Our Regional Guide divides the island into 8 regions and includes hikes, beaches, swimming holes, sites, activities, shopping, restaurant and bars for each of these regions.  This guide also includes helpful insider tips like what to pack, what to eat and drink, what apps to download, and how best to use your cell phone in Portugal. Here are the 8 regions covered by the guide:

1. Ponta Delgada. The largest city in São Miguel. It has the most hotel & restaurant options.
2. São Roque & Lagoa. São Roque is next door to Ponta Delgada and has the closest beaches to Ponta Delgada.  Lagoa is about 10 minutes east.
3. Sete Cidades & Northwest Coast.  Sete Cidades is the famous double crater lake. The town itself is scenic on the lake but there’s not a lot to see. There are great views if you head towards Mosteiros on the west coast.
4. North Coast (Ribeira Grande & East).  Ribeira Grande is the second biggest city and worth a visit. Santa Barbara beach is beautiful and great for lunch. Along the northeast coast there are many  awesome hikes and you’ll find both tea plantations.
5. Lagoa do Fogo. A beautiful crater lake that is a must visit if the weather is nice.  There’s also a nice hot spring nearby.
6. Southeast Coast (Caloura, Vila Franca do Campo). Caloura is known for having the best weather and you’ll find many beaches along the southeast coast.
7. Furnas. A cute town and home to a green crater lake. It also has awesome hot springs. A must visit.
8. East Coast (Povoação to Nordeste). Less populated, so head here if you want off the beaten path.

Summary of Sao Miguel Itinerary – Click button above to download guide, itinerary and map!

This Sao Miguel itinerary covers what to do in Sao Miguel, including awesome hiking, spectacular scenery, hot springs and amazing meals. This São Miguel Itinerary includes all the São Miguel highlights, including Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, and Lagoa das Furnas and many tasty restaurants.  This Azores Itinerary is on-the-go in that there is usually at least one hike every day, but if you want a slower-paced trip, you can choose to skip some of the hikes, take more siestas and spend more time in the hot springs!

Here’s a preview of what to do in Sao Miguel in 7 Days:

What to do in Sao Miguel – Day 1

Many visitors arrive on a red-eye, so we’ve included a couple breakfast places that open early.  Most hotels will allow you to pay for breakfast even if you didn’t book the night before, and they will allow you check you in early if they have space. We have a low key day in Ponta Delgada for Day 1, but nothing is a must see, so you can skip if you only have a few days. Or save it for when it rains and jump to day 2 or 3 if you want something more active. We’ve included the top sites, but the Regional Guide and the Travel Honey Map have a more robust list of things to do in Ponta Delgada (including spots for shopping) than the itinerary. The map is a great way to wander Ponta Delgada, just click on the markers as you go to see what’s around you. Day 1 Transport:  You can easily walk to everything in Ponta Delgada.  If you decide to do the activities in the afternoon, you can either drive or walk the few miles there.

What to do in Sao Miguel – Day 2

Day 2 is to Sete Cidades (the famous must-see double crater lakes) on the west side of the island. We’ve included our two favorite viewpoints, two 2 optional hikes and things to see as you travel towards the west coast. Check the webcam before you go to Sete Cidades, it’s not worth visiting the viewpoints if it’s fogged in. Sete Cidades is also the name of the town in the valley below the lakes, which is worth stopping for if you have time.  In the summer, the road between the two viewpoints and down to the town is lined with hydrangeas. We’ve included lunch options in Sete Cidades and Mosteiros (on the west coast where there are less touristy food options than in Sete Cidades). The west coast also has Termas da Ferraria, the amazing hot spring in the ocean.  It’s still cool to see if you don’t go in – but if you’re game for a dip, check the tide and plan the rest of the day based on that, because you can only go at low tide. Day 2 Transport: It’s about a 30 min drive from Ponta Delgada to the Miradouro da Vista do Rei viewpoint of Sete Cidades, and another10 minutes to the town of Sete Cidades. It’s another15 minutes to Termas da Ferraria then 40 minutes if you go straight back on the coast (add another 10 if you go back through Sete Cidades).

