Mountain landscape and beautiful lakes, Sao Miguel Island

Things to do in  Sao Miguel

Bask in the afterglow of volcanoes

Nicknamed “The Green Island,” Sao Miguel is the largest island of the Azores, both in size and population. A playground for nature lovers, adventurous travelers, and off-the-beaten-path seekers, there are many outdoor things to do in Sao Miguel. They include hiking around Sete Cidades lake to mountain biking, quad biking, canyoning, and water-based adventures such as kayaking and whale-watching. For those seeking pure relaxation, the island’s hot springs and geothermal landscape of Furnas provides a perfect escape.

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Top 3 attractions in Sao Miguel

#1

Sete Cidades

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Nature lovers will find plenty to marvel at in the Azores, but the otherworldly volcanic landscape of São Miguel Island’s Sete Cidades is one of the archipelago’s most magnificent natural wonders. The massive caldera has two lakes: one blue and one green.More
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#2

Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park (Parque Natural dos Caldeirões)

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Characterized by babbling brooks, waterfalls, and vivid bursts of hydrangea flowers, Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park (Parque Natural dos Caldeirões) is a protected area that showcases the natural beauty of São Miguel island, part of the Azores archipelago in Portugal.More
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#3

Furnas Lake (Lagoa das Furnas)

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Furnas Lake is a special place to visit: created after a volcanic eruption, is has bubbling mud pools, other-wordly hot springs, and underground cooking holes where local chefs gather to dig up their cozido stews. The best way to explore the area's scenery is to take the circular trail around the lake.More
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Top activities in Sao Miguel

Half-Day Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Ponta Delgada
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Half-Day Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Ponta Delgada

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425
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$68.11
Small-Group Ponta Delgada Food Tour in Azores

Small-Group Ponta Delgada Food Tour in Azores

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439
From
$109.56
Azores Whale Watching & Islet Boat Tour

Azores Whale Watching & Islet Boat Tour

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780
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$68.61
Side by Side Tour - Sete Cidades from North Coast (Half Day)

Side by Side Tour - Sete Cidades from North Coast (Half Day)

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56
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$94.07
Swim with Dolphins in the Azores
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Swim with Dolphins in the Azores

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137
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$166.00
Quad Biking - Sete Cidades from North Coast (Half Day)
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Quad Biking - Sete Cidades from North Coast (Half Day)

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445
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$84.66
$94.07  $9.41 savings
Canyoning Experience - half day

Canyoning Experience - half day

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396
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$89.92
Whales and Dolphins + Vila Franca Islet (full day with lunch)
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Whales and Dolphins + Vila Franca Islet (full day with lunch)

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107
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$116.20
São Miguel West Full Day Tour with Setes Cidades Including Lunch

São Miguel West Full Day Tour with Setes Cidades Including Lunch

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1068
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$83.00
8-Hour Private Tour in 4x4 Vehicle from Ponta Delgada

8-Hour Private Tour in 4x4 Vehicle from Ponta Delgada

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211
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$309.87
per group
Canyoning in the Ribeira dos Caldeirōes Natural Park
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Canyoning in the Ribeira dos Caldeirōes Natural Park

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910
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$94.66
São Miguel East Full Day Tour with Furnas Including Lunch

São Miguel East Full Day Tour with Furnas Including Lunch

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820
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$83.00
E-bike Sete Cidades- "All Mountain" bike program

E-bike Sete Cidades- "All Mountain" bike program

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78
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$83.00
Buggy Off-Road Excursion from Ponta Delgada to Sete Cidades - HD

Buggy Off-Road Excursion from Ponta Delgada to Sete Cidades - HD

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49
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$88.54
Full Day Tour Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo with Lunch

Full Day Tour Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo with Lunch

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$87.43
Off the Beaten Track Half Day Sete Cidades Jeep Tour

Off the Beaten Track Half Day Sete Cidades Jeep Tour

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405
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$44.27
Canyoning Experience in Ribeira dos Caldeirões Sao Miguel -Azores

