What to do in the Azores in Sao Miguel?

Why visit Sao Miguel in the Azores?

If you didn't know, each of the Azores is associated with a color. 

Sao Miguel is associated with the color green. For what reasons ? 

It is explained by the exorbitant vegetation found on this island. Indeed, when you set off to explore this island, you will quickly be impressed by this entirely green vegetation and nature. 

This is mainly due to the fact that it rains and therefore the vegetation remains abundant.

Why choose to visit Sao Miguel in the Azores?

This island is the capital island of the Azores. It is the most populated and visited island. When you arrive from the mainland, a large part of the planes land at Ponta Delgada airport.

Sao Miguel is home to many lakes, forests, plantations and different cultures that make it its main attraction. 

If you have the possibility to rent a vehicle for a few days on this island, I advise you to do so to enjoy and explore this island as much as possible. It is possible to go around the island along the coast. 

What to do in the western part of Sao Miguel in the Azores?

The western part of Sao Miguel is very rich and is home to some of the most interesting tourist attractions. 

1. Visit Ponta Delgada, the capital of the Azores

Ponta Delgada, who are " capital »Of the Azores is a city to visit if you have at least half a day in front of you. 

There are many things to see such as the convent as well as the Santo Cristo chapel but also the churches, city ​​gates etc. However, if you can just walk in the streets from the city you will be able to capture the atmosphere that reigns in this city. You will find entertainment in the evening as well as restaurants. 

2. Siete Cidades

At the bottom of a crater of nearly 5km, the Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul occupy this crater. You can benefit from a breathtaking view of this grandiose landscape of Vista do Rei. Also, several watchtowers are indicated along the road in order to have different points of view on this natural beauty.

It is possible to descend into the crater and go for a walk around the lakes but also around the other lakes which are nearby.

Many marked trails are accessible by foot all around the island of Sao Miguel.

3. Drive along the west coast from Ponta Delgada to Ribeira Grande

Le best way to get around in Sao Miguel is rent a car. Indeed, this will allow you to be protected in the event of a downpour but it will also allow you to move faster than by bike or scooter. 

All along the coast of Sao Miguel you will meet many Watchtowers which are viewpoints with generally very beautiful landscapes. 

These Watchtowers are indicated usually by a panel with binoculars. They are also fitted out with small parking spaces in order to be able to stop more easily without obstructing traffic.

Among small villages in which I advise you to stop you there is :

• ferraria bridge : where you will find a heated natural swimming pool at the bottom of a very steep slope. You can go there on a day when the weather is not very nice, the experience is nice. However, beware of the waves which can be impressive. If you are accompanied by children, I advise you to go there in good weather without too much wave because it can be dangerous with little ones. 
• Mosteiros : picturesque village beautiful for sunsets. There are still natural pools here. Again, watch out for the waves. 
• Ajuda da Bretanha

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I cannot name all the points of view where to stop but do not hesitate to stop at the different Watchtowers if the landscape pleases you.

What to do in the eastern part of the island of Sao Miguel?

1. Visit Ribeira Grande

This is theone of the biggest cities of Sao Miguel with about 15 inhabitants. Located on the North coast, its location by the ocean is often a chosen place to put down your suitcases. 

Among things to see :

• The ceramic factory
• The Azorean emigration museum
• The old Town

There is also a saltwater swimming pool at the water's edge as well as a pretty beach 5 minutes away on foot. 

2. Lagoa da Fogo

Located inland, it isone of the most beautiful sites on the island of Sao Miguel. From the different watchtowers from where you can contemplate the whole scrater of the blue lake at the bottom of the crater.

Check the weather forecast before going there because you will often find fog there which can spoil the view. 

Also note that there is a trail that allows hikers to go around the lake. 

3. Furnas and Lagoa das Furnas

Furnas, small village located in the central region of the island of Sao Miguel, remains a tourist place and known in particular for the therapeutic and natural pools in which it is possible to bathe in a friendly atmosphere with a smell of sulfur. 

A few minutes from the village, we find the peaceful and pleasant Furnas lake where it is possible to go around. You can also rent pedal boats or small canoes to stroll on the lake. 

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Furnas Lake is also the place where you can attend the preparation of the famous Azorean meal "cozido". Restaurants come and place large “do-it-alls” underground in order to cook their meals with volcanic steam.

4. Visit a tea plantation

Sao Miguel is the only place in Europe where there are tea plantations. 

It is therefore possible to visit a tea plantation, in particular two:

• Porto Formoso tea factory 
• Gorreana tea factory

Following the visit you will have the opportunity to have a tea tasting.

5. Drive along the eastern coast from Ribeira Grande to Ponta Delgada

As for the western part of Sao Miguel, I advise you to rent a car to get around. Also, you will find many "Watchtowers" all over the island to stop to admire a point of view for example. Do not hesitate to do it if the setting pleases you. 

Among the places that I advise you to visit in the eastern part of Sao Miguel:

• Maia : small, very quiet and typical fishing village
• Ribeira dos Caldeiroes : pretty waterfall in a very pretty little green valley
• Northeast : ideal starting point for many hikes
• Pico da Vara : highest point of Sao Miguel. From the top of its 1 m, it overlooks the ocean and the land. It is possible to hike to reach its summit.
• Crossing the Serra da Tronqueira  : this track crosses the volcanic massif of the Serra da Tronqueira which happens to be almost virgin of any population. This crossing is a pretty road that allows you to observe beautiful views of the island and the ocean.
• Vila franca do campo : one of the biggest cities of Sao Miguel where you can visit many places.

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By sinking a little more inland, it is advisable to visit:

• Caldheira Velha : enchanting site with splendid vegetation. You can swim in the pool at around 38 ° C below a magnificent waterfall.
• Lagoa do Congro

Sports activities to do in Sao Miguel in the Azores

• Hiking in the Azores in Sao Miguel : everywhere on the island you have marked trails which allow you to explore the surroundings for a few hours. 
• Diving in the Azores in Sao Miguel : from Ponta Delgada, several diving centers offer Snorkeling trips or scuba diving trips. There are many interesting places to dive around Sao Miguel.
• Surfing or kitesurfing in the Azores in Sao Miguel : Sao Miguel is a surfer's paradise. Still few people in the water because there are not many tourists but there are still some very good surf spots. Among the best in the Azores. The best spots are Santa Barbara beach in the north towards Ribeira Grande and Sao Roque beach next to Ponta Delgada.
• Canyoning in the Azores in Sao Miguel : several agencies organize canyoning towards the North East of the island you will find the best places.
• Observe cetaceans in the Azores in Sao Miguel : from Ponta Delgada, many companies offer sea excursions to go whale and dolphin watching.
• Bathing on the beaches in the Azores in Sao Miguel : the most beautiful beaches on the island are Sao Roque and Santa Barbara.