Nossa Senhora da Paz Chapel, Vila Franca do Campo, Sao Miguel island, Azores, Portugal. If you have time to visit only one of the nine islands in the Azores, make it São Miguel. As the largest island, it offers more than enough to fill your days with unforgettable experiences. I certainly had a wonderful experience when I visited São Miguel with my family last May. From whale watching in Ponta Delgada to soaking in volcanic thermal water in Ponta da Ferraria or kayaking across the lakes of Sete Cidades, São Miguel is a paradise for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and anyone searching for memorable things to do in the Azores. What Is São Miguel Known For? São Miguel is the largest of the nine islands that make up the Azores archipelago, which also includes Corvo, Faial, Flores, Graciosa, Pico, Santa Maria, São Jorge and Terceira. Miradouro da Vista do Rei and the lakes of Sete Cidades, Sao Miguel island, Azores, Portugal From the thermal waters of Furnas, to the black sand beach of Praia de Água D’Alto and the dramatic crater lake of Lagoa do Fogo, I felt its volcanic origin at every step. Often called the "Green Island," São Miguel enjoys mild temperatures year-round, with fresh, breezy air thanks to its location in the middle of the Atlantic. MORE FOR YOU ‘NYT Mini’ Clues And Answers For Friday, May 2 Protestors Rush Stage During Charles Koch’s Award Speech In D.C. NYT ‘Strands’ Today: Hints, Spangram And Answers For Friday, May 2nd While a mist can roll unexpectedly through the mountains at any time, it may also disappear just as quickly. We were stretched out under the sun, and did not even realized what was happening around the peaks. There is no shortage of incredible places in São Miguel. Here is how to spend a week discovering the best things to do on the island. Day 1: Sightseeing And Whale Watching In Ponta Delgada Ponta Delgada is not only São Miguel’s main town but also where international tourists arrive. United Airlines offers direct flights from Boston and New York, while several European airlines connect the island with the old continent. Ponta Delgada is also a historic town with whitewashed buildings lined with black basalt stones. This distinctive black-and-white pattern weaves its way through churches, pavements, facades and decorative details, giving the town its unmistakable character. The city gates and the Church of San Sebastain in Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel, Azores, Portugal Start your half-day walk around Ponta Delgada by passing through the iconic 18th-century city gates, then climb the bell tower for 360-degree views over the town and coastline. Get lost wandering the narrow streets, or stroll along the marina, where colorful maritime flags painted by visiting sailors tell the stories of their vessels, journeys and home countries. In the afternoon, join one of the whale-watching tours that take you along the coast, searching for the Azores' abundant marine wildlife. While the islands had a long history of whale hunting, they shifted to preserving all cetacean species after the late 1980s. Onlookers are watching two sperm whales from a safe distance onboard a zodiac boat. As a result, the Azores archipelago was designated as a Whale Heritage Site by the World Cetacean Alliance in February 2023. Its waters are home to 28 different cetacean species, including four resident species that live here year-round. During a whale-watching tour around São Miguel, we saw multiple pods of dolphins playfully follow our boat or a humpback whale breaching dramatically in a powerful display. To say it was an unforgettable experience both for me and the kids is an understatement. Day 2: Volcanic Stew And Botanical Gardens In Furnas The next day, rent a car in Ponta Delgada - the easiest way to get around São Miguel - and head to Furnas. It will take 40-50 minutes if you go without stopping. Take the coastal road and stop at Vila Franca do Campo. The views from the Diocesano de Nossa Senhora da Paz chapel high up on the hill above the town are breathtaking. From there, you can see the Vila Franca do Campo Islet, a striking island with a perfectly circular crater at its center, now filled with clear blue water. Vila Franca do Campo Islet near San Miguel island, Azores, Portugal. Arriving in Furnas means stepping into the heart of a giant dormant volcanic crater. Here, I could see and feel how the Earth is breathing. Steam rises from fumaroles in multiple locations, a sulfur smell fills the air and thermal water bubbles from wells across town. Steam rises from a hotspring in town of Furnas inside a volanic crater in São Miguel Island, Azores Rent a bike or walk the easy 5.5-mile trail that circles the lake, Lagoa das Furnas. Start at the fumaroles, then walk or cycle around the lake to reach Mata-Jardim José do Canto on the opposite side. The highlights of the garden are the Ermida de Nossa Senhora das Vitórias, an impressive neo-Gothic chapel and the 1.2-mile trail to Salto do Rosal, a stunning waterfall in the middle of the forest. If you want to see Furnas Lake from above, drive up to Miradouro do Pico do Ferro for stunning panoramic views lined with colorful hydrangeas. We saw the fumaroles from here and how the wind carry their steams. Lagoa das Furnas and the fumaroles, on Sao Miguel island, Azores, Portugal There is only one thing you should have for lunch: São Miguel’s most iconic dish, the Cozido das Furnas. It is a hearty vegetable and meat stew slow-cooked underground by volcanic heat inside one of the fumaroles lining the shore of Furnas Lake. Its flavor is unlike anything I’ve ever tasted, with ingredients so tender they practically melted in my mouth. Cozido das Furnas is a traditional Portuguese dish composed of