Canyoning Experience in Ribeira dos Caldeirões Sao Miguel -Azores

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358
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$71.93
Quad /2pax – Off-road Excursion – Sete Cidades – Half Day

Quad /2pax – Off-road Excursion – Sete Cidades – Half Day

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82
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$99.60
Azores Sete Cidades Green & Blue Lakes - Private Tour

Azores Sete Cidades Green & Blue Lakes - Private Tour

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$309.87
per group
Buggy – Off-road Excursion w/ lunch from Ponta Delgada to Sete Cidades (Shared)

Buggy – Off-road Excursion w/ lunch from Ponta Delgada to Sete Cidades (Shared)

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50
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$120.63
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All about Sao Miguel

When to visit

Sao Miguel has year-round appeal, thanks to its temperate climate and ample hiking opportunities, even in the cooler months. Arguably the best time to come is between late spring and fall (June–October), with the hottest months usually being July and August. For a big annual festival, don’t miss the Festas do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres (usually in March)—a huge religious festival with parades, stalls, a fair, and plenty of festivities.

Getting around

If you plan to stay on Sao Miguel rather than traveling to islands further afield, then renting a car is hands-down the best way to get around. There is a bus service available, but services can be irregular and don’t cover the whole island—especially if you want to visit remote nature spots. It’s also possible to book taxis—but these can be expensive—and sometimes a guided tour can be a cheaper way of visiting key landmarks.

Traveler tips

To experience a mesmerizing blend of geothermal activity and an otherworldly atmosphere, don’t miss the village of Furnas. Here, you should try cozido das Furnas, a special stew that’s cooked underground in volcanic steam. Head to Lake Furnas around 12pm and you might spot local chefs retrieving their underground pots. Tony’s Restaurant is an iconic spot to try this dish in town, but make sure you book in advance.

Local Currency
Euro (€)
Time Zone
AZOST (UTC -1)
Country Code
+351
Language(s)
Portuguese
Attractions
3
Tours
273
Reviews
5,929
EN
5b4e8624-0a11-44cd-a6c2-127fe13b2cea
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People Also Ask

How many days is enough for Sao Miguel?

To fully explore the vast outdoor wonders of Sao Miguel—such as Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo lakes, as well as the geothermal area of Furnas, Terra Nostra Park, Pico do Ferro, and Nordeste—five days is the perfect amount of time to see the island without feeling rushed.

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What to do in Sao Miguel when it rains?

When rain falls on Sao Miguel, there are several entertaining indoor options to consider. The Furnas Monitoring and Research Centre offers insights into the ongoing observations of Furnas volcano. There are also plenty of restaurants and churches to explore in Ponta Delgada, as well as the Parque Atlântico shopping mall.

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Can you get around Sao Miguel Azores without a car?

Yes, you can get around Sao Miguel without a car, although renting a car simplifies your experience. It frees you from unpredictable local buses and offers more off-the-beaten-path access. If hiring a car isn’t an option, you can wait for public transport, book taxis, or hire a tour or guide.

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Is Sao Miguel touristy?

Yes, Sao Miguel is the most touristy of all of the nine islands of the Azores. However, if you’re comparing it to popular cities on mainland Portugal—such as Lisbon and Porto—then you might not find it touristy at all. It is still loved for its untouched nature spots.

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Can you walk around São Miguel?

Yes, you can walk around areas of Sao Miguel—such as its popular hiking destination of Sete Cidades. However, these loops take several hours and you need to get to them. The island’s size is 290 square miles (760 square kilometers), so you need a car or public transport to navigate.

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How long is the ferry ride from Sao Miguel to Santa Maria?

The ferry duration between the islands of Sao Miguel and Santa Maria can vary depending on weather conditions, but the average time is between three to four hours. Ferry timetables may change depending on the season (with more services in summer) so it's worth checking the schedule in advance.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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