The Azores, a stunning Portuguese archipelago, are a paradise for nature lovers, offering waterfalls, volcanoes, thermal hot springs, and rolling hills. Comprising nine islands, each with its own unique charm, the Azores are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. I had the privilege of spending a month on São Miguel, the largest island, and was captivated by its natural beauty. Even in February, the mild climate allows for year-round exploration. In this guide, I’ll share my top 15 things to do on São Miguel, helping you make the most of your visit to this incredible destination. Let’s dive in!
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Table of Contents
15 Best Things to Do in the Azores on São Miguel
1. Hike
One of the best activities on São Miguel in the Azores is hiking. The island is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering countless trails with diverse landscapes. You can hike around volcanic craters, explore lush forests, and even scale waterfalls.
The island’s well-maintained infrastructure includes official parks with marked trails for all skill levels, from beginner-friendly paths to more challenging routes. No matter where you are on the island, you’re likely to find a trail marker nearby, making it easy to embark on a hike and discover the natural beauty of the Azores.
2. Visit a Thermal Hot Spring
If you’re visiting the Azores during cooler months, exploring the thermal hot springs might become your favorite activity. These natural springs, heated by the earth’s core, offer a deeply relaxing experience.
You can even spend the night here at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel!
It was one of my personal highlights on the islands. São Miguel has several hot springs, each providing a unique experience. However, be aware that the mineral-rich water can temporarily turn your skin and bathing suit slightly orange—so avoid wearing light-colored clothing. The minerals are believed to be beneficial for your skin, making this a soothing and rejuvenating way to spend an afternoon.
Learn all about the hot springs in the Azores with my complete travel guide here!
3. Go Whale Watching
Whale watching is a must-do activity in the Azores, as the region is renowned as one of the best places in the world to see whales and dolphins. The islands’ location in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean makes them an ideal breeding ground for these majestic creatures. While the peak whale-watching season is during the spring and summer months, you can still spot marine life year-round. There are several whale-watching tours available on São Miguel, catering to different budgets.
Based on my Airbnb host’s recommendation, I booked a tour with Azores Whale Watching Terra Azul in Vila Franca do Campo. The smaller boat allowed for a more intimate experience with a small group, which I appreciated. Although February isn’t the ideal time for whale watching, we were lucky to see plenty of dolphins and enjoyed stunning views of the island from the sea.
Unfortunately, the seas were rough that day, and I did get a bit sea-sick—so it’s wise to avoid a large breakfast beforehand just in case. Despite this, the experience of seeing these animals in their natural habitat was incredible, and I can only imagine how magical it would be to spot actual whales during peak season.
Learn more about whale watching in the Azores with my travel guide here!
4. Enjoy the many Viewpoints
The Azores boast some of the most stunning landscapes I’ve ever seen, with numerous viewpoints scattered across the islands. These “Miradouros” often include small park areas that highlight the natural beauty of the surroundings.
You could easily spend your entire trip hopping from one viewpoint to the next and still have an amazing experience. The government has clearly invested in tourism infrastructure, as these viewpoints are well-maintained and look brand new. As you drive around the island, keep an eye out for the “Miradouros” signs—they’re all worth a stop.
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If you’re short on time, I’ve highlighted a few of my favorite viewpoints that you can find on Google Maps.
- Best Viewpoints on São Miguel in the Azores
- Ponta do Sossego
- Ponta da Madrugada
- Por-do-Sol
- Salto da Farinha
- Pico do Ferro
- Pico da Barrosa
- Cerrado Das Freiras
5. Visit the Many Waterfalls
One of the most enjoyable activities on São Miguel is discovering the island’s many waterfalls. Scattered across the island, these waterfalls range from large to absolutely massive, offering stunning natural beauty.
While the water flow can vary depending on environmental conditions, the waterfalls are always impressive. I was amazed by their size and can only imagine how refreshing it would be to swim under them in the warmer months. Although some brave souls were swimming during my February visit, the water was too cold for me. If you’re looking for a breathtaking experience on the Azores, hunting for waterfalls is a must-do.
- Some of the best waterfalls on São Miguel Azores Island:
- Salto do Cagarrão Waterfall
- Salto do Andrea e Martin
- Cascata do Salto do Prego
- Cascata da Ribiera dos Caldeirões
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6. Drink Tea at the Tea Plantations
Fun fact: The Azores is the only region in Europe that grows tea, making a visit to a tea plantation a perfect way to spend an afternoon. I chose to visit Cha Porto Formoso because it was close to my Airbnb and less touristy. I was right—we were the only visitors there.
The plantation specializes in black tea, which is delicious. After watching a short video guide, you can enjoy a cup of tea in their cozy tea room and even purchase some to take home. Don’t miss the chance to explore the beautiful plantation grounds—a perfect, relaxing activity on the Azores.
7. Explore Ponta Delgada
Ponta Delgada, the capital of São Miguel, is a charming Portuguese city with beautiful architecture and a developed waterfront featuring shops and dining options. Although it’s a small city with limited attractions, it’s definitely worth exploring the main downtown area.
The picturesque squares and churches provide a lovely backdrop for a leisurely stroll. You can grab an espresso at a nearby café, enjoy some delicious pastries, and wander through the quaint city streets. You can easily see the entire city in half a day, making it a perfect quick and enjoyable activity.
