Azores
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Logistics
Getting There
The Azores are a group of nine Portuguese islands located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Because of their remote location, direct flights can be somewhat limited depending on where you’re traveling from. São Miguel is the largest and most visited island, and its main city, Ponta Delgada, serves as one of the primary gateways to the Azores.
There are direct flights to the Azores from cities including Boston and New York, although routes and frequencies can vary depending on the season. From Europe, direct flights are also available from select cities, including London, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt, but they may not operate every day or year-round. Because of this, many travelers connect through Lisbon or Porto before continuing on to the islands.
If you plan to visit more than one island, you may need to take an additional inter-island flight or ferry. Flights are generally the most practical option between islands that are farther apart, while ferries are particularly useful for traveling between islands located close to one another.
Ponta Delgada Airport on São Miguel is relatively small and easy to navigate, so arrivals and departures are generally straightforward. São Miguel itself is also manageable to explore by car. You can drive from one end of the island to the other in roughly two hours, while driving around much of the island would take approximately four to five hours without stops. In reality, you’ll want to allow much longer, as there are plenty of viewpoints, towns, hikes, hot springs, and other stops worth exploring along the way.
Getting Around
When visiting the Azores, renting a car is by far the easiest way to get around and gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. The roads are generally well maintained and easy to navigate, and driving is on the right-hand side of the road. While some of the smaller roads can be narrow and winding, particularly in more rural or mountainous areas, driving around the islands is relatively straightforward.
Taxis are available, and Bolt operates on some of the islands, but availability can be limited, especially once you get outside the main towns. If you plan to rely on taxis or Bolt, it’s best to book ahead when possible and have a backup option for getting back. For most visitors looking to explore beyond the main towns, having a rental car will make your trip significantly easier.
Accommodations
When choosing where to stay on São Miguel, it’s recommended to split your time between a couple of different areas rather than using one hotel as your base for the entire trip. If you have four or more nights, consider staying somewhere on the west side of the island and then moving to the east. This will make it much easier to explore different parts of the island without spending too much of each day in the car.
I would personally skip staying in Ponta Delgada. While it’s convenient for the airport and has plenty of restaurants, there’s not a lot to see. Two locations should be plenty for most trips, although you could consider three if you have more time. I would avoid staying anywhere for less than two nights, as constantly packing up and changing hotels can quickly become more hassle than it’s worth.
Sensi Azores Resort is a small, peaceful and relaxing option on the west side of São Miguel, with a serene atmosphere, spa facilities, and great service. The staff can also help organize excursions and activities around the island if needed. Its western location makes it particularly convenient for exploring Sete Cidades and the surrounding area without a long drive. There’s a great restaurant on-site, which is perfect for a relaxed evening meal after a day of exploring. For an extra treat, some rooms come with their own private plunge pool.
Santa Bárbara Eco-Beach Resort – a beautiful, luxury option on the north-central coast of São Miguel. Its central location makes it a great base for exploring different parts of the island without having to drive too far in any one direction. This area of the island also tends to get more sunshine and draws in surfers. The resort sits right along the coast with direct access to the beach and a cute beach bar. The property has a peaceful, upscale feel with plenty of amenities, and some rooms even have their own private hot tubs. It’s a great choice if you’re looking to balance exploring the island with some time relaxing at the hotel.
Furnas Lake Forest Living – a serene and peaceful place to stay in the Furnas area, toward the east-central part of São Miguel. Furnas sits within the caldera of an active but currently dormant volcanic system, so the area is known for its incredible geothermal activity, including hot springs, steaming fumaroles, and volcanic landscapes. The property itself is tucked away in nature, making it a great choice if you’re looking for somewhere quiet and relaxing to unwind. There’s also a lovely restaurant on-site, which is especially convenient for evenings when you don’t feel like venturing out after a full day of exploring.
Things to do and see
Sete Cidades
One of the most iconic areas of São Miguel, Sete Cidades is known for its beautiful twin lakes surrounded by the lush walls of a volcanic crater. Stop at the Vista do Rei Viewpoint for the classic view from above before heading down to the lakeshore to experience the area up close.
