São Miguel is the biggest island of the Azores archipelago, with many wonders to explore. Five days is the absolute minimum to take your time and see the highlights of the Green Island. In this itinerary for So Miguel, you will have various options. We have you covered depending on what you are looking for during your holidays — enjoying black-sand beaches, hiking beautiful trails, observing unique landscapes, or learning more about history and culture!
This 5-day itinerary in São Miguel will take you to the most popular places around the island due to their undeniable beauty and some off-the-beaten-path spots where you will find more locals than tourists.
Day 1: Take a Complete Tour of Ponta Delgada
It is necessary to take a whole day to explore Ponta Delgada. This is the economic capital of the Azores, the biggest and most populated city. There are many important landmarks, such as monuments, churches, and parks, to discover.
You can take a guided city tour to gain a local perspective and historical explanations. This way, you will know everything about the city and only visit the best parts. Otherwise, you can explore on foot, as it is a rather small city with everything accessible by walking. There are no tramways or underground metro stations; the only transportation available is taxis, mini-buses, and a little tourist train on wheels.
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Mãe de Deus Viewpoint & Hermitage
Don’t forget to go to the chapel of Mãe de Deus in Ponta Delgada. In addition to having beautiful typical architecture, you will have a panoramic view over the entire city, from the ocean to the mountains. Afterward, go to the farmers’ market to taste local cheese and pineapple.
Ponta Delgada’s Churches
Being a religious region, the Azores have several churches in the cities, and each parish has its own. If you like architecture and old stones, then visit the Igreja Matriz (São Sebastião church), the church of São José, and the Sanctuary of Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres. This one is probably the most important church in the archipelago because it hosts a sacred statue of Jesus, adored by all Azoreans. The festival is celebrated yearly for a week, five weeks after Easter.
Regarding monuments, the Fort of São Brás is right next to the sanctuary. This is now the military museum. Moreover, nearby are the beautiful city gates and, a bit further, the museum of Carlos Machado with the Jesuits’ church and convent of Santo André.
Gardens of António Borges & José do Canto
Ponta Delgada is a beautiful city with basaltic architecture, but you can also find plenty of nature. There are several parks, António Borges and José do Canto being the most popular ones. Enjoy the quiet surrounded by beautiful, fascinating vegetation and cute animals like ducks and fishes.
Gruta do Carvão
On the northern side of the city, take some time to visit Gruta do Carvão, a real lava tube with magical geological formations inside. This is such a great reminder that you are on a volcanic island.
Pineapple Plantations
Inside and around the city, you can find many pineapple plantations. This fruit is the symbol of our islands. Visit the plantations and taste some delicious food and beverages made of pineapple, like liquor or jam.
Did you know
We have cultivated pineapples in traditional greenhouses for over 150 years!
Day 2: Sete Cidades & the West Part
With a rental car, hit the road to the Western part of the island. There, encounter the majestic volcanic complex of Sete Cidades and the picturesque coast.
Iconic Viewpoints of Vista do Rei & Grota do Inferno
Begin your day trip at Vista do Rei, the iconic viewpoint on the caldera and its twin lakes. Moreover, at this spot, you will find the spooky abandoned hotel of Monte Palace.
Another famous viewpoint you will see as soon as you enter ‘ Azores’ on search engines is Grota do Inferno. One way to reach it is a short walk of about 20 minutes. In good weather, you will also have a great panoramic view of several lakes and the village in the crater.
Hiking Trails: Cumeeira Grande & Serra Devassa
If you love hiking, there are two different trails nearby: Cumeeira Grande and Serra Devassa. The first is about 12 km one way and goes along the crater’s edge around Blue Lake and to the village. The second is 5 km, taking you to the forest and many smaller lakes.
Sete Cidades Village
Now, it is possible to go to the village by car. Take the scenic road of the Hortensias, which leads to the inside of the crater. Enjoy the views over Santiago Lake and the Green and Blue Lakes — which form just one lake. In the town, you can walk around the green and blue lakes, see the small peninsula, pass on the bridge, go to the tunnel, have a kayak or stand-up paddle session, and visit the Church of São Nicolau.
Ponta da Ferraria
You will also find several wonders outside the crater on the seaside. First, Ponta da Ferraria. This place is unbelievable. It is an atypical hot spring located in a natural basaltic pool in the Atlantic Ocean. The seawater is naturally warmed by the secondary volcanic activity. It is a perfect place to relax in good conditions — no big waves and low tide.
Mosteiros
To end the day perfectly, go to Mosteiros. There, you can enjoy one of the most beautiful black-sand beaches of the Azores, with its famous islets. This is where everybody goes for a barbecue dinner with a spectacular sunset. If you don’t like the sand, there are also natural pools of dry lava rocks for an atypical bath.
Day 3: Vila Franca do Campo & Furnas
The central part of the island also has many gems to explore. On the coast with amazing beaches and beautiful coastal towns, or in the countryside with the geothermal capital of the Azores showing off many geological wonders, you can spend another good day on São Miguel island.