8. Have a Traditional Portuguese Meal Cooked in a Volcano
A unique experience on the Azores is enjoying a meal cooked inside a volcano using the traditional “cozida das furnas” method. This slow-cooking technique harnesses the natural heat of the volcano, taking 6-8 hours to prepare. Many places on the island offer this special meal, and you can even watch as the food is removed from the volcanic ground.
The traditional dish is usually a beef stew, but seafood and vegan options are also available. I tried the vegan version at the Terra Nostra Garden hotel, a delicious mix of stewed vegetables over couscous. For an even more immersive experience, check out the Solar Branco Eco Estate, which offers a vegan version—though it was closed for renovations during my visit. If you’re lucky enough to be on the island when it’s open, it’s definitely worth a visit.
9. Visit the Many Beautiful Parks
The Azores, known as an “outdoors paradise,” are home to some stunning parks. The island features several well-preserved national parks that seamlessly blend with the surrounding nature, reflecting the tourism board’s dedication to showcasing the islands’ natural beauty.
The infrastructure in these parks is impressive, making them easily accessible while maintaining their pristine condition. The biodiversity is remarkable, with a wide variety of plants from around the world thriving in the Azores’ moderate climate and abundant moisture. The clean, crisp air enhances the experience, and visiting these parks is the perfect way to fully appreciate the island’s rich plant life.
- Some of my favorite parks on the island:
- Parque Terra Nostra– This beautiful park is also home to one of the best hot springs on the island. The park itself is very large with lots to see. I think it is well worth the 10 euro admission fee.
- Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caleiroes- This park is a bit smaller compared to Terra Nostra but is still gorgeous. There are several waterfalls that lead into a small river where you can walk along the waterfront and an old mill.
- Grená Park– More of a hike than a park, this park is situated in Furnas. You can view the bubbling hot springs and then hike one of the best hiking spots on the island.
- Jardim do Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego– The best viewpoint on the island that also has a small parklet.
10. Go Kayaking in a Volcano
One of the most unexpected and memorable activities on São Miguel was kayaking on a lake inside a volcano. While exploring Sete Cidades, we discovered a local offering kayak rentals, and it turned out to be a trip highlight. Visiting during the off-season meant we had the lake to ourselves, making the experience even more special.
The views of the surrounding volcanic landscape were breathtaking. Kayaking inside what was once an active volcano is truly incredible, and I can’t recommend this experience enough. While it may be busier in the warmer months, this is a must-do activity when in Sete Cidades.
11. Explore the town of Sete Cidades
Sete Cidades, nestled inside the crater of an old volcano, is one of the most popular spots on São Miguel. The town is charming, featuring beautiful old architecture and a picturesque church that’s perfect for a leisurely stroll.
While many visitors come just for the surrounding hikes, I highly recommend driving into the town itself to explore its unique charm. Although there aren’t many activities in Sete Cidades, it’s definitely worth a visit for its stunning setting and peaceful atmosphere.
12. Visit Farol de Arnel Lighthouse
Located on the east coast of São Miguel, the town of Nordeste offers a more remote but equally charming experience. Our Airbnb was in this town, and we loved the area. Although it’s a bit farther from the main attractions, there’s plenty to see and do, including visiting the historic Farol de Arnel lighthouse.
The lighthouse sits at the bottom of a steep road, but the walk down is worth it for the breathtaking cliff views. While the lighthouse wasn’t open during our visit, the real highlight is the stunning scenery surrounding it. For a unique experience on the Azores, this spot is definitely worth the drive.
13. Nossa Senhoura Chapel
I’m not typically drawn to religious sites, but the Nossa Senhora chapel in Vila Franca do Campo is an exception. Perched above the town, it offers stunning views of the area, including the small island crater just off the coast.
While I’m unsure of its religious significance, the chapel is undeniably beautiful. The views alone make it worth the visit, and it’s a peaceful spot where you could easily spend time just taking in the scenery. For those interested in religious sites, this is likely a must-visit on the Azores, but even if you’re not, it’s a place worth seeing.
14. Visit the Abandoned Hotel
A popular attraction on the island is the abandoned hotel overlooking the Sete Cidades crater and lakes. Built in the 1980s, the hotel quickly went bankrupt and was left to decay, becoming a hotspot for tourists.
Despite numerous “do not enter” signs, hundreds of visitors explore the site daily. It’s fascinating to see how nature has begun to reclaim the structure, adding an eerie beauty to the place.
The views from the hotel rooms are some of the best on the island, and if it were still operational, these rooms would command a high price. If you decide to visit, be cautious as the building is not maintained, but it’s a unique and memorable experience, making it one of the top things to do on the Azores.
15. Furnas
Furnas, located in the center of São Miguel at the bottom of a volcanic crater, is a charming town that’s definitely worth a visit. Many top attractions on the island, such as hot springs, parks, and unique dining experiences, are found here.
The town itself is lovely, with beautiful moss-covered homes and a tranquil atmosphere. There’s a pleasant park along the water that flows from the hot springs, perfect for a leisurely stroll. If you’re looking for a low-effort yet enjoyable activity on the Azores, be sure to explore the adorable town of Furnas.
Conclusion
São Miguel offers a wealth of activities, and I’m sure there’s even more I didn’t get to explore. This island is just one of the nine in the Azores, and while I didn’t have time to visit the others, I hope to return someday. My time on São Miguel was more enjoyable than I expected. The island’s peace and quiet allow you to truly relax and appreciate nature without the distractions of city life. You’re sure to love your time here, especially in the warmer months when the beauty of the Azores truly shines.
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