An Adventurous Week in the Azores on São Miguel Island

Upon your arrival in São Miguel, you'll be greeted by the island's refreshing Atlantic breeze and lush landscapes. For the ultimate convenience and freedom to explore, I recommend renting a car at the airport. Most rental cars are manual, so if you are looking for an automatic car, make sure to book it in advance.

Ponta Delgada, the island's charming main city, makes for an ideal base for the first leg of your adventure. Here, you'll find a delightful blend of historic charm and convenience, with an array of restaurants, shops and attractions within walking distance.

After settling into your hotel, treat your taste buds to a true Azorean culinary experience at Restaurante Gastronomo. Indulge in local delicacies such as limpets, a traditional seafood dish renowned for its unique flavor and tender texture, similar to abalone. Savor the rich and savory blood sausage, a staple in Azorean cuisine, and delight in the freshness of locally caught fish, a testament to the island's abundant marine life.

Following your culinary exploration, take a leisurely stroll along the seaside promenade and explore the historic streets of Ponta Delgada. Admire the architectural beauty of Igreja Matriz, the iconic city gates called Portas da Cidade and the city hall.

For dinner, venture to Michel Restaurant, a local favorite known for contemporary Portuguese food. Enjoy a satisfying meal paired with regional wines, all at a reasonable price compared to other parts of Europe.

Sete Cidades is the main highlight of São Miguel, offering breathtaking views that surpass any photo. This volcanic crater is a must-visit, but check the webcams beforehand for clear weather. I actually ended up going twice because the first day was cloudy and while it was still nice, we went back on a sunny day and it was a world of difference.

Explore Sete Cidades by hiking the Sete Cidades Caldera Trail, which is a circular route that takes you around the rim of the crater. It offers stunning views of both the blue and green lakes, as well as panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Alternatively, you can also drive along the road, stopping at various viewpoints that provide just as stunning of views as the hike, including:

• Miradouro da Vista do Rei: Park and walk about 200 meters to this main viewpoint. It offers a sweeping panorama of the Sete Cidades crater and its twin lakes, providing a stunning introduction to the area's natural beauty.

• Miradouro da Boca do Inferno and Lagoa do Canario: Park at the same place for both of these. Miradouro da Boca do Inferno is a quick 20 minute out-and-back trail for panoramic views (ensure clear weather or you won’t be able to see anything). This viewpoint offers a dramatic perspective of the rugged coastline and the volcanic landscape. When you return from there, just walk five minutes down to Lagoa do Canario for a stunning view of this tranquil lake, nestled amidst lush greenery.

• Miradouro do Cerrado das Freiras: Park directly at this viewpoint. It offers a peaceful setting with views of the surrounding countryside and coastline, perfect for taking in the natural beauty of the island.

• Sete Cidades Village: Relax and enjoy outdoor activities like stand-up paddling, kayaking and biking. This is also a great spot for a meal, offering a charming village atmosphere with views of the iconic lakes.

If you have time afterwards, you can stop by Ponta da Ferraria, geothermal natural springs heated by volcanic activity beneath the surface, or Piscinas Naturais "Caneiros," natural rock pools for a refreshing and picturesque swimming spot.

After exploring, return to Ponta Delgada to unwind on the day’s adventures and consider having dinner in town at Tasquinha Viera, which offers a taste of authentic Azorean cuisine.

Start the day off with an exhilarating full- or half-day whale- and dolphin-watching tour, which will depart from Vila Franca do Campo. The Azores is home to 27 different species of whales and dolphins year-round, and Picos de Aventura tours boast a 99 percent success rate in sightings. Experience the thrill of spotting these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat and learn from the knowledgeable guides. Alternatively, there are also tours that depart from Ponta Delgada.

If you opted for the half-day tour in Vila Franca do Campo, afterwards grab lunch and walk around the town, then drive over to Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Paz, a beautiful chapel located on a hilltop with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and coastline.

