Relaxing in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean is Portugal’s own archipelago, the Azores.
Consisting of nine major islands, the largest, most populated and most relaxing of the bunch is Ilha São Miguel (São Miguel Island).
While the island has recently gained more attraction among tourists, it’s still an excellent place for a peaceful, calming getaway.
When To Go: São Miguel Island
Peak season for rSao Miguel Island is between the months of June and August.
During these summer months, temperatures are at their highest, skies are at their clearest, and chances of rain are at their lowest.
But, if you’re looking for a relaxing experience on the island with the least amount of tourists, I recommend planning your trip towards the end of the year. Sometime between September through November. During the later months, temperatures are little cooler – requiring a light jacket most days, and chances are you may experience a bit more rain, but tourist traffic will be close to non-existent.
There’s nothing like feeling you have the entire island to yourself!
How Many Days To Spend There
To see and do most of what the nature wonderland of Sao Miguel has to offer you, I recommend spending at least 4-5 full days on the island. (That is, if you take your own private transport.)
This will allow you to see and do a lot, without having to stress about fitting it all in. But, if you have a little extra time, 6-7 days will allow you to really dive deep into your relaxation vibes. Taking in the island life nice and slow – as it should be experienced.
How To Get There
The main city on Sao Miguel and the biggest international hub for flights is Ponta Delgada (PDL).
The main airlines flying from the US are Azores Airlines, TAP Portugal, and United.
If you’re flying from Canada, Azores is the biggest carrier.
From the EU, you have quite a few more options to choose from.
Once Your There
After you’ve hopped off the plane and grabbed your bags, the next best thing I can recommend you is to rent a car.
In general, Sao Miguel Island is fairly small. Definitely small enough to see in a few full relaxing days if you’re traveling by car.
But it can also be quite difficult and time consuming to get to many of the destinations I’ll be recommending to you without your own private transport.
Where To Relax and Recharge On São Miguel Island
1. Picnic at Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego
Located on the most eastern part of the island, at the end of a small windy road is an incredible lookout called Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego (in English this translates to “Quiet Point Lookout”).
The viewpoint itself is quite isolated from other attractions – making it one of the few places you can go during high season with less tourist traffic.
So take your time and soak in the silence. Appreciate the stunning views of the bordering cliffs, listen to the beautiful songs of the birds, stroll through the sculpted botanical gardens, or enjoy a quiet picnic along the winding paths. Maybe you’ll even get to pet a cat or two!
Where to go from here?
Located about a 30min drive from the relaxing Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego is the beautiful Salto do Prego waterfalls. From there you can also continue on to see the abandoned village of Sanguinho.
2. Recharge your batteries at one of São Miguel’s most famous waterfalls
Salto do Prego
As mentioned above, Salto do Prego is easy to get if you’re traveling by car from Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego.
Located near Faial da Terra, Salto do Prego is also one of the top hikes on the island.
Tucked away in lush vegetation, are small, dynamic trails leading you above and below the powerful waterfall. Deceivingly small from photos, the Salto do Prego waterfall pours into a small refreshing pool below.
Sit and observe the magical flow of movement before you, reconnecting with the surrounding nature. Or cleanse and clear your body and mind in the magnificent pool before you. Just make sure to bring swim attire with you if you’re planning a dip!
TIP: After leaving the waterfall, return to the path you arrived on. Follow it back the way you came until you reach a junction. Here, if you follow the trail to the right, you’ll find your way to the lost village of Sanguinho (more below).
Duration: ~2.5hrs (with Sanguinho)
3. Revitalize your energy at São Miguel’s Grená Park
Grená Park (Parque da Grená)
Grená Park is said to be quite the natural wonderland.
Full of vibrant, untouched nature. You’ll definitely be feeling one with Mother Earth after a rendezvous spent here.
If you’re looking for more adventure, don’t worry, you’re sure to find it.
While you’re there
Marvel at the series of waterfalls within the park, observe life around Furnas Lake from the viewpoint (“miradouro”) and try to spot the local creatures residing in the park. (The park features one of the highest waterfalls on the island!)
Casa da Grená (pictured above)
Located in Grená, one of São Miguel’s greatest nature parks, is the old abandoned manor called Casa de Grená.
Blending into its jungle surroundings, Casa da Grená is an excellent place to explore what was once on your way to Furnas Lake.
Other abandoned sites worth checking out:
Monte Palace
The Monte Palace was a five-star hotel that first opened in 1989. About as quickly as it was named the finest accommodations in all of Portugal, it went bankrupt and within less than 2 years of it’s official opening, the palace closed for good.
Nowadays, the palace is a top attraction for tourists. The experience itself isn’t all that relaxing (since it feels as if something may fall down and hit you at any time), until you make it to the rooftop. Once you make it to the rooftop, you’ll understand.
