Curator’s statement
The Azores is an adventurer’s dream and Sao Miguel is its perfect launching point. Just a short flight from Porto or Lisbon, consider adding Sao Miguel to your itinerary if you like hiking, surfing, and cruising for whales and dolphin sightings by day and recounting the memories made over drinks and refined dishes by night. While epically beautiful, keep in mind that Sao Miguel is decidedly more remote and rural compared to the Algarve or Cascais. That means its best for travelers who seek a refuge surrounded by nature with a side of small town. High-end, city slickers need not apply.
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Where to stay on São Miguel
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Things to do on São Miguel
Salto Cabrito Waterfall
Gorreana Tea Plantation: Nestled on the hillside, this beautiful farm will put you instantly at peace as you stroll through their emerald-green fields. There’s a full service cafe in their main building if you’re visiting during lunch or want to pick up gifts for friends.
Salto Cabrito: Just a short drive from Ribeira Grande and Gorreana and a less than one mile hike, you can relax in the shallow pools beneath this hidden gem waterfall.
Sete Cidades: One of Sao Miguel’s most striking views. It can be seen by these hikes spanning 30 minutes to up to four hours. The four-hour version is an immersive hike around both lakes, past quaint pastures, and through the small village of Sete Cidades.
Miradoura Ferria and Thermas Ferria: On any day, the sweeping coastal views of Ferria are a breath of salty fresh air. But on a calm day, the natural thermal pools can be enjoyed with a dip in the ocean (strong swimmers only) or in the inground thermal pool for only five euro.
Villa Franca do Campo and the Lady of the Peace Chapel: Drive down the coast into the tidy village of Villa Franca do Campo with a gorgeous view of the Vila Franca Islet. Ascend the hill to visit the beautifully tiled sanctuary of the Nossa Senhora da Paz (Our Lady of the Peace). Climbing to the top of the steps gives you a bird’s eye view of the Islet.
Lagoa do Fogo: The hardest view to capture, but if you’re lucky enough to have a good weather day with no cloud cover, head to the top of the overlook for a few deep breaths at maximum altitude with sweeping views of the island.
Whale and Dolphin Watching: A trip to the Azores is simply incomplete without an excursion to view San Miguel’s elite marine life. Book a half-day tour for a chance to see all different species of whales and dolphins.
Azores Cocktail Week: While summer time is the high season, if you’re visiting in April, try to catch Azores Cocktail Week in action. Started in 2024 by local bars and restaurants to expose the rest of the world to Azores’ unique cocktail culture. The celebration offers signature cocktails, concocted by the island’s best bartenders and mixologists using local liquors.
Places to eat & drink on São Miguel
Lunch at A Tasca
A Tasca: Get there as soon as they open. Tables fill up fast and lines quickly form outside, but this no-frills, intimate restaurant serves up huge portions of traditional Portuguese dishes.
Petrichor.Bar: New, inventive cocktail concepts based on different parts of the island.
Resves: Probably the top cocktail bar in Ponta Delgada. Reservations highly recommended as they only have about 10 seats. Delicious cocktails served in clever ways.
Louvre Michaelense: Elevated, local dishes, amazing drinks and a cool atmosphere that will feel like they're set up for dinner in a local storefront.
Casa Nostra: High-end dining, reflecting local flavors and delicacies. Request a table outside for good people-watching.
Cais da Sardinha: Freshest seafood in a contemporary setting with the best views of the port.
Tuka Tula Beach Bar: Located on the other side of the island from Ponta Delgada. But worth a quick drive to enjoy low-key pub fare with views of the black, volcanic sand beaches.
North Sushi: The most incredible sushi on the island.
Need to know
Know what you want to get out of your visit to the Azores before booking your accommodations. Staying on the north side will give you gorgeous views and access to the black, volcanic sand beaches. But is more secluded and requires a car to get to most places. While staying in Ponta Delgada has more of a small city feel with a view of the port.
When considering transportation, you may want some flexibility. I recommend a rental car if your goal is to visit many of the popular hiking spots. Be prepared for very windy roads and very few traffic signals. However, if you’re most interested in shopping, dining and history, you may prefer to base yourself in Ponta Delgada and rely on a tour service like Futurismo to shuttle you to various views around the island.
Travel Advisor
Kaitlyn Knause
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For more inspiration and travel recommendations, check out our Azores page.