About São Miguel Island
São Miguel is the largest and most populous of the Azores. The Azores is an archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean. The archipelago’s largest city is Ponta Delgada. It is known for its volcanic and lake scenery and hot springs. It also boasts rich marine life including whales. It has wonderful hiking and outdoor activities.
Getting to São Miguel
São Miguel is one of the easiest islands to get to in the Azores with many direct flights to the main airport. Ponta Delgada Airport João Paulo II (PDL) is located about 1.5 miles from downtown Ponta Delgada. This airport also has many flights to the other Azorean islands.
Getting around São Miguel
The best way to get around São Miguel is by renting a car. It gives you the flexibility to go at your own pace. Be warned, if you are American, the roadways are narrow. In fact, many seemingly one way roads due to the size are actually two ways.
If you are not up for renting a car, there are many tours out of Ponta Delgada that bring you to the main tourist destinations.
There are also public buses. Buses from Ponta Delgada go to Ribeira Grande, Furnas and Vila Franca do Campo and take around 1-2 hours and are very affordable.
weather São Miguel
São Miguel has a mild climate. It has a wetter winter and drier summer with about 13 days of rain per month in the winter and 6 days of rain during the summer. The average temperature in the winter is 55F and in the summer 75F. The weather changes very fast and is somewhat unpredictable. Use Spot Azores to give real time camera weather updates in various locations around the island.
top things to do São Miguel
São Miguel Island is bursting with beautiful scenery, hiking, cities and things to do.
Sete Cidades
On almost every postcard and blog this picture is the first one you will see and for good reason. There are numerous viewpoints, hikes and ways to experience this beautiful dual lake.
Ponta Delgada
The largest city of the Azores and of Sao Miguel this city is packed with incredible restaurants and bars. It also has the Igreja Matriz de Sao Sebastiao, Portas da Cidade, Museu Carlos Machado, and so much more.
LAGOA DO FOGO
Competing for the top lake this often hidden in the clouds lake is tough to top. You will want to stop at every view and hike a little to capture its intense beauty.
FURNAS
This geothermal hotspot in the Azores is known for the iconic Terra Nostra Garden and iron enriched hot springs. It also has the Caldeira das Furnas, Furnas Lake, Poca da Dona Beija, Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias, Jose do Canto Forest Garden
VILA FRANCA DO CAMPO
Nossa Senhora da Paz is a highlight in this area. This chapel was constructed in 1764. Located on a hill just outside of Vila Franca do Campo, it gives a sweeping view of the town below, coast and the Vila Franca do Campo islet. The islet was formed from an underwater volcano. You can take a boat tour or ferry to the islet. It is uninhabited natural protected area.
WATERFALLS
There are many beautiful waterfalls throughout the island. Some can be seen simply from the road and others require a bit of hiking. Some ones to check out include: Salto do Prego, Salto do Cabrito, Ribeira dos Caldeiroes, Cascata da Ribeira Quente and Caldeira Velha.
OCEAN VIEWS
Since it is an island there is coastline all around and it is beautiful and rugged. There are viewpoints all over the island. Some of the best include catching sunset at Mosteiros on the west end and beautiful eastern views near Nordeste including Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego, Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada, Miradouro da Ponta do Arenal. On the north end top viewpoints include: Miradouro de Santa Iria and Miradouro Pedras Negras. These are just a few of the incredible views of the ocean.
come visit São Miguel
São Miguel is well worth a trip and you will not be disappointed by all this island has to offer. You can easily spend one week with tons of things to do. You can also jump to another Azorean island on a mini flight to get another island feel. It’s time to put the Azores near the top of your travel bucket list!
