The Azores Just May Be Europe's Best-Kept Secret

São Miguel offers something increasingly rare in luxury travel: authenticity. It’s a destination where travelers can experience dramatic natural beauty, adventure, wellness, and refined hospitality—without massive crowds or overdevelopment. São Miguel is the largest island in the Azores—and arguably the most captivating. Often called “The Green Island,” São Miguel combines volcanic landscapes, crater lakes, geothermal hot springs, dramatic coastlines, farm-to-table cuisine, and understated luxury in a way that feels both adventurous and restorative.

What makes São Miguel especially appealing is its versatility. One day, you can hike along crater rims overlooking emerald lakes, soak in thermal waters surrounded by tropical gardens, and end the evening with an elevated tasting menu featuring local seafood and Azorean wine. It’s ideal for:

• Couples seeking a unique luxury escape

• Adventure travelers who still appreciate comfort

• Nature lovers

• Wellness-focused travelers

• Travelers who want Europe without crowds, or over-tourism

The island is also surprisingly easy to explore by rental car, with scenic drives connecting waterfalls, coastal villages, volcanic viewpoints, tea plantations, black sand beaches, and geothermal valleys. Located on the quieter western side of São Miguel near Ginetes and Sete Cidades, SENSI is one of the island’s most beautiful boutique luxury retreats. Originally an old farmhouse, the property was thoughtfully restored into a serene hideaway surrounded by nature and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Sete Cidades, the island’s most iconic attraction is nearby and the views are spectacular.

Located in the geothermal town of Furnas on the eastern side of São Miguel, Octant Furnas is one of the island’s premier wellness hotels and a favorite for travelers seeking relaxation and thermal spa experiences. Walking distance to Terra Nostra Park and Furnas Hot Springs is a highlight. Gorreana Tea Factory is also nearby and is the oldest and only remaining tea plantation in Europe still producing tea commercially, and it has been family-owned since 1883. Here, you can wander through the plantation trails before watching the tea production process in the factory.

São Miguel is best explored by car. The island’s beauty is in the scenic drives, hidden viewpoints, waterfalls, small villages, and spontaneous stops along the way. The constantly changing weather is part of the island’s magic and what keeps everything so lush and green. The best experience is to split time between:

• Western São Miguel (Sete Cidades / Ginetes / Sensi Azores area)

• Eastern São Miguel (Furnas / Octant Furnas area)

One of the biggest decisions travelers face in the Azores is whether to stay primarily on São Miguel or island-hop between multiple islands. The answer depends on travel style, pace, and interests.

Inter-island travel takes more time than people expect. Although the islands look close together on a map, getting between them can involve:

• Flights

• Ferries

• Weather delays

• Airport transfers

• Limited schedules

Travelers should think of the Azores less like the Caribbean and more like remote volcanic islands in the Atlantic.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Azores page.