We’ve never been the type to stay home for New Year’s Eve, so instead of the usual countdown and fireworks, we decided to mix things up. This time, we went for something a little different – 14 days in São Miguel, Azores. Yup, while everyone else was bundled up for winter, we were out exploring volcanic craters, soaking in hot springs, and basically living the island dream. São Miguel, often called the “Hawaii of Europe,” felt like the perfect escape with its stunning coastlines and dramatic landscapes. From the mind-blowing views at Sete Cidades to chilling in the hot springs of Furnas, every day in São Miguel was a new adventure. If you’re ready to ditch the holiday chaos for some epic adventures (and maybe sneak in a spa day or two), São Miguel could be your new go-to. Here’s a peek at our 14-day trip and what you need to know before you go!
Content Teaser
Quick Peek
Fact-sheet about our Azores trip for our busy travelers.
Travel Time
December / January
Travel Mode
Journey
Our Must-Sees
Sete Citades, Lagoa do Fogo
Where to stay
Santa Barbara Resort
Plant-Based Food
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Mobility
Sunny Cars
Opel Astra
Travel Budget
around €4.095
without air fare
Top Must-See Spots in São Miguel, Azores You Can’t Miss
We may have only had 14 days, but we made the most of it by circling this gorgeous island a few times (it’s not that big, after all!). Here are our absolute must-see spots that made our trip unforgettable:
Sete Cidades
Let’s start with the classic: Sete Cidades. It’s not just one spot – it’s more like a collection of amazing places all in one area. You’ve got two lakes, one blue and one green, surrounded by hills and viewpoints that are seriously like a real-life postcard. Sete Cidades is only about a 30-minute drive from Ponta Delgada, so it’s easy to get there and make a day of it.
You can spend hours here, either hiking the trails or driving from one viewpoint to the next. Most people spend around 2–3 hours exploring, taking photos, and just enjoying the views. It’s definitely a place where you’ll want to slow down and take it all in because each stop gives you a totally new view of this incredible landscape.
Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo
For a breathtaking view over Lagoa do Fogo, make sure to stop at Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo. It’s only about a 25-minute drive from Ponta Delgada, making it an easy trip if you’re exploring the island by car. This spot gives you a sweeping view of the lake’s deep blue waters surrounded by mountains and lush greenery. Honestly, standing there, it felt a bit like being on Oahu, with all the Hawaii vibes right here in Europe. The drive up is smooth, but keep in mind that parking at the viewpoint can be a bit tight during busy times. It’s definitely worth it, though, for the incredible views.
Furnas
Furnas is the ultimate place to relax and soak in the island’s natural beauty. Picture yourself in warm, steaming hot springs, surrounded by lush green hills – it’s like instant relaxation. We spent a lot of time dipping in the springs and wandering through the charming village. You can really feel the history here, especially with the bubbling geysers and the famous “cozido,” a stew that’s actually cooked underground using volcanic heat. After a day of exploring, this was exactly what we needed. And honestly, once we got comfortable, leaving was the last thing we wanted to do.
Faro do Arnel
Faro do Arnel is the oldest lighthouse in the Azores and is about a 50-minute drive from Ponta Delgada on the eastern coast. This spot is special because it sits right on a cliff, giving you amazing ocean views. To reach the lighthouse, you’ll walk down a steep path, which is part of the adventure and offers great views along the way. It’s a perfect spot to feel the power of the Atlantic waves and take in the wild beauty of São Miguel.
Miradouro do Salto Farinha
One of our favorite waterfall spots was Miradouro do Salto da Farinha. It’s a beautiful viewpoint with a stunning waterfall cascading down the cliffs. This spot is a bit of a hidden gem, giving you both a peaceful setting and incredible views of the falls and the coast.
We picked this one, but São Miguel is full of waterfalls, so feel free to do your own research and visit more than one. Each waterfall has its own charm, and you’re bound to find a favorite among the many natural wonders this island has to offer!
Ponta Delgada
The capital, Ponta Delgada, is full of charm and the perfect mix of history, culture, and relaxed island life. Walking through its cobblestone streets, you’ll find beautiful old buildings, lively cafés, and impressive churches like Igreja de São Sebastião. The waterfront is also a great spot to watch the boats, enjoy the sea views, or relax at a café by the harbor.
Ponta Delgada is a great starting point for anyone visiting São Miguel. It’s easy to spend a day exploring the city’s sights, trying local food, and soaking in the Azorean atmosphere. Plus, its central location makes it a perfect base for day trips around the island.
Our Favorite Places to Stay in São Miguel: Cozy to Luxurious
Quinta de Santa Clara
We usually like to split our stays when we travel to get the best of both worlds, and this trip was no different. For the first three nights, we stayed at Quinta de Santa Clara, a charming boutique hotel just 10 minutes from Ponta Delgada. It was the perfect, quiet spot to relax at the beginning of our trip. We loved starting our days with coffee in the peaceful gardens before heading out to explore.
Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort
After our first three nights, we moved to Santa Barbara Resort for the next nine. Staying in the Two-Bedroom Blue & Green Villa was everything we’d hoped for – spacious, stylish, and surrounded by beautiful nature. The resort’s direct beach access was perfect for morning strolls, and the pool area was stunning, though a bit chilly for us in December.
