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! 🙂

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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

This complete guide will help you pack smartly so you can make the most of your stay in São Miguel and the other islands in the archipelago: what-to-pack (click here).

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.

Top 5 Attractions in São Miguel

Sete Cidades: Twin crater lakes with stunning viewpoints.
Lagoa do Fogo: A breathtaking crater lake in the heart of the island.
Furnas: Fumaroles, hot springs, and geothermal cooking.
Ilhéu de Vila Franca: A small islet just 500 meters off the coast.
Tea Plantation: The only one in Europe.

How to Get Discounts on Tours and Activities

Enjoy 5–15% Off! If you’re planning activities and tours on São Miguel, we have discounts available with several local companies!

Whale watching, buggy tours, canyoning, kayaking, and much more.

Just go to the WHAT TO DO page, pick the tour or activity you want, and you’ll find a link to book, the partner company’s name, and your discount code.

Beaches in São Miguel Island

With a variety of rock formations, dark volcanic sand, and crystal-clear waters, São Miguel’s beaches captivate visitors with their untouched charm and relaxing atmosphere. Here are some beaches for you to enjoy during the summer days: azoresgps.com/beaches

Thermal Pools

On São Miguel Island, there are 5 private thermal pools. Prices currently range from €5 to €17 per person. We have a full guide with details about each of these 5 options, along with some tips to make the most of your visit. Read more here: azoresgps.com/thermal-pools

Natural Pools

The natural swimming pools of São Miguel are true wonders of nature: azoresgps.com/natural-pools

Must-Visit Viewpoints

São Miguel offers breathtaking views at every turn. Discover the 10 best viewpoints in São Miguel: azoresgps.com/sao-miguel-viewpoints

Top Hiking Trails

There are 30 official hiking trails in São Miguel, divided into 3 levels of difficulty. Check out some recommendations and tips here: azoresgps.com/sao-miguel-hiking-trails

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 in the Azores from €15 per day

Compare prices from local companies.

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!

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

We have a YouTube channel: youtube.com/@azoresgps

It’s updated weekly and can be watched with automatic subtitles in your language! To watch videos with tips on what to visit, what to do, what to see, where to eat, and where to stay in the Azores, subscribe to our YouTube channel and check out our videos.

Tip: Don’t forget to select the highest video quality in the settings for the best viewing experience.

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. Is São Miguel safe for solo travelers? 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 and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi. But, we recommend getting an eSIM card so you can have internet access while on the roads, at the beaches, or on the trails — and it’s much cheaper than paying for roaming!
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.
8. Can you drink Azores tap water? In summary, tap water in the Azores is safe, high-quality, and sustainable.
9. Are there poisonous snakes in the Azores? Believe it or not, the Azores islands are free of “dangerous” animals to hikers! No native snakes. With the exception of the elusive scorpions (hardly ever seen), these islands are virtually free of venomous or dangerous land animals.
10. Do they speak English in the Azores? Language. The official language spoken in the Azores is Portuguese, but a majority of the local population is proficient in English, especially in the more tourist-heavy spots.