2024 Sao Miguel Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in September)
🇵🇹 Strong waves near the islet of Vila Franca! 🌊🌊
We visited a small park near the islet of Vila Franca, located in Vila Franca do Campo, a charming town in the southern part of São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal. The islet, less than 1 km from the park, is uninhabited and primarily composed of basalt. It serves as a popular spot for recreational activities such as cliff diving and snorkeling during the summer. The islet features an almost perfectly circular bay with a diameter of 150 meters and is one of the nature reserves in the Azores.
During our visit, the weather was cloudy and rainy. We were awed by the powerful waves of the Atlantic Ocean!
📌 Parque de Lazer Poço Largo
📍 Vila Franca do Campo, Portugal
#grouptravel #roadtrip #vacation #portugal #azores #PontaDelgada #SãoMiguel #Island #driving #islet #volcano #park #vilafranca #atlantic #ocean #sea #tripblazers
🇵🇹 On the Road Between Two Lakes
Sete Cidades is an attraction that you will not miss if you visit São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal. The Sete Cidades Caldera at the top of Sete Cidades Volcano is the largest freshwater lake in the Azores.
Although hydrologically, the Sete Cidades Caldera is one large crater lake, most refer to it as two separate bodies: Lagoa Verde (Green Lake) and Lagoa Azul (Blue Lake).
We stopped for a while at the bridge that separated the two lakes and marveled at the wonders of nature. The lakes appear to have different colors because they reflect the sunlight in different ways.
📌 Canal de las Siete Ciudades
📍v9-1 14, Sete Cidades, Portugal
V647+3G Sete Cidades, Portugal
#grouptravel #roadtrip #vacation #portugal #azores #PontaDelgada #SãoMiguel #Island #driving #crater #volcano #lake #setecidades #caldera #tripblazers
Azores islands - the best kept secret
“Where is it?” - most of my friends was puzzled and questioned when I tell them I’m going to Azores in Easter. Indeed, Azores is arguably the best hidden gem in Europe and its beauties has not exposed to the public.
Located in the middle of North Atlantic and consists of 9 ilsands, after 2.5 hours flight from Lisbon, I discovered a magic island Sao Miguel where I see a remarkable & scenic landscapes. Beaches, mountains, volcanos, volcanic craters, lakes, forest, and hot springs, are all condensed in this little island.
You can explore hiking trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints, go whale watching to spot various species of whales and dolphins, or indulge in water sports like diving and surfing.
The local cuisine in the Azores is known for its fresh seafood, including fish, shellfish, and octopus. There are quite a few decent Sushi buffet restaurants under 18euros per person providing a best value meal. When you get 1 hour, you can also visit the local pineapple farm and taste a refresh pineapple.
Overall, the Azores islands offer a unique and enchanting experience for travelers seeking natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Day 1: breath-taking Mountain View’s
Day 2: sea coast view
Day 3: relaxing in the hot spring
Day 4:hiking in the forest
Day 5: Sao Miguel town walk
Day 6: down to the valcano and walk in the lava tunnel
#mytravelhacks #familytrip #historicallandmarks #Azores
Getting There - flights from Lisbon, Porto
Attractions - Sao Miguel
48 hours in São Miguel, Azores
We lucked out with super weather when visiting this island! Sunny and warm both days ☀️
✈️ we flew with Azores Airlines from Porto to Ponta Delgada
🏨 we stayed at Marketplace Apartments. They have a kitchen, living room and terrace and accommodated 1 adult, one 13 year old and one 11 year old. The apartment was clean and well located.
🚐 We chose to tour with Pure Azores on both days opting for the West Island tour and the East Island tour. Our favorite was the West Island tour however if you can do both you should. The East Island tour shows more volcanic activity. Guides were excellent and your groups were a maximum of 9 people.
🍽️ so many restaurants to choose from. We are vegetarian and were always catered for.
👀 so many things to see! From traditional Portuguese architecture to whales, forests and steam holes.
🍦 Best ice cream shop was Gelataria Abracadabra. Yummy selection with clearly labeled dairy and non-dairy flavors.
#summervacation #passionpassport #azores #portugal
🌟 Azores Getaway: Sensi Spa & Nature Paradise 🌿
Ever dreamt of waking up to a symphony of birds and the gentle whisper of trees? 🌳🐦 Sensi Azores Nature and Spa is your dream come true! Nestled on Sao Miguel, this eco-retreat is a blend of luxury and Mother Earth's finest.
🛌 Spacious, minimalist rooms invite relaxation, with views that'll make your heart sing. Cleanliness is next-level here – it's like Mother Nature herself tidied up! 🧼
🍽️ Dining is a gastronomic tribute to local flavors, fresh from the island's bountiful harvest. It's a taste of the Azores on a plate that'll have you asking for seconds (and maybe thirds)! 🥗
💆♀️ The spa? Oh, it's a haven of tranquility. Indulge in treatments that use the island's volcanic stones and natural botanicals. And don't get me started on the infinity pool – it's a slice of aquatic heaven! 🏊♂️
📍 R. do Monte nº 1, Sao Miguel, Azores, 9555-080, Portugal – it's not just an address, it's a ticket to paradise.
