São Miguel Island, Azores (Portugal)

São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores, has a lot to offer for active people who like kayaking, paddleboarding, diving, surfing, canyoning, coasteering, sailing, fishing, hiking, road cycling, and mountain biking. In addition, the Azores are Europe’s top location for whale and dolphin viewing. There’s no need to limit yourself to land-based activities on São Miguel; some of the most exciting attractions are found in the huge ocean that surrounds it. Many whale and dolphin species travel through the Azores on their yearly migrations or dwell permanently in the area.

São Miguel is one of the archipelago’s most prominent volcanic islands. Furnas, one of the island’s oldest calderas, is to the east. In and around Furnas village, as well as on the banks of the crater lake, there are over thirty geysers and mineral-rich springs. Furnas has a semi-tropical vibe thanks to the heated ground and a rich blend of scents from the wild aloe, old cedars, and gushing springs. Nowhere is this truer than in the 200-year-old Parque Terra Nostra, which houses São Miguel’s famed geothermal swimming pool.

Staying in the charming village of Furnas is a terrific alternative to staying in the capital of Ponta Delgada,  Enjoy the area’s main attraction: eating a meal cooked in a volcano.

The Beauty of Boca do Inferno Will Astound You.

The name “Boca do Inferno” translates to “Mouth of Hell,” on a bright day, this vista is likely to be one of the most magnificent sites you’ve ever seen. With only a five-minute stroll up a ridgeline, you’ll be rewarded with a view that even the greatest photographs can’t capture.

Sete Cidades, the island’s largest crater, is located to the west and is a must-see location for most travellers to the islands due to its amazing beauty. The views across Sete Cidades lake are some of the most well-known in the Azores, and the Vista do Rei (King’s View) viewpoint is the most popular site to see them. Sete Cidades has a good selection of walking paths and cycling routes for the more athletic, and its twin-crater-lakes are a breath-taking kayaking site.

Farol do Arnel, the oldest lighthouse in the Azores is located on the remote east coast of São Miguel. It is only open on Wednesdays, but it is well worth a visit on other days of the week because of its lovely setting.

If you wish to visit it and the surrounding quaint, picturesque fishing village, be mindful of the exceedingly steep, twisting road that goes there.

If you like hiking, São Miguel is the place to be. Several routes traverse the island, ranging from simple strolls to a viewpoint to multi-hour hikes through the hills.

While the Azores may not experience the intense heat of mainland Portugal, it could be very scorching at times—which provides the ideal opportunity to cool off beneath a waterfall. There are several waterfalls on the island, but two of the most popular are Salto do Cabrito and Salto Do Prego.

Halfway down the twisting road from Lagoa do Fogo to Ribeira Grande, one of the island’s most popular sights may be found. Caldeira Velha is a cluster of natural hot springs surrounded by thick jungle, each with its own waterfall.

The capital Ponta Delgada is a pleasant, friendly city where everything, including many of the island’s greatest restaurants, is within walking distance

Things to do and see in Ponta Delgada

• Jardim Botânico José do Canto
• Mercado da Graça
• Igreja de São Sebastião
• Fuerte de San Blas
• Azorean Pineapple Plantation
• Miradouro do Ilhéu de Rosto de Cão
• Jardim Padre Sena Freitas
• Farol de Santa Clara
• Campo de São Francisco
• Forno da Cal
• Jardim Antero de Quental
• Parque Urbano de Ponta Delgada
• Núcleo de Santa Bárbara
• Gruta do Carvão – Monumento
• Museu Carlos Machado
• Museu Militar dos Açores
• Viewpoint of the Rock Source

Getting there: SATA Azores Airlines has frequent service from Lisbon and Porto to São Miguel (about two hours) and regular service from Boston, Toronto and Montreal (about five hours).