São Miguel in 5 Days: Complete Itinerary (with Map & Summary Table)
- Aina & Dani
- Mar 16
- 19 min read
Updated: Mar 18
With this 5-day itinerary for São Miguel, you'll have the perfect plan to explore the island’s must-see spots, admire breathtaking volcanic landscapes, soak in natural hot springs, hike scenic trails, and savor the local cuisine—all while making the most of your time.
While 7 days in São Miguel would be ideal for a deeper exploration of the largest island in the Azores, 5 days in São Miguel is more than enough to experience the essentials.
This São Miguel 5-day itinerary is designed for travelers who have a full 5 days on the island, arriving the day before and leaving either the day after or at the end of the last day. If you have less time, we recommend checking out our 3-day São Miguel itinerary for a more condensed version of the trip.
At the end of this article, you'll find a map of the itinerary and a summary table to help you organize your trip with ease. Let’s discover São Miguel in 5 days!
São Miguel 5-Day Itinerary - Content:
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!
HIKING TRAILS: All the hiking trails recommended in this post are explained in detail in this article.
And now that you have everything you need to plan your trip, let’s dive into this São Miguel 5-Day Itinerary!
Oh, and one more thing! For this itinerary, we’ll assume you’re staying in Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande, or another central area, so all routes are designed to make the most of your time starting from the island’s center.
DAY 1 of your 5 days in São Miguel:
PLACES TO VISIT:
This first day of the São Miguel 5-Day Itinerary will be the same as Day 1 in both the 3-day and 7-day São Miguel itineraries, as we consider it an absolute must-see. It covers one of the island’s most iconic areas: Sete Cidades and its surroundings.
MORNING OF DAY 1 – SÃO MIGUEL IN 5 DAYS:
Start your day at Canario Lagoon, a peaceful lagoon surrounded by lush greenery and one of São Miguel’s must-see spots.
From here, take a short walk to the Grota do Inferno Viewpoint, one of the island’s most popular lookouts, offering breathtaking views of the iconic Sete Cidades Lagoon. This viewpoint is one of the most spectacular on the entire island.
If you enjoy hiking and want to explore the area further, consider the Serra Devassa and PRC05 SMI Trail, a scenic circular route starting at the Canario Lagoon parking lot. This 5 km (3.1 miles) trail is easy and one of the best hiking experiences on São Miguel.
If hiking isn’t your thing, or you’re short on time, continue your journey towards Sete Cidades Village and its stunning lagoon.
Before reaching Sete Cidades Village, stop at the Vista do Rei Viewpoint. This spot is famous for its panoramic views of the Sete Cidades Lagoon, showcasing the striking twin lagoons—one blue and one green.
Nearby, you’ll also spot the ruins of the Monte Palace Hotel, an abandoned property that, despite being private, attracts visitors seeking unique views from its rooftop.
As you drive towards Sete Cidades Village, make two additional stops: the Cerrado das Freiras Viewpoint, which offers a different perspective of the Sete Cidades Lagoon, and the Santiago Lagoon Viewpoint, where you can admire the smaller, lush Lagoa de Santiago.
Once in Sete Cidades Village, it’s worth taking the time to enjoy Sete Cidades Lagoon up close. If you’re up for some activity, you can swim at the small beach, rent a kayak, or go for 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 5 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:
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DAY 2 of your 5 days in São Miguel:
PLACES TO VISIT:
Salto do Cabrito Waterfall and PRC29 SMI Trail (optional)
Restaurant of the Associação Agrícola of São Miguel (for lunch)
Gorreana Tea Plantations and PRC28 SMI Trail (optional)
MORNING OF DAY 2 – SÃO MIGUEL IN 5 DAYS:
On the second day of your 5-day São Miguel itinerary, start the day bright and early at one of the island's highlights: Caldeira Velha. Located on the slopes of the Água de Pau volcano, this natural haven is famous for its hot springs. The warm, steamy pools surrounded by lush greenery are a sight to behold.
Visits to Caldeira Velha are organized in 1.5-hour time slots. We recommend booking the first slot (9:00 to 10:30 AM). Arriving early ensures that you can enjoy the pools in peace before other visitors arrive. You can find more details here.
After Caldeira Velha, head to the nearby Salto do Cabrito Waterfall, one of São Miguel's most stunning natural sights. The 40-meter-high waterfall cascades into a natural pool, offering a refreshing (albeit cold!) swimming experience.
You can park close to the waterfall, but for an adventurous option, take the PRC29 SMI Trail, an 8.5 km circular hiking route that begins at the Termas das Caldeiras parking lot in Ribeira Grande. This trail passes through dense forests and features volcanic fumaroles, adding a mystical touch to the journey. You can read more about this hike here.
When it’s time for lunch, head to the Restaurant of the Associação Agrícola of São Miguel in Ribeira Grande. Known for its exceptional beef steaks, this restaurant also offers a variety of local dishes. Don’t miss the house cheese starter—it’s a must-try for cheese lovers!
AFTERNOON OF DAY 2 – SÃO MIGUEL IN 5 DAYS:
After lunch, head to Santa Bárbara Beach in Ribeira Grande, the perfect spot to unwind after your meal. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches on São Miguel, famous for its volcanic sand and perfect waves for surfing.
