15 Must-Do Activities on São Miguel, Açores
Smack in the middle of the Atlantic lies nine volcanic island oases jam packed with adventure. I’m talking top-notch surfing, hiking through subtropical forests to rims of volcanoes, bathing in natural hot springs, and seeing sperm whales. If you’re thinking, “HOW THE HECK HAVE I NEVER HEARD OF THIS TOO-GOOD-TO-BE-TRUE DESTINATION?” You’re not alone.
This archipelago, pronounced ah-sor-es (or in Portuguese, ah-sor-esh) is still relatively under-the-radar, with the majority of visitors touching down in just a two-month peak season. The rest of the year is a traveler’s playground with few crowds, incredibly kind locals, and plenty of adventures to go around.
I had the pleasure of spending a month experiencing all São Miguel has to offer, and the list below covers my all-time favorite activities. Add these 15 São Miguel Açores adventures to your must list.
Table of Contents
São Miguel, Açores, at a Glance
Population: 140,000
Size: 290 square miles
Nickname: Ilha Verde (The Green Island)
First inhabitants: Portuguese (landed on-island somewhere between 1426 and 1437)
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How to Get to the Azores
The short answer? By plane. Check out Sata Airlines (the local Azorean airline) for the cheapest flights. The best deals are typically out of Lisbon, Portugal, but you may find a sweet steal on one of their three weekly direct flights out of Boston.
Nordeste, São Miguel, Açores
Best Time to Visit the Azores
The best time to visit the Azores is April through September. Peak season is June through August–it’s when the weather the Azores’ weather is the best, BUT that also means the trails and activities are gonna be poppin’. I’d recommend visiting in April or May for still semi-good weather, but a fraction of the people. You may even get entire trails to yourself!
Terra Nostra Hot Springs
What to Know About Azores’ Weather
The Azores’ weather is completely unpredictable. Trust that it’s probably going to rain at some point throughout the day, so keeping a raincoat handy is always a good idea, also because it can act as a wind breaker. When those infamous Azorean wind gusts blow through, you’re going to be happy you have something to break that bite.
The Azores’ weather also changes drastically depending on your altitude. It could be a gorgeous, warm and sunny day down at the beach, but up at Sete Cidades, it might be puffer weather (foggy, windy, and cold as all get out). Layers are your best friends!
Need help packing? Check out what I packed at the end of this post!
15 Must-Do Activities on São Miguel, Açores
1) Bath in gorgeous thermal springs with a river
Hot springs are steeped in Azorean culture–ask any local and they’ll swear by their healing powers. I can confirm, my skin has never felt so good. Each hot spring has its own concoction of revitalizing minerals that are fantastic for the soul and even offer some incredible health benefits. Sign me upppppp.
They help clean and hydrate your skin and can even help heal your scrapes and bruises from your pre-soak adventures. Needless to say, no adventure is complete without a revitalizing hot spring visit. Good thing this island has five.
Poça da Dona Beija has four scenic baths overlooking a steamy river and surrounded by natural flora (including my all-time favorite: tree ferns). You might notice the water is a bit orange, especially on top of the volcanic rock around the edges. This is iron, which can combat anemia, allergies, acne, and even parasitic diseases.
It’s €8 for a 1.5-hour soak. They’re open from 10am-11pm daily–I hear the night soaks are mighty fine!
2) Hike São Miguel, Açores’ Most Iconic Viewpoint
Most likely one of the most iconic views on São Miguel–if not the entire Açores archipelago–is the Miradouro da Boca do Inferno. It’s a 1.50-mile out-and-back trail to epic views of Sete Cidades (the town at the bottom of the island’s biggest caldeira (or crater), additional craters inside the big crater, and the Atlantic beyond. It’s insane.
If it’s too crowded, veer left and continue on the trail for another epic viewpoint with much less foot traffic. It’s just as epic.
3) Go Surfing in the Azores
Surfing is huge in Portugal, and São Miguel Açores is no exception. I’d highly recommend a surf lesson even if you’ve surfed before. Why? They’ve been surfing in the Azores for a while, and they know the good spots. They’ll monitor the surf and they’ll choose a location that day based on the best surf conditions. They also know a few secret spots and can provide some killer pro tips for surfing success. Not to mention, you get to meet some rad humans the process. I recommend Salt Lips, and for just €30, you’ll get a wetsuit, board, and group lesson. Steals.
