What to See on São Miguel Island: A Guide to an Unforgettable Trip
Known as the ‘Green Island’ of the Azores, São Miguel is a land of lagoons in volcanic craters, lush forests, waterfalls and geothermal hot springs.
In this guide, we share a suggested 6-day itinerary for São Miguel, designed for those who enjoy nature, walking and authentic experiences. Over the course of these days, we’ll discover some of the island’s most iconic areas, as well as some lesser-known spots.
Get your walking boots, your swimming kit and your camera ready. São Miguel is waiting for you.
Day 1 - Furnas
For the first day, we suggest exploring Furnas, one of the most special areas on São Miguel. We’ll start with a walk around Lagoa das Furnas, followed by lunch to sample the traditional Cozido das Furnas. Afterwards, it’s time to visit Terra Nostra Park and round off the day by relaxing in the park’s mineral-rich waters or at Poça da Dona Beija.
1. Walk around Lagoa das Furnas
The PRC 06 SMI — Lagoa das Furnas is a 9.5 km circular route, taking approximately 3 hours to complete and rated as easy. The trail starts next to Largo das Três Bicas, at the entrance to the village of Furnas, and takes you to some of the area’s most notable spots.
Along the route, Lagoa das Furnas is, of course, the main attraction. The trail follows its shore along a peaceful and accessible path, surrounded by the island’s characteristic vegetation.
One of the points of interest is the Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias, a 19th-century Gothic-style building situated next to the lagoon. The route also passes through the José do Canto Woodland Park, a green space of great scenic interest, and the Casa dos Barcos.
Further on, we arrive at the Furnas Geothermal Fields, where the island’s geothermal activity is evident in the fumaroles and the hot water and steam that rise from the ground. It is here that we can observe at close quarters the volcanic force that remains present in Furnas and which gives rise to one of its best-known traditions: the preparation of Cozido das Furnas, using the earth’s natural heat.
2. Cozido das Furnas: a meal cooked by the volcano
After the walk, it’s time to try the Cozido das Furnas. What makes it special is the way it’s prepared: the pots are placed on the ground, in the geothermal pools, where the heat from the volcanic activity slowly cooks the ingredients.
You can watch the cooking process and see the pots being removed from the hot springs – an experience well worth including in your itinerary. Afterwards, simply choose one of the restaurants in Furnas where this traditional dish is served.
3. Terra Nostra Park
Terra Nostra Park has a history stretching back over 200 years. Its origins date back to 1782, when Thomas Hickling, an American merchant, acquired the property and established his summer retreat there. Over the centuries, the site was gradually expanded and transformed into a large botanical garden.
Today, its 12.5 hectares are home to around 1,800 botanical species, including plants from the Azores and species from various parts of the world.
The garden also features the famous thermal pool, fed by volcanic water and with an average temperature of around 37 ºC. Rich in iron and other minerals, the water has a distinctive brownish hue and offers a particularly relaxing soak, surrounded by the park’s lush vegetation.
Tip: if you want to enjoy the thermal pool, take a dark swimsuit with you, as the iron in the water can leave stains on light-coloured fabrics.
4. Relax at Poça da Dona Beija
After a day’s walk, there’s nothing better than rounding off the afternoon in the warm waters of Poça da Dona Beija. The site comprises several geothermal pools, surrounded by nature, offering one of the most relaxing moments of the trip.
Practical information: please check opening times, prices and admission conditions in advance, as these are subject to change.
5. Extra tip: Pico do Ferro viewpoint
If visibility is good, it’s well worth taking a short detour to the Pico do Ferro viewpoint. From here, you can enjoy one of the best views of the Furnas Valley, where the lagoon and its shores create a picture-postcard scene.
Day 2 - Salto do Cabrito and Caldeira Velha
For the second day, we suggest a nature walk in the interior of São Miguel. We’ll start with the Salto do Cabrito trail, which takes us to the waterfall of the same name, and finish the day relaxing in the warm waters of Caldeira Velha. If the weather is good, we’ll also take the opportunity to make a short detour to the Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint.
