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Did you know I was born in the Azores? I guess if you’re new here, you probably didn’t know—but yes, I was born on São Miguel Island, and it’s now time to share my Azores Bucket List, as well as my 4-day São Miguel itinerary.

A little bit about my life in the Azores and how I ended up where I am now. Well, I was born during my parents’ holiday, but they liked the islands so much that they stayed for 8 years. Eventually, they moved to Cascais (near Lisbon) on the Portuguese mainland, and when I turned 18, I moved to London. Since moving to England, I’ve visited the Azores twice, and it’s now time to share with you the dos and don’ts of São Miguel, along with my 4-day São Miguel itinerary so you can create your perfect bucket list of experiences on the island.

Geography of the Azores

The Azores are an archipelago made up of 9 islands: São Miguel, Pico, Terceira, Corvo, Faial, Flores, Graciosa, São Jorge, and Santa Maria (uff—I still know them by heart!). The Azores are located in the Atlantic Ocean, between America and Europe. The islands are divided into three clusters, each placed on different tectonic plates. It’s said that the Azores belong to both Europe and America due to the tectonic location of each island.

Interestingly, America had a navy base on Terceira Island for several years. As a result, there’s a large population of Portuguese from the Azores who emigrated to America.

Why Should the Azores Be on Your Bucket List?

Portugal has other islands, of course. I’ll be happy to share those in the future, so if you’re keen to know more about any of the other islands—or any part of Portugal—leave a comment in the comment section!

I absolutely love the Azores, and I’m so happy that the islands are finally being recognised internationally. When I was growing up in mainland Portugal, that definitely wasn’t the case. When I decided to go back to the Azores, I had a few things I definitely wanted to do.

In this ultimate bucket list for São Miguel Island, you’re sure to find a lot of hiking and nature-focused activities. I basically wanted to go to the Azores to disconnect, hike epic trails, relax in natural hot springs and reconnect with my island. Definitely: whale watching, evening swims at Trafaria, going to Poça da Dona Beija (a geothermal natural spa), eating Portuguese stew cooked with geothermal heat, renting a car and exploring the island, checking out the abandoned 5-star hotel, visiting the tea plantation, exploring Praia do Moinho, and visiting Ilhéu de Vila Franca. Knowing myself and how I live life, I’ll do the above and more.

When is the best time to Visit São Miguel

When it comes to the best time to visit the Azores, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best weather is during the summer months, but that’s also when it’s busiest.

Not sure if you’ve noticed, but the Azores have become really popular. People even call them the “Hawaii of Europe.” I remember the inconsistency of Azorean weather when I was growing up—it actually reminds me of the UK’s weather: four seasons in a day!

In the summer months, temperatures are more stable, but it can be very humid.

This will be my first visit to the Azores since 2016, and I’m specifically interested in revisiting all the places I used to go and seeing whales. We chose to go in April – the best time for whale watching in Azores – over the busy summer months. Another great time to go is September. Azores weather is mystical, September can also be great. If you are looking for summer days, hot and sunny (not guaranteed) then August – but expect to pay double for everything and have a more crowded island.

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Azores Bucket List: 10 Places You Need to Visit in São Miguel

There are plenty more things to do in São Miguel, below are my bucket list worthy things to do in the island, however, if you just want to soak the magic of the island in, and on a budget, it is possible – just simply rent a car and go around the island. I guarantee, every 5 minutes you will want to stop and just be like WOW!

I keep getting questions if Do You Need A Card to visit Sao Miguel, and simply put you don’t because there are public transport and tours to each of the must places below, however, my top tip is to get a car. A car will give you so much freedom and possibility to explore places at your pace.
If you are thinking in getting a car I HIGHLY recommend sorting one well in advance. Think, Azores are 9 islands, cars are very limited. Secure your car as soon as possible to avoid huge costs or no availability.

Whale Watching

It was very important for me to go whale watching. My mum used to work in tourism when I was a baby. Our house had a 180-degree view of the sea, and I remember part of the daily routine was grabbing binoculars to check for whales. If there were any—tourists were in for an amazing day!

Going back to the Azores absolutely meant reliving those memories. We joined one of the best Azores whale watching tours with Futurismo. Fun fact: My mum used to work for Futurismo when I was a baby so I chose them again for our whale-watching experience in a dinghy boat—just like when we lived there, more than 30 years ago!

You can see whales all year in São Miguel, but the best time (with more species) is between April and September.

Prices depend on the boat that you want to go in and start at $65.

Descend to Lagoa do Fogo

Descending Lagoa do Fogo – one of the best hikes in Sao Miguel Azores, if you love nature then this trek should definitely be on your radar. The easiest way to get there is by car. You can stop at the viewpoints for breathtaking views—or go all the way down.

