Welcome to our Sao Miguel Island guide! Get ready to explore the best attractions and activities this beautiful Azorean destination has to offer. Sao Miguel is the biggest island in the Azores, full of amazing natural wonders and interesting places to visit. Whether you love nature, history, or just relaxing, Sao Miguel has something for everyone.
In this guide, we’ll show you the most exciting spots to visit on the island. From stunning waterfalls and lakes to charming villages and historic sites, Sao Miguel is packed with things to see and do. Whether you’re up for outdoor adventures, trying local food, or learning about Azorean culture, Sao Miguel has endless possibilities.
Join us as we take a closer look at Sao Miguel Island, uncovering its top attractions and fun activities. Get ready for an unforgettable journey filled with adventure, beauty, and discovery. Let’s explore Sao Miguel together and make memories that will last a lifetime!
Sao Miguel Island Guide
Miradouro do Pisão – Sao Miguel Island Guide
Miradouro do Pisão, located on São Miguel Island in the Azores, offers stunning panoramic views of the island’s coastline and countryside. This peaceful viewpoint is perfect for nature lovers and photographers seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
Perched atop a hillside, Miradouro do Pisão provides a serene retreat away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and rolling hills, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and contemplation.
Accessible by car or on foot, Miradouro do Pisão is a must-visit destination for those exploring São Miguel Island. Take a leisurely stroll along nearby trails, breathe in the fresh air, and marvel at the island’s natural splendor.
In essence, Miradouro do Pisão offers a peaceful escape where visitors can immerse themselves in São Miguel’s timeless charm and scenic beauty. It’s the perfect place to unwind and connect with nature while enjoying awe-inspiring views of the Azores.
Vila Franca do Campo – Sao Miguel Island Guide
Vila Franca do Campo is a charming coastal town known for its history, natural beauty, and friendly atmosphere.
Once the island’s capital, Vila Franca do Campo boasts cobbled streets, historic churches, and colorful houses. The highlight is the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo, a horseshoe-shaped volcanic islet just offshore, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Visitors can explore the town’s quaint streets, relax by the harbor, and visit landmarks like the São Miguel Arcanjo Church and the São Miguel Palace ruins. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking trails and whale-watching excursions.
End your day with a delicious meal at one of the seafood restaurants, savoring the fresh catch of the day. Vila Franca do Campo offers a glimpse into São Miguel’s charm and invites visitors to experience its beauty and history.
Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Paz
Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Paz is a peaceful chapel on São Miguel Island in the Azores. Built in the 18th century, it overlooks Vila Franca do Campo and offers stunning views of the ocean and countryside. The chapel is dedicated to Our Lady of Peace and is a quiet spot to enjoy the nature.
Visitors can stroll along pathways to reach the chapel and admire religious artifacts inside. It’s a place of significance for locals, who gather here for special events and seek blessings from the patron saint. Whether for spiritual solace or scenic beauty, a visit to Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Paz is a tranquil experience in the heart of São Miguel.
Cascata do Salto do Cabrito – Sao Miguel Island Guide
Cascata do Salto do Cabrito, found on São Miguel Island in the Azores, is a beautiful waterfall embraced by lush greenery. Water flows gently down rocky slopes, creating a calming scene that mesmerizes visitors. To reach this peaceful spot, adventurers can follow a scenic trail weaving through São Miguel’s stunning landscapes.
Surrounded by towering trees and vibrant vegetation, the waterfall offers a serene retreat for nature lovers. The clear pool at the base invites travelers to cool off and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings. Cascata do Salto do Cabrito is a hidden treasure where visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in the soothing embrace of nature’s beauty.
For us one of the Sao Miguel highlights.
Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego
Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego is a breathtaking viewpoint offering stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape. Perched atop rugged cliffs, the viewpoint provides panoramic views of the ocean and lush greenery all around.
To reach Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego, visitors can follow a scenic path that winds through picturesque landscapes and colorful flora.
This tranquil spot is perfect for taking in the beauty of São Miguel’s coastline and enjoying moments of peaceful reflection. Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego offers visitors a chance to reconnect with nature and experience beautiful landscapes of the Azores.
Farol do Arnel – Sao Miguel Island Guide
Farol do Arnel is a historic lighthouse perched atop scenic cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This charming lighthouse guides ships with its radiant light, offering a picturesque view of the surrounding coastal scenery.
You can access Farol do Arnel by following a winding path that leads to the cliffside location. As you ascend, you can enjoy the gorgeous views of the azure waters below and the rugged coastline stretching into the horizon.
Farol do Arnel is a serene destination ideal for enjoying the tranquility of the ocean and marveling at the island’s natural beauty.
Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões
Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões is a pristine natural park renowned for its stunning waterfalls and lush greenery. This idyllic sanctuary offers visitors a serene escape into the heart of nature.
Exploring through the park’s verdant trails, you can encounter a series of cascading waterfalls surrounded by vibrant green vegetation.
With its picturesque bridges and winding pathways, Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões invites exploration and discovery. If you are a nature enthusiast as we are, you will enjoy the park’s beauty very much. Whether admiring the waterfalls, picnicking by the streams, or simply soaking in the peaceful atmosphere, you will for sure find solace and serenity in this wonderful natural haven.
