Discover São Miguel

Welcome to São Miguel, an island where the land meets the ocean, in perfect harmony. An island where the sand is dark and the houses mostly white. The cattle are raised high in the mountains, the fish is caught in small boats in our seas and the roads are filled with flowers. Here, every drive up to the mountains is a journey of discovery of the uncertain. In the heart of our island, volcanic craters filled with water are to be found. A day that’s risen sunny, is now replaced by a low-lying mist that seems like the sky is touching the ground. This is the Azores. This is the island of São Miguel.

Below are handpicked recommendations for must-visit spots and optional activities, which are not included in the initial package cost. Optional activities are available by clicking 'Add Activity' below each stop.

There are a few tours you can choose from to get to know the heart of Ponta Delgada: By horse-drawn carriage, on a small road train called Lagarta or by Tuk Tuk. These three forms of transport can provide you a complete tour around Ponta Delgada, getting to know the most important points of interest, such as historical, heritage and cultural sites. And if you’re feeling active and prefer a walk, the city can easily be explored on foot as well.

Famed for boasting the most remarkable and attractive landscapes on the island, the area of Sete Cidades speaks for itself. It’s home to the most-visited viewpoint in the area – Vista do Rei. Let’s begin… Leave Agua de Pau and drive west, your first stop should be at Miradouro do Carvão. Continue driving up in the mountains and stop at Lagoa do Canário. Here, you’ll be able to walk through nature and, after crossing a shortcut, you’ll arrive at a special location – Grota do Inferno. At an altitude of 730 metres, it offers an unrivalled vantage point for you to take the best photos of the island, catching most of the volcanic complex of Sete Cidades. Drive a little further along a windy road fringed by flowers, it’s time to stop at the superb viewpoint of Vista do Rei. Here, you can enjoy the view over one of the seven wonders of Portugal – Lagoa das Sete Cidades, which is 33 metres deep and 4.2km long. Now, it’s time to descend by car to the lake – you can stop to enjoy the view of another volcanic crater, Lagoa do Santiago. When you reach the bridge that divides the lake in two, you’ll cross into the village of Sete Cidades itself. If you’re feeling adventurous, take the opportunity to practise stand-up paddle or canoeing on the lake. It’s worth it. In the village, there are a few restaurants where you can have lunch. Continue driving west and soon you’re passing through the small village of Várzea. Your next stop is another must-do viewpoint, the Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado. On your way back to Agua de Pau, in the direction of Fajã de Baixo, you’ll find the famous pineapple plantations. The pineapple is the emblematic fruit of the Azores. We suggest the Arruda plantation.

The southeast part of the island, known for its healing waters as well as boiling geysers, reveals the true volcanic nature of the São Miguel. Drive east to the magnificent Lake Furnas. Here, meals are cooked under the ground with no more than its heat and steam, this is where the locals cook the traditional cozido – a stew made with beef, pork, chicken and vegetables. Maybe try some and then relax by the lakeshore. After leaving the lake area, it’s time to visit the most beautiful and rich botanical park in the Azores, founded more than 200 years ago. Terra Nostra Gardens boast a large thermal water pool, composed of essential minerals at a temperature of approximately 40ºC, surrounded by oak trees, orange groves and vegetation brought in from North America, Australia, New Zealand, China and South Africa. There’s also a collection of more than 600 species of camellias… Leave the centre of the village and take the road northwest towards the Miradouro do Pico do Ferro, a viewpoint located at 570 metres above sea level.

Drive west along the south coast of the island, towards Lagoa, a fishing village. You should turn right and ascend to the peak of Barrosa, where you will find the majestic Lagoa do Fogo. Enjoy a stop at the viewpoints that overlooks the lake. Next, drive down to the north coast and soon you’ll find another volcanic phenomena – Caldeira Velha

From giant whales to friendly dolphins, more than 25 species of cetaceans can be found in the waters off São Miguel. For many visitors, the biggest attraction is the sperm whale, with its impressive tail. Afterwards, explore the northern part of the island. Take the highway towards Ribeira Grande, the second biggest-town on São Miguel. Visit the historic centre, see the pretty churches, the beautiful park with a stream passing through it and take the opportunity to visit the Mulher de Capote distillery. On the way back to Furnas, make a short visit to Gorreana Tea Factory. It makes superb organic teas without any pesticides or herbicides. It produces more tea than anywhere in Europe and is located in an area of great scenic beauty. After you visit the factory and taste its amazing teas, you can follow a short walking trail through the plantation.

Scenic roads and breathtaking views. Take the road up to the north and pass by Ribeira Grande, Maia, Porto Formoso, and within 30 minutes, reach Nordeste. Your first stop should be Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, an Azorean protected area known for its water mills. Keep driving east and take the time to stop at viewpoints such as Ponta da Madrugada, Ponta do Sossêgo and Miradouro do Farol. Drive south towards Povoação, the first village to be settled on São Miguel. Along the way, note how Povoação can be seen from above. This is Salto do Cavalo. Keep driving south, and Povoação is right by the sea. Visit the village by foot, eat the famous éclair named fofa da Povoação, visit the central park and zoo, and stroll along the seafront and its Porta do Povoamento – ‘Settlement door’ – where life on the island began. Time to go back to Furnas