If you’re headed to the Azores, Portugal and looking for a 7-day itinerary for São Miguel, I’ve got you covered! São Miguel is the largest island in the Azores and a true gem, offering natural beauty, geothermal wonders, and rich culture. There’s so much to do that you could visit multiple times and still experience something new.
To make sure you don’t miss out, I’ve curated a week-long itinerary featuring breathtaking spots like Sete Cidades, Ponta da Ferraria, and Lagoa do Fogo, along with whale watching, hiking, hot springs, and local cuisine. This guide is flexible, so you can customize it to your pace.
With this in mind, I’ve created an itinerary that ensures you’ll enjoy a carefully curated week on São Miguel. Moreover, it strikes the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation — all thoughtfully designed to make your trip as enjoyable as possible.
This post contains affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. If you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. All opinions are genuinely my own.
Where to Stay During 1 Week on São Miguel
Base yourself in Ponta Delgada for days 1 to 3, and then move to Furnas for the remaining days. You can choose to stay your last day in Ponta Delgada, Portugal, near the airport, or just drive back with your rental car when you’re ready to depart, depending on your flight time. Here are the exact booking links for the accommodations I recommend: Espirito Santo – AL in Ponta Delgada and Casa do Sossego in Furnas.
When we first arrived in São Miguel after our red eye flight from Vancouver via a 19 hour layover in New York, we were very happy at the privacy and comfort Espirito Santo – AL in Ponta Delgada. This room including a washing machine and shower with excellent pressure. We literally passed out around midnight and slept for 12 hours until noon the next day as the shutters on the room’s windows were absolutely blackout and were fully recharged for our week of exploration on the island ahead.
Casa do Sossego in Furnas was a real treat and my favourite accommodation of our Azores trip. Super quaint cottage-style accommodation walking distance to both the hot springs of Poça da Dona Beija and the Terra Nostra Gardens. We soley wore swimsuits, towels and flip flops to both hot springs straight from our house which was much easier than worrying about guarding our belongings.
I loved this rental! Although it was just my husband and I travelling as a couple, this spot would also be suitable for a family travelling with children as there was an upper level with a couple of twin beds for kids. The super cosy kitchen came outfitted with a coffee pod machine, tea and everything we needed to cook a meal. After long days out and about exploring, this was such an inviting atmosphere to return to.
São Miguel 7-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Explore Sete Cidades, Ponta da Ferraria, and Mosteiros Beach
Sete Cidades: Begin your adventure at São Miguel’s iconic Sete Cidades: a set of jaw-dropping twin crater lakes.
Rent a car and base yourself in Ponta Delgada for a few days. I highly recommend DiscoverCars as I booked my vehicle while I was still in Canada and had a seamless pick-up and drop-off at the airport.
Sete Cidades is a 30-minute drive away, and it’s best to check the SpotAzores webcams for clear weather before heading out, as the lakes are often obscured by fog and rain. Stay flexible with your itinerary, and seize any clear moments for the best views of the crater lakes.
On the way to and around Sete Cidades, be sure to take in the breathtaking scenery from key viewpoints such as Miradouro do Cerrado Das Freiras, Vista do Rei, and Boca do Inferno. You can also drive from Vista do Rei to the charming town of Sete Cidades, to admire its church and take in a novel view of the blue and green lake waters up close.
Hiking enthusiasts can explore trails like Vista do Rei to Sete Cidades (7.7 km) and Canário to Sete Cidades (11.8 km), both of which offer incredibly scenic routes. I recommend the book Walking on the Azores: 70 Routes across Sao Miguel, Santa Maria, Terceria, Graciosa, Sao Jorge, Pico, Faial, Flores and Corvo for an in-depth guide to hikes and walks across all the Azores islands if you know you will be spending some time there.
Ponta da Ferraria: Swim in the Atlantic Ocean for free at any time of day in a natural thermal cove at Ponta da Ferraria, where volcanic springs warm the waters. Undoubtedly, this was a highlight of my 2023 Azores trip!
To get there, you can park and then take a short walk down to the waters with just a tote bag, towel, and swimsuit. If you’d like to change before heading back to your car, there are some handy changing rooms on site, but be forewarned that they often have long lines.
Be sure to bring water shoes for São Miguel—the rocks can be sharp. I used mine at all four hot springs, and they were a great investment! Ponta da Ferraria, a free 24-hour spot between Sete Cidades and Ponta Delgada, is perfect for unwinding while waiting for the clouds to clear. For a more luxurious experience, you could also try Termas de Ferraria, a nearby wellness complex with heated pools and spa treatments.
Mosteiros Beach: End your day by watching a stunning sunset at the volcanic black sand Mosteiros Beach, just a 10-15 minute drive from Sete Cidades. From here, you can enjoy views of the famous Mosteiros Islets, surreal rock formations made of palagonite tuff rock. These islets are the exposed remains of a submarine volcanic cone, adding to the unique beauty of the landscape.