various meats and vegetables cooked ... More underground by the steam from the hot springs. After lunch, visit the Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens, which dates back to 1775. The park is over 30 acres and has an impressive collection of more than 800 plant species, mainly from the Azores, North America, the Netherlands, Spain, and Mainland Portugal. You will see that losing yourself exploring the park for a couple of hours is quite easy. One of the park’s highlights is an iron-rich yellow thermal water you can soak in. While black swimwear is recommended, the pool is open for all ages. It is the perfect way to end your day. Terra Nostra Botanical Garden at Furnas, Sao Miguel island, Azores, Portugal. Day 3: Relaxing At Povoação Beach And Grilling With A View At Miradouro Da Ponta Do Sossego Next day, from Furnas, head to Povoação, a Southern coastal town 20-minute drive away. All beaches along the south shore are gentle and calm, a striking contrast to the wild, windswept coastline of the north. Povoação is a quiet little town, renowned as the first settlement on São Miguel Island, dating back to 1432. Its shallow black sand beach is ideal even for families with little kids. Breathtaking aerial view of Povoação, a picturesque town nestled among green hills on São Miguel ... More island in the Azores. While you are there, wander around the streets and try "Fofas" da Povoação. It is similar to an eclair but made with fennel, a creamy filling and a chocolate topping. After lunch, head to Faial da Terra, a little village that is the trailhead for a 2.8-mile-long circular trail. It leads through Sanguinho, an abandoned yet beautifully restored village, which feels like a living museum, offering a glimpse into how the island’s original settlers once lived. The highlight of the trail is Salto do Prego, a beautiful waterfall tucked into the forest. In the afternoon, head to Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego, the most beautiful viewpoint out of all I visited. It is a mere 30-minute drive from Faial da Terra. It is more than just a viewpoint, but a beautifully landscaped, multi-level garden stretching across 3.2 acres. Bursting with vibrant flowers, shaded picnic areas and stone pathways, it offers panoramic views over the rugged coastline and the endless Atlantic beyond. Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego, Sao Miguel island, Azores, Portugal In the Azores, spending time at a ’miradouro' (a scenic viewpoint) is much more than just snapping a photo. It is a picnic area with stone grills and tables, inviting families and friends to gather, cook, and spend time together. It is common for Azorean families to pack fresh fish, marinated meats, and homemade bread, then head to their favorite 'miradouro’ to have lunch or dinner while enjoying the ocean views. Buy your ingredients on the way and spend a cosy afternoon in the viewpoint gardens. Day 4: Hiking The Félix Mill Trail And Sipping Tea At Gorreana Plantation The next day, continue your journey to the parish of Lomba de São Pedro, home to one of the most scenic and rewarding trails on São Miguel Island. Moinho do Félix Trail is a moderately challenging 3.4-mile loop trail, typically completed within 1.5-2 hours. What makes it special? It features four stunning waterfalls, a moss-covered old mill and a sequoia forest. We did not even know about it until the owner of the cottage we stayed in recommended it as a ‘hidden gem’. And he was right. Old abandoned mill along the trail in Sao Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal Emese Maczko Walking down the path, surrounded by towering red trees and wild strawberries scattered along the way, felt like stepping into an adventure inviting us to explore all the little details. Hopping on rocks, venturing behind curtains of water and setting up a picnic lunch on a makeshift wooden platform, it all felt like scenes pulled straight from any child’s dream. About 15 minutes away from Lomba de São Pedro, right along the highway, is the Gorreana Tea Plantation. It is a family-run tea factory managed by the same family for six generations. It is the only European tea plantation operating uninterrupted since 1883, covering almost 80 acres and producing 88,000 pounds of tea yearly. Gorreana tea field in Sao Miguel island, Azores, Portugal Visitors can see historic 19th-century machinery still in use and learn about the entire tea production process-from leaf harvesting to packaging while discovering the plantation’s fascinating history. If you want to see the harvest, you should time your visit between April and October. The café at the plantation offers tea tastings and delicious pastries, so you will know which tea to buy from the gift shop to take home. However, you should start your visit with lunch since the plantation’s on-site restaurant serves a variety of sandwiches, pastas, salads, and burgers between 12 PM and 4:30 PM. Anyone can roam freely through the tea fields or follow the official Chá Gorreana trail, a scenic 2.1-mile loop that winds through neatly trimmed rows of tea plants. Day 5: Surfing On Santa Barbara Beach And Exploring Ribeira Grande Head to Ribeira Grande the next day, the second-largest city on São Miguel island after Ponta Delgada. After parking in the city center, wander around the streets lined with whitewashed buildings accented with black basalt stones. The Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Estrela church proudly stands in the middle of the city, overlooking a black and white square and a long staircase. The city's highlights are the Ponte de Oito Arcos (Bridge of Eight Arches) and the Ribeira Grande Municipal Garden. Ribeira Grande means "large river." The city was named after its