Top 15 Things to do in São Miguel, picked by a local

Discovering the best things to do in São Miguel shouldn’t mean relying on generic travel guides written by people who visited once for a weekend. Luckly, you found me :)

I’m Portuguese, I’ve been traveling to the Azores for over 20 years, and I go back to São Miguel at least once a year. I know this island like the palm of my hand, and I’m known for giving straight-to-the-point, no-BS travel advice online.

In this guide, you won’t find fluff or copied tourist brochures. Just real, field-tested tips—like exact booking tricks, tide times, and parking hacks—so you can experience the absolute best of São Miguel without wasting time or getting caught out. Let’s dive in!

No time to read a long article? Here’s a summary

These are the best things to do in São Miguel island:

• Top water activities: Whale and dolphin watching in Ponta Delgada, Snorkeling with Mr Edmundo and Canyoning in Ribeira dos Caldeirões.
• Best hikes: Serra da Devassa, Sanguinho & Salto do Prego and Lagoa do Fogo.
• For foodies: go cheese shopping at O Rei dos Queijos, enjoy a drink at Louvre Michaelense and try Cozido das Furnas.
• To relax: nothing quite beats this Furnas Night Experience with Thermal Baths and Dinner. Walking at the Parque Terra Nostra is also amazing!
• Best full day tours: This São Miguel West Van Tour is pretty solid since it covers the entire Sete Cidades highlights & the Fogo Lake.
  

15 Best things to do in São Miguel, picked by a local

Go Whale and Dolphin Watching

Go whale and dolphin watching is by far one of the best water activities to do in the Azores, right alongside doing a Glass Bottom Boat Tour with Snorkeling. I did it again this summer and oh boy, it did not disappoint! :)

The activity starts with a short safety briefing. Afterwards, you’re given your safety gear, and off you go into the ocean! And what a splendid day it turned out to be. We saw plenty of dolphins, who were super friendly and kept playing around our speedboat. We were also lucky enough to spot a sperm whale—a much more majestic, albeit shy, ocean creature. All of this was accompanied by insights from our guide, who I’m convinced was a marine biologist because he could answer every single question we threw at him!

Whale and dolphin watching is easily one of the best things to do in São Miguel and an experience you won’t forget anytime soon. :)

Practical information about Whale and Dolphin Watching in São Miguel

Price: Around €70 per person. You can choose between a zodiac speedboat and a catamaran (the catamaran is a larger boat with an indoor bathroom, making it much more suitable for older adults, pregnant women, and young children).

How to book: You can book your Whale and Dolphin Watching Trip online.

Snorkeling at the Vila Franca do Campo Islet

I am not a huuuge fan of water but I had the most wonderful experience when I went snorkeling with Mr. Edmundo near the Vila Franca do Campo Islet.

The activity started with a relaxed glass-bottom boat tour, where we all learned a lot from Nuno, our guide, who so patiently explained everything there was to know about the sea creatures we could see right under our feet.

But the true star of the show was Mr. Edmundo, the captain. When we went snorkeling, you could tell he REALLY loves what he does—he kept searching for the coolest sea life and gathering the group around so no one missed a thing. He chatted with everyone, making sure we all felt comfortable and looked after. For someone who has been afraid of water my entire life, I felt so safe and relaxed that I ended up staying in the water for HOURS! :)

We completely lost track of time and arrived back later than expected. To top it off, when we got back to the dock, he offered everyone a drink. It was a truly wonderful experience and by far one of the best things I’ve ever done on São Miguel Island. I’ll definitely be back, Mr. Edmundo!

Practical information about Whale and Dolphin Watching in São Miguel

• Best tour operators: I LOVED the Glass Bottom Boat Tour with Snorkeling with Mr. Edmundo. In my opinion it really made a HUGE difference to have Mr Edmundo and Nuno as our guides. They are very popular so if they’re sold out, you can go snorkeling with Vila Watersports Center.
• Price: ranging from 30€ to 50€ per person.

