Discover Sao Miguel: An Action-Packed 3-Day Journey through Azores, Portugal

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Advisor - Alexandra Duhl
Curated By

Alexandra Duhl

  • Azores

  • Active Travel

  • Adventure Travel

  • Beaches

  • Nature Escapes

  • Island

  • Local Culture

  • Relaxation

  • Sightseeing

Hiking on a ridge with a large crater lake to the right of the trail below.
Curator’s statement

If you haven't visited these islands off the coast of Portugal, RUN! We had the best time exploring Sao Miguel & can't wait to go back for more! This is the perfect mix of adventure, culture & relaxation!

The Fora Difference

Book with Alexandra to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.

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Killer perks

Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you

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Personalized recs

Customized travel planning for your style

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Insider knowledge

Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there

Where to stay

Octant Ponta Delgada

A contemporary hotel in the heart of São Miguel overlooking the marina, with a full spa and a restaurant serving local fare.

Fora Perks
  • ★

    $100 spa credit.

  • ★

    Breakfast daily.

  • ★

    Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

White Exclusive Suite & Villas

Just nine suites and two villas enjoy the expansive Atlantic Ocean views at this modern, minimalist escape in the magical Azores.

Fora Perks
  • ★

    €25 daily hotel / resort credit.

  • ★

    Welcome amenities.

  • ★

    Upgrade whenever possible.

Hotel Talisman

A charming boutique hotel nestled in the heart of São Miguel, offering cozy rooms, local flair, and exceptional Azorean hospitality.

Nine Dots Azorean Art Boutique Hotel

Where culture meets comfort in the heart of the Azores, blending contemporary luxury with authentic Azorean artistry.

Unlock perks by contacting Alexandra to book your trip.

Day 1

A photo of Lagoa do Fogo, a large blue crate lake in the middle of a mountain range, from an overlook.

Hit the ground running! After your flight in, rent a car & start hitting all the beautiful areas on the island!

  • Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake) - If you're up for a hike, you can check out this lake with incredible views. It takes about 30 minutes each way to go down by the water & climb back up!

  • Calderia Velha Hot Springs - Want to relax after your hike & travel day in a "Jurrassic Park" like setting? This is the perfect spot for enjoying nature & grabbing a great waterfall picture.

After a long day, we had a casual dinner at Acores Grill. We got a plate of meat that we could grill ourselves, drinks, plenty of sides and an incredible Caramel Tart! We also had a few tastes of the Azorean Liquors!

Day 2

A field of violet and green hydrangeas in bloom at Sete Cidades Lake & Village.

On your first full day, discover the iconic Azores locations:

  • Lagoa do Canario Miradouro-Boca do Inforno — This is THE place to see and is incredibly beautiful. It is a quick, short hike to the lookout, but you can add on more walking if you'd like!

  • Sete Cidades Lake & Village — We just drove around & took so many pictures from all the lookout points. There were hydrangeas in bloom everywhere & it was a beautiful day. We would have loved to kayak or bike around the lake!

  • Ferraria - After sightseeing, take some time to relax in the geothermal warm ocean!

  • Dinner at Taberna Acor — We loved this place & got some local fish, cheeses, honey & bread. They offer tapas to share and loved the casual atmosphere!

Day 3

A man hiking out to a peninsula overlooking a river running between two mountain ridges

On our third day, we packed in everything we could!

  • Ilheau de Vila Franco do Campo — We took the first ferry out to the island to check out a little islet that is leftover from a volcano! People were snorkeling & relaxing on the beach!

  • Overlooking the island: A must-do after visiting, you can take a five minute drive up the hill to a church (you can see it from the ferry). The lookout was amazing!

  • Furnas Area — Stop at the Chapel of Nossa Senhora for some pictures & then stop in town to try out Cozido das Furnas, a stew slow-cooked by volcanic heat underground!

  • Bar Caloura — This is a great stop to swim & have lunch on your way back to town!

  • Dinner at Sao Pedro - another amazing restaurant with nice wine, tapas, dessert and seafood dishes. Would recommend the cod pastry over fettuccini with fish sauce! There were local photos all over, which was a great way to reminisce about our time on the island.

Day 4

Miradouro de Santa Iria, a scenic viewpoint of São Miguel's rugged cliffs along the coast line.

We had a late flight so spent the morning exploring even more:

  • Salto do Cabrito - Take an easy hike to the waterfall swim! It was beautiful & refreshing!

  • Miradouro da Santa Iria - An absolutely breathtaking overlook that is a must see!

  • Moinhos Beach - A great spot to have lunch on the beach & custard tarts!

  • Gorreana Tea Factory - Great tea and you can take a free factory tour or a guided one! It is really cool to see the process for how tea is made in the Azores

Need to know

There are so many things to see & do on Sao Miguel Island! We could have spent a week or more here! If you like hiking, the water, adventure & a great laid-back vibe-The Azores is the place for you!

Advisor - Alexandra Duhl

Travel Advisor

Alexandra Duhl

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This itinerary is part of our ongoing series on travel to Azores. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my itinerary, Texas Hill Country Adventures: A Kid-Friendly Travel Guide.