If you're planning a getaway to the Azores and only have 3 days, don’t worry! You can make the most of your time with this São Miguel 3-Day Itinerary.
Although three days may not be enough to explore every corner of the island, I assure you that you’ll be able to discover the must-see spots and have a full experience. Keep reading and get ready to enjoy the best of 3 days in São Miguel Azores.
This itinerary is designed for those who have 3 full days in São Miguel, meaning you arrive the day before and leave the day after (or late on the last day). If you only have 3 days in São Miguel Azores, including your flights, you’ll need to make some adjustments.
In that case, we recommend focusing on a few must-see spots in São Miguel, like Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, Caldeira Velha, and Furnas, along with a visit to one of the hot springs included in this itinerary. Of course, it’s best to choose what appeals most to you, but in our opinion, these places are the essentials if you only have 3 days in São Miguel.
By the way! Another way to keep things simple and see the must-see spots in just two days is by booking this 2-DAY Guided Tour to explore the entire island of São Miguel.
São Miguel 3-Day Itinerary:
Resources to plan your trip to São Miguel:
PLAN YOUR TRIP: We love São Miguel, which is why we’ve created our website where you can find the most complete travel guide to São Miguel. Explore everything you can visit and do in São Miguel by region, the best way to plan your itinerary, and make the most of your time.
ACCOMMODATION IN SÃO MIGUEL: We recommend staying in Ponta Delgada or Ribeira Grande if you want to have access to services like supermarkets and restaurants nearby. To choose the best accommodation, don’t miss our article on where to stay in São Miguel or save money with this selection of budget accommodations in São Miguel.
TRANSPORTATION: Renting a car is the best way to explore the island of São Miguel since you’ll have the freedom to reach all the island’s points of interest. In our article on car rental in São Miguel, we cover everything you need to know about driving on the island and how to book the best vehicle. To book, we always use Discovery Cars, our favorite comparison tool with the best deals.
CLIMATE: São Miguel’s climate is subtropical oceanic, although if we had to describe it in one word, it would be: unpredictable. For us, the best months to visit the island are June or September, although each season has its pros and cons. We tell you everything in this article.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES: São Miguel is the perfect place to enjoy nature and offers many activities you can’t miss, such as whale and dolphin watching, swimming with wild dolphins, or canyoning. For years, we’ve been booking all our activities through Civitatis or GetYourGuide. Both are reliable, and we love the ease of booking, plus they offer something for everyone!
And now that you have all the resources to plan your trip, let's dive into this São Miguel 3-Day Itinerary!
DAY 1 of your 3 days in São Miguel, Azores:
PLACES TO VISIT:
MORNING OF DAY 1 – SÃO MIGUEL IN 3 DAYS:
Your first day will be dedicated to exploring the Sete Cidades area, one of the most iconic parts of São Miguel, which you can see in more detail in our full São Miguel travel guide. This itinerary assumes you're staying in Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande, or a central area to maximize your time.
We’ll start with a stop at Canario Lagoon, a beautiful spot surrounded by lush vegetation and one of the must-see places on São Miguel.
From here, take a short hike to the Grota do Inferno Viewpoint, one of the most spectacular viewpoints on the island. You’ll be blown away by the panoramic view of the volcanic caldera of Sete Cidades with its lagoons—an absolute natural wonder!
If you’re up for more hiking, you can start the PRC05 SMI trail at the parking area of Canario Lagoon, which circles around Serra Devassa. This 5 km loop is easy and highly recommended if you want to immerse yourself more in the local nature before moving on. We consider this one of the best hiking routes on São Miguel.
But if you’d rather stick to the itinerary, let’s move on to the next destination!
Before reaching Sete Cidades Village, we’ll stop at the famous Vista do Rei Viewpoint. This viewpoint, another must-see, is renowned for its view of Sete Cidades Lagoon, where the two lakes—one blue, the other green—are clearly visible. Nearby are the ruins of the Monte Palace Hotel, an abandoned hotel that never opened. Although the hotel is closed off and now private property, many still sneak inside to enjoy the view from the rooftop, but that’s up to you.
As we descend towards the village, we’ll pass two more viewpoints: Cerrado das Freiras Viewpoint offers another angle of Sete Cidades Lagoon, while Santiago Lagoon Viewpoint gives you a stunning view of the smaller Santiago Lagoon, surrounded by greenery.