Visit an Azorean Pineapple Plantation

Did you know the Azores are the only place in the world where pineapples are grown in glass greenhouses? It takes a whole two years to grow a single pineapple here, but the result is a smaller, intensely sweet fruit with almost no acidity.

Visiting a plantation is completely free and super fun. You can walk through the greenhouses to see pineapples at every stage of their growth cycle, learn about the smoking technique, and—most importantly—sample the goods! Make sure to try fresh pineapple juice, local pineapple liqueur, or even pineapple artisanal ice cream :)

Where to go:

• Ananás Santo António: Located right in Ponta Delgada, this is a fantastic, family-run plantation to visit. They have well-organized greenhouses where you can follow the step-by-step growing process, a lovely outdoor courtyard, and a great shop serving delicious pineapple treats.
• Plantação de Ananás dos Açores: Also super close to town, it offers a self-guided walk through the greenhouses and a small tasting room where you can try their artisan pineapple ice cream!

Soak in Poça da Dona Beija

Poça da Dona Beija is a hidden paradise dropped straight into the Azorean jungle.

Located in Furnas, the most magical thermal village in the world, it features five small thermal pools surrounded by lush greenery. The iron-rich waters stay at a soothing 39°C (102°F), making it an incredible spot to relax.

Soaking here is a total bliss after a long day of hiking, on a chilly day or—my personal favorite—at night.

Watching the thick steam rise off the water under soft, ambient lighting gives the whole place a mystical, almost spa-like atmosphere you won’t forget.

If you want the ultimate evening out without worrying about night driving, I highly recommend booking this Furnas Night Experience with Thermal Baths and Dinner. It includes hotel pickup, entry tickets to Dona Beija at night, and a full traditional Cozido stew dinner cooked in the geysers. It takes all the stress out of planning and is genuinely one of the best things to do in São Miguel!

Practical Information about Dona Beija hot springs

• How to book your tickets: You cannot just walk up and pay for a ticket on the spot. Even if you’re standing right at the entrance gate, the staff will turn you away and tell you to buy it on your phone. Slots are strictly capped at 1.5 hours and sell out quickly, especially for night visits (after 5:30 PM).
  
  Therefore, if you want to visit Dona Beija on your own, make sure yo buy your ticket online. If you book the Furnas Night Experience with Thermal Baths and Dinner, they will reserve the ticket for you.
• Prices: Daytime entry is €12 for adults (kids €10). Night entry is €16 for adults (kids €14).
• Wear an OLD, dark swimsuit: The iron in the water can permanently stain light-colored swimsuits, towels, and even light hair. Take off all silver or gold jewelry before getting in unless you want it tarnished instantly.
• Alternatives: there are other hotsprings in São Miguel island.

Explore Parque Terra Nostra’s Botanical Garden

Visiting Parque Terra Nostra (also located in Furnas) is easily one of the best things to do in São Miguel as this is one of the most breathtaking botanical gardens in Europe, packed with centuries-old trees, exotic flora, and peaceful, winding streams.

The park is also home to a famous, massive geothermal pool heated between 35°C–40°C (95°F–104°F). I’ll be totally honest with you: I always skip it because the heavy iron content gives the water an intense, murky, brownish-orange hue that kind of disgusts me! 😂

All around the main pool area, there are plenty of outdoor seating benches, rinsing showers, and upgraded changing rooms. Plus, tucked away among the surrounding trees, there are two smaller, Jacuzzi-style thermal baths if you prefer a quieter, more intimate soak. Those, I absolutely love :)

Practical Information about Parque Terra Nostra

• Tickets: General entry is €17 for adults (ages 18–64), €14.50 for youth (6–17) and seniors (+65), and free for kids under 6. A family ticket (2 adults + 2 youth) is €57.
• Schedule: The park is open daily (typically from 10:00 AM/10:30 AM to 4:30 PM/6:00 PM depending on the season).
• Wear an OLD, dark swimsuit: Just like Dona Beija, the heavy iron will permanently stain light-colored swimsuits and towels. Leave all silver and gold jewelry behind unless you want it tarnished.
• Parking Warning: Do NOT try to park right at the main entrance. The entrance sits at the end of a super narrow street where only one car can squeeze through at a time, making it completely impossible to park at the gate. Park your car further down in the town of Furnas or near the municipal parking areas and walk up instead.