Terra Nostra Park – Sao Miguel Island Guide
Terra Nostra Park is a beautiful botanical garden known for its lush plants and warm thermal pools. It’s a place where visitors can enjoy nature at its finest.
As you walk through Terra Nostra Park, you’ll see all kinds of plants from different parts of the world, like tall palm trees, colorful azaleas, and big tree ferns.
The highlight of the park is its special thermal pool, filled with orange, warm, mineral-rich water that’s perfect for relaxing. The iron oxide, also known as rust, gives the water its distinct orange colour. Be sure to bring old and dark swimsuits, cause the orange stains wont get off!
Terra Nostra Park is a peaceful place where you can forget about your worries and enjoy the beauty of nature. Whether you’re soaking in the warm water or just taking a leisurely walk, a visit to Terra Nostra Park is sure to be a memorable experience filled with tranquility and natural wonders.
Tony’s restaurant
The restaurant is primarily known for its local dish, ‘Cozido das Furnas,’ featuring various cuts of meats and vegetables cooked slowly in pots buried in the ground, harnessing the heat from volcanic activity. Unfortunately, this dish is only available by pre-order, so we recommend booking in advance if you plan to dine there. In addition to their delicious food, the restaurant also boasts a charming local bar downstairs, offering a chance to mingle with locals and enjoy affordable drinks.
Poça da Dona Beija
Poça da Dona Beija is a relaxing spot where you can enjoy warm thermal baths in a natural setting.
This place has cozy pools filled with warm, mineral-rich water that’s perfect for unwinding and feeling refreshed. Surrounded by lush greenery and volcanic rocks, it’s a peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature’s beauty. Whether you want to de-stress or simply take it easy, Poça da Dona Beija offers a soothing escape into the wonders of the outdoors.
Chá Gorreana – Sao Miguel Island Guide
Chá Gorreana is an old tea farm, one of Europe’s oldest tea plantations, dating back to the 19th century.
Set among green hills overlooking the Atlantic, Chá Gorreana lets you explore how tea is grown and made. You can join guided tours to learn about tea history, see how they make tea, and taste different blends.
At Chá Gorreana, you can also buy local teas to take home. Whether you love tea or just want to explore, a visit here offers a fun and educational experience in a beautiful setting. In the end you have free tasting!
Lagoa do Fogo – Sao Miguel Island Guide
Lagoa do Fogo, or Fire Lake, is a stunning crater lake and one of the island’s most breathtaking natural wonders.
Surrounded by lush greenery and rugged cliffs, Lagoa do Fogo captivates visitors with its crystal-clear blue waters and dramatic landscape. The lake fills the caldera of an extinct volcano, creating a mesmerizing sight that seems almost otherworldly.
Adventure seekers and nature lovers flock to Lagoa do Fogo to hike along its scenic trails, offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding countryside. The area is also a paradise for birdwatchers and photographers, with opportunities to spot native flora and fauna and capture stunning vistas.
For those seeking tranquility and natural beauty, Lagoa do Fogo provides an unforgettable escape into the pristine wilderness of São Miguel Island. Whether you’re exploring its shores or admiring its beauty from afar, the lake offers a serene and awe-inspiring experience amidst the Azorean landscape.
Lagoa das Sete Cidades
Lagoa das Sete Cidades, known as the Seven Cities Lake, is a stunning natural wonder of Portugal. It’s famous for its two connected lakes: the Blue Lake and the Green Lake. Nested in a dormant volcano’s crater, the lake offers breathtaking views of blue and green waters against lush hillsides.
Visitors can enjoy hiking trails around the crater rim and admire the picturesque scenery from various viewpoints. Legend says the lakes formed from a princess’s tears over a forbidden love. Whether you’re exploring the shores, taking a boat ride, or simply soaking in the tranquility, Lagoa das Sete Cidades promises a magical experience in the heart of nature.
Ponta Delgada
Ponta Delgada is the lively capital of São Miguel Island in the Azores, Portugal. It’s a charming city with historic streets, beautiful churches, and a vibrant waterfront area called Portas do Mar. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants and explore markets like Mercado da Graça for unique souvenirs. The city also hosts cultural events and festivals year-round.
Augusto Arruda Pineapple Plantation
Augusto Arruda Pineapple Plantation offers guided tours through lush pineapple fields, showcasing the island’s rich agricultural traditions. Visitors can explore cultivation techniques, purchase pineapple-related products, and delve into the history of this tropical fruit. It’s a must-visit for a unique taste of Azorean culture.
Saying Goodbye to São Miguel: Cherishing Memories and Moving Forward
As you finish your time on São Miguel Island, think about the moments you’ve enjoyed, the stunning views you’ve seen, and the special experiences you’ve had. Whether you’ve explored the rugged coast, walked through lush forests, or tried local foods, São Miguel has left its mark on you.
Even as you say goodbye to this beautiful island, its beauty and charm will stay with you. Whether you’re planning your next trip or remembering the wonders you’ve seen, São Miguel will always be a part of your adventures.
As you move forward, remember the warmth, hospitality, and natural beauty of São Miguel. Until we meet again, may your travels bring you more amazing experiences. Goodbye, São Miguel – see you next time!
