🗺️ Introduction
São Miguel, the largest island of the Azores, is filled with nature, lagoons, hot springs, viewpoints, waterfalls, hiking trails and unique experiences. To help you plan your trip, here are complete 3-, 5- and 7-day itineraries including:
✔ best times to visit each location
✔ strategic order to avoid fog
✔ average visit duration
✔ alternatives in case of weather changes
📍 GENERAL MAP (Suggested area organization)
West: Sete Cidades, Ferraria
Center: Lagoa do Fogo, Caldeira Velha, Salto do Cabrito
East: Furnas, Terra Nostra, Poça da Dona Beija, Chá Gorreana
Northeast: Farol do Arnel, Ribeira dos Caldeirões
South: Vila Franca do Campo, Islet, beaches
🟩 3-DAY ITINERARY FOR SÃO MIGUEL
Perfect for those who want to see the essentials.
🗓️ DAY 1 — Sete Cidades + Ponta da Ferraria
1. Vista do Rei viewpoint
⏱ 30 min
🕒 Best time: morning (to avoid fog)
The classic photo of the blue and green lakes.
2. Lagoa de Santiago viewpoint
⏱ 15 min
One of the most beautiful in the area.
3. Lagoa do Canário + Boca do Inferno viewpoint
⏱ 1 h – 1 h 30
🕒 Best between 9:00 and 11:00
The most famous viewpoint on the island.
4. Lunch in Sete Cidades
Soups, fresh fish, and traditional dishes.
5. Ponta da Ferraria
⏱ 1 h – 2 h
🕒 Best: sunset
Natural volcanic hot-spring ocean pools.
🗓️ DAY 2 — Lagoa do Fogo + Ribeira Grande
1. Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint
⏱ 40 min
🕒 Morning is best
If there’s fog → try again later.
2. Caldeira Velha (Thermal Natural Park)
⏱ 1 h – 1 h 30
Hot springs in a lush volcanic forest.
3. Ribeira Grande (historic center)
⏱ 40 min
Great lunch stop.
4. Salto do Cabrito waterfall
⏱ 1 h
Iconic waterfall with walkways.
🗓️ DAY 3 — Furnas (full day)
1. Furnas Lake + Caldeiras (steam vents)
⏱ 1 h
See boiling fumaroles and traditional “cozido”.
2. Terra Nostra Garden
⏱ 2 h
🛁 Large thermal pool + beautiful botanical gardens.
3. Poça da Dona Beija hot springs
⏱ 1 h – 1 h 30
Perfect in late afternoon.
4. Vila Franca do Campo (optional)
Visit the islet in summer.
🌿 5-DAY ITINERARY FOR SÃO MIGUEL
Includes everything from the 3-day itinerary + the Northeast region.
🗓️ DAY 4 — Northeast (the island’s most natural area)
1. Ponta do Sossego viewpoint
💚 Perfect for photos.
2. Ponta da Madrugada viewpoint
Amazing sunrise spot.
3. Farol do Arnel lighthouse
⏱ 1 h
⚠️ Steep road — drive with caution.
4. Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park
⏱ 1 h – 2 h
Waterfalls and traditional mills.
🗓️ DAY 5 — Tea, beach and nature
1. Gorreana Tea Factory
Free visit + easy hiking trail.
2. Santa Bárbara Beach
Surf, black sand and stunning views.
3. Santa Iria viewpoint
Mandatory stop.
4. Vila Franca do Campo
Boat trip to the islet (summer).
🌊 7-DAY ITINERARY FOR SÃO MIGUEL
For those who want to explore the island calmly.
🗓️ DAY 6 — Adventure (choose 1 or 2)
✔ Canyoning
✔ Jeep tour to the lagoons
✔ Whale watching (Ponta Delgada or Vila Franca)
✔ Kayak/paddleboard in Sete Cidades
Average duration: 2–4 hours
👉 To book 1 or 2 of these activities, contact us.
🗓️ DAY 7 — Relax + lesser-known spots
Suggestions:
- Mosteiros Beach (sunset)
- Lomba do Vasco viewpoint
- Poços de São Vicente (lava pools)
- Escalvado viewpoint
- Grota do Inferno viewpoint (hiking version)
- Ponta Delgada historic center
🎒 Important Local Tips
🌦️ 1. Always check SpotAzores
Live cameras → avoid fog.
🕒 2. Morning = best time for lagoons
Fog increases during the afternoon.
🚗 3. Book a car in advance
High demand all year.
🥾 4. Bring a rain jacket even on sunny days
Weather changes quickly.
🗺️ 5. Avoid “marathon-style” itineraries
Better to see fewer places — and enjoy them properly.