river, flowing directly through the middle of the gardens, past manicured lawns, vibrant flowerbeds and a multi-level terrace. We wandered through charming footbridges and admired several stone sculptures and colorful azulejo tiles. It felt distinctly Portuguese and peaceful. Ribeira Grande Municipal Gardens at sunrise, Sao Miguel, Azores, Portugal. At the end of the gardens, the majestic Ponte de Oito Arcos, the Bridge of Eight Arches, rises gracefully, serving as a gateway between the city and the Atlantic Ocean. The closest beach, Praia do Monte Verde, is right there at the end of the bridge. Since Ribeira Grande is on the north side of Sao Miguel island, the ocean is rough, and the waves are high. Locals rather spend their time in the public swimming pool right at the corner of the beach. This black sand beach and its neighboring Santa Barbara beach are both for surfers and bodyboarders. Spend the afternoon learning to surf or relaxing on the beach. Let the calming rhythm of the ocean waves carry your thoughts away. The beautiful Praia do Areal de Santa Barbara beach near Ribeira Grande, on the island of San ... More Miguel, Azores, Portugal. Day 6: Cycling And Kayaking In Sete Cidades Saving the best for last. Sete Cidades ("Seven Cities") is the iconic landscape most often featured in photos of São Miguel Island and even the entire Azores. This unique destination is home to twin lakes inside a massive volcanic crater, where one lake has a blue hue (Lagoa Azul), while the other is green (Lagoa Verde). Twin lakes of Sete Cidades, Sao Miguel, Azores, Portugal. Before entering the Sete Cidades region, stop at Miradouro da Vista do Rei. Parking is easy, right next to the abandoned hotel, and it’s just a short walk to the viewpoint itself, offering a sweeping view of both lakes and the entire caldera rim. As one of the most popular 'miradouros' in the Azores, it can get crowded during summer. Walking path leading to a view on the lakes of Sete Cidades, Sao Miguel island, Azores, Portugal The 7-mile Mata do Canário trail (PR4SMI) is popular among cyclists and hikers alike since it traces the rim of the Sete Cidades caldera, offering breathtaking views of the lakes at almost every turn. It starts at an old moss-covered aqueduct, Muro das Nove Janelas, right along the road from Miradouro da Vista do Rei. Hikers often combine it with the PR03SMI trail, which leads them back to Miradouro da Vista do Rei, making it a full loop trail. Families with little kids can bike along the shore of the lakes instead of climbing the caldera or rent a kayak to explore the blue and green hues up close. Day 7: Thermal Waters In Ponta Da Ferraria And The Tidal Pools Of Mosteiros After an active day, this seven-day São Miguel itinerary winds down with blissful relaxation. Head to Ponta da Ferraria on the island's westernmost coast, about a 20-minute from Sete Cidades. While the Azores have many geothermal springs and hot pools, none rival the unique experience of Ponta da Ferraria. It is the only known spot in the archipelago where a geothermal spring flows directly into the Atlantic Ocean, creating a naturally heated ocean pool where you can bathe in. People swimming at Ponta da Ferraria's natural volcanic thermal pool, a place where hot springs mix ... More with seawater in Sao Miguel island, Azores, Portugal Ponta da Ferraria is free to access with basic facilities, including dressing rooms, toilets and showers. Visit during mid to low tide, when the mix of geothermal spring and ocean water creates the perfect temperature. Low tide means too hot at certain spots, while high tide means rougher waves and too cold. Ponta da Ferraria is more than a one-of-a-kind bathing experience. The location also features a short geological trail explaining the different lava rock formations. The nearby Termas da Ferraria spa complex has an on-site restaurant and a swimming pool, but it is not open all year round. In the afternoon, head to Mosteiros, a laid-back small village nearby. Mosteiros (meaning "monasteries") got its name from the volcanic islets just offshore. Their rugged shapes resemble a cluster of ancient church towers rising from the sea. The islets are also a haven for seabirds. Beachgoers can see them circling above or dotting the jagged peaks. Walk along the sandy beach of Mosteiros, and the shoreline gradually turns rugged, with natural tidal pools appearing frequently. The black rocks appear sharp and imposing, a clear reminder of a battle between the hot lava and the cold ocean fought once upon a time. Mosteiros with its dramatic volcanic landscape meeting the powerful Atlantic Ocean. Mosteiros is the perfect location to have dinner while enjoying the beautiful sunset, turning the volcanic rock formations even more dramatic. Try traditional Azorean dishes like roasted octopus, fried mackerel and seafood dishes such as barnacles and limpets. Ask your waiter for Azorean wine from Pico Island, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004 for its vineyard culture. Volcanis islets in Mosteiros at sunset, Sao Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal São Miguel is a place where nature takes center stage — and it stands among the world’s leading regions for responsible, sustainable tourism. Whether you’re hiking to waterfalls, soaking in geothermal pools, spotting whales offshore, or simply getting lost in the streets of charming villages, the island is the perfect destination for slow travelers and for those looking to unwind and relax in a peaceful location. We spent 10 days on São Miguel and came back with wonderful memories and a strong conviction that we need to explore all nine islands of the Azores. Follow me on LinkedIn. Check out my website. Editorial StandardsForbes Accolades