Witness the Steaming Fumaroles

Fumaroles are dramatic vents in the Earth’s crust where superheated volcanic gas and steam burst out from deep underground. Because Furnas sits directly inside an active dormant volcano crater, walking around these steaming, bubbling mud pits feels like stepping straight onto a Middle-earth set—think about the desolate lands of Mordor where Sauron bred his Orcs and Uruk-hai (yep, huuuge fan of the Hobbit movies here :D)

While you’ll find small clusters of steaming vents scattered right in Furnas town center (known as Caldeiras da Vila), the most famous fumaroles are located along the shores of Lagoa das Furnas (a famous lake). This is where the iconic Cozido das Furnas comes to life.

Cozido is a rich traditional Portuguese stew packed different types of meat and sausages as well as cabbage, potatoes, and carrots. Local chefs layer the raw ingredients inside large metal pots, wrap them in canvas sacks, and bury them in deep holes in the volcanic soil. The stew slow-cooks in its own natural juices using nothing but the steam heat of the dormant volcano for 5 to 6 hours!

Practical Information about the Fumaroles in Furnas

• When to go: Time your visit for 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. This is when local restaurant workers arrive to dig up the heavy, steaming pots from the volcanic earth and haul them off to be served for lunch. Watching them unearth the pots is a classic Furnas experience you shouldn’t miss.

• Entrance Fee & Parking: Access to the lake’s fumarole site costs €3 per person. The ticket price already includes parking in the adjacent lot, making it super easy and convenient.
• Facilities: Your entry ticket gives you access to the well-maintained wooden boardwalks surrounding the active vents, clean public restrooms, and picnic areas along the lakefront.

Try Cozido das Furnas (a Volcano-Cooked Stew)

You can’t visit Furnas without eating a Cozido cooked directly by the earth. The huge metal pots are buried in subterranean geothermal holes at the lake fumaroles and left to simmer in natural volcanic steam for about six hours.

Most travelers head straight to Tony’s, the most famous spot in town for trying Cozido but ig you want to eat where the locals go, head to Restaurante do Parque de Campismo das Furnas instead. Tucked inside the nearby campsite, it serves incredible, rich Cozido away from the tourist crowds.

Whichever spot you pick, order a side of local São Miguel pineapple to cut through the rich meat flavors of Cozido!!

Enjoy the View from Stunning Lookouts (Miradouros)

São Miguel is basically one big, dramatic, volcanic postcard. Taking in the island’s miradouros (viewpoints) is easily one of the best things to do in São Miguel, offering front-row seats to gigantic volcanic craters, twin blue-and-green lakes, and steep cliffs dropping straight into the Atlantic.

If you are to experience the best vistas without wasting time on mediocre stops, here are the top three lookouts you simply cannot miss:

1. Miradouro da Boca do Inferno

This is the iconic Azores postcard shot and a top highlight on any list of things to do in São Miguel island. A narrow dirt path traces along a razor-thin ridge that opens up to a jaw-dropping, panoramic view of Lagoa do Canário, Lagoa das Sete Cidades, and the ocean beyond. Standing at the edge feels like you’re looking down at Jurassic Park.

2. Miradouro da Vista do Rei

Named after King Carlos I who visited in 1901, this lookout gives you the classic, sweeping elevated view over the famous twin lakes of Sete Cidades (one bright blue, one deep emerald green). Right behind you stands the abandoned, eerie Monte Palace Hotel, which adds a cool, haunting contrast to the pristine nature.