Praia dos Mosteiros
Mosteiros is a tiny coastal village on the western side of São Miguel with beautiful views of the Atlantic and dramatic rock formations just offshore. It’s a great place to stop for lunch or visit later in the day to catch the sunset.
Horseback riding
Horseback riding is a unique way to experience São Miguel’s countryside and volcanic landscapes, with options ranging from daytime rides around Sete Cidades to sunset excursions and longer full-day adventures. Tours are typically kept small, making for a more intimate experience.
Whale Watching from Vila Franca do Campo
The Azores are one of Europe’s best destinations for spotting whales, dolphins, and other marine life. Terra Azul operates several speedboat tours each day from Vila Franca do Campo and uses land-based spotters to help guides locate wildlife before and during the tours.
Ponta Delgada
Ponta Delgada is the largest city on São Miguel and is worth passing through for a wander and lunch at one of its many restaurants. You don’t need to dedicate much time to the city, and I would only recommend staying here if it’s convenient for a late arrival or early flight.
Lagoa do Fogo
Lagoa do Fogo is one of São Miguel’s three major crater lakes and is surrounded by some of the island’s most dramatic scenery. The lake is frequently covered in clouds or fog, so check the local webcams before making the drive up to the viewpoints.
Furnas
Furnas is one of São Miguel’s most fascinating areas thanks to its geothermal activity, with hot springs, fumaroles, and steaming vents scattered throughout the valley. While here, try cozido das Furnas, a traditional stew that is slowly cooked underground using the natural heat of the volcanic earth.
Caldeira Velha Hot Springs
Caldeira Velha is a geothermal area where you can bathe in naturally heated thermal pools surrounded by dense vegetation.
Chá Gorreana Tea Plantation
Gorreana is one of São Miguel’s historic tea plantations, where you can take a free guided tour of the factory, learn how the tea is produced, and sample some of its varieties. Make time to walk through the surrounding tea fields. The rows of bright green plants create a landscape that feels more reminiscent of Asia than Portugal.
Praia do Areal de Santa Bárbara
This long black-sand beach on São Miguel’s northern coast is one of the island’s best-known surfing spots. On a sunny day, it’s also a great place to spend an afternoon relaxing on the beach and watching the surfers.
Pineapple plantation
São Miguel is famous for its pineapples, which are grown in greenhouses using cultivation methods unique to the island. Visit a local pineapple plantation (such as Ananas dos Acores) to see how they’re grown and sample pineapple products, from fresh fruit to liqueurs.
Miradouro de Santa Iria
Miradouro de Santa Iria is a beautiful viewpoint on São Miguel’s north coast, overlooking dramatic cliffs, green hills, and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s an easy, quick stop when exploring the northern side of the island!
Ribeira dos Caldeirões Park
Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões is a lush park in the northeast of São Miguel filled with waterfalls, greenery, and historic watermills. The surrounding area is also one of the island’s most popular spots for canyoning, with excursions taking you through waterfalls, streams, and natural pools.
Nordeste
Nordeste covers the quieter northeastern corner of São Miguel and is known for its rugged coastline, gorgeous landscapes, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints. It’s less developed than other parts of the island and is a great area to explore if you want to experience a more peaceful side of São Miguel.
Food and Drinks
Mômô
Dinner
Sensi Resort
Even if you’re not staying at Sensi Resort, its restaurant is well worth booking for dinner one evening while exploring the west side of the island. The food is delicious, and the serene resort setting makes it a lovely spot for a more relaxed evening meal.
O Américo de Barbosa
Lunch
Mosteiros
Located in Mosteiros, O Américo de Barbosa is a casual option for traditional, no-frills cuisine. It’s a convenient place to stop for lunch while exploring the western side of the island and Praia dos Mosteiros.
Quinta dos Sabores
Dinner
Santa Barbara
Quinta dos Sabores is a wonderful farm-to-table experience at a local quinta near Santa Barbara, offering several set menus with optional wine pairings. Your table is yours for the evening, so there’s no rush, and you can wander around the property and see the farm during your meal. The owners and staff are incredibly welcoming as well.
