Sao Miguel Azores Directory:  Best Places, Tours & Travel Resources

This Sao Miguel Azores directory is designed for travelers planning a trip to the island, helping you quickly find the best places to stay, top things to do, and essential travel resources ... all in one place.

São Miguel is the largest island in the Azores and offers an incredible mix of volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, hot springs, views, beautiful hikes and walks, and charming towns all along the coastline. But with so much to see, it can be difficult to know where to start.

This guide brings together the most important highlights, along with a curated selection of experiences, accommodations, and practical tips to help you plan your trip with confidence.

Top Tours & Experiences in São Miguel

One of the easiest ways to experience the island, especially if you are short on time, is through a guided tour. These experiences bring together transportation, local knowledge, and access to some of the island’s most remarkable places.

Some of the most popular tours include:

• Whale Watching Tours
  The Azores are one of the best places in the world for whale watching, with opportunities to see sperm whales, dolphins, and other marine life.
• Furnas & Hot Springs Tours
  Visit the geothermal valley of Furnas, see steaming volcanic activity, and relax in natural hot springs.
• Sete Cidades Jeep Tours
  Explore the famous twin lakes and surrounding viewpoints with a local guide who knows the best stops.
• Full-Day Island Tours
  Ideal for first-time visitors, these tours cover multiple highlights in a single day.

Pro Tip: Tours often sell out in peak season, it is worth booking in advance once your dates are set.

Where to Stay in São Miguel

Choosing where to stay depends on the kind of experience you want.

• Ponta Delgada
  The main city and best base for first-time visitors. You will find the widest selection of hotels, restaurants, and easy access to tours.
• Furnas
  Perfect if you want a quieter stay surrounded by nature and hot springs.
• Ribeira Grande, North Coast Area
  Ideal for scenic ocean views with easy access to amenities in Ribeira Grande.

For a further breakdown of the best options across the island, see our detailed guide to hotels in the Azores.

Must-See Places in São Miguel

If it is your first visit, these are the places you should not miss. Each one represents a different side of the island.

Sete Cidades

The iconic twin lakes set inside a massive volcanic crater. The viewpoints here are among the most photographed in the Azores.  

Sete Cidades is a can't miss spot on Sao Miguel, Azores. It's an absolutely beautiful setting that any visitor to the island should visit. 

Here's a second page with some additional pictures of Sete Cidades

Lagoa do Fogo

A high-altitude lake surrounded by untouched nature. Often quieter than Sete Cidades and equally impressive.

Furnas Valley

A geothermal wonderland with hot springs, bubbling earth, and the famous “cozido” cooked underground. 

Read more about Furnas

Ponta Delgada

The island’s main hub, with historic architecture, restaurants, and access to tours.  Visit this Ponta Delgada page for  information and pictures 

Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park

A lush park filled with several waterfalls, historic watermills, walking paths, and one of the greenest landscapes on the island.

The park is located on the north coast of Sao Miguel, in the parish of Achada (part of Nordeste).  Read more about Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park. 

Hidden Gems & Local Favorites

Nordeste Viewpoints (northeast)

Ponta do Sossego is one of Nordeste’s most beautiful viewpoints, offering sweeping ocean vistas framed by tall cliffs, abundant forest, and flower‑filled gardens. The miradouro features well‑kept picnic areas, covered seating, easy parking and peaceful walking paths, making it an ideal stop for relaxing, enjoying the scenery, or capturing photos. Its tranquil atmosphere and thoughtful upkeep make it a standout highlight on São Miguel’s northeastern coast.

Caloura (south coast)

Caloura doesn't look like much on the map, but it is a spot worth checking out if you have time to explore some of the lesser visited spots on the island.  It is a picturesque town with a sheltered little harbour located on the south coast. It features tall basalt cliffs, clear blue water, an attractive natural pool, and a beach that feels remote. Be sure to check out Miradouro do Pisao up above the village. It is one of my favourite views!  It really is one of the islands best views!  And if you love a good fish dinner, check out Caloura Bar restaurant right by the waters edge.

Praia Lombo Gordo (East coast)

Praia Lombo Gordo is stunning and secluded.  Getting there takes effort and is well worth it for those that are able.  If you are up for a walk and some stairs, and have time to get out to the far east end of the island, you might enjoy a few hours, or a day, at this stunningly beautiful and secluded beach. You'll be rewarded with a  peaceful, quiet beach, soft sand, and decent waves.

NOTE: only recommended for those that are able to take stairs (over 100) and those that aren't intimidated by driving down a very narrow road to get to the parking. In some spots it is only wide enough for one car.

Mosteiros (west coast)

Moisteros is famous for its sunset views, rock formations and rugged shoreline. The town has several eating establishments, natural pools popular with swimmers, a nice beach, and a small port.

This small town is out of the way but worth a visit if you have time. You'll appreciate the calm local feel and stunning ocean views. It is a great spot to go for a walk, have a bite to eat, and maybe take a dip in the ocean.

My page about Mosteiros is currently quite dated... but the info is still accurate.

Restaurants & Local Food Spots

São Miguel offers a mix of traditional Azorean cuisine and modern dining.

Some experiences to look for:

• Cozido das Furnas – a traditional stew cooked using volcanic heat
• Fresh seafood restaurants along the coast
• Local bakeries and cafes in Ponta Delgada, and cafes in nearly every town
• Farm-to-table dining featuring regional ingredients

Exploring local food is an essential part of experiencing the culture of the Azores.

Getting Around São Miguel

Renting a car is one of the best decisions you can make when visiting São Miguel.

While tours are helpful, a car gives you:

• Flexibility to explore at your own pace
• Access to hidden viewpoints and remote areas
• The ability to experience the island beyond the main routes

See our full guide to Azores car rental for tips, pricing, and booking advice.

Local Services & Essentials

While most travelers focus on sightseeing, it is helpful to know where to find basic services:

• Grocery stores in Ponta Delgada and larger towns
• Pharmacies available throughout the island
• ATMs widely accessible
• Gas stations located along main roads

These are easy to find, but it is always a good idea to plan ahead if you are heading into more remote areas.

Plan Your Trip to São Miguel

To help you plan your trip in more detail, explore these guides:

• Where to stay in the Azores  - Information about hotels
• What to do in the Azores - more on all of your choices when visiting the Azores
• Sao Miguel beaches
• Visiting the Azores - a guide for planning an Azores vacation

Sao Miguel Azores Directory: Final Thoughts

São Miguel is one of those destinations that rewards both planning and exploration. You can see the highlights in a few days, but the real magic comes when you slow down, explore beyond the main stops, and discover places that are not always on a typical itinerary.

Use this directory as a starting point, check out the other pages I have suggested, and then make the island your own.

Check out all the spots and learn more about Sao Miguel

Accommodation in Sao Miguel Azores

Another consideration is Tradicampo, located in the Nordeste area of Sao Miguel. Find out more at http://www.tradicampo.pt or by calling Ricardo Peixoto, Manager, phone +351 296.491.303

Find other hotels in the Azores at the Azores Hotel page

Tours of Sao Miguel

Amazing Tours Ricardo Amorim has been recommended to me by friends in the Azores. Check out his site at www.amazingtours.se.

Whale Watching

Sailing

Azores Sailing Visit www.azoresailing.com for information on this sailboat located in Vila Franca

Car Rental in Sao Miguel

Azores Travel Agencies

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