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 are visiting the island of São Miguel for the first time, this lagoon is a must-visit. You can admire this beautiful lagoon (which is actually two), one of the largest volcanic complexes on the island, from the VISTA DO REI viewpoint. You can also go down to the small Vila das Sete Cidades and admire the views from another perspective and see the lifestyle of its inhabitants.
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 can find another lagoon, and all the secondary volcanism of the island of São Miguel in one place. You can visit the holes where the famous Furnas stew is made and visit the village of Furnas to delight in Parque Terranostra, Poça da Dona Beija, Lava Pés and enjoy all the delicacies sold by its traders. Yeast cakes, sweet corn and other delicacies can be enjoyed here.
Lagoa Do Fogo
This is another fundamental point that is a must-visit. The other volcanic complex on the island, the Fogo volcano complex, gave rise to a beautiful lagoon. This lagoon is located in a protected complex, so climbing to its summit, in high season (Jun – October) can only be done by bus in a dedicated location marked for this purpose, at its base.
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 like Fish and Stews, this is a must-see site. A delicious fish broth (Caldeirada), served by the manager himself, with a base of bread, and the broth on top. 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).
1. Vale das Furnas Restaurant, near the Furnas camping complex. In a quiet place, this restaurant has a very good Portuguese stew. It is advisable to book in advance at any time.
2. Tony’s restaurant in the center of the village is undoubtedly one of the best known regionally. It’s a larger restaurant and the stew is also quite good.
3. Miroma Restaurant, although it is our third option, is a restaurant to visit for the stew made in the “hole”. You should book in advance so you don’t miss the opportunity to taste 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 not last, we recommend the Associação Agrícola de São Miguel restaurant. A large restaurant, where the specialty is regional steak. It is best to make your appointment in advance.
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Other activities
Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo
If you want to see a marine volcano and bathe in it, this is where you should go. An ancient volcano emerging from the depths of the ocean gave rise to an islet that can only be visited by 400 people per day. At low tide, a small beach appears. We recommend taking sunscreen and diving glasses so you can see small schools of endemic fish. We recommend purchasing your ticket onlinehere
Cetacean observation
The Azores are home to countless cetaceans and some are just passing through. They are part of the Azorean family, for the respect we deserve them. There are several companies that are linked to cetacean observation activities in the Portas do Mar area or in the Port of Vila Franca do Campo.
Tea from Gorreana and Porto Formoso
In the Porto Formoso area, we find two large Tea companies, with their respective plantations. One of the oldest and most unique in Europe, this is where the most delicate and tasty tea in the Azores comes from. If you visit São Miguel Island, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a cup of tea at the end of the day, looking at the sunset illuminating the entire plantation. We leave the link to the Chá da Gorreana plantation. Note: During the week, you can visit the factory in full operation, free of charge (at the time), and also taste the tea also offered by the factory.
Poça Dona Beija
If it’s raining, don’t stay at home. Come to these thermal water pools (40ºC). The visit is mandatory. Don’t forget to bring your most used and dark swimwear, as the hot water will stain your clothes 🙂
Parque Terranostra
In the Furnas valley, you can find another lagoon, and all the secondary volcanism of the island of São Miguel in one place. You can visit the holes where the famous Furnas stew is made and visit the village of Furnas to enjoy the Parquue Terranostra, Poça da Dona Beija, Lava Pés and enjoy all the delicacies sold by its traders. Yeast cakes, sweet corn and other delicacies can be enjoyed here.
Ferraria Hot Springs
Please note that these natural pools should be visited if the sea is calm and in low tide (or medium tide). These natural pools, with running water from the Atlantic Ocean, are heated to 40º C at low tide. They are an excellent visiting point. However, keep in mind that the descent 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 easternmost part of the island, we find this little paradise, known for its sunsets and restaurants specializing in oven-roasted octopus. It’s worth trying it out, if you’re curious, and visiting to see 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.
