Azores Travel Guide: Exploring São Miguel’s Scenic Landscapes, Wellness Culture & Food Scene

Sete Cidades: Visit the iconic twin blue and green lakes within a volcanic crater. Stand-up paddleboard or kayak on the lakes, or horseback ride or cycle around the lake. Visit the quaint Sete Cidades village along the shores, including São Nicolau Church. Stop at one of the incredible viewpoints to take photos (Vista do Rei and Boca do Inferno are two great ones). Don’t miss the hydrangea covered road descending into the village.

Furnas: This active volcanic area is known for health and wellness, with boiling mud pots, geysers, and a unique sulfur smell. Savor the local food: cozido das Furnas (a meat and vegetable stew slow-cooked in the geothermal heat), bolos lêvedos (sweeter form of an English muffin), and queijo do vale (local cheese made from the sour spring waters). Stop at Pico do Ferro viewpoint of Furnas Lake, the island’s most iconic. Visit the Neo-Gothic Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias. Drink from one of several fountains with fresh spring water (each tastes different but is sour and is believed to have their own healing properties).

Thermal springs: There are tons across the island, but some popular ones are Poça da Dona Beija (a proper facility in the town of Furnas with five hot springs), Terra Nostra (botanical gardens with orange-tinted, iron-rich waters), Ponta da Ferraria (a natural hot spring in the sea), and Caldeira Velha (a nature preserve with hot springs in the middle of a tropical forest).

Ribeira dos Caldeirões Park: Explore this natural park with several hiking trails, waterfalls, and 16th-century watermills.

Gorreana Tea Factory: Enjoy a cup of tea and tour Europe’s oldest operating tea plantation and factory, open since 1883.

Ponta Delgada: Wander through the historic capital. See the city gates (Portas da Cidade) and gothic-style Church of St. Sebastian (Igreja de São Sebastião). Take a whale and dolphin watching excursion. Explore the pineapple farm just outside of town (some of the most delicious pineapple you’ll have anywhere).

Lagoa do Fogo: This crater lake is a protected natural reserve with great hiking. It’s home to various plant species and is great for birdwatching. Stop at Miradouro da Barrosa or Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo to snap a picture before leaving.

Beaches: Visit Mosteiros to see its black sand beach and sunsets. Relax on Santa Barbara’s wide sandy shore and perfect surfing conditions. If you’re staying in Ponta Delgada, neighboring Praia das Milícias and Praia do Pópulo are popular choices.

Gastrónomo (Ponta Delgada): This homey, family-run spot is hugely popular and known for delicious seafood (especially the tuna and octopus).

Restaurante AASM (Ribeira Grande): Restaurante Associação Agrícola de São Miguel is an association of local farmers. The restaurant is known for its steak and beef offerings, with several varieties and multiple sauces to choose from.

Louvre Michaelense (Ponta Delgada): Open since 1904, this charming store and cafe is a must-stop. The food is local, with great cocktails, and homemade desserts. The shop sells Azorean teas, jams, and unique handcrafts.

Tony’s (Furnas): One of the best spots to enjoy cozido das Furnas. Also be sure to try their rotating dishes of the day.

A Tasca (Ponta Delgada): Perhaps the most popular eatery on the island. Expect live music and traditional Portuguese cuisine, but its tuna steak, stewed octopus, and pineapple cake are the most popular. No reservations, so the line is long, but it’s well worth it.

Borda d’Água (Lagoa): A rustic seafood restaurant next to the fishermen’s pier serving Portuguese classics, but its fresh grilled fish is a must.