Tropical Adventure in The Azores: São Miguel, Portugal

City Activities

Ponta Delgada is the main city of the island and likely where you will want to make your home base. Here you'll find restaurants, rental places, hotels and where many guided tours will begin. You’ll certainly want to set some time to walk around Ponta Delgada and see the Portas Da Cedae in the city center. There is also the Jardim Botanico Jose do Canto, a beautiful botanical garden perfect for strolling around that also has a super yummy brunch cafe.

There are a few pineapple plantations on the island, I visited and would recommend Plantation A Arruda. Right outside of Ponta Delgada it is very easy to get to. Here you’ll see a video explaining the history of pineapples in the Azores and then you'll get a tour of the plantation- no reservation required. Afterwards you'll have a chance to buy some pineapples, flavored sodas, beers, liquors and ice cream! Gift tip- the small liquors make great gifts to bring home, If you wait you can purchase the exact same liquors at gift shops downtown for half the price!

Center Island Activities

Lagoa do Fogo, Bela Vista Viewpoints and Pico da Barrosa.

I group these activities together because from June to September private vehicle access to these locations are cut off and will only be accessible through shuttle buses. The shuttle is free for residents and has a cost of 5€ for non-residents. The route runs circular, with a hop on- hop off system. So with one ticket you can ride the bus on and off to fit your schedule. The route starts at Caldeira Velha, Ribeira Grande, and ends at Casa da Água, Lagoa or vice-versa. To start your excursion simply go to the bus site at Caldeira Velha, Ribeira Grande, or Casa da Água, Lagoa and buy your ticket online. Upon arrival at the bus stop there is a large board that displays the bus route and has a QR-code link to the website that provides more information and ticket purchasing.In my experience there is little information about this before you arrive, however I did experience this the first summer it was implemented. In my research I have not seen any timed bus schedules, It takes more than 30 minutes for the bus to run the full route so you have to prepared to spend some time waiting- this is definitely something you'll want to plan ahead for, as you aren't as in control of your personal schedule when committing to this route. As for me and my partner we did not know of any of this until getting there and simply did not have the time so we passed on the bus ride and missed some pretty incredible views and hikes for it. Definitely things to consider here!

Praia Baixa d’Areia is a tucked away beach right outside of Caloura. Hidden between two cliff sides, Praia Baixa d’Areia is a gorgeous beach. Equipped with showers and bathrooms this is a great beach to play and relax.

West Island Activities

The town of Furnas, on the east side of the island is where you'll find multiple thermal pools, traditional cuisine and the ecological park Antigo Pomar das Caldeiras da Lagoa das Furnas. While the whole island is volcanic, you're going to experience the most geothermal activity in Furnas.

Antigo Pomar das Caldeiras da Lagoa das Furnas is right along the entrance into town so it makes a perfect first or last stop, there is a small entrance fee but worth the cost with caldeiras, a picnic area, restroom access, a hike up to a waterfall and views of the lake. As well as one of the places you can have the Azorean specialty Cozido das Furnas.

Parque Terra Nostra is a great activity, with an expansive botanical garden, thermal bath and even a nice restaurant. The park is huge! You could easily spend hours here, wandering the grounds and relaxing in the baths. An entrance ticket costs 11€, well worth it. One recommendation when coming to Parque Terra Nostra is to bring a swimsuit you don't mind getting stained. The bath here has a high mineral content, including iron which colors the water orange, and you if you're not careful! In all seriousness I have blonde tips in my hair and after visiting the bath in Terra Nostra they almost seamlessly blend with my brown hair, and have not faded much. Beware Blondes!

Poca da Dona Beija is another set of thermal baths in Furnas. Poca da Dona Beija is a bit nicer, and has a more luxurious feel to it. Tickets are around 9€, for 5 thermal pools that will not dye you orange. The facility is also lined with tropical landscaping and has a gift shop for you as well. Poca da Dona Beija has a great feel to it and a beautiful stream running in the middle of the pools which adds a great view to the perfect place to relax.

East island Activities

Miradouro da Vista do Rei is one of the things Sao Miguel is best known for, an absolutely stunning view of the neighboring Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul! Both being striking, and different color lakes even though they are so close they are almost one. While you're at the view make sure to explore Ruinas do Monte Palace Hotel, an abandoned hotel from the 80s. Accessible from the back you'll likely find a few other people exploring the ruins, make sure to be careful though! Driving up to this view point you can stop along the way and see Pico do Carvão and Lago do Canario. If you'd like to drive down to the town below Sete Cidades, you can also see Estrada Hortensia, a beautiful road lined with hydrangea bushes and Miradouro da Lagoa de Santiago, another viewpoint.

Sete Cidades is the small town nestled between the two lakes, here you can see Casa Grande, a local museum and Igreja da Sao Nicolau, the town's church. As well as have a closer view of Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul.

Ponta da Ferraria is a thermal bath, completely free and available to the public on the eastern coastline of the island. Ponta da Ferraria was my favorite of the natural thermal baths! Right along the coast, lined with volcanic rock the bath perfectly cut into the rocks like any man made pool. The water is exceptionally hot on the inside of the pool, and on the outer side is exposed to seawater that flows in with the tide creating the perfect mix of temperatures perfect for everyone's comfort zone. The tide also creates a relaxing drift that you can let pull you around while holding onto one of the ropes across the pool. There are even bunches of tiny crabs lining the rocks as well, beware however they will crawl on you if you're not careful! While this bath may seem remote it is very accessible with a large parking lot, long walkway, and even showers! I would recommend bringing shoes you can wear up until getting into the pool as the rocks are very rough.

Cozido das Furnas - The dish the Azores is famous for, a stew cooked underground! You even get to see part of the process as they unearth the pot for you! a must try on the Island, one place you can try this is at Antigo Pomar das Caldeiras da Lagoa das Furnas.

My favorite breakfast on the island was in a small cafe located in Jardim Botanico Jose do Canto. With Pancakes and flavored coffees, which can sometimes be hard to come by traveling, this breakfast made my day!

Nonna's Teeth & Tomatoes Pizza has the best pizza in Ponta Delgada, with a cool ambiance this makes a great Dinner spot.

If you're looking for a burger Suplexio is the place to go. Delicious Burgers with loads of options, and great appetizers as well.

For a nice dinner head over to O Alder by Canadiano. Serving beautifully plated Portuguese dishes, it would make a great final dinner.