Vila Franca do Campo
This was once the first capital city of the Azores islands before a terrible earthquake destroyed it. Nowadays, it is a beautiful coastal village where you can enjoy the beach of Vinha da Areia. It is also there that we make our delicious local Queijadas — small sweet cakes. On top of the town, you can find the chapel of Nossa Senhora da Paz. From there, you will have a panoramic view of Vila Franca do Campo and its islet.
Vila Franca do Campo Islet
If you want to spend hours on one of the most epic beaches you will ever see, head to the marina and take the boat leading to Vila Franca do Campo’s islet. This submarine volcano erupted, creating this almost perfect circle filled with ocean water. It is a great snorkeling spot as the water is shallow inside, and you are protected from the waves. Note that this nature reserve is only public from June to October.
Lagoa do Congro
On the way to Furnas, stop at Lagoa do Congro. It is a true green wonderland. The lake is a short hike away, but it is 100% worth it. This lake is not as touristy as the other big ones in São Miguel, so there will be fewer people.
Lagoa das Furnas & Caldeiras das Furnas
Welcome to the geothermal paradise of Furnas, one of the Azores’ active volcanoes.
Coming from the south road, you will arrive directly at the lake. It is possible to hike around the lake, but it will take you about 1h30. On the way, you will find the chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias. This is a unique example of neo-Gothic church architecture, belonging to the forest garden of José do Canto. Furnas’s environmental interpretation center is a bit further, where you can learn more about the lake and the volcano.
Also on the walk around the lake is the fumarolic camp called Caldeiras. This is where we cook our famous Cozido, the regional stew, under the ground using the volcanic heat. This is a must-try to taste local flavors. If you have time in Caldeiras, you can visit Grená Park to see one of the tallest waterfalls: Salto da Inglesa. For the hikers, you can climb Pico do Ferro for about a 50-minute walk one way and a good warm-up! Up there, enjoy the view over Furnas Valley.
Terra Nostra Garden
This botanical garden is so serene that you will want to stay for a while. Explore the exuberant vegetation and take some time to soak in the warm thermal waters. 3 different pools are going up to 39ºC, and all the facilities are on-site. The waters are particularly good for skin problems and rheumatism but beware of white swimsuits, which can turn orange.
Pro tip
If you sleep at Terra Nostra Hotel, you can enjoy the park at night, as it closes in the afternoon for visitors.
Furnas Village
There are some souvenir shops, restaurants, cafés, and pastry shops where you can find Bolos Lêvedos, the local brioche flatbreads. People use it to make toast with cheese, buns for hamburgers, or simply eat it in the morning when it is freshly made.
Other fumaroles can be observed in town, which are more impressive than the ones at the lake shore. At night, they are lit up and create a special atmosphere. There, you can also taste many water springs: ironic water, sulfuric water, sparkling water, some cold, some warm. It is perfectly safe to drink them, but be careful with the warm ones as they are very hot, and it is preferably better to put them in a cup and wait for a while.
Poça da Dona Beija
At night, we have the perfect plan for you. Swim at the thermal pools of Poça da Dona Beija. This hot spring is open at night, which is great as the air temperatures drop slightly, and you will stay warm. There is one colder pool, and the rest are around 39ºC.
Day 4: Nordeste & the East Part
Many call Nordeste ‘the tenth island of the Azores’ because it is so unique that it looks like another island. High green cliffs, colorful flowers, and waterfalls constitute the beautiful Northeast of the São Miguel island region.
Watch the Sunrise
Why not start the day early and watch a wonderful sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean? You can sleep in Nordeste or drive early if you feel up to it. The best spots are Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego and Ponta da Madrugada. In addition to being beautiful parks filled with flowers, those are the easternmost points on the islands, providing a colorful spectacle in the early morning.
Ribeira dos Caldeirões Park
You can see many beautiful waterfalls at this beautiful park, have delicious Azorean ice cream, walk in nature along a river, and visit several watermills. Another frequent activity at Ribeira dos Caldeirões is Canyoning. Fill up your adrenaline levels!
Nordeste Village & Farol do Arnel
In Nordeste, you can see the Church of São Jorge, the old seven arches bridge built in the 19th century, and simply discover the cute little town.
Down a steep road, at the entrance of Nordeste town, you can find the lighthouse of Arnel. It is not recommended to go down by car, as the road is narrow and very abrupt.
Pico da Vara Viewpoint
This is if you want to spend some hours hiking. Pico da Vara is the highest point on São Miguel island, 1,103 meters above sea level. There is one trail leading up to the top, which takes about 3 hours to complete.
Povoação
Povoação is a town on the southeast of São Miguel island, and it was right here that the very first settlers came to the island. Enjoy this coastal town with a beach, narrow streets, and its typical Fofas (eclair-like pastries).
Faial da Terra
Near Povoação is the town of Faial da Terra. From there, find one of the most beautiful hiking trails on the island: Sanguinho. This circular trail of about 2 hours will lead you to the waterfall of Salto do Prego and, if you wish to go further away, to the hidden Salto do Cagarrão. In addition, you will pass by the abandoned village of Sanguinho, which is currently being rebuilt.