What to do in Sao Miguel – Day 3

Head to Lagoa do Fogo, another crater lake that is often foggy – check the webcam and consider doing Day 3 whenever Lagoa do Fogo is clear! There’s a cool hotspring near Lagoa do Fogo, but if you’re trying to decide on one hot spring to do, the ones in Furnas are better in our opinion. If it’s hot out, we’ve suggested a couple beaches to do instead. For an optional physical activities there’s the Quatro fábricas da Luz hike on the south coast and there’s also a hike you can do from the viewpoint down to the actual lake of Lagoa do Fogo. There are two ways to drive to Lagoa do Fogo from Ponta Delgada: north to Ribeira Grande then south or past Lagoa and then north.  We’ve listed Day 3 as if you’re coming on the north route, because then  you can have lunch along the south coast and do the hike after.  You can flip it and do the hike first, then hot spring and have lunch in Ribeira Grande.  Or look at the Travel Honey Regional Guide for one of the many hikes on the North Coast. Or bag the hike and head to the beach! Day 3 Transport: It’s about a 30 min drive from Ponta Delgada to Lagoa do Fogo and about 10 minutes to the Caldeira Velha hot spring.  The Quatro Fabricas da Luz hike is about 25 min from Ponta Delgada and about 30 min drive from Lagoa do Fogo.  Ribeira Granda is about a 15 min drive north of Lagoa do Fogo.

What to do in Sao Miguel – Day 4

There are many amazing hikes along the north coast.  We suggested two of our favorites, but check the Travel Honey Guide if you prefer different lengths/difficulties. If you’re not into a hike, check the Travel Honey Guide for the amazing viewpoints along the north coast to the east of Ribeira Grande. We suggest lunch on Santa Barbara beach, which is still enjoyable in all weather. Or head a little further up the coast to Praia dos Moinhos. If it’s not beach weather, wander around the town of Ribeira Grande or finish up any activities you missed on Day 1 in Ponta Delgada or Caldeira Velha hot springs if you missed it on Day 3.   Day 4 Transport: Both hikes about 40 minutes from Ponta Delgada.

What to do in Sao Miguel – Day 5

Head to Furnas, which is quieter and quainter than Ponta Delgada. The town is on an active volcano, so the highlights are: hot springs, cozido (a stew baked in the ground!) and Lagoa das Furnas (a crater lake).
You can either head north towards Ribeira Grande then down to Furnas, or along the south coast and then north, they’re about equidistant. Both the Terra Nostra Hotel and Furnas Boutique Hotels have amazing restaurants, but otherwise the restaurant choice is somewhat limited. There are three awesome hot springs, one at each of those hotels and Poca da Dona Beija. Both the Terra Nostra and Poca da Dona Beija are public, so they can get a lot busier on the weekend. We’ve listed two options for a hike. The “Grená – Pico do Ferro – PRC22SMI” hike starts from the viewpoint of Lagoa das Furnas (Pico do Ferro).  “Lagoa das Furnas – PRC6SMI” is more of a flat walk that just goes around Lagoa das Furnas. Try to see the viewpoint of Lagoa das Furnas when the sun is out, you can see the green of the lake better. Also, go early or late if you can, because there can be tour busses. Day 5 Transport:  Furnas is about 40 minutes from Ponta Delgada and 25 minutes from Ribeira Grande.ach is about a 20 min drive from Ponta Delgada.  Ribeira grande is about 25 minutes from Ponta Delgada.