There are three well-known surf spots on the island:
In Ponta Delgada, you have Pópulo, which is a small black sand beach at the east end of town.
Santa Bárbara Beach in Rabeira Grande is where you’ll find the most consistent surf.
Mosteiros is a tiny surf town at the west end of the island–perfect for catching sunset breaks.
Remember: Always check the surf and weather reports before paddling out. The islands even have their own network of webcams (Spot Azores) so you can check out the surf in real time!The weather changes hourly in the Açores, waves can pick up in an instant, and it’s important to be aware and prepared.
4) Warm up in an Oceanside Hot Spring
Ponta da Ferarria is one of those, “is this real life?” places that took my breath away. This Azores hot spring is at the bottom of a switchbacked road, there’s a hot spring that bubbles into an oceanside pool that’s only accessible at low tide. And it’s FREE!
You’ll climb down a metal ladder to find ropes. Hold on tight! You’re literally bathing in a tidal zone, and the force of the waves washing in from the Atlantic are powerful. It’s a sweet experience: when the waves retreat, you’ll warm up from the spring’s heat and cool off again when a wave comes back in.
Plan to arrive an hour before low tide to make the most of it! There are public changing rooms and outdoor showers available too.
5) Go Wine Tasting
Portugal has some pretty incredible wines, but Azorean wine has a little something special you won’t find anywhere else. I made a last-minute decision to swing by Quinta da Jardinete for a wine tasting, and I’m so glad I did! Ricardo is one of just three full-time employees who work together to produce 16,000-18,000 bottles annually, and he gave us a tour of the beautiful grounds. Once a orange orchard, the scout would watch for English ships at the top of the property. When they saw one, they’d quickly pick oranges and run down to the docks to hopefully make a few sales. Time was of the essence, and efficiency was key. Snooze you loose had never been so true.
Today, it’s a small-batch winery, producing Chardonnays, Merlots, Roses, and Pino Noir, but what makes them so unique is their growing conditions. Because of the constant salty air (Ricard likes to say everyone in the Azores are “seasoned” with salt… I LOVE that.) and the volcanic rock that sheds a ton of minerals, the wines have a high minerality and super salty flavor. I could totally taste it. It was wild.
Their merlot is light and luscious–may have taken home a bottle… and may be sipping it as I write this. :)
6) Swim in Cascata do Salto do Cabrito
Two cascading waterfalls on fern-filled rock wall? Yes, please. This waterfall requires zero hiking and is a beaut if I do say so myself. It’s also located at a working hydroelectric power plant.
If you feel like hiking, there’s an epic 4.9-mile trail with metal walkways that guide you through the jungly forest. It’s worth the trek if you ask me!
7) Take a Hot Spring Shower at Terra Nostra
The Terra Nostra Garden (and thermal pool) is in Furnas on São Miguel, which is situated at the base of a dormant volcanic crater. There’s tons of volcanic activity to go around–heck, there’s even bubbling sulfuric springs in the center of town. You can walk right up to them!
The gardens are gorgeous and feature three hot spring pools: the main pool is so massive you could swim circular laps, and is a bright and beautiful yellow color thanks to its high iron levels.
The other two pools are smaller, boats a teal color, and surrounded by foliage for a cozy and natural environment. My favorite part? You could take a cold shower while standing in the hot spring. I could’ve stayed there all day.
8) Learn How Tea is Made at Gorreana Tea Factory
If you’re a tea fan, don’t miss stopping by one or both of the island’s tea factories, which also happen to be some of the only ones in Europe! At Cha Gorreana on the north side of the island, you can embark on a self-guided factory tour, taste their collection, and hike their gorgeous grounds.
Gorreana
Ever seen a tea plant? I hadn’t until now–they reminded me of rice fields in Bali! We even got to see a bit of a harvest!
Porto Formoso
Porto Formoso is a smaller operation with a cozy feel. Watch a short video about their tea making process before tasting their black tea in a beautiful tasting room and strolling their grounds.