It’s a lagoon at the base of an old volcano, and while the top can be misty, it’s often clear and beautiful down by the water. My favourite part is the natural beach area at the bottom.

Lagoa do Fogo is about 43 minutes from Ponta Delgada, just above Ribeira Grande.

Spend the Day at Lagoa das Sete Cidades

Lagoa das Sete Cidades is one of the most famous spots in the Azores. Like Lagoa do Fogo, it’s also formed in a volcanic crater, and over the years it filled with water and became swimmable.

You’ve probably seen pictures of the two lagoons—one blue, one green. Their colours come from the different materials at the base, with one being older than the other.

Local legend says two families lived by each lagoon and didn’t get along. But the eldest son from one family and the eldest daughter from the other fell in love—one with blue eyes, one with green. Their love was forbidden, and they cried for years. People say it’s because of their tears that the lagoons are different colours.

Poça da Dona Beija

Poça da Dona Beija is part of everyday life for locals in São Miguel. It’s where families gather to relax and chat. When I lived on the island, there were no ticket machines or fences—you’d just show up with your towel and enjoy the natural springs.

It’s since been transformed into a natural spa, with benches, storage spaces, man-made steps, and clear pool boundaries. It’s still magical.
Book a tour from Ponta Delgada here, or pay entrance at arrival. Ideally you would buy in advance as last minute can be too late.

Entry ticket prices range from $12 (Monday to Thursday) to $16 (Friday to Sunday).

Ponta da Ferraria – Natural Hot Springs

This was one of my favourite things to do when I returned to the island back in 2016. Although I was born in São Miguel, I only visited again 18 years later, and my childhood friends took me to Ponta da Ferraria at night. You can go during the day, but nighttime makes it even more special.

They’re basically the natural hot springs of São Miguel in the sea—like a jacuzzi, but natural. It’s especially magical on late summer nights. If you are question if these are natural? Yes, they are 100% natural, recently due to surge of tourism there has been the need to “polish” them a bit more, but I still remember not having to do much and just go down to the natural swimming pools.

You’ll need a car (ideally a 4×4) to go down the steep, unpaved road to access the springs. I also recommend bringing a coffee for afterwards—hot spring water and vapours can make you feel too relaxed!

Wellness Day at Terra Nostra Park

Terra Nostra Park is a must—even if you’re not a fan of earthy spring water. The park was created to house plants from all over the world and belongs to the first 5-star hotel on the island.

My favourite part? Swimming in clay-rich water filled with skin-rejuvenating minerals—better than many creams out there!

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Other Places to Visit in São Miguel (If You Have Time)

• Caloura: Known for its natural swimming pool and local diving competitions. A great social spot with fresh water.
• Vila Franca do Campo Islet: I learned to dive here. You can kayak and spend a half-day or full day.
• Traditional Dinner in Furnas: Locals cook food underground using geothermal heat. Try the “cozido à Portuguesa” = Traditional Portuguese food cooked literarily inside of the Hot Sprint underneath the area in Furnas. Something also very delicious is to try Corn on the Cob cooked the same way!
• Ghosted 5-Star Hotel Hike: Near Lagoa das Sete Cidades. A luxury hotel that was never finished due to political issues. It’s now an epic viewpoint hike.

4-Day São Miguel Itinerary

There is nothing better than having a list that you can follow, specially when you are going to a new country. That is why I created the best 4-day São Miguel Itinerary to guide you to my island. I encourage you to rent a car and explore more. If you are travelling solo, do tours! don’t miss the opportunity to see this island with your own eyes!

I wanted to gift the guide, but for some reason the shop is not allowing me to sell it for $0 so I had to create a discount of 90% off. Sorry! I am trying to get it this sorted. but in the meantime – here’s my 4-day São Miguel Itinerary to encourage you to go to Azores. Grab your guide now (normally worth $10).

Final thoughts

If you have made this far – Thank you for being here. Writing this post has been on the long coming and brought back a lot of memories from my childhood, and I honestly got quite emotional thinking about all the corners I once was lucky to call my home. 

Next April I will be going back to Sao Miguel to kind of trace back my roots and reconnect to my island. I am looking forward to experience it all over again – this time as an adult – I think it will be very emotional. Weather it’s your first time or fith time to the Azores, I know it will always take your breath away. Nature here feels wild and sacred and for 20+ years I have always dreamt on coming back home. 

If you are thinking of visiting, do it. And if you want a travel buddy to explore the host springs, hiking down Lagoa do Fogo or sipping tea with ocean views – I’ll be there. 

Do you want to follow my journey? 

Sign up top my newsletter below to get all the updated and travel tips straight to your invox – or come over to my instagram page @miriam.memoirs where I will sure be sharing more! 

Safe travels! 

Miri x 

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