What really won us over was the food. Santa Bárbara has its own farm within the resort grounds, so breakfasts and dinners were packed with fresh, local flavors. Every meal felt special, with fruits, herbs, and veggies straight from their garden, plus Azorean dairy and wines. The resort’s focus on sustainability was impressive too – they collect rainwater to irrigate their gardens and use native plants that need less water. Dining here made our stay unforgettable and left us with a true taste of the island’s best.
Where to Find the Best Vegan and Vegetarian Food in São Miguel
Finding vegan options on São Miguel wasn’t the easiest, especially in the off-season, but we managed just fine. And yes, we did hit up Burger King’s vegan menu a few times (you do what you gotta do!). The big Continente supermarket in Ribeira Grande also saved the day, and honestly, the kids were perfectly happy with pasta most of the time. On the upside, the meals at Santa Barbara Resort were consistently excellent, with plenty of great plant-based options. While São Miguel is definitely a paradise for those who love fresh fish, vegans can still find their way around without much hassle.
How to Navigate Sao Miguel, Azores
For this trip, we rented a car through Sunny Cars, and it couldn’t have been easier! The roads are good, especially the main one that goes around the island, so we could just hop in and go. Doing a full roundtrip and checking out all the best spots was no problem at all.
Now, public buses? They’re a bit tricky. They don’t always take you to every attraction, and the schedules can be a hassle. But, if you’re not into renting a car, there are plenty of tour guides ready to take you around, so you won’t miss out on anything.
Cost Breakdown for Our Sao Miguel, Azores Trip
Accomodation
Quinta Santa Clara €105 per night
Santa Barbara €220 per night (incl. breakfast)
Food & Dining
Around €500 for 2 weeks
+ New Year’s Dinner €380
Mobility
Sunny Cars Opel Astra
€650 total
Fuel / Parking around €95
Activities
Whale Watching tour €175
Rest for free!
Total Spent
around €4.095
without air fare
The Most Instagrammable Places in Sao Miguel, Azores
São Miguel is packed with so many beautiful spots that it’s a dream for anyone who loves photography. There are just too many to fit here, so we’ve put together a whole separate article about the best viewpoints and photo spots!
Some highlights you can look forward to include the famous Sete Cidades with its twin lakes, the stunning Lagoa do Fogo for sweeping lake views, and Mosteiros for an unforgettable sunset by the ocean. And don’t miss Praia dos Moinhos, the black sand beach that’s totally unique. If you’re looking for more, check out our full article to find all the best places to capture São Miguel’s beauty!
FAQs for Visiting Sao Miguel, Azores: Your Essential Guide
The best time to visit is between May and September for warm weather and clear skies. However, if you prefer fewer crowds, consider traveling in the shoulder seasons (April or October). That said, we visited over New Year’s Eve and still enjoyed temperatures ranging from 16 to 19 degrees Celsius, which made exploring the island super comfortable even in winter.
Yes, most locals, especially in tourist areas, speak English. You’ll have no trouble communicating in hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
To really experience the island, a stay of 5 to 7 days is a good start – it gives you enough time to see the major sights without feeling rushed. But honestly, even after 12 days, we weren’t ready to leave! If you’re planning on mixing in some hiking and relaxing days, two weeks on São Miguel is anything but boring.
Yes! São Miguel has several natural hot springs, with Furnas and Caldeira Velha being the most popular. Remember to bring a dark swimsuit, as the water can stain lighter colors.
São Miguel can be pretty budget-friendly if you plan ahead. There are places to stay for every budget, from cozy boutique hotels to luxury resorts, and eating at local cafés or even cooking yourself can keep costs down. We were pleasantly surprised by the prices – it was super affordable! But that might be because we visited during the off-season.
Sao Miguel, Azores uses the Euro (€). Most places accept credit cards, but it’s always a good idea to have some cash for smaller purchases in remote areas.
Yes, there are direct flights from many European cities, with TAP Air Portugal offering one of the most popular routes from Lisbon. You can also find seasonal flights from North America. The island’s main airport, João Paulo II Airport in Ponta Delgada, serves as the primary gateway for travelers.
The weather in São Miguel can be a bit unpredictable. Most of the year, the temperatures are mild, so it never gets too hot or too cold. But the weather can change fast – from sunny to rainy in just a few minutes! It’s a good idea to pack layers, like a light jacket and a sweater, so you’re ready for whatever the day brings. Even if it starts out sunny, you might get a quick shower or cooler temperatures later on. Be prepared for all types of weather in one day!
São Miguel is a hiker’s paradise. There are trails for all levels, from easy walks around Sete Cidades to more challenging hikes like Lagoa do Fogo. Just make sure to bring good walking shoes.
Yes, São Miguel is a paradise for drone enthusiasts! You can fly in most places, and the breathtaking landscapes make it perfect for capturing stunning aerial footage. Just be sure to follow local regulations, avoid flying over crowds, and respect restricted areas like near airports or military zones.
São Miguel is known for its fresh seafood, traditional cozido (a stew cooked by volcanic heat), and local cheeses. For vegans and vegetarians, options are a bit limited, but you can find great plant-based meals in certain restaurants and resorts.
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