WHAT TO VISIT?
Set of activities you can do on the island of São Miguel
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The island of São Miguel is magical. We give you some tips on what to visit on the island, from lagoons, restaurants and other activities. There would be much more to write.
Due to the unpredictability of the weather experienced on the Azores islands, we recommend using the SPOTAZORES app or website where you can check, using cameras spread across the island, the weather conditions before starting your trip.
It is also highly recommended, to explore the island, to rent a car. We have a 15% rental discount voucher for customers who book with Villaverde Azores and at the same time with one of our partners (Autocunha Car Rental).
Useful information
- Wear Comfortable Footwear
- Wear Comfortable Clothing
- Have a light jacket with you
- Hydration always ready
- Make your location known
Lagoons
Lagoa das Sete Cidades
If you’re visiting São Miguel Island for the first time, this lagoon is a must-see. You can admire this beautiful lagoon (which is actually two lagoons), one of the largest volcanic complexes on the island, from the Vista do Rei viewpoint. You can also head down to the small village of Sete Cidades to enjoy the views from a different perspective and observe the lifestyle of its residents.
Lagoa Do Canário and Miradouro Grota do Inferno
This place, very close to Lagoa das Sete Cidades, is Lagoa do Canário and one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the region – Miradouro Grota do Inferno. A must-see when the weather permits.
Photo: byAçores Website
Lagoa Das Furnas
In the Furnas Valley, you’ll find another lagoon and all of São Miguel Island’s secondary volcanic activity concentrated in one place. At Lagoa das Furnas, you can see the holes where the famous Furnas stew is cooked and then visit the village of Furnas.
Lagoa Do Fogo
This is another must-visit spot. The other volcanic complex on the island, the Fogo Volcano complex, gave rise to a beautiful lagoon. This lagoon is located within a protected forest park, so access to its summit during high season (June to October) is only possible by bus, using a designated and marked route. Be sure to visit on a clear day.
Lagoa Do Congro
For us, one of the most magical lagoons on the island of São Miguel. Here, you can find a beautiful lagoon, after a 15-minute walk through a small forest complex, a beautiful lagoon appears in the middle of nowhere.
Photo: Wikipedia
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Restaurants
Bar da Caloura
For good fresh fish, we recommend this small restaurant in the Água de Pau area. Fish always fresh. Also try the limpets that are brought to the table in a boiling pan, in their butter, garlic and ground pepper sauce. Pass the lemon and enjoy!
Restaurante a TASCA
Known for its tapas, TASCA is a restaurant to try in the center of Ponta Delgada. Try a little of everything, as everything is delicious.
Restaurante Alabote
TãGente
For a well-deserved rest and a tapas dinner, or just enjoying the Ponta Delgada nightlife, we recommend this Wine, Tapas and Gin bar in the center. A good atmosphere, good music and very friendly employees.
Cais20
Cantinho do Cais
If you enjoy fish and stews, this place is a must-visit. A delicious fish stew (Caldeirada) is served by the manager himself, prepared with a bread base and topped with the rich broth. Simply divine! 🙂
Cozido das Furnas
For the Furnas stew, we recommend three restaurants, where this specialty is prepared daily in holes along one end of Lagoa das Furnas. We recommend booking in advance, especially in high season (from June to mid-September).
Vale das Furnas Restaurant, located near the Furnas campsite, offers a delicious cozido à portuguesa in a tranquil setting. It’s best to book in advance, any time of year, as the cozido is prepared ahead of time in one of the natural steam holes at Lagoa das Furnas.
Tony’s Restaurant, located in the center of the village, is undoubtedly one of the most well-known in the region. It’s a larger restaurant, and its cozido is also very good.
Miroma Restaurant, though our third choice, is still worth a visit for its cozido cooked in the “buraco.” Be sure to reserve in advance so you don’t miss the chance to try this regional delicacy.
Regional Steak
Restaurane O Galego
O GALEGO Restaurant in São Roque, 5 minutes from the center of Ponta Delgada, is known for the friendliness of those who serve and the speed of the service. A delicious regional steak made like few others. It is advisable to make a reservation in advance during high season.
O segundo restaurante é o Restaurante CASA DO ABEL. Perto do Bar da Caloura, é um restaurante a visitar para os apreciadores da melhor carne. Convém fazer a marcação com antecedência em período de maior afluência turística.
Third but certainly not least, we recommend the Associação Agrícola de São Miguel restaurant. This large restaurant is renowned for its specialty, the Regional Steak. Be sure to book in advance.
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Other activities
Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo
If you want to experience a marine volcano and swim in it, this is the place to go. An ancient volcano that emerged from the ocean depths has created an islet accessible to just 400 visitors per day. At low tide, you’ll find a small beach there. We recommend bringing sunscreen and snorkeling goggles to view small schools of endemic fish. Tickets can be purchased online here.
Cetacean observation
The Azores are home to numerous cetaceans, with others just passing through. They’re considered part of the Azorean family. Several companies offer whale-watching tours departing from Portas do Mar or the port of Vila Franca do Campo. Don’t miss the opportunity!
Tea from Gorreana and Porto Formoso
In the Porto Formoso area, you’ll find two tea companies with their respective plantations. Among the oldest and most unique in Europe, this is where the most delicate and flavorful tea in the Azores comes from. If you visit São Miguel Island, don’t miss the chance to enjoy a cup of tea at sunset, watching the sun illuminate the entire plantation. Here’s the link to the Gorreana Tea Plantation. Note: During the week, you can visit the factory while it’s in operation for free (as of now) and also taste the tea, which is offered by Gorreana Tea Factory. The Porto Formoso Tea Plantation is also quite close, just a few minutes’ drive away.
Poça Dona Beija
If it’s raining, don’t stay home. Come to these thermal water pools (40°C). A visit is a must. Don’t forget to bring swimwear that’s well-worn and dark, as the iron-rich waters may stain your clothing. It’s also advisable to take care if you have dyed hair. 🙂
Parque Terranostra
In the Furnas Valley, in the village area, you’ll find one of the most visited spots in Furnas—Parque Terra Nostra. Allow yourself to be enchanted by this beautiful park, which offers numerous spaces that invite a little adventure. At the end of your stroll, you can visit and bathe in the pool or in the “jacuzzi” beside it. It’s best to bring well-worn and dark swimwear, as the iron-rich waters may stain lighter fabrics.
Ferraria Hot Springs
Please note that these natural pools should only be visited if the sea is calm. These pools, fed by flowing water from the Atlantic Ocean, are heated to 40°C at low tide. They are an excellent spot to visit. However, be aware that the descent to the pools is a bit steep.
Caldeira Velha
Heading towards Lagoa do Fogo through the Ribeira Grande area, you will find signs for Caldeira Velha. It’s an obligatory stopping point to see a beautiful hot water waterfall (it’s been more), located in a natural park. Trying it out!
Caldeiras das Furnas
You can find the fumaroles next to Lagoa das Furnas, however there are also others in the center of the town, which should be worth visiting.
Sunset in the Mosteiros Village
In the eastern part of the island, you’ll find this little paradise, known for its stunning sunsets and restaurants specializing in oven-roasted octopus. It’s worth a try if you’re curious, and be sure to visit to witness the beautiful sunset.
Ribeira dos Caldeirões
One of the most iconic waterfalls on the island of São Miguell. We recommend visiting and then exploring the northeast area of the island and its magnificent viewpoints.
