Once you land, I recommend renting a car directly at the airport. It’ll save you time and give you full flexibility since many of São Miguel’s best spots are only accessible by car.

Most roads are in great condition, but some can be narrow and winding, especially in rural areas. That said, parking is usually easy and free at most attractions (though village centers can get tight).

I booked my rental through Discover Cars. It’s super handy to compare providers, book quickly, and cancel for free if plans change.

While staying in more remote areas can get you closer to some sights, most of São Miguel’s dining options are centred around these two towns, especially Ponta Delgada.

During my trip, I stayed at Lagoa Hostel & Suites and had a great experience. The room was spacious, the breakfast was decent, and even though it’s not in Ponta Delgada itself, it only took about 10 minutes to drive into town. I found it to be a great base for exploring both east and west of São Miguel.

You can drive from one side to the other in about 1 hour, which makes it perfect for day trips and road-tripping around without changing accommodation every night.

That’s exactly what makes this itinerary for São Miguel so practical. You’ll be able to explore crater lakes, waterfalls, coastal towns, and hot springs without spending hours behind the wheel.

The waters around São Miguel are home to several species year-round, including sperm whales, common dolphins, and even blue whales during migration season.

Tours usually leave in the morning from Ponta Delgada’s marina and last around 3 hours. I recommend booking a whale and dolphin tour in advance, especially in high season.

It’s not a huge city, and you can easily see the highlights in a few hours.

Don’t miss Portas da Cidade, the city’s iconic triple-arched gateway that faces the waterfront. Just next to it, you’ll find the Watch Tower (Torre do Relógio), where you can climb up (on weekdays) for panoramic views over the rooftops and marina.

Nearby is Campo de São Francisco, one of the main squares. You’ll spot tile-covered churches and local cafés with outdoor seating.

Before leaving town, stretch your legs with a short walk through Jardim António Borges. This is a botanical garden filled with hidden paths, tunnels, and tropical plants.

It’s free to enter, open daily until 8 pm, and a fun, low-effort stop to learn how Azorean pineapples are grown.

Grab a pineapple liqueur sample or try the local pineapple cake at the shop in the end, if you’d like.

This set of natural thermal pools in Furnas is especially magical at night, when the steam rises under soft orange lighting and everything feels extra calming.

It’s open until 11 pm (last entry at 9.30 pm), so no need to rush.

I read in a few places that it was possible to drive up close to Lagoa das Empadadas, but that’s definitely no longer the case since the gate’s been closed for a while now.

The first 200 meters of the trail are pretty steep, but nothing too serious.

From there, it’s an easy 500-meter walk to the lagoon. Once you’re at Lagoa das Empadadas, follow the path uphill toward Miradouro do Pico do Paul. It’s a steady climb (with some steeper bits), and it took me about 20 minutes to reach the top.

On the way up, you’ll see a small sign pointing to Lagoa Rasa. It’s worth checking out on the way back. It’s not the most impressive lagoon in this São Miguel travel guide, but still a peaceful spot.

You can also visit Lagoa das Éguas, but I decided to skip it this time.

The whole route, from the Carvão aqueduct to Pico do Paul and back, took me about 1 hour and 20 minutes. It’s one of the most scenic short hikes in São Miguel, and a great way to start your day surrounded by nature and volcanic landscapes.

Park at the Parque Florestal da Mata do Canário and follow the 2.5 km round-trip trail through the forest.

Some parts of the path are a bit uneven and the final climb is steeper, but there’s a railing to help. It took about 20 minutes to reach the top, and it’s so worth the effort.

From this viewpoint, you’ll get an epic view of four crater lakes: Lagoa das Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Canário, Lagoa Rasa, and Lagoa de Santiago.

It’s easily one of the best spots for hiking in São Miguel if you’re short on time but still want big rewards.

The Vista do Rei lookout gives you a postcard-perfect view of Lagoa das Sete Cidades, with its iconic green and blue twin lakes.

Before you go, check VisitAzores to make sure the visibility is good — fog rolls in fast here.

You’ll also see the ruins of the old Monte Palace Hotel just behind the viewpoint. Some people sneak in, but I don’t recommend it. It’s abandoned, privately owned, and honestly looks pretty unstable.