Once in Sete Cidades Village, it’s time to enjoy the lagoon up close. You have a few options: swim at the small beach, rent a kayak, or take a bike ride around the lagoon.
For kayak or bike rentals, we recommend Azores for All, a small local business in Sete Cidades Village. You can rent a kayak for two people for 1 hour (€20 total), a bike for 1 hour (€10 per person), or do both (kayak + bike for 3 hours at €30 per person). If you have time, we highly recommend doing both activities—each offers a unique perspective of the area!
For lunch, you can dine in Sete Cidades Village. There are several restaurants, and we particularly like Lagoa Azul Restaurant, where you can try some of the local dishes. If you prefer something quicker or more casual, try São Nicolau Bar or grab a bite from Food & Friends – Food Truck, where you can eat for €5-€10.
AFTERNOON OF DAY 1 – SÃO MIGUEL IN 3 DAYS:
In the afternoon, you can either stay longer in Sete Cidades to explore more or head towards São Miguel’s west coast, which is very close by.
If you’re visiting São Miguel in the summer when the days are long, you’ll probably have time to do both: stay a bit longer in Sete Cidades and then head to the coast in the afternoon. However, if it’s winter and the days are shorter, it’s best to choose one or the other.
If you decide to continue, your next stop will be the charming fishing village of Mosteiros, about a 20-minute drive from Sete Cidades. This lovely spot has a black sand beach and impressive sea stacks. If the weather’s nice, don’t hesitate—go for a swim!
After visiting Mosteiros and enjoying its beach, drive 10 minutes to reach Caneiros Natural Pools, saltwater pools with stunning turquoise water. Surrounded by volcanic landscapes, it’s the perfect spot to end your day in São Miguel.
But there’s more! Before you call it a day, treat yourself to a natural spectacle: the sunset from either Caneiros Pools or Mosteiros Beach—whichever you prefer. Both spots have bars with terraces where you can sip on a drink while taking in the beautiful views. Or if you’re not in the mood for a drink, simply sit on your towel and watch the sun melt into the horizon.
To finish your day, if you’re hungry, we recommend O Américo de Barbosa Restaurant in Mosteiros.
MORE RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS: If you’re staying in Ponta Delgada, try one of our favorites: Taberna Açor, A Tasca, São Pedro, O Galego, or Michel Restaurant.
If you’re staying in Ribeira Grande, don’t miss dining at Associação Agrícola of São Miguel, O Silva Restaurant, or Faria Restaurant.
POTENTIAL BOOKINGS FOR DAY 1 IN SÃO MIGUEL:
THE BEST ACTIVITIES IN SÃO MIGUEL!
DAY 2 of your 3 days in São Miguel, Azores:
PLACES TO VISIT:
Associação Agrícola of São Miguel (optional for lunch)
Poça da Tia Silvina Hot Springs (optional)
Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias (optional)
Pico do Ferro Viewpoint (optional)
Salto do Cavalo Viewpoint (optional)
On Day 2 of the São Miguel 3-Day itinerary, you’ll explore two different areas of the island: starting in the north-central region and finishing in the famous Furnas area. Even though we’re visiting two different areas of our São Miguel travel guide, don’t worry! The drive between these two areas is only about 30 minutes, allowing you to make the most of the day without losing much time on the road.
MORNING OF DAY 2 – SÃO MIGUEL IN 3 DAYS:
We start early at Caldeira Velha, a set of natural thermal pools on the slope of the inactive Água de Pau Volcano. This is another essential place to visit in São Miguel. We recommend booking the earliest time slot (9:00 AM) as visits are done in 1.5-hour turns. Arriving early means you’ll have this thermal paradise almost to yourself and get a head start on the day.
If your tour started at 9:00 a.m., by 10:30 a.m. you should be finished and ready to move on to the next point of the day. Just an 8-minute drive away, you’ll reach Salto do Cabrito, a stunning 40-meter waterfall that will leave you speechless. Here, you have two options: you can either drive directly to the waterfall or take the circular PRC29 SMI trail, which starts at the parking lot of Termas das Caldeiras de Ribeira Grande. This is one of our favorite trails on São Miguel, stretching 8.5 km (around a 2-hour and 30-minute walk).
