The magic of Sáo Miguel Island, The Azores. AKA “The Hawaii of Europe”
4 hours off the coast of Portugal, you’ll find the Azores Island chain. These islands are distinguished by their breathtaking scenery, beautiful villages, green pastures full of happy cows, and rows of blossoming, blue hydrangeas. São Miguel, the island that I visited, holds lake-filled calderas, natural hot springs, dramatic cliffs that drop into the ocean, and a sense of purity and beauty wherever you look.
I cannot emphasize enough how São Miguel Island is the most uniquely underrated place I've ever visited! I encourage everyone to experience it at least once in their lifetime. Let's get into it!
Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego
View from Nossa Senhora da Paz church
Where to stay
‘Vista do Ilhéu’ - The view at the most amazing Airbnb hosted by Paulo!
During my visit, I stayed in Vila Franca Do Campo, a special town on the Southern side of the island. It was just a 20-minute drive to Ponta Delgada, the island's main hub, known for its unique Azorean shops, restaurants, and the only airport. The Airbnb I chose was centrally located, allowing me to reach either side of the island in about an hour, making it perfect for exploring. While there are hotels on this island, staying in a local community in an Airbnb made the experience so much more memorable!
One essential tip: you'll need a car to get around the island. I highly recommend Azores Easy Rent, a friendly and affordable car rental company that caters to travelers.
Miradouro da Vista do Rei
Exploring the Island
I recommend checking a map before you arrive and planning your stops according to their locations on the island. This will help you avoid unnecessary back-and-forth driving. Here are my absolute favorite spots to visit on the Western side of the island:
Ponta Da Ferraria: A volcanic rock beach complete with a natural hot spring in the Atlantic Ocean! Bring water shoes and check the tide before you go!
Miradouro da Vista do Rei: The most iconic, sweeping views of the Caldeira da Sete Cidades along with the lush, green landscape and blue hydrangeas. Check out the abandoned hotel across the road!
Miradouro da Boca do Inferno: A stunning viewpoint across a vast green lake sitting in an ancient volcanic caldera. You’ll take a scenic walkway out to this magical point and take some great photos.
Praia de Mosteiros: A secluded volcanic black sand beach complete with sparkling blue waters and ragged cliffs.
Sete Cidades Town: A small, pristine town at the bottom of the volcanic caldera, along the emerald lake. A great place to stop for lunch or coffee.
Parque Terra Nostra
Now, let’s move onto the Central part of the island!
Caldeira Velha hot springs: A lush scenic nature preserve full of local plants and natural hot springs including a hot waterfall! Reservations required.
Salto del cabrito waterfall: An easily accessible waterfall that offers a nice short hike and a swim depending on the water flow!
Cha gorreana tea plantation: The oldest, and the only tea plantation in Europe! Wander the tea fields on your own or book a tour and try some fresh tea.
Terra Nostra Gardens and Thermal Pools: A garden park with hot pools fed by volcanic hot springs! Some of the water here is naturally orange due to iron from the Earth. Reservations recommended.
Poça da Dona Beija: Another lush, natural hot spring park with 5 geothermal pools! Reservations required.
Ponta Delgada: The capital of the Azores with amazing churches, historic architecture, and traditional Portuguese restaurants.
Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões
Finally, the Eastern Side of the island!
Lagoa das Furnas: My favorite spot on the entire island: a breathtaking lake nestled amidst lush green forests with geothermal geysers lining the shore. Rent kayaks here to spend an hour marveling at wildlife and soaking in the serene surroundings.
Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões: A nature park with vibrant vegetation, numerous waterfalls, and historical watermills— with free entry!
Miradouro da Salto da Farinha: An ocean overlook with a cascading waterfall nestled in the valley.
Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego: An awe-inspiring viewpoint offering a panoramic ocean view with beautiful floral gardens and picnic tables. You absolutely must go here!
Caldeiras das Furnas: Bubbling hot geysers coming from within the Earth! You can even buy corn on the cob that was cooked in the geyser. Temps range from 185º F to 212ºF!
Praia Do Fogo: A small, sandy beach with a relaxed restaurant serving fresh seafood. The seawater here can be very warm because of hydrothermal springs below the surface.
Where to Eat:
TukáTulá Beach Bar- Ribeira Grande. Get the cocktails and enjoy the sound of the ocean!
Restaurante Tronqueira- Nordeste. An ocean-view buffet with true and fresh local food.
Restaurante Associação Agrícola de São Miguel- Rabo de Peixe. Local steaks with fries! Try the Morcela with pineapple.
Casa do bife O GALEGO- Ponta Delgada. Good steaks and local meals. Make a reservation.
Bar Caloura- Água de Pau. Fresh seafood overlooking the ocean.
Sabores da Vizinha- Vila Franca do Campo. Local food with a great view.
TukáTulá Beach Bar
TukáTulá Beach Bar
Working Around Weather
When planning this trip, I discovered that the island's weather can be unpredictable. Clouds often roll in, obscuring the viewpoints that I mentioned and bringing unexpected rain showers. To make the most of your visit, check the weather forecast on both sides of the island each day before deciding where to explore. During my visit, I was fortunate to enjoy bright, warm sunshine all four days in early August. However, I still brought a raincoat, just in case. If you do encounter rain, embrace it and appreciate the lush, green flora thriving from the nourishment!
The Best View on the Island
For the best view of the iconic island off the coast of Sáo Miguel, drive up to Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Paz, a scenic chapel in Vila Franca do Campo. Here, you can climb up the beautifully built staircase for a panoramic view of the coastline alone with iconic Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo. It’s the perfect place for a sunset view that will leave you feeling inspired by the world around you and grateful for the Earth that we live on.
The base of Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Paz
View from Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Paz
Thank you for exploring my São Miguel guide! This trip was truly one of the most magical and life-changing experiences I've had. I hope you have the opportunity to journey here and discover the peace and beauty of this Portuguese island. Always listen to your travel inspirations and make time for the places that call to you—there's a reason you feel drawn to explore them!
Stay inspired!
Love, Cleo.
