Should You Visit São Miguel?

You’ve probably heard whispers of São Miguel, the jewel of the Azores, and if you’re wondering whether to book that ticket and start planning your island adventure then take this as your sign: YES, you absolutely should! São Miguel is like stepping into another world, with breathtaking landscapes, volcanic craters, and lagoons that look like they were plucked straight from a fairy tale. But before we get too carried away (because we could talk about this place forever), let’s break it down!

São Miguel is the largest island in the Azores, an archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s technically part of Portugal, but it’s about 1,500 km from Lisbon and sits roughly halfway between Europe and North America. So, you’re smack-dab in the middle of nowhere so it feels like paradise. 

It’s the “Green Island”: São Miguel is known for its lush, vibrant landscapes, thanks to a pleasant subtropical climate. It’s a green dreamscape, perfect for nature lovers.

Sete Cidades is BREATHTAKING: Two connected lakes—one blue and one green—lie in a volcanic crater. Be sure to bring your camera for this one

Hot springs galore: São Miguel has natural hot springs where you can soak your stress away, particularly in the village of Furnas.

Pineapple paradise: Pineapples are a big deal here as São Miguel is one of the only places in Europe where they’re grown.

Whale watching: You’re in for a treat, as you can spot over 20 different species of dolphins and whales around the island.

Now, where to stay in São Miguel? The island has some fantastic accommodation options, from beachfront hotels to cosy apartments. Here are some of our personal favourite picks:

If you’re dreaming of an oceanfront getaway, Hotel Caloura is calling your name! This spot gives you incredible views of the Atlantic and has that laid-back, beachy vibe. Plus, it’s close to natural pools and snorkeling spots. 

Looking for something a little more homey? Acorsonho Apartments in Capelas are a fantastic choice if you want more space or if you're traveling with family or friends. You’ve got your own kitchen to whip up local goodies, and the place even has an outdoor pool for those lazy afternoons.

For the beach lovers, Hotel do Mar in Povoação will be your slice of heaven. As the name suggests, it’s all about the sea here. You can wake up to the sound of the waves, explore the nearby fishing village, and just soak up that coastal charm.

So what are São Miguel flights like? Easy. If you’re coming from the UK, you can catch direct flights from London or Manchester with airlines like Ryanair or Azores Airlines. They’ll take you straight to João Paulo II Airport in Ponta Delgada, the main city on São Miguel.

For our friends in the U.S., there are also direct flights available from Boston and New York (perfect for a long weekend getaway!). Azores Airlines and Delta have you covered with nonstop routes, again landing at João Paulo II Airport.

Once you land, it’s just a short drive to some of the island's coolest spots, whether you want to head straight to those epic volcanic craters, the hot springs, or the coastline.

Are you ready to explore São Miguel and book your own São Miguel package holiday?  Drop us a message at info@azoresholidays.com, and we’ll help you plan the perfect São Miguel holiday by organising your Azores flight, São Miguel hotel and São Miguel tours!