Cerrado das Freiras has a gorgeous panoramic view of Sete Cidades, though it’s not quite as dramatic as Vista do Rei. Still worth a quick stop.

On the other hand, Miradouro da Lagoa de Santiago overlooks a perfectly round, deep-green lake surrounded by thick forest. It almost looks like a giant emerald crater from above.

Park near Sete Cidades Bridge, where you can walk around the edge of the lake or rent a kayak and paddle through this massive volcanic caldera.

Before leaving, also spend some time exploring the small village of Sete Cidades. It’s quiet and peaceful, and if you’re lucky enough to visit when the path to Igreja de São Nicolau (St. Nicholas Church) is in bloom, the walk up to the church is picture-perfect.

This natural pool is heated by volcanic steam and the water temperature changes depending on the tide. It can be around 18–19°C at high tide and up to 29–30°C when the tide is low.

The best time to go? During the tide transitions, when the temperature is just right. You can check tide timings on Capitão das Marés to plan it out.

There’s plenty of parking, the road is paved and easy to reach, and the view is absolutely worth it.

Entry costs 17€, and it’s open from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm. I recommend starting the day here due to the opening hours. You can book tickets online in advance.

You can stay as long as you like during opening hours, and the facilities here are the best I’ve found on the island. There are free showers and changing rooms (lockers are paid, though), and the surrounding botanical garden is stunning.

Even if you don’t feel like a soak, it’s worth walking around for a while.

It’s also a great place to stop for lunch — and if you’re curious to try the famous Cozido das Furnas, the traditional meat stew slow-cooked underground, you’ll find several restaurants in the village that serve it daily.

However, if you don’t fancy this type of food (guilty, here!), there are options in town. You can visit Queijaria Furnense for an alternative but excellent experience. I absolutely loved it!

Miradouro do Salto do Cavalo offers a wide, elevated view over the Furnas valley and the crater lake from a totally different perspective. The drive up is a bit winding, but the reward is more than worth it.

Try to visit between 11.30 am and 12.30 pm, when the pots are pulled from the ground. Entry is 3€, but you can always see the bubbling vents, even outside cooking hours. For instance, I didn’t get to visit at lunchtime.

If you’re up for a bit of walking, this area also marks the start of the Lagoa das Furnas Trail — a 7 km circular route that takes you around the entire lake.

Alternatively, you can check out Parque Grená nearby. Entry is 10€, and it takes about an hour to walk through. I skipped it based on mixed reviews and the price tag, but it could be interesting if you’re looking for more nature stops in the area.

From the parking area, it’s a 700-meter walk downhill (and a steep climb back up). It took me about 15–20 minutes to get there, but the scenery at the lake is breathtaking.

I didn’t have high expectations for this stop, but it was so peaceful that it quickly became one of my favourite spots in São Miguel.

Whether you visit the islet or not, also make sure to add a stop at the Miradouro da Nossa Senhora da Paz. The Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Paz, perched above the town, offers one of the best views over Vila Franca and the islet.

And before you leave town, make sure to try a few queijadas de Vila Franca do Campo. These sweet, slightly chewy pastries are made with fresh cheese and egg yolks. It’s a local specialty and an absolute must when visiting the island. You can find the original queijadas at Queijadas do Morgado.

There’s parking right near the viewpoint, and you won’t need to walk far. But visibility can change fast up here, so it’s always worth checking the VisitAzores webcam before making the trip.

If the weather’s on your side, consider doing the Lagoa do Fogo Trail, a 4 km round-trip hike that takes you down to the lakeshore and back. The descent is manageable, but the return climb is pretty steep, so be prepared to sweat a little.

It’s not one of the most famous spots on the island, but it’s peaceful and makes a nice photo stop before heading back downhill.

Entry costs 3€ if you’re just visiting, or 10€ if you want to actually enter the pools. But heads up: tickets sell out fast. I only managed to get a viewing ticket, so book online in advance.

There’s decent parking at the entrance and enough space to get changed.

Instead, I recommend parking a bit higher up and walking the final 700 meters. It’s steep, but short! It took me around 8 minutes each way. In return, you get a wild, roaring waterfall and a setting that feels straight out of a movie.

Stop by the fishing dock, peek into the Bom Jesus Church, and check out a few murals by Vhils. It’s a short visit, but an interesting contrast to the greener, more remote parts of the island.