TukaTulá Beach Bar
Drinks
Santa Barbara
TukaTulá is a fun, laid-back beach bar right on Santa Bárbara Beach and a great spot for either a meal or drinks. The menu offers a bit of a twist on some of the more traditional dishes you’ll find around the island, making it a nice change of pace.
Restaurante Mariserra
Lunch or Dinner
near Ponta Delgada
Located just outside Ponta Delgada, Restaurante Mariserra is a casual spot serving traditional cuisine with views overlooking the ocean. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a straightforward local meal near the city.
Mãe d’Água Cafetaria
Cafe
Ponta Delgada
A great option for a quick breakfast in Ponta Delgada, Mãe d’Água Cafetaria offers grab-and-go pastries and coffee. It’s perfect when you want something easy before heading out for a day of exploring.
Intz48 Coffee Roasters
Cafe
Ponta Delgada
For serious coffee lovers, Intz48 is a great stop while in Ponta Delgada. The focus here is very much on the coffee, making it a good choice if you’re looking for a properly made cup rather than your standard café coffee.
Furnas Lake Restaurant
Dinner
Furnas Lake
Located at Furnas Lake Forest Living, the hotel restaurant offers a set-menu dining experience in a peaceful setting near Furnas Lake. It’s particularly convenient if you’re staying at the property or exploring the Furnas area.
A Tasca
Dinner
Ponta Delgada
A Tasca is a casual, no-frills local favorite in Ponta Delgada, with a huge selection of tapas-style dishes at affordable prices. Reservations aren’t available, so put your name down and grab a drink nearby while you wait, but make sure you’re back when your name is called or you may lose your table!
Ta Gente
Drinks
Ponta delgada
Ta Gente is a fun spot in Ponta Delgada for cocktails and a few small bites. It’s particularly good for starting an evening with a drink before heading elsewhere for dinner.
Bar Caloura
Lunch
Caloura
Bar Caloura is a laid-back seafood restaurant overlooking the water in the small coastal village of Caloura. It’s an especially nice place to stop for fresh seafood and a leisurely lunch on a sunny afternoon.
Queijaria Furnense
Lunch
Furnas
Queijaria Furnense is a restaurant in Furnas serving the local specialty, cozido. The area of Furnas is famous for cozido, a traditional Portuguese stew that is placed in large pots and slowly cooked underground for 6-8 hours using the area’s natural geothermal heat!
Santa Barbara Beach Club
Drinks
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Beach Club is a fun, laid-back spot right on the beach, serving everything from coffee and cocktails to tacos and açaí bowls. It also doubles as a surf shack, where you can rent surf equipment before heading out on the water. It’s especially worth visiting when there’s live music, so grab a drink, settle in, and enjoy the sunset over the water.
Other Notes
When to visit
June through September is the best time to visit São Miguel if you’re looking for warmer temperatures and the best chance of sunny weather. April and May can still be lovely, but expect more on-and-off rain and cooler temperatures; it’s generally not quite beach weather yet.
Duration
I recommend spending around 4–5 days on São Miguel, which gives you enough time to explore the different parts of the island without feeling too rushed. If you have longer, consider adding another Azorean island rather than extending your stay on São Miguel. There also isn’t quite as much hiking as you might expect, so you can cover many of the highlights within a few days.
Weather
The Azores have a microclimate, meaning the weather can change incredibly quickly. It might be raining one minute and sunny five minutes later, particularly during the spring. Download SpotAzores, which has live webcams across the island, and use them to decide where to go each day; flexibility is key, as the weather rarely behaves exactly as forecast.
Topography
São Miguel is a volcanic island characterized by lush green hills, crater lakes, rugged coastline, and striking black-sand beaches. The interior is hillier and more mountainous, while towns are scattered around the coast and tend to be very small. Even Ponta Delgada, the island’s largest city, doesn’t feel particularly big.
Cuisine
Seafood is a major part of the local cuisine, so look out for fresh tuna, octopus, limpets, mussels, and white fish on menus throughout the island. São Miguel is also known for its locally raised beef and pineapples, the latter of which are grown on the island using a unique greenhouse cultivation process.
Local wines are produced on the Azorean island of Pico, where grapes are grown in a unique volcanic landscape. Pico is particularly known for its volcanic wines, which are worth trying while visiting the Azores.