Walk to Salto do Cabrito
The PRC 29 SMI — Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande – Salto do Cabrito is a circular route of around 8.5 km, taking approximately 3 hours to complete and rated as moderate in difficulty. The trail begins at Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande and winds through a landscape of woodland, streams and old infrastructure linked to the use of water and hydroelectric power.
The route begins at Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande. At the start, there is a small turn-off leading to the Fajã do Redondo Dam. It is well worth taking this detour to see the dam and then returning to the main route alongside a water pipeline, flanked by cryptomeria trees, which leads to the Fajã do Redondo Hydroelectric Power Station, which is currently decommissioned. The power station can be visited by prior arrangement with EDA Renováveis.
The path continues to the Salto do Cabrito Waterfall, which emerges from the vegetation next to the old hydroelectric power station. The waterfall is the highlight of the walk and it’s well worth taking some time to enjoy the spot.
Please note: this route has some more challenging sections, including steep steps, paths alongside streams and a suspension bridge. Furthermore, the route has been affected by landslides, so we recommend checking the condition of the trail before setting off and taking particular care whilst walking.
2. For the more adventurous: canyoning at Salto do Cabrito
If you’re looking for an experience with an extra dose of adrenaline, you could swap the walk for a canyoning adventure at Salto do Cabrito. This activity lets you explore the stream from a completely different perspective, abseiling down waterfalls and crossing the watercourse amidst lush vegetation.
The company Picos de Aventura organises this experience at Salto do Cabrito, which lasts around 3 hours and is led by specialist guides.
3. Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Centre
After the walk, we suggest a stop at the Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Centre, a Natural Monument situated on the northern slope of the Água de Pau volcanic massif. The site combines a forest landscape with fumaroles, hot springs and an area dedicated to explaining the region’s geology, biodiversity and geothermal activity.
Here you can enjoy the thermal waters, which come in a range of temperatures, for a moment of relaxation amidst the island’s lush vegetation. The thermal pools, with temperatures ranging from 25 °C to 39 °C, are the perfect way to unwind after a walk.
Practical information: you must book your ticket in advance via the Azores Natural Parks online ticket office. Visits last 1 hour 30 minutes, with the time slot confirmed at the time of booking.
A full ticket, which includes the Natural Monument, the Environmental Interpretation Centre and the thermal pools, currently costs €10 for adults and is free for children aged 6 and under.
3. Extra tip: Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint
If there is still time and visibility is good, we suggest taking a short detour to the Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint. From here, you can admire the lagoon inside the ancient volcanic crater and the landscape stretching all the way to the north coast of São Miguel.
But this is just a first glimpse of Lagoa do Fogo. The following day, we’ll get to know it better on a walk that takes us right down to its shores.
Day 3 - Lagoa do Fogo and Vila Franca do Campo
Today we’re going to explore Lagoa do Fogo in a different way, via a route that takes us right to the edge of the lagoon. After the walk, we’ll head to Vila Franca do Campo, where we suggest you choose between a visit to the islet of Vila Franca do Campo or a whale-watching trip.
1. Walk to Lagoa do Fogo
The PR 02 SMI — Lagoa do Fogo is an 11 km linear round-trip route, taking around 4 hours to complete and rated as moderately difficult. The trail begins on a dirt track, crossing farmland and pastures, and climbs towards the lagoon.
During the walk, we pass the ruins of an old espadana fibre factory and then continue through a forest of cryptomeria trees until we come to a levada, which runs alongside part of the path. Here, the vegetation is particularly interesting, and it is possible to see various species of flora endemic to the Azores, such as the mountain grape, heather and the ‘folhado’.
Further on, the trail enters the Ribeira da Praia valley, before finally reaching the shore of Lagoa do Fogo. It is here that we find a colony of yellow-legged gulls, which is well worth a look. During the breeding season, particularly in April and May, the gulls can become territorial, so we should keep a safe distance and avoid getting too close to the nests.
Once we reached the lagoon, we began our return journey along the same path. The climb we had made at the start now turned into a descent, accompanied by a magnificent view over the south coast of São Miguel and the islet of Vila Franca do Campo.
Practical information: It is advisable to wear suitable footwear, as there are muddy patches along the levada.