The roof of Monte Palace offers some of the most spectacular views over São Miguel.
Sanguinho
What was once a rural village inhabiting around 200 people is now a popular tourist attraction on São Miguel Island.
Abandoned in the 70s, this small village consists of 20 houses and is located near Faial da Terra. A little further along the trail from the famous Salto do Prego waterfall (mentioned above).
4. Soak In The Most Relaxing Pools Of The Azores
Parque Terra Nostra
A visit to the Azores isn’t complete until you’ve soaked in one or more of the islands relaxing hot springs. And located in Furnas Valley is the one of the most well-known of them: Parque Terra Nostra.
Whether you choose to spend your time soaking in the history of the park, strolling through the massive gardens, or recharging in the warm orange waters, this natural pool offers a something for everyone looking to relax.
TIP: Bring old swimwear, the iron-rich waters stain.
Price: $$
Caldeira Velha
A national monument + hot springs, Caldeira Velha, is also not to be missed!
Here you’ll find 3 man-made pools and 1 natural pool at the base of a waterfall.
Price: $
Poça Dona Beija (***a personal favorite***)
For a more mystical experience, go bathe in the warm therapeutic waters of Poça Dona Beija.
Set among Jurassic-like landscape, at Poça Dona Beija you’ll find 5 different thermal baths with varying degrees to choose from. All of which are built up by rock walls and have a constant flow of running water – renewing every second of your experience there.
With a small bridge, the never-ending waterfalls, and the large stream of water running between both sides of the springs, this place is the perfect place to take advantage of the invigorating spring waters.
Price: $$
Termas da Ferraria
Topping first place on my list of favorite pools in the Azores, is by far the volcanic thermal pool of Ferraria.
What so special about Ferraria?
Here a rare natural phenomenon occurs where ocean water meets volcanic springs, warming the waters of the natural pool of Ferraria.
Depending on the tide, though, the water may not feel that warm – or it may be too hot to enter!
You should also know that dipping into this pool isn’t near as relaxing as the others mentioned above. Waves are unforgiving here and the natural volcanic rocks are sharp, but what an invigorating experience it is!
5. Have Your Meal Cooked Inside a Volcano
Cozido das Furnas, a meat and vegetable stew native to the Azores, is a traditional delicacy of the island.
Recipes vary from location to location, but they usually included a variety of meat (pork, chicken and beef) and vegetables (like, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, etc.).
Ingredients are freshly gathered each day, buried underground and left to volcanic steaming for the next 6-8 hours.
So while this geothermal cuisine is the number one dish to try while you’re on the island, keep in mind, you’ll have to order it about a day in advance.
6. Wander Through The Oldest Tea Plantation In Europe
Chá Gorreana is the only tea plantation left in Europe. It also happens to be the oldest, producing tea since 1883.
Onsite, you can walk through the rolling 32 acres of lush tea fields, admiring the ocean views and colorful flowers. Sipping a cup of fresh hot tea as you meander about. Perhaps even visiting the plantation’s museum to get a closer look at how the tea harvest has evolved over the last 140 years.
And of course, there’s a store as well if you fancy any souvenirs.
7. Take in the incredible views on São Miguel’s most stunning walking trails
Lagoon of the 7 Cities (Lagoa Sete Cidades)
Located in the basin of a dormant volcano, you’ll find Lagoa Sete Cidades. Consisting of 2 twin lakes, one greener in color, the other blue.
According to legend, the lakes were formed with the tears of two forbidden lovers. One was green-eyed, the other blue.
Despite the heartbreaking tale behind the creation of the lagoons, the views are quite breathtaking.
8. Replenish your body and boost your health with the fresh air from Miradouro Boca do Inferno
Literally translated to Hell’s Mouth Lookout, this is the one place on São Miguel Island where you have such a unique vantage point.
Don’t expect the path to go any further. (I tricked myself into thinking it was some sort of trail – boy was that a disappointment!)
TIP: I recommend driving here if you have private transport and are out and about. Especially if the weather is iffy. There’s a parking lot nearby, the hike up to the lookout is rocky, but deceivingly short.
9. Unwind and disconnect on São Miguel’s Secret Beach
Located in a more isolated area of the island is another crater lake: Lagoa do Fogo (Lake of Fire)
This stunning landscape is much less frequented by tourists, it has a really beautiful viewpoint, and provides the perfect environment for a lil’ relaxing.
So come to escape the foot traffic, take in the sights, or if you’re feeling a little extra adventurous, follow the lengthy, rocky trail down until you make it to the beach of the lagoon – just don’t swim in the water! (It’s forbidden by the local government.)
Trail to the beach
Duration: ~3.5hours
Difficulty: 3/5
If you liked this article, check out my articles on packing and budgeting!
