Travel Guide of São Miguel Island in Portugal by Influencers and Travelers
São Miguel Island, nicknamed "The Green Island", is the largest and most populous island in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores.
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Pictures and Stories of São Miguel Island from Influencers
16 pictures of São Miguel Island from Rodrigo Gonçalves, Lora Ninova, Luís Eusébio and other travelers
- Must go on an adventure ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Rodrigo Gonçalves | ©Unsplash
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How to visit São Miguel Island ?
São Miguel Island, the largest of the Azores archipelago, is a hidden gem in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Traveling to São Miguel offers a unique experience of natural beauty, geothermal wonders, and rich history. The island's lush landscapes, volcanic lakes, and charming towns make for an unforgettable adventure.
To get to São Miguel, you can fly directly to João Paulo II Airport (PDL) in the capital, Ponta Delgada, from major European cities or the United States. Alternatively, you can take a flight to Lisbon, Portugal, and then connect to Ponta Delgada with a local airline.
It is recommended to book some activities in advance, especially during the high season (June to September). Whale watching and swimming with dolphins are popular excursions that often require reservations. If you're interested in guided tours of the island, consider booking ahead to secure your spot.
The costs of traveling to São Miguel are relatively affordable, with budget accommodations starting at around €30 per night, and mid-range hotels and guesthouses priced between €60-€100 per night. Meals at local restaurants range from €10-€20 per person. Car rental is advisable for exploring the island, with prices starting at around €25 per day.
Some of the best things to do on São Miguel Island include visiting the stunning volcanic lakes, such as Lagoa das Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo. Explore the hot springs and geothermal pools at Furnas Valley and Terra Nostra Park, or hike the trails around Nordeste for breathtaking views of the island's rugged coastline.
When it comes to dining, São Miguel offers a variety of options. Visit A Tasca for delicious Azorean cuisine, or try O Gato Mia for a fusion of Portuguese and international flavors. For a memorable seafood experience, head to Cais 20, which serves fresh fish and shellfish caught daily.
For accommodation, consider booking a stay at the Azor Hotel in Ponta Delgada, which offers modern amenities and stunning views of the marina. For a more traditional experience, try Quinta da Abelheira, a charming guesthouse surrounded by lush gardens. If you're looking for budget-friendly options, check out Out of the Blue Hostel, also located in Ponta Delgada.
Off the beaten path: For an unusual travel experience, visit Gorreana Tea Plantation, the only tea plantation in Europe. Learn about the traditional methods of tea production and enjoy a cup of tea while overlooking the beautiful plantation. Another unique activity is exploring the Gruta do Carvão, an ancient lava tube that offers a glimpse into the island's volcanic past. Finally, don't miss the chance to try the island's famous cozido das Furnas, a stew slow-cooked using the heat from the volcanic hot springs.
The Best Things to Do and Visit around São Miguel Island
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1 - Lagoa do Fogo
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2 - Miradouro do Pico da Barrosa
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3 - Surfing in São Miguel
Enjoy a group or individual surf lesson, learn not only to glide on the water's surface, but also how to respect the ocean and its surrounding natural environment. These surfing lessons cater for beginners, intermediate level surfers and advanc...
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4 - Ribeira Grande
Ribeira Grande is a municipality in the northern part of the island of São Miguel in the Portuguese Azores. The population in 2011 was 32,112, in an area of 180.15 km².
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5 - Lagoa
8 km away
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6 - Coasteering in São Miguel
7 km away
The rugged coast of the island of Sao Miguel in the archipelago of Azores makes the perfect playground for Fun Activities Azores amazing coasteering trips! It cannot be denied that the Azores have a plethora of outdoor activities to offer, and S...
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7 - Calhetas
11 km away
Calhetas is a freguesia in the municipality of Ribeira Grande in the Azores. The population in 2011 was 988, in an area of 4.70 km². Calhetas is the smallest parish in area in Ribeira Grande. It contains the localities Calhetas and Figueira do Mato.
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8 - Azores
16 km away
The Azores, officially the Autonomous Region of the Azores, is one of the two autonomous regions of Portugal. It is an archipelago composed of nine volcanic islands in the Macaronesia region of the North Atlantic Ocean, about 1,360 km west of continental Portugal, about 1,500 km west of Lisbon, in continental Portugal, about 1,500 km northwest of Morocco, and about 2,500 km southeast of Newfoundland, Canada.
