São Miguel Azores Travel Guide: Whale Watching, Hot Springs and Volcanic Landscapes
Floridians are always looking for their next island to explore, but this one feels a lot different.
São Miguel is the largest of the nine islands in the Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal in the North Atlantic Ocean. While it may sound remote, it’s surprisingly easy to reach from Florida with just one connection in Boston.
Once you land in Ponta Delgada, the capital of the Azores, you’ll have easy access to world-class whale watching, along with volcanic craters, hot springs, and hydrangea-lined roads.
Here are five ways to make the most of your time on São Miguel.
1. Explore Historic Ponta Delgada
The historic center of Ponta Delgada is just a ten-minute drive from the airport, making it easy to start exploring soon after you land.
The architecture stands out right away. Instead of the colorful buildings often associated with island destinations, you’ll see black and white buildings, offset by vibrant flowers.
I stayed at Casa Alta, an Airbnb in the heart of the city, within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and a grocery store.
A Tasca comes highly recommended for local cuisine, and if you’re like me and need an iced coffee, Cascara Coffee Roasters is a great stop for coffee, pastries, and brunch.
There are also several gardens and parks to explore, including Jardim Botânico José do Canto, a peaceful place to wander for a small fee.
2. Go Whale Watching in the Atlantic
The Azores are one of the world’s largest whale sanctuaries, with more than 20 species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises passing through these waters. That makes a whale watching tour a must.
I booked my tour with Picos de Aventura, located just a short walk from my Airbnb.
When booking, you can choose between a catamaran or a smaller, high-speed vessel. I went with the smaller boat, where you straddle a seat and hold on as your captain heads offshore. Rain jackets and life vests are required, and a marine life expert joins you on board to help spot and explain what you’re seeing.
The ride is rougher than what you would experience on a larger boat, but it allows for a more up-close experience on the water.
We had dozens of dolphins swimming alongside us, and we also spent time observing sei whales from a distance. They’re one of the fastest whale species in the world, reaching speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
3. Take in the Views of Lagoa das Sete Cidades
If you’ve seen photos of the Azores, chances are they feature Lagoa das Sete Cidades, one of the “7 Natural Wonders of Portugal.”
The drive from Ponta Delgada takes about 40 to 50 minutes and winds through hydrangea-lined roads, which are especially vibrant in June and July.
You can explore the area by rental car or guided tour. I opted for a private tour through Viator with Vasco, a local who grew up in the Azores and shared incredible insight along the way.
One of the highlights was a short walk to Miradouro da Grota do Inferno, where you get a stunning view of Lagoa das Sete Cidades, with the blue and green lakes inside the volcanic caldera.
After taking in the views, head down to Sete Cidades, a small village along the lake, where you’ll find a few places to grab a bite or rent a canoe or paddleboard to get out on the water
4. Experience the Hot Springs of Furnas
To see a different side of São Miguel, head to Furnas Valley, about 50 minutes from Ponta Delgada, known for its geothermal activity and hot springs.
I booked a second private tour with Vasco to explore this area, but you can also visit by rental car or join a group tour from Ponta Delgada.
We took the northern route and stopped at Chá Gorreana, considered Europe’s oldest tea plantation, and Miradouro de Santa Iria for sweeping coastal views.
Furnas is a small village of about 1,500 residents and is easy to explore. As you walk around, you’ll see steaming hot springs and notice the sulfur in the air.
One of the most popular stops is Parque Terra Nostra, where you can soak in a large thermal pool that stays warm year-round, typically between 96.8°F and 107.6°F. The water is rich in minerals like magnesium, iron, and calcium.
You can also wander through spots like Jardim Público da Courela and the nearby Coreto do Jardim das Alamedas.
About ten minutes outside the village is Ermida de Nossa Senhora das Vitórias, a Neo-Gothic chapel on the western shore of Lagoa das Furnas. It’s a scenic place to take in the views and slow down for a bit.
5. Travel to Vila Franca do Campo
Vila Franca do Campo is a seaside town on the south coast of São Miguel Island, best known for the Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo, a small volcanic islet just offshore formed from an ancient crater.
The islet is one of the São Miguel’s most popular spots for swimming, snorkeling, and diving, with calm water inside the natural ring. You can book boat tours or kayaking trips to reach it.
We stopped in the town of Vila Franca do Campo on our way back from Furnas to Ponta Delgada, and it’s an easy addition to your itinerary. The town is only about a 30-minute drive from Ponta Delgada, making it a great place to spend a few hours or even a full day.