If you enjoy hiking, this trail is perfect for soaking in the island's natural beauty. However, if you’d rather not spend too much time hiking, you can simply drive up and enjoy the waterfall and its surroundings.
Depending on whether you decide to hike the trail or not, your lunch spot may vary. If you’ve done the trail, the best option is to head back to the Termas das Caldeiras parking lot and drive to the Associação Agrícola restaurant, which we believe is the best in São Miguel. But if you skip the hike and want to continue your itinerary, you can go straight to Furnas and have lunch at Caldeiras & Vulcões, where you can try one of the best Cozidos das Furnas, the area's signature dish.
After lunch, our first stop in Furnas will be at the calderas and fumaroles, located on one side of Furnas Lagoon. If you arrive before lunchtime, you can witness the preparation of the traditional Cozido das Furnas, which is cooked using the volcanic heat from the ground. It’s truly fascinating to watch and, while a bit of a touristy experience, it’s amazing to see how geothermal energy is used to cook these dishes.
AFTERNOON OF DAY 2 - SÃO MIGUEL IN 3 DAYS:
In the afternoon, we’ll visit one of the must-see spots on São Miguel: the Terra Nostra Park, one of the island’s most famous botanical gardens with thermal waters. You can stroll along its pathways surrounded by exotic vegetation and relax in the characteristic brown thermal waters. But be sure to bring an old swimsuit (or one you don't mind ruining), as the iron-rich water can stain it permanently.
To wrap up the day, don’t miss the experience of bathing at night in the thermal waters of Poça da Dona Beija. These hot springs stay open until 11 p.m., and we promise that bathing under the stars will bring you an incredible sense of peace.
If you still have time before nightfall, you can explore more of Furnas, such as the Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias or visit one of the nearby viewpoints like Pico do Ferro Viewpoint or Salto do Cavalo Viewpoint. And if you want more water-based fun, dip your feet in the Poça da Tia Silvina, a free pool right by the river. The contrast between the hot spring and the cold river water is amazing!
For dinner, you can go to Caldeiras & Vulcões (if you didn’t have lunch there) or try Tony's. If you prefer something outside Furnas, you can always return to Ponta Delgada or Ribeira Grande and check out one of our recommended spots.
POTENTIAL BOOKINGS FOR DAY 2 IN SÃO MIGUEL:
Haven't booked your accommodation yet? For your stay in São Miguel, we recommend Herdade do Ananás, a cozy and unique hotel with a pineapple greenhouse; Comercial Azores Boutique, in the center of Ponta Delgada, and Canadiano Urban Nature, a perfect balance of quality and price.
DAY 3 of your 3-day trip to São Miguel:
PLACES TO VISIT:
PRC02 SMI trail to Lagoa do Fogo (optional)
Stroll through Ponta Delgada or Ribeira Grande (optional)
On this third and final day of our 3-day itinerary for São Miguel, we’ll finish the perfect trip with a visit to Vila Franca do Campo, a charming village on the southern coast of the island, famous for the Vila Franca Islet. It’s also the ideal place to engage in one of our top 3 activities in São Miguel: whale and dolphin watching.
Afterward, we’ll head to the center of the island to discover another must-see on São Miguel: the stunning Lagoa do Fogo.
First, keep in mind that due to its proximity, Lagoa do Fogo could also be visited in the afternoon of Day 2, as it’s closer to Caldeira Velha or Salto do Cabrito. However, we chose to include it on this day, as we recommend experiencing Lagoa do Fogo from a different perspective via the PRC02 SMI trail, which starts just 10 minutes from Vila Franca do Campo.
Although this trail has some "difficulty," it’s accessible for most people, and we assure you that the experience of reaching the lagoon and enjoying it almost in solitude is well worth the effort.
If hiking isn’t your thing, you can switch the afternoon of Day 3 with Day 2, but we recommend keeping the mornings as planned to get the best experience at Caldeira Velha and, of course, enjoy the whale and dolphin watching activity in Vila Franca do Campo.
MORNING OF DAY 3 - SÃO MIGUEL IN 3 DAYS:
We will start the day early in Vila Franca do Campo, a coastal town in the south of São Miguel. This village has a special charm and is also the perfect starting point for one of the most exciting activities of the trip: whale and dolphin watching.