From Miradouro de Santa Iria, you’ll get a wide, sweeping view of dramatic cliffs and farmland meeting the sea. There’s a small parking area right next to the viewpoint, so it’s a quick stop.

Entry is free, and you can visit the factory to see how the tea is produced, sample a few varieties, and then head out into the fields.

The factory is open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekdays and from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekends, so it’s easy to fit into your itinerary.

There’s also a 3 km trail (PRC28 SMI) that loops through the plantation. I didn’t follow it exactly — I just wandered — and the further you go, the more peaceful it gets.

Even if you’ve visited tea plantations elsewhere (like I did in Sri Lanka and Malaysia), this one’s still worth your time. It’s beautiful, easy to explore, and a perfect low-key stop to end the day.

To get there, search for “Moinhos da Praia da Viola” on Google Maps and follow the stairs next to the small parking area.

As you descend, you’ll get closer to the waterfall that flows directly into the ocean.

There’s a parking area close by and the viewpoint offers a clear view of the waterfall in the distance.

When I visited in June, it was almost dry, which was disappointing. But when it’s flowing at full strength, it’s said to be one of the most scenic falls in São Miguel.

Head towards Achadinha and park near the Parque de Merendas do Pesqueiro (here’s the exact spot where you can park). You’ll spot a trail sign just off the main road — no need to go all the way to the end of the road.

Within minutes of starting the trail, you’ll already spot the Risco waterfall. You can hike a bit further to get closer to the waterfall, but I chose not to do it.

The real challenge comes after. The hike to Poço Azul involves a steep climb, but the views make up for it.

It took me about 30–35 minutes to reach Poço Azul and around 20 minutes on the way back. The turquoise waters and tranquil setting made it one of my favourite discoveries on São Miguel island.

Ribeira dos Caldeirões is a lush park with waterfalls, small trails, and restored watermills.

It’s free to visit, super easy to access, and honestly just a beautiful place to wander for 30–45 minutes. It was such a huge surprise!

If you’re visiting in spring or summer, expect flower beds bursting with colour. But even outside blooming season, this viewpoint is one of the most picturesque in São Miguel. And it’s also perfect for a picnic or a relaxing break.

This one is particularly famous for sunrise, but it’s beautiful any time of day. The sweeping views over the ocean are stunning and worth the stop.

The trail to Salto do Prego is about 2 km each way (40 minutes each direction), with some steep sections, especially on the way to the waterfall.

It’s a bit of a workout, but the reward is a gorgeous waterfall tucked into the forest.

If you have extra time and energy, you can add a small detour to the abandoned village of Sanguinho, which adds about 400 meters to the route. I skipped it because I was short on time and a bit tired, but it must be a cool add-on if you’re curious.

While it’s not the most dramatic viewpoint on the island, it’s still a peaceful place to watch the day fade away. After such a full day, it’s the perfect spot to slow down and take in the views one last time.

Some places, like waterfalls or inland trails, can take longer to access and involve a bit more walking. That’s exactly why a São Miguel 5-day itinerary works so well. It gives you a good mix of nature, views, and time to properly explore.

If you’re short on time, 3 days is enough to cover the essentials. You’ll want to focus on the biggest highlights like Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, and Furnas. It’ll be more rushed, but still 100% worth it.

On the other hand, if you’ve got a week, don’t think you’ll run out of things to do. São Miguel may be small, but there’s so much packed into it from hidden trails and coastal villages to epic viewpoints and natural pools.

Summer (June to August) is the hottest and driest time to go, but also the busiest. Expect more crowds at places like Sete Cidades and Poça da Dona Beija and slightly higher prices for hotels and rentals.

If you prefer cooler weather, fewer people, and lower prices, spring and fall are great alternatives. I went in June and found it perfect for hiking.

Now, here’s something you’ll hear often and it’s 100% true: you can experience all four seasons in a single day in the Azores. The weather in São Miguel is super unpredictable. One morning, we drove to Lagoa do Fogo and it was completely covered in clouds. But just a few kilometres down the road? Total sunshine.

That’s why I always recommend checking VisitAzores.com before heading to viewpoints. It gives you live webcams from the main spots on the island. It’s honestly a lifesaver when deciding where to go each day.

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