3. Miradouro de Santa Iria

Located on the dramatic northern coast, Santa Iria showcases endless green rolling hills dropping directly into the deep blue ocean. It offers a completely different landscape from the volcanic craters—wild, windy, and perfect for capturing the sheer scale of São Miguel’s coastline.

Low-hanging clouds and thick fog can completely block the view at the higher lookouts. Before driving up, check the SpotAzores live webcams.

Kayak Across the Twin Lakes

Looking at the famous blue and green lakes in São Miguel from the viewpoints is awesome, but getting down on the water is more magical. Being right in the middle of the crater, surrounded by giant green hills, is sooo peaceful that it became one of the best things to do in Sete Cidades on our trip.

We booked a spot with Double-Seat Kayak Rental at Sete Cidades Lake, right on the shore of Lagoa Azul. Paddling together with total peace and quiet around us (as motorboats aren’t allowed on the lakes), just listening to the gentle splash of our paddles against the glass-like water, was a cool, romantic moment that we both loved :)

Practical Information about kayaking in Sete Cidades

• Price: 10€ / person.
• How to book your tickets: you can pay on the spot but I recommend you to book your Double-Seat Kayak at Sete Cidades Lake during the high season, as it gets sold out.

Do an Epic Hike in São Miguel

Lacing up your boots and hitting the trails is easily one of the best things to do in São Miguel. The island is essentially an open-air trekking playground, crisscrossed with official trails that lead you deep into dense green jungles, past hidden waterfalls, and along dramatic crater rims. Whether you want a quick 1-hour walk or a challenging half-day trek, hiking gets you far away from the tour buses and into the wild side of the Azores.

If you want a detailed breakdown of trail maps, elevation profiles, and parking info, check out our complete guide to the best hiking trails in São Miguel island.

In the meantime, here are three standout trails to kick off your planning:

• Sanguinho & Salto do Prego (PR05 SMI): A fan favorite on the southeast coast. You’ll wind through dense forest, stumble upon a hidden jungle waterfall perfect for an icy plunge, and pass through Sanguinho—a restored historic stone village built on the hillside.
• Lagoa do Fogo (PRC02 SMI): A steeper, more challenging hike that takes you down into a protected nature reserve surrounding a crystal-clear crater lake. It feels untouched, wild, and incredibly peaceful.
• Salto do Cabrito (PRC29 SMI): A fun, easy-to-moderate loop that takes you across metal catwalks, past old hydroelectric infrastructure, and straight to a tall, crashing waterfall.

Before driving to a trailhead, check the official Azores Trails website.

Have a drink at Louvre Michaelense

Originally opened in the early 20th century as a Parisian-inspired haberdashery selling fine fabrics and threads, Louvre Michaelense has since been transformed into one of the coolest restaurants and bars in Ponta Delgada, the only city in São Miguel. What makes it so unique is that they preserved all the original floor-to-ceiling wooden cabinetry and vintage glass displays, allowing you to enjoy fantastic food, craft cocktails, and great music inside a beautifully restored piece of Azorean history.

Cool Off at Caneiros Natural Pools (Piscinas Naturais dos Caneiros)

If you want to experience ocean swimming without fighting big crashing waves, Caneiros Natural Pools are a total hidden gem on the west coast. Tucked away on the southern edge of Mosteiros village, one of the best places to stay in São Miguel, this spot features natural tide basins formed by jagged black basalt lava rocks. The clear Atlantic water settles into serene, protected pools that are perfect for floating, snorkeling, and taking a refreshing plunge on a hot day.

