São Miguel
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 has wonderful hiking and outdoor activities. São Miguel in the Azores is one of the top destinations for when visiting the Azores. It is likely that you will fly into this airport and may venture off to other islands from here. You can also spend a whole week on São Miguel alone and have plenty to do.
our São Miguel plan
When we were going to São Miguel, we opted to travel around the island to stay in various places to get the most out of the island. We also knew that the weather can be a little fickle, so we tried to chase the sun around the island. Since we had a red eye to the island, we decided the easiest thing to do would be to stay in the main city of Ponta Delgada. We were renting a car, so we picked a place with free parking included. If you are planning to visit São Miguel without a rental car, it is best advised to spend your stay in Ponta Delgada where you can take day tours from the city. The great part of this island is you can get from one end to the other in 2 hours, so if you prefer not to move around you can easily stay central and branch out from there. If you pick one to make your home base, there are plenty of places that have a kitchenette and refrigerator which can help with costs if you want to cook, pack lunches etc. Either way you choose you will not be disappointed.
Pros of moving around versus staying central
The pros of moving around the island
Minimizing driving distances
Trying various dining experiences in various cities
Take advantage of hitting popular spots before or after day trippers visit
Getting to check out various hotels/accommodations
Pros of staying central location
Not having to pack or repack
Not having to have valuables in car between stays at various hotels
Can choose which direction to go in based on weather
Can enjoy multiple different restaurants, bars, cafes, activities in the town you stay
Ideal if you do not want to rent a car and would rather do day trips from Ponta Delgada
our hotel itinerary
Antillia Hotel
Ponta Delgada-1 night
Free parking off street, great AC, good wifi, pool, 24-hour front desk, walkable area
HOTEL DO MAR
Povoação-1 night
Free parking, pool, amazing breakfast included, balcony, clean rooms, small walkable town
ATLANTIC 3 BICAS
Furnas- 1 night
Very small room but cozy and clean, affordable, free parking close by, good wifi, nice shower, common area with kitchenette, tiny balcony, walkable location
ANC RESORT
Caloura – 1 night
Parking lot, large spacious room, outdoor patio, good wifi, beautiful pool overlooking ocean, kitchenette, not walkable to many restaurants
QUINTA DE SANTANA
Rabo de Peixe- 2 nights
Gated parking, pool, spacious, good AC, good wifi, kitchenette, awesome if you are a cat lover
QUINTA DAS HORTÊNCIAS
São Vicente Ferreira- 1 night
Parking on site, spacious room, good wifi, nice garden pool, amazing breakfast included, no AC.