#SaoMiguel #SaoMiguelHotel #SaoMiguelTravel
🇵🇹 The Arts and Crafts Workshop Museum, São Miguel Island
The Arts and Crafts Workshop Museum, officially known as "Museu Capelas São Miguel - A Oficina-Museu de Artes e Ofícios," is a unique cultural attraction located in Capelas on São Miguel Island in the Azores. The museum showcases a variety of traditional Azorean crafts, including pottery, weaving, blacksmithing, and woodworking. Each exhibit provides insight into the techniques and tools used by artisans over the centuries. It houses a collection of historical artifacts related to the various trades and crafts practiced in the Azores. These items provide context and background, helping visitors understand the evolution of these practices over time. Tools, machinery, and other equipment are displayed, demonstrating the progression from traditional manual methods to more modern techniques.
📌 Museu Capelas São Miguel - A Oficina-Museu de Artes e Ofícios
📍Rua do Loural 56, Portugal
#travelanywhere #roadtrip #vacation #portugal #azores #Capelas #SãoMiguel #Island #museum #tripblazers
🇵🇹 Experience Geothermal Wonders Up Close!
Jardim Público da Courela is a public garden situated in Furnas, a quaint town in the southeastern part of São Miguel Island in the Azores, Portugal. Renowned for its geothermal activity, the park features numerous fumaroles—vents in the earth's surface that release steam and volcanic gases. These fumaroles are part of the larger Furnas Volcano, a dormant volcano with a summit caldera. The locals often cook meals in the hot geothermal soil here, a practice known as "Cozido das Furnas" (Furnas geo-cook). If you are lucky, you can try this unique geothermal cuisine at nearby restaurants. However, it is advisable to make reservations in advance.
📌Jardim Público da Courela
📍Largo das Caldeiras, 9675-045 Furnas, Portugal
#travelanywhere #roadtrip #vacation #portugal #azores #PontaDelgada #SãoMiguel #Island #Furnas #steam #volcano #park #caldera #geothermal #tripblazers
🇵🇹 Road Trip in São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal
We rented a car during our vacation on São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal. It is relatively easy to drive on the island compared to driving in mainland cities like Lisbon and Porto. This is because the island is less populated and the traffic is not that bad.
However, there are some challenges as well. This was our first time driving on the right. We are used to driving on the left in Singapore and Malaysia, so we were a little nervous at first. It took us a bit of time to get used to driving on the right. If you hold a driving license from a non-EU or non-US country, you will need an international driving permit (IDP) to drive in Portugal. Some of the streets are very narrow, and it was a challenge for our 7-seater car to pass through. Luckily, we did not scratch the car. It was very foggy and windy when we were driving on the mountain roads, so we had to be extra careful. Overall, it was a fun experience driving in the Azores!
#travelanywhere #roadtrip #vacation #portugal #azores #PontaDelgada #SãoMiguel #Island #driving #seaview #tripblazers
Crossing the Atlantic Ocean with a dog? ⛴️
In today‘s YouTube video we show you how we take a 33 hour ferry with Felix 🐻❄️
And answer questions like:
⛴️ Where does the dog stay? Cage or cabin?
🚽 Can dogs use the toilet?
🐻❄️ Which mistakes should be avoided?
The link is in the bio & in the stories 🤗 #ferry #traveldog #travel
.cr：wanderlust_samoyed& Contact us for removal
Stunning Coastal Wonders: Capturing the Essence of Picture-Perfect Landscapes 🌊
I can't resist capturing the mesmerizing beauty of these wonderful coasts, and this picture is no exception. Edited using the "Landscape" Preset from my exclusive "Travel Pack" available at @sheckpresets, this image 📸 beautifully showcases the enchanting allure of nature's coastal wonders. From the crystal-clear turquoise waters to the rugged cliffs overlooking the sea, every detail has been immortalized in this stunning photograph. Join me on this visual journey as we dive into the essence of picture-perfect landscapes and witness the magic ✨ that unfolds along the coast. Let's embark on an unforgettable adventure where the sea meets the land, and beauty knows no bounds.
San Miguel Island "Seven Lakes City"
San Miguel Island floats in the clouds, with Blue Lake, Green Lake and a beautiful legend associated with it. The minerals in the black volcanic lava on the west coast make the sea water a deep blue.
São Miguel, an amazing Azorean island!
#newyearadventure
São Miguel is the largest island in Azores, Portugal.
Getting There -
Take a domestic flight from Lisbon and rent a car to explore the island.
Attractions -
1. Sete Cidades is a large crater lake that seems to be divided into two separate bodies: Lagoa Verde (Green Lake) and Lagoa Azul (Blue Lake)
2. Beautiful Town Squares of Ponta Delgada. Don't miss the bell tower!
3. Furnas area for hotspring
4. Authentic Atlantic Spa at Ponta da Ferraria
5. Various miradouros (viewpoints) scattered throughout the island
And many more!!
Hotels -
We stayed at Hotel Ponta Delgada with nice balconies and good breakfast.
Food & Restaurants -
Make sure to try Azorean cuisine at local restaurants. Check out Restaurante Lagoa Azul which serves authentic Azorean cuisine at Sete Cidades.
Another cuisine worth trying is "Cozido dad Furnas" (Furnas geo-cook) cooked by volcanic heat. Available at various restaurants in Furnas.
Shopping -
You can find almost everything at Parque Atlantico, the largest shopping mall in the whole island.
#roadtrip #vacation #portugal #azores #pontadelgada #sãomiguel #island #setecidades #furnas #atlantic #ferraria
#miradouro #azorean
Recommended Attractions at Popular Destinations
Popular Restaurants in Sao Miguel