground around the springs, Azoreans cook the local, famous dish Cozido das Furnas. The dish is a lot of meat and root vegetables and is layered in a large pot, covered, wrapped up, and then buried in the ground where it is left to slowly cook over multiple hours in the volcanic heat.
At the springs, you can often see workers coming to dig out the finished pots and bury the next batch (that usually happens between 11am and 1pm).
Just next to these cozido hot springs is a marvelous Park Grena. Stunning waterfalls, incredible forest of Japanese cedars, even their very own hot spring. I highly recommend a visit. Entry fee is 10€ and there’s a quiosk to purchase your ticket at the entrance. Hike: moderate.
Parking lot for the area is free of charge, with toilets just at the entrance.
Parque Terra Nostra
Located directly in Furnas town is Parque Terra Nostra – a must-visit when exploring the eastern side of Sao Miguel.
Home to large thermal baths and impressive botanical gardens, you can spend hours walking around the lively gardens and taking some time to relax in the thermal pools. The thermal baths were originally built in the 1780s and have been the highlight of many people’s visits to the islands over the years.
The warm (orange) waters are rich with minerals that help relax the body and restore energy levels, help travelers to keep their energy levels boosted in order to keep on exploring the island with delight.
The botanical gardens provide the perfect place to relax as you wander aimlessly through the extensive gardens. The semi-tropical climate of the Azores and the rich and fertile soil make it the optimal place to grow many different kinds of plants and trees. There are thousands of different kinds of flora on display with some of the trees actually being hundreds of years old.
To fully enjoy the park and hot pools, I recommend around 3 hours. The entrance fee is around 10€.
Chow down on Cozido das Furnas
A trip to the east of the island and Furnas would not be complete without enjoying the famous Cozido dish cooked in the heat of the volcano. The dish is comprised of various meats and sausages, like chicken, pork, beef, blood sausage, and chorizo. It also contains vegetables like potatoes, carrots, cabbage, yams, and kale. This is layered in a large pan and then buried and cooked in the ground for 5-7 hours. The rich and flavorful dish is truly impressive and makes for a great filling lunch.
Head to Restuarante Banhos Ferreos to try Cozido das Furnas, or make a reservation at Terra Nostra Garden Hotel (where the park and pools are as well).
Salto do Prego
As you travel east along the south coast of the island, take time to check out a small village of Faial da Terra. A short hike into one of the valleys brings you to Salto do Prego, an impressive waterfall and natural pool.
A quick (45 minutes) and moderate hike to the waterfall makes this little stop worthwhile (in addition to the insane scenery you will witness as you walk to it).
You can also enjoy swimming in the natural pool beneath the waterfall, though it does get a bit chilly. If you are keen on photography, this waterfall makes for impressive long exposures.
Lighthouse Arnel
As you drive around the eastern shore of the island, take the time to stop at Lighthouse Arnel.
The lighthouse is located on the edge of a cliff and provides a dramatic viewpoint to look out over the Atlantic Ocean and breathe in the fresh air while stretching your legs.
The walk to the lighthouse is steep but worthwhile as the views are impressive.
The lighthouse itself is an interesting building and was the first one built in the Azores. It is possible to take tours of the lighthouse on Wednesdays and learn the history free of charge.
Miradouro Ponta do Sossego
This view is one of the most epic spots on Sao Miguel and is a must to add to your 4 days in the Sao Miguel itinerary.
The viewpoint sits high above majestic cliffs and is so otherworldly and jaw-dropping that you’ll think you have been transplanted to another part of the planet.
This area is well-marked and there are a lot of spots where you can picnic or stroll along the high coastal cliffs to get views or just take in the insane scenery that Sao Miguel has to offer.
There are various plants and flowers that line the paths here and it is an epic place for eager photographers.
Sao Miguel Itinerary Day 4 (Ponta Delgada)
Spend the day exploring the small capital of the Azores, Ponta Delgada, and maybe take a sustainable and ethical tour to see the whales and dolphins out in the Atlantic.
Ponta Delgada started off as a small fishing village, the capital of the island then was located in Vila Franca do Campo. After a devastating earthquake the capital of the island was moved to Ponta Delgada.
Gruta do Carvão
Explore the lava tubes at Gruta do Carvão. They are the largest on the island at over 1.5km (over 5000ft) long although history suggests that these tubes may have been much longer in the past.
First discovered in the 17th century, the lava tubes are spectacular displays of natural geography where various rock formations have formed and the basalt walls have changed color due to oxidization.
To visit the caves, it costs around €5. There are two options of tours available- a shorter, easier 200-meter tour where group sizes are around 15 people or more.
The second option is a more difficult 800-meter tour where there are only 2-4 people on the tour. It is recommended to book in advance to avoid disappointment of the cave either being closed or tours booked up.
Portas da Cidade
Check out the city gates – Portas da Cidade. These 18th-century arched gates are the iconic structure of the city and are featured on most postcards.
The gates were originally situated by the harbor, however, they were moved to Goncalo Velho Square at a later date. Made out of classic Azorean lava stone, the white and black gates are aesthetically beautiful and provide a nice contrast against the clear blue skies.
Ponta Delgada Churches
There are plenty of churches in Ponta Delgada worth checking out. Made out of black basalt (lava stone), the black and white churches are impressive structures and are beautifully designed.
The outside beauty is matched by the ornate interiors. Each church is as impressive as the other and it’s worth checking out all of them.
Forte de Sao Bras de Ponta Delgada
The fort and military museum is located on the seafront and is still used by the Portuguese Navy.
The historical museum provides a great look into Portuguese military history as well as an insight into the Portuguese empire’s colonization in Africa. It highlights the many fights for independence from the many colonized countries. There is also a room dedicated to notable veterans in Portuguese history.
Take a Whale and Dolphin Watching Trip from Ponta Delgada
Take a dolphin and whale watching tour out to sea to encounter some of the world’s most impressive sea creatures.
The Azores is home to many whales and dolphins, as well as being on the migratory path of others.
During April and May, you will have the highest chance of seeing the largest amount of species, including blue, fin and sei whales along with bottlenose and Atlantic spotted dolphins. However, year-round you can see the amazing, deep-diving sperm whale. You might also be lucky enough to see turtles.
This three-hour tour will offer you the chance to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat while a marine biologist teaches you about the animals. Don’t leave your camera behind!
Here are the two ethical whale-watching tours in the Azores that I can recommend:
- Dolphin and whale watching on Sao Miguel (#1 selling tour!)
- Full day whale watching tour on Sao Miguel
To summarize everything…
You could definitely see the main attractions in 3 or 4 days, but even stopping for a swim in one of the natural lava pools has its charm.
With all of that said we think you’re ready to visit Azores now 🙂 if you need further assistance with planning your trip don’t hesitate to contact us and get yourself personalised travel advice.
If you had a look at our itinerary plans for other Azorean islands you can see that you need quite some time to enjoy Azores fully. To save the time you can respond to wander call and join us in one of our group adventures!