2. Vila Franca do Campo
After the walk, we’ll head to Vila Franca do Campo, where you can choose between two sea-based activities:
Islet of Vila Franca do Campo
During the months when the islet is open to visitors, you can take a boat trip to this ancient volcanic crater, which has now been transformed into a natural pool opening out onto the sea. It’s a great option for anyone who wants to spend the day swimming and exploring this very special spot on the coast of São Miguel up close.
Whale watching
Another option is to go on a whale and dolphin watching trip, an experience that allows you to discover the marine life of the Azores and spot some of the species that pass through these waters.
We visited the islet of Vila Franca do Campo with TERRA AZUL and would highly recommend this company for the quality of the experience. The company works with marine biologists and nature guides and organises cetacean-watching expeditions throughout the year.
Day 4 - Sete Cidades e Ponta da Ferraria
On the fourth day, we suggest exploring one of São Miguel’s best-known landscapes. We’ll start at the Vista do Rei viewpoint and walk to the village of Sete Cidades, on a route that crosses the volcanic landscape of the caldera and offers different views of the lagoons. After exploring the village, we’ll head to Ponta da Ferraria, where we can round off the day with a swim in the sea, in waters warmed by the thermal springs.
1. Walk from Vista do Rei to Sete Cidades
The PR 03 SMI — Vista do Rei – Sete Cidades trail starts at the Vista do Rei viewpoint and ends in the parish of Sete Cidades.
The start of the route offers one of the best views of the caldera’s lagoons. As we continue, the trail follows the slope of the caldera, offering views of the Blue Lagoon and the Green Lagoon, as well as various volcanic formations. Along the way, we also come across Lomba do Vasco, which overlooks the island’s west coast and the parish of Mosteiros.
The final stretch is a descent to the village of Sete Cidades. Here, we suggest setting aside some time to explore the village before deciding how to return. Anyone who does not wish to retrace their steps can take a taxi back to the starting point.
Practical information: 7.5 km | approx. 2 hours | easy. The route is mostly downhill, but there are a few steeper and slippery sections.
2. Pico das Camarinhas and Ponta da Ferraria
For those who wish to make the day a little longer, we recommend the PRC 43 SMI — Pico das Camarinhas – Ponta da Ferraria, a 4.9 km circular route that takes around 2 hours 30 minutes to complete and is rated as easy.
The trail passes by Pico das Camarinhas, the Ferraria viewpoint and lighthouse, and descends to the lava plain, where you can see a fossilised cliff, coastal arches and other geological formations.
3. A dip in the thermal waters at Ponta da Ferraria
The natural thermal pool at Ponta da Ferraria is one of the most intriguing places on this day’s itinerary: here, you can swim in the sea whilst the waters from the thermal springs naturally raise the water temperature. The effect is most noticeable at low tide, when the temperature can exceed 30 ºC.
Typ: check the tide times before you go. The experience depends very much on the tide and sea conditions.
Day 5 — North-East: The Sanguinho and Priolo Route
On this day, we head to the north-east of São Miguel, an area particularly rich in natural beauty. We begin with the Faial da Terra trail, which takes us to the Salto do Prego waterfall and the old village of Sanguinho. We then headed to the Priolo Environmental Centre, where we could learn more about this small bird endemic to São Miguel and, for those interested in birdwatching, take part in a tour of the Serra da Tronqueira.
1. Walk to Salto do Prego and the village of Sanguinho
The PRC 09 SMI — Sanguinho is a circular route of around 4.6 km, taking approximately 2 hours to complete and rated as moderately difficult. The trail starts at Faial da Terra and follows the stream to the Salto do Prego Waterfall, one of the route’s main attractions.
The path winds through an area of dense vegetation and, alongside the stream, we come across small orchards belonging to family-run farms. Once you reach the waterfall, you can explore the surrounding area before continuing on to Aldeia do Sanguinho, an old village that is currently being restored, where you’ll find traditional houses, small farms and specimens of sanguinho, a plant endemic to the Azores that gave the place its name.
Towards the end, the route descends along a fairly steep stone path which can become slippery, so it is important to take some care.