What to do in Sao Miguel – Day 6

There are two waterfall options for Day 6.  All the hikes listed are good to do if the weather isn’t great, so you can jump ahead to this day if there’s a little rain earlier in the week. Option 1 is the South Coast. On the way, you can do anything you missed on the afternoon of Day 3.  You can also keep driving up the coast to Nordeste, stopping at viewpoints and circle back along the north coast.  They are no must sees, and it’s 3+ hours of driving, but you’ll be able to see a lot of the island. Option 2 is on the north coast, you’ll hike through the forsest then can swim under the waterfall (you can skip the hike).  There’s a hot spring at the end of the hike.  Day 6 Transport:  Povoção is about an hour from Ponta Delgada. Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande is about 30 minutes from Ponta Delgada.

What to do in Sao Miguel – Day 7

On your final day, we suggest visiting the tea plantations, because it’s easy to do after you check out of your hotel and doesn’t require showering like a hike or swim. It’s also a good option if the weather is bad. If you have more time on Day 7, we’ve also suggested some nearby hikes or beaches.  For lunch, try any of the north coast options on Day 3 or Day 4).  Day 7 Transport:  The tea plantations are about 30 min from Ponta Delgada.

Download the full itinerary, map and guide to know exactly what to do in Sao Miguel!

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The guide includes a description of each region and recommendations on how many nights to stay in each area. Here are the different Sao Miguel  island regions covered:

Ponta Delgada Center Accommodations

Ponta Delgada is the largest city in the Azores and where you’ll find the most São Miguel accommodation options.  Ponta Delgada is also home to most restaurants, both the traditional and the more modern, and has the only nightlife on the Island.

South/Southeast Coast Accommodations

If you’re not into city life but want to be near Ponta Delgada, there are great options along the coast to the east in São Roque, Livramento and Lagoa. São Roque is the closest to Ponta Delgada, it’s between a 25-35 minute walk and has a small beach and a handful of tasty restaurants. Livramento is a little further, about an 8-10 minute drive, but it has two big beaches, and a few restaurants.

Furnas Accommodations

Furnas is a wonderfully quaint town in the middle of São Miguel Island towards the east and is known for its hot springs and green crater lake.  If you’re going to São Miguel Island for more than two nights, and it’s not beach weather (or you’re not a beach lover), spend a night or two in Furnas.

Ribeira Grande Accommodations

The next biggest city on São Miguel Island is Ribeira Grande to on the north coast.  Ribeira Grande is smaller and more quaint than Ponta Delgada.  The are less food options here and the restaurants are more traditional than in Ponta Delgada.  It’s very close to Santa Barbara and Monte Verde beaches.

Last, don’t forget to open the Google Map to see exactly where to stay in Sao Miguel and beyond. 

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Here’s a preview of the 5 days on Pico Island Azores:

What to do on Pico Island Azores – Day 1

Before you get started, check out our tips for using this itinerary and our Insider Tips for Pico. There are not many direct flights to Pico, so you’ll likely arrive in the afternoon. We’ve made Day 1 your first full day in Pico. Assuming that you’ll be a little jet lagged, Day 1 is a more low key day. There’s a flat hike/walk in the morning, lunch in Madelena, the option to see a wine museum, and do a wine tasting. We’ve also included a couple nearby natural swimming areas if the weather is good.  There is only one small beach on the Island (which is included on Day 2), so opportunities for swimming are in natural ocean swimming holes or manmade swimming pools that are built into the ocean and filled with sea water. If everyone is feeling up for it, you can save the low key day and jump to another day. Day 1 Transport:  The Vinhas da Cricao Velha hike is an 8 minute drive south of Madalena and the restaurants listed and the nearby Picowines Cooperative. It’s about 1.5 miles from the restaurants to the Wine Museum  and another 20 minute drive to the Centro de Interpretacao da Paisagem.