Practical Information for Swimming at Caneiros

• Best time to go: Aim for mid-to-low tide when the surrounding lava rocks block the open ocean waves, keeping the basins calm and pleasant. At very high tide, larger waves can wash over the natural barrier.
• Footwear is key: The basalt rocks around and inside the pools are sharp and covered in slippery algae. Bring sturdy water shoes to avoid sliced feet or slipping.
• Snorkeling gear: The water inside the pools is crystal-clear—pack a mask and snorkel to check out the small fish hiding in the volcanic crevices.

Watch an Unforgettable Sunset at Mosteiros

Just a two-minute walk from Caneiros natural pools lies the rest of the dramatic Mosteiros coastline, home to easily one of the best things to do in São Miguel at dusk. Famous for its black-sand beach and four massive volcanic rock monoliths (Ilhéus dos Mosteiros) rising out of the water, it’s where locals gather to crack open a cold Especial beer and watch the sunset.

After drying off from your afternoon swim at Caneiros, simply grab a spot on the rocks or sand—it’s the absolute best way to finish off a day on the western coast.

Canyoning in Ribeira dos Caldeirões

If you want an absolute adrenaline rush surrounded by lush jungle scenery, canyoning in Ribeira dos Caldeirões is one of the best things to do in São Miguel. Located on the northeast side of the island, this natural park looks like something straight out of Jurassic Park, complete with towering waterfalls, giant tree ferns, and rushing mountain streams.

Canyoning takes you far beyond the usual walking trails—you’ll be putting on a wetsuit and helmet to rappel down crashing waterfalls, jump into crystal-clear natural pools, and slide down smooth volcanic rock chutes carved by nature over thousands of years. It is pure, incredible fun! :)

If you’re ready to jump in, I recommend booking this Caldeirões Canyoning Experience. The guides are top-tier professionals who walk you through every safety step, make sure you feel comfortable, and encourage you to push your limits at your own pace.

The other location where you can go canyoning is Salto do Cabrito. It is not as gorgeous as Parque da Ribeira do Caldeirão and it is always packed with people, but it has a more central location (for example, it is only 25 minutes from Ponta Delgada, whereas Ribeira dos Caldeirões is 45 minutes away).

So if you are looking for a more central experience, book your canyoning at Salto do Cabrito.

Practical Information about canyoning in São Miguel

Price: If you go canyoning in Parque da Ribeira dos Caldeirões, it costs around 70€ / adult (without transportation) and 85€ / adult (with pick up and drop off at your accommodation in Ponta Delgada).

If you go canyoning in Salto do Cabrito, it costs around 75€ / adult.

Shop for Cheese at Mercado da Graça

Mercado da Graça (the local market) pops up on basically every single guide of the best things to do in Ponta Delgada, but if we’re being real, the market is super small and not particularly interesting. That being said, you should still put it on your list for one very specific reason: O Rei dos Queijos.

Tucked into a corner of the market, this legendary shop is absolute paradise for foodies. It’s a fantastic place to buy regional cheeses, traditional sweets from all the islands, delicious jams, fantastic regional wines, and so much more.

It’s hands down the best spot in town to pick up authentic, high-quality edible souvenirs to bring a piece of the Azores home with you.

Explore Ponta Delgada

While São Miguel is famous for its wild nature, taking a afternoon to wander around Ponta Delgada is the perfect change of pace. The island’s capital is full of charm, featuring narrow cobblestone streets lined with traditional white buildings, black basalt stone trim, and beautiful Portuguese pavement (calçada). It’s compact, very walkable, and packed with historic churches, cozy cafes, and local shops.

For a complete breakdown of top attractions, restaurant recommendations, and self-guided walking routes, read our full guide on the best things to do in Ponta Delgada.

Practical Information for Visiting Ponta Delgada

• Parking advice: parking in the city centre is a nightmare, so don’t waste your time driving around like a confused chicken and simply park your car in the large underground garage at Avenida do Mar (along the waterfront).
• Mind your footwear: Portuguese cobblestone streets are gorgeous, but they can get surprisingly slippery, especially after a drizzle. Leave the high heels at home and wear comfortable sneakers or walking shoes.
• Combine it with a Pineapple Plantation: The famous Arruda Pineapple Plantation is just a 5-minute drive (or 30-minute walk) from the city center. It’s completely free to enter and worth adding to your city stroll.