2. Priolo Environmental Centre
After the walk, we suggest a visit to the Priolo Environmental Centre, in the Cancela do Cinzeiro Recreational Forest Reserve, in the north-east. The centre serves as a gateway to the Terras do Priolo protected area and is dedicated to raising awareness of and conserving this species and its habitat, the Laurissilva forest. SPEA — the Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds — is involved in the conservation of the priolo and in organising awareness-raising and birdwatching activities in the region.
The priolo (Pyrrhula murina) is a bird endemic to São Miguel that is found only in the eastern part of the island. At the centre, visitors can learn more about the species, the forest that forms its habitat, and the conservation work being carried out in the region.
You can round off your visit with a tour to spot the Priolo in the Serra da Tronqueira. The Priolo Environmental Centre organises activities and guided birdwatching tours, and this is an excellent opportunity to try and spot the species in its natural habitat.
Of course, there’s no guarantee you’ll see the priolo. The charm of this experience lies precisely in entering its habitat, learning to recognise it and trying to spot it with the help of those who know the area.
Day 6 — Félix’s Mill and Gorreana Tea
To round off the itinerary, we headed to the north coast of São Miguel, to the Ribeira Grande area. We started at Lomba de São Pedro, on a walk that surprised us with the sheer number and beauty of its waterfalls. We then carried on to the Gorreana Tea Factory to see one of the island’s most characteristic agricultural landscapes and find out a little more about tea production in the Azores.
1. Félix’s Mill and its waterfalls
Municipal Trail 06 — Moinho do Félix – Cascatas is a 5.5 km circular route, taking around 2 hours to complete. It starts next to the Church of São Pedro, in Lomba de São Pedro, and winds through a green and quiet area of the north coast.
It was one of the walks that surprised us most with the beauty of the waterfalls we came across along the way. The route takes in the Cascata do Homem, the ruins of the old Moinho do Félix, the Cascata do Teófilo, the Cascata da Gruta and the Poço da Truta, before returning to the starting point.
And there’s another advantage here: it isn’t one of the routes most popular with tourists, which makes the walk even more special for those who enjoy discovering quieter, less crowded places.
2. Gorreana Tea
After the walk, we carried on to Gorreana, where we found a completely different landscape. The tea plantations stretch across the island’s green slopes and give us the chance to discover one of São Miguel’s most distinctive agricultural crops.
The PRC 28 SMI — Chá Gorreana is a short, 3.4 km circular walk, taking around 1 hour 30 minutes to complete and rated as easy. It starts next to the factory car park and winds its way through the tea plantations, also passing through an area of cryptomeria woodland. At one of the highest points along the route, there is a beautiful view over the island’s north coast.
The Gorreana Tea Factory has been in operation since 1883 and is the oldest tea plantation in Europe. The plant used, Camellia sinensis, was introduced to São Miguel in 1750, having arrived on the island on ships returning from the East.
At the end of the tour, it’s well worth popping into the factory to sample some tea and find out more about the various processes involved in its production.
Conclusion
In just six days, this itinerary allows you to discover the most breathtaking landscapes on the island of São Miguel, as well as its unique biodiversity. This itinerary is ideal for those who enjoy walking and exploring the great outdoors, where nature is ever-present.
A few tips before you travel
The climate on São Miguel is mild all year round, but also quite changeable. It is possible to have sunshine in one part of the island and encounter fog or rain just a few kilometres further on, particularly in higher-altitude areas. Clouds and rain can occur at any time of year, although the summer months tend to have longer periods of sunshine and higher temperatures.
Therefore, for this type of trip, we recommend:
Always take a raincoat with you, even if the forecast is for good weather.
Wear suitable footwear for walking, especially on trails with muddy sections, steps or slippery surfaces.
Check the weather forecast on the day itself, particularly before going for walks in mountainous areas or visiting viewpoints such as Lagoa do Fogo.
Be flexible with your itinerary. If it’s very foggy one day, make the most of it by doing an activity at a lower altitude and leave the viewpoints and lakes for when visibility is better.
Pack clothes in layers, as temperatures can vary considerably between the coast and higher-altitude areas.
And, of course, don’t forget your swimwear. Between Furnas, Caldeira Velha and Ponta da Ferraria, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take a dip in the island’s waters.
Six days are enough to explore São Miguel, but they’ll probably leave you wanting to come back. That’s exactly what happened to us.
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