What to do on Pico Island Azores – Day 2

Today you’ll venture into the center of the island where  there is often fog, so we suggest doing this day whenever it’s clear. There are two hike options.  You can do a hike from the center of the island to the coast.  Or if you prefer a coastal route, then head to the Prainha do Norte hike. The lunch suggestions are near the end of the hikes, so if you get started late, you might want to do the lake(s) on the way back. We suggest driving through the center of the island, we’ve included a couple viewpoints that you can either visit them on the way to/from Prainha.  Day 2 Transport:  It’s a 30 minute drive from the house to Lagoa do Capitao,  and another 15 minutes to Lagoa do Caiado and 30 minutes to the start of the Prainha do Norte hike. It’s about 25 minutes from Lagoa do Capitao to the Prainha do Norte hike if you skip Lagoa do Caiado. It’s another 5 minutes from the hike to the recommended restaurant.  It’s then another 35 minutes home.

What to do on Pico Island Azores – Day 3

Day 3 is spent south of Madalena and then along the southern coast.  We’ve included a visit to Mt. Pico visitor center (see thoughts on hiking Mt. Pico below), which isn’t a must but nice if you have time – it adds about 30 minutes of driving to the day. As we’ve noted, you can also do the cave/Mt. Pico in the morning and the hike in the afternoon.  Day 3 Transport:  The Misterios do Sul Hike is about 30 minutes from Madalena.  If you drive, it’s about 10 minutes between lunch and the start of the hike.  It’s about 30 minutes to Mt. Pico and another 25 to the Grutas das Torres cave and 10 minutes from the cave back to Madalena.

What to do on Pico Island Azores – Day 4

You’ll visit the eastern part of the island and there’s two hiking options.  Calheta do Nesquim hike is on the southeast  and near Bar da Poca and the nearby pools.  The Porto Calhau – Mantenha hike is on the east coast. Rather than divide the day by morning and afternoon, we’ve ordered everything as if you’re coming from Madalena and included the times in Day 4 transport.  We suggest looking at the map and deciding what you want to do and in what order. Day 4 Transport:   The Whaler’s Museum is about 35 minutes from Madalena.  The Calheta do Nesquim hike, the POca das Mujas pools and Bar da Poca are another 10-15 minutes towards the east. Ponta da Ilha is another 10 minutes and the start of the Porto Calhau hike is another 10 minutes. It’s about an hour back from the end of the Porto Calhau hike to Madalena.

What to do on Pico Island Azores – Day 5

You’ll visit Sao Roque do Pico and the northeast part of the island. We’ve suggested an easy-ish circular hike that starts and finishes in Sao Roque. If you want something more challenging, check out the Travel Honey map for more hike options.  We’ve listed a great lunch option and Casa Ancora, which is also listed as a dinner option – but is super tasty, so you may want to go back!  Day 5 Transport:   The Mountain House on Mount Pico is about a 30 minute drive from the house.  The start of horseback riding is about 45 minutes from the house and Sao Roque do Pico is about 30 from there, it’s 20 minutes from Sao Roque do Pico back to the house.

The itinerary also contains a handy guide for Pico with information on pre-travel advice, apps to download, thoughts on weather, what to pack, taxis, hiking tips, emergency info, local foods and spending tips!

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If you want to be in the heart of Lisbon near most bars and restaurants, the best places to stay in Lisbon is the Barrio Alto, Chiado or Baixa.  If you want something quieter with good river views, try Alfama. Be warned, Lisbon is full of steep hills, especially north and east, the longer your uphill walk will be (or take advantage of the trams or cheap Ubers!).

If you have any questions or comments, just email us support@travelhoney.com.

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This adventure is for one day in Lisbon.  You’ll get to all the must sees and eat lots of tasty food!

Here’s a preview of each day of your one day in Lisbon :

If you only have 24 hours, we’ve assumed that you’ll be ready to go in the morning!  So, grab breakfast at a tasty bakery then head down to the Arco da Rua Augusta  and on to Belem to visit Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower.  In the afternoon, head to the Alfama and cap of the day with a tasty dinner.

Don’t forget to download the interactive Google map that’s included with this One Day in Lisbon itinerary, so you can see each spot on your computer or smartphone when you’re on your trip! If you want more hotel or restaurant recommendations, then check out the Travel Honey Lisbon Foodie Guide and the Guide to the Best Places to Stay in Lisbon.

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