9) Hike the Salto do Prego Loop
This might just be on of my favorite Azores hikes. The trail to this magnificent waterfall is probably the most “natural” on this list–it guides hikers along the river. Starting in Fail da Terra, this trail follows old cobblestone roads and crosses a wooden bridge before arriving at Salto do Prego. The waterfall is about 27’ high–hike up for a top-down view and/or enjoy its power from below. Have a snack and take it all in before continuing up the loop trail to the abandoned village of Sanguinho.
There are about 20 abandoned houses that have been uninhabited since the beginning of the ‘70s–they’re slowly being restored and it exudes ultimate storybook charm.
The community is a bit hard to reach, so the 200 inhabitants who originally settled here to escape flooding of the river below, eventually found home elsewhere. It gets its name to the many endemic plants of the Azores that still grow here.
10) Experience the Lake of Fire
The Fogo Volcano is a 15,000-year-old stratovolcano that’s part of the larger Lagoa do Fogo Nature Reserve–the caldera’s current shape is the result of its most recent eruption in 1563. The lake is about 90’ deep!
Looking over the estuary in Lagoa do Fogo.
You can drive to the top, but the hike down to the bottom was one of my favorite hikes of all time–not just on the island but literally ever. I don’t know if the stars aligned or if I was just in a good headspace, or it was just another part of a fantastic day, but this hike was insanely perfect.
Lagoa do Fogo’s pumice beach inside the crater.
It’s a short 3.9-mile round trip hike that starts with a steep descent into the crater. You’ll pass some beautiful flora with epic views the entire way down before arriving at the lake’s edge.
Lagoa do Fogo’s pumice beach inside the crater.
You’ll eventually get to a pumice beach with an unreal view of the crater walls in front of you. Continue around the corner and down the pumice beach for a dreamy walk along the lake. We went on a slightly rainy, foggy day and there were moments where we it was just us, the light rain, and the seabirds. Freaking magical.
Drive to the top and hike up to the cell towers for a small network of trails that lead to views like this!
Pro tip: It drops a few degrees at the top, so pack layers!
11) Visit the Lush cliffside town of Nordeste
Nordeste is seemingly straight out of a storybook. The town itself is beautiful with a gorgeous arched bridge and is surrounded by a lush green landscape not found anywhere else on the island. Here’s what I recommend doing while you’re there:
Check out Farol do Arnel from two different viewpoints: Miradouro da Ponta do Arnel and Boats Viewpoint. Go in the morning for best light (sunrise if you can swing it), and take it all in. It’s magical. It sits impressively below on a massive cliff–the epitome of Azorean architecture in one frame.
Walk the short trails at Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego. The area features a stunning garden and an epic lookout over the northern coast of São Miguel Açores and the mountains beyond.
12) Cascata Das Lombadas
Located in the gorgeous Lombadas Valley is a massive cascading waterfall with hot springs. Absolutely insane–it’s a gem, and the island truly makes you work for it. The trail down is steep, wet, rugged, unmaintained (proceed at your own risk), and dangerous.
There are sections with ropes to help keep hikers from slipping and falling, and the cliffs are no joke. You’ll also need to cross the river to get up close and personal with the falls and springs. Be careful, go with an adventure buddy, and stay safe! The path is fierce but the reward is everything.
13) Learn about the Azores’ Biodiversity and Geodiversity
On your way back down from Lagoa do Fogo, swing by The Caldeira Velha Interpretive Center (but make a reservation online ahead of time–they often sell out day of!). You’ll get to learn a ton about the volcanic origins of the Açores with a large emphasis on the very volcano you’re standing on. There’s so much to understand about the area’s biodiversity, geodiversity, and geothermal and thermal baths. You’ll even get to take a dip under a “hot” waterfall!
Left: Stingray | Right: Trigger fish
14) Try The Freshest Fish Around at Bar Caloura
Tuna, sea bream, trigger fish, stingray, oilfish: Caloura has an impressive selection of fresh catch each and every day, and each fish is plopped on the grill with limited seasoning so as not to hinder the natural flavor.