This experience is truly unique, and we recommend doing it from Vila Franca do Campo (rather than from Ponta Delgada) because in addition to seeing these magnificent animals in their natural habitat, you'll enjoy a brief tour around the Islet of Vila Franca. Even though you won't be able to disembark, the view of the islet from the sea is spectacular.
Once you've enjoyed some aquatic activities in Vila Franca do Campo, you can explore the old town, with its streets full of history. But the highlight comes next: climbing up to the Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Paz, a small chapel atop a hill with an impressive staircase, from where you'll have the best views of the village and the islet.
For lunch, we recommend two options: Restaurante Jaime or Atlântico Azorean Restaurant, both perfect for enjoying local cuisine. And before continuing with the last day of the itinerary, you can't leave Vila Franca without trying the famous Queijadas da Vila, a typical sweet you can buy at the Queijadas de Vila do Morgado factory.
AFTERNOON OF DAY 3 - SÃO MIGUEL IN 3 DAYS:
With your stomach full and after enjoying Vila Franca do Campo, it’s time to head to the starting point of the PRC02 SMI trail (if you decide to hike it), just 10 minutes from Vila Franca (right at this point). This route is our favorite and has an amazing reward: reaching Lagoa do Fogo.
The trail, which is one of the best routes in São Miguel, is of moderate difficulty and takes about 4 hours, although it’s absolutely worth it for the lush landscapes you’ll encounter and the wonder of arriving at the shore of Fogo Lagoon. When you reach the lagoon, you'll be able to enjoy one of the largest lagoons in the Azores practically in solitude.
If you don't feel like hiking, another option is to drive to one of the viewpoints of Lagoa do Fogo, where you can also admire its beauty without having to walk too much.
And now we are finishing our last day of this 3-day itinerary in São Miguel! Once you’ve explored Lagoa do Fogo, it’s time to return to the village where you are staying. If your hotel is in Ponta Delgada or Ribeira Grande, take advantage of the last hours of the day to stroll through its streets and say goodbye to the island. You can explore the historic center, buy local products, or simply relax at a café enjoying the ambiance.
For dinner, choose one of the recommended restaurants at the beginning of this article and celebrate your last night in São Miguel with a good meal before resting and preparing to leave the island tomorrow.
POTENTIAL BOOKINGS FOR DAY 3 IN SÃO MIGUEL:
Are you planning your trip to São Miguel?
Get organized with our complete TRAVEL GUIDE TO SÃO MIGUEL, where you will discover all the places to visit by areas.
Accommodations for 3 Days in São Miguel
For your stay in São Miguel for 3 days, we recommend choosing Ponta Delgada or Ribeira Grande as your base of operations. Both cities are well-located to minimize travel time, and they also offer all necessary services, such as nearby restaurants and supermarkets. Still, we recommend checking out our article on where to stay in São Miguel so you can choose the area that best suits you.
If you've read other articles in our guide, you know we recommend 3 hotels in Ponta Delgada: Herdade do Ananás, cozy and original with its pineapple greenhouse; Comercial Azores Boutique, in the center of Ponta Delgada; and Canadiano Urban Nature, which offers a perfect quality-price ratio.
If you prefer to stay in Ribeira Grande, you’ll have to opt for others. We recommend Casa do Horizonte, which has incredible views of the beach; Volcanic Charming House, super cozy and tranquil; and Hotel Verde Mar & SPA, for those who love sunsets by a pool with ocean views.
But if you are looking to save on accommodations, don’t miss our selection of budget hotels in São Miguel. Within this selection of hotels is one of our favorites, which we believe has an incredible quality-price ratio: Canadiano Urban Nature Hotel.
Comercial Azores Boutique. (Booking Photo)
Still, be sure to check the prices of these budget accommodations in São Miguel, as they all offer excellent value for money and you can save a lot of money:
Moreover, the best part is that... most include breakfast!
How to get around São Miguel in 3 Days
Renting a car in São Miguel is the best option for those visiting the island because, with a rental car, you’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace, without depending on schedules or organized excursions. And to discover São Miguel in 3 days, you'll need to organize your travels well, and time is of the essence!
If you haven’t decided to rent a car yet, check out our article where we provide all the tips for renting a car in São Miguel.
And if you’ve already made up your mind, look here for the best rental car deals on the island of São Miguel:
Overview table of the São Miguel 3-Day itinerary
3-Day Itinerary in São Miguel | Morning | Afternoon | Possible Bookings |
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Day 3 |
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