Frequently asked questions about visiting São Miguel

How to get to São Miguel?

You’ll need to fly into Ponta Delgada (PDL), the only airport on the island. Direct flights are available year-round from mainland Portugal (Lisbon and Porto), major European hubs, and the East Coast of North America (such as Boston, New York, and Toronto), with extra seasonal routes added during peak summer months.

For a complete breakdown of airlines, direct routes, and secret tips on finding cheaper flights, check out our full guide on how to get to the Azores.

Where to stay in São Miguel?

It depends on how long you’re staying, but splitting your time between two bases is usually the smartest move. Ponta Delgada is ideal for your first few nights because it’s close to the airport, central, and packed with great restaurants. For a quieter, nature-focused vibe, spend the rest of your trip on the eastern side around Furnas (famous for thermal baths) or along the North Coast near Ribeira Grande.

To decide which region fits your travel style best, read our breakdown on where to stay in São Miguel island. If you already know your area and just want the top accommodation options, check out our handpicked list of the best hotels in São Miguel island.

How many days to explore the island?

You need at least 5 to 7 days to see São Miguel’s main highlights without spending your whole trip rushing from spot to spot. The island might look small on a map, but winding mountain roads, unpredictable weather shifts, and endless hiking trails mean things take longer than you think.

If you want to pack in canyoning, relaxed thermal bath sessions, and full-day hikes without constantly checking your watch, 10 days is the sweet spot. Anything under 4 days will force you to cut major regions out of your itinerary.

What is the best 5-day itinerary for São Miguel?

With only 5 days on the island, the biggest mistake people make is crisscrossing the island every day and spending half their time in the car. The smartest strategy is to cluster your days by region:

• Day 1: The West (Sete Cidades & Mosteiros) — Focus on the famous twin lakes (Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul), viewpoints like Boca do Inferno, and finish with a sunset in Mosteiros (after swimming in Caneiros natural pools).
• Day 2: Central & North Coast (Lagoa do Fogo & Ribeira Grande) — Hike down to Lagoa do Fogo, check out Salto do Cabrito waterfall, and grab lunch in Ribeira Grande.
• Day 3: The East (Furnas Valley) — Explore the Terra Nostra botanical garden, see the volcanic caldeiras, eat traditional Cozido das Furnas, and soak in the thermal pools of Dona Beija.
• Day 4: South Coast & Islet (Vila Franca do Campo & Ponta Delgada) — Visit the Ilhéu de Vila Franca, tour a pineapple plantation, and explore Ponta Delgada’s historic center.
• Day 5: The Wild Northeast (Nordeste & Canyoning) — Go canyoning in Ribeira dos Caldeirões and hit the rugged coastal lookouts of Ponta do Sossego.

Is it safe to travel in São Miguel?

Statistically, yes—violent crime targeting tourists is practically non-existent. However, if you’re spending time in Ponta Delgada, you need to be prepared for a visible social issue that catches many first-time visitors off guard: a growing population of homeless individuals and people struggling with severe substance abuse.

You will likely see people asking for money or hanging around central squares, public parks and convenience stores, drinking or sleeping in the middle of the streets, and shouting super loud for no reason other than being drunk. While they are almost always harmless and keep to themselves, it can feel uncomfortable or sketchy if you aren’t expecting it.

The main risks you’ll face aren’t human though; they’re environmental. The ocean currents can be deceptively strong, mountain weather can turn from sunshine to dense fog in minutes, and wet basalt rocks on hikes are notoriously slippery. Check live webcams before heading out to track the weather, check ocean conditions before swimming, and wear proper gear on the trails, and you’ll be completely fine.