I officially have a new favorite fish: stingray. Limpits, though? Not a fan.
No trip to Sao Miguel is complete without indulging in a fresh fish feast!
15) Take a Gander at Ribeira Quente’s “Hot” Waterfall
“Hot” is a stretch, but this waterfall isn’t one you want to miss. It’s gorgeous, and it’s actually visible from the road–if you’re driving towards Ribeira Quente, look to your right when you’re between the two tunnels for a glimpse of this beaut. If you have the time, I highly recommend parking in the pullout BEFORE you arrive at the tunnels (please do NOT park in or between the tunnels–safety is a priority, friends!), and walk the short unmaintained trail to the falls for an up close and personal look.
What to Pack for the Azores
Top
Hat
Sunglasses
T-shirt
Tank top
Lightweight long sleeve for hiking
Warmer long sleeve
Sweater for around town
Cardigan for over tank tops when the chill kicks in a bit.
Puffer/fleece/or other insulating layer. I wore my hooded Stio puffer nearly everyday! (Check it out in my Lagoa do Fogo photo). It’s 800 HyperDRY down fill lets it pack up small to fit in most backpacks and keeps me warm and dry in those unexpected downpours.
Waterproof outer layer. I brought my REI GTX raincoat for extra protection from the elements.
Bottom
Leggings. I brought my CRZ lightly fleece lined leggings for colder hikes and early mornings.
Hiking pants. A pair of water resistant hiking pants will save your legs from the rough brush that lines most Azores hiking trails. My Eddie Bauer joggers did the trick!
Flowy pants. I LOVE traveling with flowy pants–they look nice and they’re comfy as all get out.
Jeans
Shorts. I brought some flowy shorts and jean shorts but honestly haven’t worn them yet. If you’re in the Azores in July or August, I’m sure you’ll get more use out of them!
Feet
Moisture-wicking socks like these from Icebreaker.
Slip-on sandals that can get wet (for hot springs). I’ve been living in my rubber Birkenstock knock-offs from Amazon. They’re incredibly comfy, can be dressed up or down (great for travel), are waterproof, and I don’t feel bad destroying them because they were cheap!
Walking shoes
Hiking boots. If you know me you know I love my Danner Mountain 600s. The killer grip came in handy on the wet and rocky Azores hiking trails.
Leave No Trace
Always remember to leave no trace–pack out what you pack in, leave what you find, prepare for every adventure, and respect the outdoors and each other every step of the way. Learn more about how to leave no trace here.
And if you do decide to venture out on any of these adventures, drop a comment below or shoot me an email to tell me how it went!
Happy adventuring!
Out of the Blue Hostel
Where to Stay on São Miguel, Açores
OUT OF THE BLUE HOSTEL
Out of the Blue is the place for casual socializing, family dinners, and super affordable day tours (I’m talking €30). The staff is super friendly and helpful, the free breakfast is delicious, and Chef Shy makes some tasty family dinners (€20 for three courses and drinks). Spend some time in a hammock in their beautiful gardens, pet the resident kitty, watch the cutest duck couple play in the pond, or use it as a home base to experience Ponta Delgada. The location is hard to beat!
HOMEBOAT COMPANY HOUSEBOAT
If you’ve always wanted to spend the night in a floating home, here’s your chance! This adorable little one-bedroom houseboat has a killer location–it calls Ponta Delgada Marina home, which is just a quick couple of steps from downtown Ponta Delgada.
It has a bunk bed, a double bed in the living space, a kitchenette, and a rooftop deck. It says it can sleep four, I’d say two people makes a happy, cozy stay!
MOINHO DAS FETEIRAS
What better way to celebrate Portuguese history than to stay in a windmill? Built in the 19th century, Moinho das Feteiras sleeps two, boasts incredible views, and has a beautiful 4000m garden with sub-tropical fruit trees, garden trees, and flowers.
SETE CIDADES LAKE LODGE
If the west coast is calling your name, and you’d like to spend a few days experiencing Sete Cidades, its quaint village, and the surf town of Mosteiros, consider spending a couple of nights in Sete Cidades Lake Lodge’s cool wooden bungalows.