Gorreana Tea Factory
For tea time, after a day full of activities and breathtaking landscapes, stop at Gorreana on your way back to Ponta Delgada via the North road if you are sleeping in the city. You can stroll in the fields, visit the factory, taste the local tea, and buy plenty of regional products.
Day 5: Lagoa do Fogo & Ribeira Grande
Lagoa do Fogo Viewpoints
When you go up to the viewpoints of Lagoa do Fogo from the south coast, you will first find the Pico da Barrosa viewpoint, then the Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint, which is both spectacular and worth a visit.
Quick Info
Note that the road leading to the top of the mountain is forbidden to rent cars in the summer during the day. But a bus will take you there at the beginning of the road.
Caldeira Velha
Going down towards the north coast, you will pass by the hot springs of Caldeira Velha, the hot waterfall inside a lush forest. If you have not enjoyed warm waters enough in Furnas, this is another chance for you to do so.
Salto do Cabrito
Continue the road, and there will be a sign towards Salto do Cabrito. This waterfall is a good place for a refreshing dip in clear waters, beautiful pictures of your last day in the Azores, hiking in nature, or even canyoning!
Ribeira Grande & Santa Barbara Beach
This is the second city of São Miguel island. Also known as the surf capital with its beautiful beach of Santa Barbara, Ribeira Grande is a pleasant city to walk around and see beautiful architecture. The ‘big river’ also passes through the center, with some gardens and playgrounds.
Santa Iria Viewpoint
Finally, end your trip with one last viewpoint, but this time on the island’s North shore. This contrast from the green fields to the blue ocean sums up a 5-day holiday in São Miguel in the Azores islands quite well.
Best Season to Visit São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island is in the Eastern Group of the Azores Archipelago. Here, you will notice the atypical characteristics of this climate. These result from many factors contributing to its plant exuberance and landscape value.
The climate is mild regardless of the season, and the average values do not present many changes. Temperatures vary between:
- 16 °C in spring;
- 21 °C in summer;
- 18 °C in autumn;
- 14 °C in winter.
For more info about the weather in the Azores, check the links below:
- The weather in the Azores in January
- The weather in the Azores in February
- The weather in the Azores in March
- The weather in the Azores in April
- The weather in the Azores in May
- The weather in the Azores in July
- The weather in the Azores in August
Complementary Information
Useful Tools & Apps
The weather in the Azores can be variable, so it’s helpful to use some apps before visiting the islands. Spotazores offers live camera feeds from the main tourist attractions, letting you check the weather and plan your visit. For accurate weather predictions, use Windy or Windguru — they provide the most reliable predictions.
How to Get to São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island is easily accessible with numerous flight routes. Lisbon and Porto are the main entry points to the continent, with direct flights to Ponta Delgada available. To find the best flight, use search engines like eDreams or Skyscanner.
These platforms allow you to compare prices and schedules from different airlines in one place. For more details on how to get to the Azores, look at our guide. Once you find the perfect flight, book it! You’ll reach one of the world’s most beautiful island groups in a few hours.
Best Season to Visit São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island, part of the Eastern Group of the Azores Archipelago, has a unique climate shaped by various factors. This climate fosters the island’s lush vegetation and stunning landscapes. Temperatures stay mild year-round, with only slight variations.
In spring, temperatures average 16 °C, summer peaks at 21 °C, autumn cools to 18 °C, and winter hovers around 14 °C. For more details on the weather in the Azores, take a look at the following links:
- The weather in the Azores in January
- The weather in the Azores in February
- The weather in the Azores in March
- The weather in the Azores in April
- The weather in the Azores in May
- The weather in the Azores in July
- The weather in the Azores in August
Cultural Agenda of São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island hosts a wide range of cultural events throughout the year. The complete list of events is on the cultural agenda!
Video of São Miguel Island
FAQs
What are the main highlights of the 5-day itinerary in São Miguel?
This five-day itinerary covers São Miguel’s iconic spots, including black-sand beaches, scenic hiking trails, volcanic landscapes, and lesser-known sites that provide a more authentic island experience.
Can I customize the itinerary to suit my interests?
Yes! The itinerary includes options for different preferences, whether relaxing on beaches, exploring trails, enjoying natural scenery, or learning about local history and culture. You can choose activities based on your interests.
What are the best times of the year to follow this itinerary?
Spring and summer are ideal for exploring São Miguel, with warmer and more stable weather. However, with mild temperatures and fewer tourists, autumn can also be enjoyable, providing a more peaceful experience.
Do I need to rent a car to follow this itinerary?
We recommend renting a car to explore the island more freely. Public transport is available, but having a car makes it easier to access remote spots and allows you to explore at your own pace.
Conclusion
This itinerary gives you an idea of what you can do in São Miguel in five days. There are plenty of choices to fit everyone’s wants and needs. Whether you wish to relax on a sunny beach or explore the dirt paths with plenty of hikes, every holiday is different.
What is most important is that you enjoy your time in São Miguel. Remember that the Azores are nine islands, so you still have eight to visit after this trip!