Day 2: Whale and Dolphin Watching, Plus a Beach Escape
Whale and Dolphin Watching: São Miguel offers world-class whale watching with 25+ species from April to October. Choose a 3-hour tour on a large boat or a faster, bumpier zodiac. You can even swim with dolphins! Book early to allow for weather-related rescheduling.
Beach Time: After your sea adventure, relax at Vila Franca do Campo’s Islet if you took a boat from there. This volcanic islet, reachable by boat, offers snorkeling and a family-friendly beach inside its crater. Alternatively, visit nearby Populo Beach or Piscinas do Pesqueiro if departing from Ponta Delgada.
Day 3: Explore Ponta Delgada
Ponta Delgada: This charming capital is perfect for a half-day visit or a longer stay. Highlights include Portas da Cidade, Praça Gonçalo Velho Cabral, Fort of São Brás, Santuário do Senhor Santo Cristo, the waterfront, botanical gardens, and the farmers market. It’s an ideal base for 2–3 days to explore the island’s western side.
Pineapple Plantations: Visit a plantation in Ponta Delgada, such as Ananás dos Açores or Augusto Arruda. Take a tour of the greenhouses, and don’t miss the chance to sample delicious pineapple jam or liqueur. We loved Ananás Santo António Plantation for its delicious tastings.
Tea Factory Visit: São Miguel is home to the only tea plantations in Europe! Begin by visiting the Chá Gorreana tea factory, the oldest in Europe. Afterward, enjoy a self-guided tour of the plantation, sample some tea, and walk the 3.4 km trail around the lush estate, offering supremely stunning views.
Day 4: Lagoa do Fogo, Waterfalls and Hikes
Lagoa do Fogo: Drive to this stunning crater lake and take in views from Miradouro do Pico da Barrosa and Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo. When we visited in July 2023, we took a bus from the parking area, but cloudy weather blocked some viewpoints. Thankfully, the clouds parted briefly, revealing incredible lake vistas.
Before visiting, check the Spot Azores Lagoa do Fogo webcam to avoid cloud cover. For even more chances at clear views, consider hiking. Both the 9 km Pico da Vela trail and a descent to the lakeshore are excellent options to explore.
Salto do Cabrito Waterfall: a stunning 20-meter-high cascade near Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande, is easily accessible by car. Afterward, a short hike to the top rewards you with a panoramic view of the surrounding area. Relax in the outdoor hot springs of Caldeira Velha afterward set in a lush forest in the mountains.
Day 5: Discover Furnas
Furnas: Known for its geothermal activity, Furnas is a must-see and was our favourite place we stayed during our Sāo Miguel trip.
Highlights of the itinerary include Lagoa das Furnas, followed by the Caldeiras da Lagoa, famous for its Cozido das Furnas. Additionally, you can unwind in the hot springs at Poça da Dona Beija and Terra Nostra Gardens, making for a truly relaxing experience.
Next, visit the steaming geysers of Caldeiras das Furnas, and then admire the breathtaking views from Miradouro do Pico do Ferro. For a more immersive experience, base your stay here for 2-3 nights, to allow you ample time to explore both Furnas and the scenic east side of the island.
Day 6: Explore Nordeste
Nordeste: Discover the less-visited north-eastern side of São Miguel, starting with the picturesque town of Nordeste. From there, visit the stunning Ponta da Sossega and Ponta da Madrugada viewpoints, explore the lush Ribeira dos Caldeirões Park, and check out the historic Farol do Arnel lighthouse. For nature lovers, the Fajã do Araujo and Lomba da Fazenda trails offer peaceful hikes through breathtaking landscapes.
Day 7: Relax in Ponta Delgada
Enjoy a leisurely day in Ponta Delgada before departing. Start by visiting Gruta do Carvão, an ancient lava tube, and then head to the military museum in the Fort of São Brás. There, you can learn more about the island’s fascinating volcanic history and military past.
Wrapping Up Your 7-Day Adventure in São Miguel
As you wrap up your 7-day adventure on São Miguel, you’ll have experienced the island’s stunning landscapes, unique geothermal spots, and rich culture. Whether you’re soaking in hot springs, hiking to breathtaking viewpoints, or savouring the island’s fresh cuisine, every moment will leave you with unforgettable memories. São Miguel truly offers something for every traveller, and this itinerary is just the beginning. So pack your bags, embrace the beauty of the Azores, and get ready for a journey of a lifetime!
How is your Azores trip planning going? To add to your Sāo Miguel experience and make it truly unforgettable, try these unique foods of the Azores during your travels and be sure to visit Sete Cidades, the top tourist attraction of this Azores island for volcanic lake views you won’t find anywhere else in the world!
If you’re enamoured with this blog post and found it useful, please share with your friends, and follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for more Portugal travel tips!
Until we meet again,
♥ Agni
