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São Miguel, Azores Travel & Adventure Guide
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items São Miguel is a special island in the Azores that we absolutely love spending time exploring. These are our favorite things to do and places to stay in São Miguel. You'll also find a packing list for your Azores trip!
Sections
5
São Miguel Planning Advice
Where to Stay in São Miguel
São Miguel Things to Do
The Best Restaurants in São Miguel
Azores Packing List
São Miguel Planning Advice
Everything you need to know to plan a smooth trip to the Azores
We rented a car and drove around the island with ease. This is the best way to get around, and this is everything you need to know.
Renting a Car in Ponta Delgada (São Miguel, Azores): What You Need to Know
We spent a week exploring the island and it has been one of our best adventures to date. This is everything we learned along the way.
São Miguel Island: Everything You Need to Know About Portuguese Paradise in the Azores
Visiting São Miguel in the Azores was one of our favorite travel experiences. It is one destination we love to recommend to adventurous travelers.
Visit São Miguel Island in the Azores, Portugal
Where to Stay in São Miguel
The island is so beautiful that it is tough to choose. These are the places we'd recommend!
This hotel was so convenient, had a small parking garage underground, and was unique. It was a comfortable home base in the bustling Ponta Delgada.
Hotel Do Colegio, Ponta Delgada
This place has stunning views of the ocean and is close to Sete Cidades. Mosterios is also one of the best places to watch a sunset in the Azores.
Mosteiros Place
You can't beat the setting and the convenience of staying here.
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, Furnas
São Miguel Things to Do
We took a few tours and had a great time driving around, exploring the island. These are our recommendations!
We drove inland and took this tour rapeling and exploring this canyon. It was a great experience and we would 100% recommend.
What You Need to Know About Canyoning São Miguel (Azores)
We took this tour while exploring São Miguel and had an absolute blast! We'd recommend it to anyone!
The Best Canyoning Experience in the Azores: Ribeira Grande
We made it a point to explore and soak in all the hot springs we possibly could. This is what we think of them all!
6 São Miguel, Azores Hot Springs You Need to Soak In
Coasteering is such an adventurous way to see the beautiful views of the coastline!
Coasteering in Caloura (Sao Miguel - Azores)
Famous for cliff diving, this rocky little island is a great place to spend the afternoon relaxing and snorkeling in the protected waters.
Ferry to Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo
Find all the hidden spots in Furnas, including the best views and the best food!
Private Full-Day 4x4 Tour to Furnas Volcano
This is the view you come to see in the Azores. A private tour is the best way to get up close and make sure you don't miss seeing this view.
Volcano of Sete Cidades Private Tour
Drive up and take in the views from this stunning church, way up on the hillside.
Nossa Senhora da Paz, Vila Franca do Campo
Check out this beautiful tea plantation with rows and rows overlooking the oceanfront cliffs.
Cha Gorreana
The Best Restaurants in São Miguel
This place was absolutely delicious and convenient in Ponta Delgada
Michel Restaurant
This place is pricey but farm-to-table with stunning-looking plates.
Quinta Dos Sabores
Make sure you have a traditional meal cooked in the ground in Furnas!
Gastronomia- Furnas
Great food and stunning views, you can't beat it!
Atlântico Azorean Restaurant | Vila Franca do Campo
Azores Packing List
You'll want to plan for active adventures when visiting the Azores. These are active travel must-haves we wouldn't visit São Miguel without.
This daypack packs down into a super tiny pouch to save valuable space in luggage, but you'll need a daypack for all the hiking adventures!
Ultra-Sil Packable Daypack
We hiked, explored, and visited hot springs for the whole week and my Chacos were easily my most worn shoes.
Chacos Sandals for Outdoor Hiking & Casual Days
You'll want to have a cheap, packable beach towel to use at the hot springs, beaches, and waterfall adventures.
Packable Beach Towel
Make sure you pack an old or dark colored swim suit. The hot springs are rich in minerals and will stain light colored suits.
Black Swimsuit
Make sure you have a jacket to cover both the wind and the rain. Even when we visited in July, some day were chilly.
Jacket for Rain and Wind
Rainy, foggy conditions and all the adventures will have you wiping your lenses more often than usual. Get those spots out of your photos!
MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloths