São Miguel, Azores completely blew us away. We spent 9 days exploring this stunning volcanic island in the middle of the Atlantic, and it instantly became one of our favorite destinations we’ve ever visited. Impossibly blue crater lakes, steaming geothermal hot springs, dramatic coastal cliffs, and some of the most unique hiking we’ve ever experienced. The Azores is the kind of place that gets under your skin and never leaves. Here’s everything we discovered so you can experience it too.
Looking for the best hikes in São Miguel, Azores? You’ve found the right guide. We spent 9 days on the island and hiked every trail on this list ourselves, from easy lakeside strolls to strenuous mountain climbs through jungle-like forests. One moment you’re driving past quiet farmland, and the next you’re staring out over a…
During your trip to São Miguel, Azores, we recommend going on a Ponta Delgada walking tour to explore the quaint and beautiful downtown. Check out the colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, shops, restaurants, and more. We’ll discuss where to walk, what to see, and our absolute favorite restaurant that you can’t miss. Let’s go! This post…
Another can’t-miss hike on São Miguel is the Serra Devassa Trail. This trail passes by many picturesque lakes, and the scenery is unmatched. Located at the same trailhead as the famed Boca do Inferno, be sure not to miss this hike as well! We’ll discuss what to expect on this route and some of the…
We know you have seen this view in pictures! The narrow fence-lined dirt path with the blue-green lakes sprawling out in the caldera below, surrounded by emerald green cliffs. Some consider this to be the best viewpoint on the island of São Miguel in the Azores, and we would agree that it’s pretty epic. You…
Go on a hike to 2 great waterfalls on the eastern side of São Miguel! Start near Faial da Terra and work your way through the jungle-like forest to reach the first waterfall, Cascata do Salto do Prego. Then, if you are feeling up to it, hike farther to reach Salto do Cagarrão. It’s steep,…
You may have seen pictures or heard about it before, but you can’t miss one of the best Azores hot springs. Parque Terra Nostra is where it’s at! Get ready to walk, soak, eat, and rest. Take a stroll around the extensive tropical gardens and explore the grounds. Then, don’t miss the hot springs on…
We love to complete hikes of all levels as we explore our amazing open spaces across the globe. You’re in store for an easy one here: the Furnas Lake hike. In one of the most popular areas of the island, lies Furnas Lake, surrounded by steep green cliffs, in the main thermal location of São…
After a busy day hiking and visiting Lagoa do Fogo in the Azores, it’s time for a more relaxing day exploring the East Coast of São Miguel, including the quaint town of Nordeste, Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, and the amazing viewpoints (miradouros) perched high on the coastal cliffs. Start your journey from Ponta Delgada…
If you have visited the banks of Lagoa do Fogo via hiking, you MUST get up into the mountains for a birds-eye view of this gorgeous lake in São Miguel. We’ll discuss how to get there during peak season when you have to take the Lagoa do Fogo shuttle. Additionally, learn how to skip the…
Travel through farmland, up a steep mountain, into a Japanese cedar forest, and hike along a levada as you make your way to the picturesque valley of Ribeira da Praia to the banks of Lagoa do Fogo. This is it – peak hiking in São Miguel, and you must add this one to your itinerary!…
After a lovely morning visit to the Chá Gorreana Tea Factory, we recommend spending the afternoon hiking the PRC29 SMI Trail to visit Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande and Cascata do Salto do Cabrito. Salto do Cabrito is one of São Miguel’s most popular waterfalls! Learn more about what to expect on the trail, as well…
An absolute must-do is visiting the Chá Gorreana Tea Factory on the island of São Miguel in the Azores. Here, you can take a tour of the factory, sample the tea, and hike 2 amazing trails, one of which travels through the gorgeous tea fields overlooking the plantation and ocean. This is a perfect day…
You have made it to the Azores! It’s 8:00 am local time, and you got 1 hour of sleep on the flight over from the United States. 😴 You can’t check into your hotel until 4:00 pm, so what do you do? Explore, of course! Head toward Lagoa das Sete Cidades first to explore the…
Planning an Azores itinerary? São Miguel is the largest and most diverse island in the archipelago, and 9 days gives you enough time to do it right. From volcanic calderas filled with impossibly blue water to jungle waterfall hikes, geothermal hot springs, Europe’s only tea plantation, and hydrangea-lined mountain roads that look like they were…