São Miguel - Things to do

This was our favorite hike on the island—the views are stunning throughout, and at times it feels like you’re walking along the very edge of the earth. Go with Chris from Atlantimagia Tours for a great experience. Read our post.

Hiking in Sete Cidades offers some of the island’s most iconic scenery—crater lakes, green cliffs, and wide-open views. Several trails loop around or above the twin lakes, with the most popular following the caldeira rim. Routes range from short walks to full-day hikes. Read our post.

São Miguel is full of waterfalls—some right off the road, others hidden along forest trails. You can swim in a few, like Salto do Cabrito or Salto do Prego, or just enjoy the walk in. Most are surrounded by thick greenery and offer a cool, quiet break from the coast. Read our post.

Lagoa do Fogo is one of the most striking lakes on the island, set high in a volcanic crater. The hike down to the shore is steep but manageable, with rewarding views all the way. Once at the bottom, you can walk along the lake’s edge or find a quiet spot to sit.

São Miguel is one of the best places in the world for whale and dolphin watching, with several species visible year-round. A quiet, awe-filled way to witness marine life. Opt for the Zodiac boat to get the closest. Read our post.

The caldeiras in Furnas are geothermal vents where steam rises from bubbling, sulfur-rich pools. You can walk among them on easy paths, watch locals cook cozido underground, and see the raw volcanic energy that shapes the town. Read our post.

Caldeira Velha is a lush, geothermal spot on the slope of Fogo Volcano, with warm natural pools surrounded by dense forest. There's a cooler waterfall-fed pool as well as several geothermal hot pools. This was our favorite hot spring on the island. Read our post.

Paddle out to Ilhéu de Vila Franca, a volcanic islet just off the coast with a calm, circular lagoon at its center. The islet is part of a marine reserve, so keep an eye out for colorful fish and nesting seabirds. Read our post.

Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões is a lush spot in the island’s northeast, with waterfalls, stone paths, and old water mills surrounded by dense greenery. It’s a peaceful place to stretch your legs, take photos, or just enjoy the sound of water all around. Read our post.

Canyoning on São Miguel is a full-body adventure—rappelling down waterfalls, jumping into clear pools, and scrambling through volcanic gorges. Guided tours are a must for beginners. Expect to get soaked and exhilarated. Read our post.

Chá Gorreana is Europe’s oldest tea plantation, where you can walk through rows of lush green tea plants overlooking the ocean. The tea factory offers a quick, self-guided look at how the tea is processed, and you can sample different varieties for free. Read our post.

Visit Plantação de Ananás dos Açores to see how São Miguel’s famously sweet pineapples are grown—not in fields, but in glass greenhouses using a slow, traditional method. Be sure to try a fresh pineapple juice! Read our post.

Poça da Dona Beija is a popular thermal spring in Furnas with warm, mineral-rich pools. Ideal for a slow soak, especially in the evening. There's red clay sediment in the stones forming the pools which you can use as a face mask. Read our post.

This easy loop around Furnas Lake offers quiet views, forested stretches, and several places to stop along the way. A highlight is Capela de Nossa Senhora das Vitórias, a small 19th-century Gothic church tucked into the lakeside greenery. Read our post.

The area around Sete Cidades is dotted with crater lakes and scenic trails. You can hike around several of them, with routes that range from easy to moderate. Expect a mix of forest paths, open ridgelines, and wide lake views. Read our post.

Miradouros are scenic viewpoints, and they're peppered throughout the island. You’ll likely pass several just on the way to other places. One we especially liked was Miradouro do Pico dos Bodes. Read our post.

Monte Palace, an abandoned hotel near Sete Cidades, feels like a relic from a post-apocalyptic film—eerie, overgrown, and strangely beautiful. The views from the upper floors are stunning, and wandering through its decaying halls reveals unexpected murals. Read our post.

Try wakeboarding with WPA – Wake Park Azores, which offers sessions for all levels, from first-timers to experienced riders. All gear is provided, and the setup makes it easy to learn or level up. A fun, active break from hiking and hot springs.

Scattered around São Miguel, you’ll find remnants of old aqueducts—stone structures once used to carry water across the island. Some are tucked into forested trails, others visible from the roadside. They’re quiet markers of the island’s history. Read our post.

Miradouro da Grota do Inferno is one of the most iconic viewpoints on São Miguel, overlooking multiple crater lakes, including Lagoa das Sete Cidades. The short walk from the parking area takes you to a dramatic ridge with sweeping, layered views.

Furnas is a small town built around geothermal activity—full of hot springs, bubbling caldeiras, and gardens. You can sample traditional cozido (a stew cooked underground), wander through Terra Nostra Park, or just soak in the mix of steam, greenery, and quiet village life. Read our post.

Frutaria Luís Estrela is a small, locally loved fruit shop in Furnas with seasonal produce stacked floor to ceiling. Expect island-grown pineapples, passionfruit, bananas, and whatever else is ripe that week. A great spot to stock up before a hike or just sample what’s fresh.

Swim in a natural ocean inlet at Ponta da Ferraria, where volcanic thermal springs mix with Atlantic waves for an unforgettable hot-and-cold sea soak.

Swim in the dramatic natural pools of Piscinas Naturais Caneiros, where volcanic rock formations cradle crystal-clear Atlantic water—perfect for a wild, refreshing dip surrounded by cliffs and sea spray.

With a number of well-prepared trails, the paid entry is well worth it. There are several waterfalls along the routes, and there's a surprise geothermal hot tub at the end. Read our post.

Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Paz is an 18th century chapel on a hilltop overlooking Vila Franca do Campo. It's unique architecture made this our favorite chapel on the island. The views from the top are stunning. Read our post.

São Miguel has no shortage of beaches—some sandy, some volcanic, many nearly empty. Whether you want to swim, surf, or just pause, it’s easy to find a stretch of coast to do nothing at all.

A Friday night routine for Lava colivers, the beach club at Santa Barbara beach offers a nice vibe to unwind into the weekend. Get some drinks and snacks, and enjoy the live music while watching the sunset over the ocean.

Mercado Agrícola de Santana is the nearest farmers' market to Lava Coliving, and is open on Thursdays and Saturdays. We got all of our fresh fruit and veggies from here. You'll find a few unique things there, such as the fruit of the Monstera deliciosa plant. Read our post.

There are several fresh spring water taps around the island, especially in Furnas, where locals often fill up their own bottles. One of the best spots is Fontanário Glória Patri—clean, cold, and easy to access.