Português
Español
Français
Deutsch
Italiano
São Miguel is the bigges island in the Azores Archipelago. Here you’ll find magical places and landscapes that make it one of the most visited islands by tourists throughout the year. Its lush green landscapes have earned it the nickname “The Green Island.”
To get to know São Miguel – at least minimally – we recommend staying for 3 to 7 days so that you have enough time to explore the island and participate in various available activities. In the case of a 3-day stay, for example, you will only get to know the main points of interest and – we are sure – you won’t be able to enjoy it as much. Still, a 3-day getaway is perfect for getting a taste and later returning for more.
Não perca o nosso guia para Visitar São Miguel em 3 dias.
There isn’t a specific time or season recommended for visiting São Miguel. Throughout the year, its temperatures and humidity are always in tune. This allows you to enjoy and explore São Miguel at any time of the year. However, the summer months are when the tourist influx is highest.
Note that, due to its typical and characteristic climate, you may experience rain, sun, cloudy or clear skies all on the same day. There are also areas where it might be raining in the south of the island while it’s sunny in the north. As you can see, it’s a true paradise with a mix of various weather conditions.
Veja também: Fotos da Ilha de São Miguel
How to get to São Miguel Island
To reach São Miguel, you’ll have to do so by air. Consult the Trips to the Azores page for more details on travel packages including flights, accommodation, and – in some cases – car rental and activities.
As a starting point with direct flights to the Azores, you can travel from the following countries: Portugal (Mainland Portugal and Madeira), Spain, France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland.
So that you can explore and tour around, we recommend renting a vehicle. Various group transportation services, guided tours, or even a personal guide are also available, which you can check out on the activities page in the Azores.
Places to visit in São Miguel
From natural hot thermal pools to the various lagoons scattered throughout the island, there are several must-visit points of interest for those visiting São Miguel Island.
During your trip to visit the locations below, you may pass by various viewpoints and other points of interest. Don’t hesitate to stop at all of them. You’ll be able to see different parts of the island and the sea from other perspectives.
Lagoa das Empadadas
It’s on the way to Sete Cidades that you’ll find access to Lagoa das Empadadas. A volcanic lagoon divided into two bodies of water separated only by a strip of land (visible in the image above). The lagoon is also known as “The Secret Lagoons of São Miguel.”
Miradouro da Grota do Inferno
In various promotional campaigns for the Azores destination, you’ve likely seen this image of the Grota do Inferno Viewpoint. From this viewpoint, you can appreciate the Sete Cidades Lagoon, Rasa Lagoon, Canário Lagoon, Santiago Lagoon, and even an area of the Sete Cidades parish.
At 730 meters above sea level in this magical location, you can see the sea, the mountains, and the lagoons. It’s an excellent spot.
Lagoa de Santiago
Lagoa de Santiago – Vista do Miradouro
From the Grota do Inferno Viewpoint, you can observe the Santiago Lagoon from afar. It’s a deep lagoon located in the Devassa Mountain Range, sitting at 334 meters above sea level. In the past, it wasn’t possible to see it because the surrounding lands were private, and access was prohibited.
On the way to Sete Cidades Lagoon, on the descent, you can get a closer look at the Santiago Lagoon from its viewpoint.
Lagoa das Sete Cidades
The Green and Blue lagoons that make up the Sete Cidades Lagoon are one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal. A must-visit location. You can enjoy their panoramic view from the Vista do Rei viewpoint. We also recommend visiting the parish of Sete Cidades where you can enjoy the surrounding beauty of the lagoon up close.
Ponta da Ferraria
(C) CristinAires
This is a bathing area with unique characteristics where thermal springs are found, allowing you to enjoy a bath in warm waters in the midst of the sea, given the area where the springs are located.
It’s also where you’ll find the Ferraria Thermal Baths with various spa services.
Lagoa do Fogo
Similar to the Sete Cidades Lagoon, listed above, Lagoa do Fogo is also one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal. This is the second-largest lagoon on the island. At this location, there is a dormant volcano that formed about 15,000 years ago. In this area, you can also choose to take a hiking trail and get a closer look at the lagoon.
Termas das Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande
This is one of the places where you can witness live the active volcanic calderas on São Miguel Island, with their steaming waters and high temperatures. In this area, there is also an area for cooking stews with nine available holes.
Cascata do Salto do Cabrito
Foto: ribeiragrande.pt
Near the Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande (listed above), in Ribeira Grande, you can take a short trail where you’ll find the beautiful Cascata do Salto do Cabrito (Salto do Cabrito Waterfall). With a height of about 40 meters, you can admire the pure water falling from this waterfall. Access can be made near the Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande area through a hiking trail starting near a geothermal power plant (Pico Vermelho).
