The Ultimate São Miguel Travel Guide

Welcome to our complete guide for your trip to São Miguel in 2025. This comprehensive guide will help you plan the perfect journey to this Atlantic gem.

São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores archipelago, is a destination that combines stunning natural beauty with unique experiences. Enjoy the read! 🙂

When is the Best Time to Visit São Miguel?

It depends on what you’re looking for. However, considering that two of the island’s top three attractions are Sete Cidades Lake and Lagoa do Fogo, winter can be tricky — with heavy fog, you might not see much of either. Therefore, the best time to visit São Miguel is from May to October, when the weather is milder and the chances of sunny days are higher. That said, the island has a special charm all year round:

• Spring (March to May): Pleasant temperatures and more affordable prices — great for outdoor activities and lakeside picnics.

• Summer (June to August): Warmer weather, perfect for water activities and beach days.

• Autumn (September to November): Still warm enough to enjoy hiking and canyoning, with fewer tourists and better deals.

• Winter (December to February): A calm and cozy atmosphere, ideal for those seeking relaxation. This season tends to be rainy, but you may still be surprised by beautiful sunny days.

How to Get to São Miguel in 2025

Access to the island is via João Paulo II Airport in Ponta Delgada.

How Many Days Should You Stay in São Miguel? 

We recommend staying at least 3 days, but 5 to 7 days will give you a more complete experience. If you stay 7 to 10 days, you’ll enjoy a more relaxed visit, with time to simply unwind by the lake or beach and let time pass slowly.

What to Pack

What to Do in São Miguel

Suggested Itineraries

• 3 days: Ponta Delgada, Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo and Furnas.
• 5 days: Add Nordeste e Ribeira Grande.
• 7 days: Ideal! See everything at a slower, more enjoyable pace.

Download the official Azores government map.

Top 5 Attractions in São Miguel

1. Sete Cidades: Twin crater lakes with stunning viewpoints.

2. Lagoa do Fogo: A breathtaking crater lake in the heart of the island.

3. Furnas: Fumaroles, hot springs, and geothermal cooking. 

4. Ilhéu de Vila Franca: A small islet just 500 meters off the coast.

5. Tea Plantation: The only one in Europe.

Most Popular Activities in São Miguel

• Hiking trails: Over 30 official routes.

• Whale and dolphin watching: Book now with our discount code 🙂

• Canyoning or coasteering: For adventure lovers!

• Diving or snorkeling: For sea lovers!

• Thermal baths and spas

• Off-road tours: By Jeep, Quad ATV, or Buggy UTV

Must-Visit Beaches in São Miguel Island

https://azoresgps.com/beaches/ 

Natural Pools in São Miguel Island

https://azoresgps.com/natural-pools/ 

Getting Around São Miguel

Renting a car is definitely the best option, as public transportation on the island is quite limited, especially in the summer or on weekends and holidays.

However, if you’re a solo traveler, consider joining group tours or hiring a local guide. For safety reasons, we don’t recommend hiking trails alone. Check out the available tour options here:

Rent a car through Azores GPS, starting from €35 per day (without deposit): azoresgps.com/rent-a-car

Gastronomia em São Miguel

Dishes to Try

• Furnas Stew (Cozido das Furnas)

• Variety of island cheeses

• Azorean pineapple

• Regional-style steak (Bife à regional)

• Queijada da Vila (sweet cheese tart)

• Blood sausage with pineapple

• Bolos lêvedos (sweet, fluffy bread)

• Pineapple liqueur

• KIMA (local passion fruit soda)

• Grilled limpets (Lapas)

We recommend visiting Mercado da Graça to sample some fresh local products.

Do I Need to Book a Table at Restaurants?

At the most popular restaurants, yes. If you’re visiting in July or August, consider booking 7–10 days in advance. During other months, 2 or 3 days ahead is usually enough. At some places, showing up without a reservation can mean a wait of up to 90 minutes.

Restaurant tips:  Where to eat.

Where to Stay in São Miguel in 2025?

On the island, there are more than 2,000 accommodation options, ranging from luxury hotels to rural lodgings where you wake up to the sound of cows mooing. In other words, there’s something for every taste and budget.

The main city is Ponta Delgada. Ribeira Grande and Lagoa are located in the central part of the island, offering easy access to both the west and east sides.

We’ve shared some accommodation tips here: Where To Stay.

But if you’d like a personalized recommendation, get in touch with us! Send us a message via Instagram and let us know what you’re looking for — we’ll send you a recommendation through Booking.com (we’re affiliates). We’re sure we can suggest something you’ll like! 

Videos in the Azores: What to do, see, and eat

Practical Tips for Your Trip to the Azores

• Currency: Euro

• Language: Portuguese (English is widely spoken in the tourism sector)

• Time zone: 1 hour behind Lisbon

• Weather: Unpredictable! 😅

Frequently Asked Questions

1. 1. Is São Miguel safe for tourists? Yes, São Miguel is considered a very safe island for visitors.

   2. What’s the best time to see whales and dolphins in São Miguel? There are resident cetacean species, meaning they can be seen year-round. However, species like orcas and blue whales pass through during their migratory seasons, typically for about two months each year. We have a full article about whale and dolphin watching in São Miguel. Read it here.

   3. Is São Miguel suitable for family trips? Yes, the island offers many activities and attractions for all ages. Check our article full of ideas on what to do with kids in São Miguel.

   4. Is internet access good on the island? Yes! Most accommodations, shops, and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi. We recommend getting a SIM card upon arrival at the Vodafone store in the center of Ponta Delgada. This will help you use GPS maps, check live camera feeds from various island locations, find restaurant contacts, make reservations, and review the places you visit.

   5. Should I tip? Service charges are not automatically included like in some countries. Tipping is not required but always appreciated. You can leave:

      • 5%–10% in restaurants or for tour guides

      • 2%–5% of your stay for hotel housekeeping and front desk staff

   6.  Cash or card? Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but some small cafés, restaurants, or tours may not take cards. Carry some cash and coins for parking meters or tips.

   7. What souvenirs should I bring home? The island offers a wide variety of authentic souvenirs that capture its culture, nature, and traditions—from local crafts to gourmet treats. READ our top 10 souvenir tips from the Azores..

São Miguel offers stunning natural beauty, deep relaxation, and exciting adventures. Get ready for an unforgettable trip! 🙂