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9 - Snorkeling in São Miguel
9 km away
What better place to enjoy a snorkeling trip than in some of the world's clearest waters in the Azores Islands. The program Discover Snorkeling from Azores Sub intends to show the amazing beauty of the Azorean Ocean and the species that live in it. W...
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10 - Ponta Delgada
16 km away
Ponta Delgada is the largest municipality and economic capital of the Autonomous Region of the Azores in Portugal. It is located on São Miguel Island, the largest and most populous in the archipelago.
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11 - Sao Miguel
21 km away
São Miguel Island, nicknamed "The Green Island", is the largest and most populous island in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores.
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12 - Tierwelt Abenteuer in São Miguel
9 km away
Whale Watching in the Azores Islands is unquestionably one of the most exciting and unforgettable Adventures! Join an exciting Marine Wildlife tour with Biologists and Naturalist Guides, to see and learn more about Whales, Dolphins, Turtles, Fish, Bi...
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13 - Miradouro da Boca do Inferno
24 km away
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14 - Salto do Prego
26 km away
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15 - Experiencias de vida salvaje in São Miguel
9 km away
Whale Watching in the Azores Islands is unquestionably one of the most exciting and unforgettable Adventures! Join an exciting Marine Wildlife tour with Biologists and Naturalist Guides, to see and learn more about Whales, Dolphins, Turtles, Fish, Bi...
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16 - Lagoa das Sete Cidades
27 km away
Lagoa das Sete Cidades is a twin lake situated in the crater of a dormant volcano on the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores. It consists of two small, ecologically different lakes connected by a narrow strait, which is crossed by a bridge.
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17 - Miradouro da Vista do Rei
27 km away
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Book Tours and Activities in São Miguel Island
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Learn More about São Miguel Island
São Miguel is part of a Portuguese archipelago of nine islands in the Atlantic Ocean: the Azores. Its breathtaking landscapes and active volcanism are among the wonders hidden in the heart of the so-called "green island".
What to do in the Azores?
1. Sete Cidades
This strato volcano is crowned by a caldera with several blue and green lakes, including Lake Azul and Lake Verde (which are indescribably beautiful), which can be seen from the Vista do Rei lookout.
Nature is lush and the mix of plant species is surprising, including an Asian conifer (Japanese cryptomeria), which was introduced to the island during colonisation when the forests were cut down to make way for the pastures needed to raise cattle. And among this varied vegetation are hordes of holstein cows, which are omnipresent on the island.
2. Ponta Delgada market
Freshness and local products abound at the Mercado da Graça. Pineapples, bananas and the famous pimenta da terra, the red chillies that are served with fresh cheese at every meal, can be found alongside freshly caught fish and seafood.
And don't leave without buying a bag of bolo lêvedo, the slightly sweet round buns from Furnas.
Bolo Levedo
And the apotheosis of Azorean gastronomy: the cheeses! Made from the milk of cows that graze on grass 365 days a year, they are worth the diversions! More details in an article to be read tomorrow in the Art of Living section of the Metro newspaper.
3. Chã das Caldeiras
The variety of mineral and thermal springs in Furnas is impressive! Natural spas and pools abound, as well as cold water springs, such as the Azeda do Rebentão.
Supposedly excellent for digestive problems, this water is especially surprising for its sulphurous taste, high iron content and acidic pH. The fizzy appearance of the water is created by the presence of natural gas, and the temperature of the water is around 16°C.
4. Lagoa do Fogo
Hiking enthusiasts will spend long hours gloating on the island of São Miguel. One of the most memorable visits is to the Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lagoon).
This blue lake is located in the crater of a volcano in the Agua de Pau massif. There are many vantage points from the road to view it, as well as hiking trails to reach the lake, which is bordered on one side by sandy beaches and on the other by steep walls.
São Miguel is part of a Portuguese archipelago of nine islands in the Atlantic Ocean: the Azores. Its breathtaking landscapes and active volcanism are among the wonders hidden in the heart of the so-called "green island".
Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to São Miguel Island
Where to Stay near São Miguel Island
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More Travel spots to explore around São Miguel Island
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Discover more travel spots to explore around São Miguel Island
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