If you’re up for it after, drive north to Ribeira Grande to visit Praia de Santa Bárbara, a dark sandy beach known for its excellent surfing conditions. Or you can explore nearby viewpoints of the coastline:

• Miradoura do Cintrão: Offers panoramic views of the coastline and the Atlantic Ocean

• Porto de Santa Iria: A picturesque harbor with views the ocean and surrounding cliffs. You can take a swim in the clear water here!

After your coastal exploration, return to Ponta Delgada and consider dining at Otaka for a unique and a bit more upscale dinner experience. Otaka offers a blend of Peruvian and Japanese flavors, providing a culinary adventure that is sure to delight your taste buds.

Begin your day by moving hotels to Furnas to immerse yourself in the unique culture of this charming town and explore the east side of the island. On your way there, if the weather is clear, stop by Lagoa do Fogo for more breathtaking views:

• Miradouro do Pico da Barrosa: the highest viewpoint overlooking Lagoa do Fogo, offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscape. You can park and get a great view there, or walk about five to 10 minutes uphill to see more.

• Miradouro do Lagoa do Fogo: Located slightly below, this viewpoint features a fun 1.5-hour hiking trail that leads down to the lake, allowing you to get closer to the natural beauty of the area.

Continue your journey to Furnas and check into your hotel. After settling in, enjoy a leisurely lunch and walk around the town. Be sure to visit Caldeiras Furnas to see how they prepare the famous cozido das furnas, a traditional stew special to this town which they cook using the natural geothermal heat of the area. Make sure to also try a corn on the cob straight from the caldeira!

For your stay in Furnas, I recommend Terra Nostra Garden Hotel or Octant Furnas. Terra Nostra offers a large thermal pool, as well as access to a botanical garden for walking or running. You can access these whether you are a hotel guest or just visiting for the day, but as a hotel guest you have access during special hours when it’s not available to the public. You should visit the thermal pool no matter where you stay. It's sulfur-based, so remember to wear a dark-colored swimsuit because it will stain. Octant Furnas is a more modern hotel catering to young adults, featuring an amazing spa and pool area.

Whether you stay at Terra Nostra or Octant Furnas, take some time to relax and enjoy the amenities before indulging in a delicious dinner at your hotel. Both hotels have excellent food, providing a perfect end to your day of exploration. If you eat at Terra Nostra, you can try the famous cozido das furnas there — it’s delicious!

Start your morning with a visit to Cha Gorreana, Europe’s oldest tea plantation. You can take a tour of the plantation to learn about the tea-making process and sample some of the delicious teas and local pastries.

Then embark on a scenic drive to the east side of the island, starting with a visit to Farol do Arnel, a lighthouse with a paved walking path. Be cautious, as the road down gets very steep and we saw some cars get stuck there. I’d recommend walking down — it makes a great incline walk workout.

Then, continue along the coast and stop at several viewpoints:

• Miradouro da Vista dos Barcos: Enjoy panoramic views of the ocean, surrounding cliffs and the lighthouse

• Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego: Experience tranquility at this peaceful viewpoint, known for its lush greenery and stunning coastal vistas

• Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada: Capture breathtaking views over the ocean from the easternmost point of São Miguel

• Miradouro do Pico dos Bodes: Take in sweeping views of the coastline and countryside from this elevated viewpoint

Return to Furnas and take a leisurely walk around Lagoa das Furnas, a scenic lake with a nine-kilometer flat trail encircling it. You don’t have to walk around the whole loop and can just choose to do a shorter portion.

In the evening, unwind and enjoy a delicious dinner in Furnas at Restaurante Tony’s or Caldeiras & Vulcoes to try the famous cozida if you didn’t get it yet or just want it again!

Begin your last full day on São Miguel with a leisurely hike down to Lagoa do Congro. This hike through the forest takes about 1.5 hours and offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere. Start early to avoid crowds and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

After your hike, treat yourself to a well-deserved massage at Terra Nostra or Octant Furnas. Both hotels offer excellent spa facilities where you can relax and rejuvenate your body and mind after a week of exploration and adventure. Enjoy the thermal pools and other amenities there before or after your massage for a truly relaxing experience.

In the evening, enjoy a final dinner in Furnas, reflecting on your adventures and experiences in São Miguel before preparing for your journey home the next day.