If you’d like to try surfing, Santa Bárbara Beach offers 2-hour lessons suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. Alternatively, relax on the sand and enjoy the spectacular views. Stay until sunset for a truly unforgettable experience.
Next, just a 10-minute drive away, you can visit the Santa Iria Viewpoint. This popular spot offers a spectacular panoramic view of the north coast and is easily accessible from the main road that runs along northern São Miguel.
Continuing along the north coast road, it's time to visit one of São Miguel’s most unique attractions: its tea plantations—the only ones in Europe that produce tea for industrial purposes. Pretty interesting, right?
The Porto Formoso Tea Factory boasts a spectacular plantation and offers insight into the history of tea production on the island. Guided tours are free and last about 15–20 minutes, allowing you to learn about the tea-making process and see how this tradition has been kept alive since the 19th century. After your visit, enjoy a cup of hot tea on their panoramic terrace overlooking the fields and the village of Porto Formoso.
Keep in mind that the Porto Formoso Tea Factory closes at 5:00 PM. The good news is that you'll still have one hour to visit the next stop on this itinerary: the Gorreana Tea Plantation and Factory, which remains open until 6:00 PM.
Next, head to the Gorreana Tea Plantations, the oldest tea producer on São Miguel, founded in 1883. You can tour their factory for free to see how tea is made in an artisanal way. Don’t leave without trying their tea! Their specialty is black tea, but they also produce green tea—both are absolutely delicious.
But there’s still more! If you’re up for it, you can explore the PRC28 SMI Trail, a circular path that takes you through the tea fields and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. This is one of the easiest hiking trails in São Miguel, offering a delightful way to end the day while soaking in the stunning beauty of the island's northern coast.
For the final stop of your second day, take some time to explore Ribeira Grande, one of the oldest and most charming towns on the island. Strolling through its streets feels like stepping back in time.
Although Ribeira Grande doesn’t feature major monuments, its lively town center is full of character. Don’t miss the small stream that runs through the main square or the lovely municipal garden.
For dinner, the most convenient option is to stay in Ribeira Grande, where you’ll find a wide variety of restaurants to choose from. If you’re staying in Ponta Delgada and prefer to dine there, you’ll arrive in just 30 minutes. Check out our restaurant recommendations for these two towns that we’ve shared here.
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 5 days in São Miguel:
PLACES TO VISIT:
Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lagoon) and PRC02 SMI Trail (optional)
José do Canto Botanical Garden (optional)
Augusto Arruda's Pineapple Plantations (optional)
Carvão Cave (optional)
MORNING OF DAY 3 – SÃO MIGUEL IN 5 DAYS:
Start your day with a visit to one of São Miguel’s most iconic attractions: Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lagoon). This stunning natural wonder offers breathtaking views, which can be enjoyed from viewpoints such as the Pico da Barrosa Viewpoint and the Lagoa do Fogo Viewpoint.
From mid-June to late September, access to these viewpoints is restricted to shuttle buses between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM (€5 per person). You can avoid the shuttle by visiting before 9:00 AM or after 7:00 PM. Check schedules and purchase tickets here.
Another way to experience Lagoa do Fogo is by walking one of the best hiking trails in São Miguel: the PRC02 SMI Trail – From Praia to Lagoa do Fogo. This 10.9 km medium-difficulty trail takes you all the way to the lagoon’s shore, an incredibly special spot that can only be reached on foot. We guarantee it’s worth the effort!
For this 5-day São Miguel itinerary, we recommend spending the entire morning exploring this spectacular lagoon at a relaxed pace—it’s well worth it! If you choose to hike the PRC02 SMI trail (more information here), you’ll have enough time to complete it, and since you’ll probably want to rest afterward, we’ve planned a more relaxed afternoon in Ponta Delgada.
If you’d rather skip the hike and have extra time, you can visit Congro Lagoon and São Brás Lagoon before heading to Ponta Delgada.
AFTERNOON OF DAY 3 – SÃO MIGUEL IN 5 DAYS:
This afternoon will be spent exploring Ponta Delgada, the capital of São Miguel. Since the city is quite small, we’ll also recommend two nearby experiences that you can easily combine with your visit.
If you arrive in the city around lunchtime, head over to the port area of Ponta Delgada, a lively spot with several restaurants where you can enjoy local cuisine. In this area, for fish, we recommend Restaurante Bom Pesqueiro, but if you prefer meat, Açores Grill is nearby. Also, don’t forget the other restaurants in Ponta Delgada we recommended earlier in this article.
Afterward, you can walk off your meal with a leisurely stroll through the historic center of the city. A great way to do this is with this tour, which will give you an overview of the main points of interest in the old town and teach you more about the culture and people of the island.
Whether you visit Ponta Delgada on your own or with this tour, what you definitely shouldn’t miss in the historic center are Largo da Matriz, the most vibrant and colorful central square, Chapel of São Sebastião, an impressive church with Gothic and Baroque architecture, and the iconic Portas da Cidade, one of the most photographed landmarks in Ponta Delgada. To learn even more about the historic center, don’t miss our article on everything you can see and do in Ponta Delgada.
Also, along the waterfront promenade, you can visit the São Brás Fortress, a 16th-century structure that still plays an important role in the island's history. If you're interested, you can visit it and learn more about São Miguel's military defense in the Military Museum of the Azores inside (3€).
Once you’ve visited the historic center, you can also check out other interesting spots in the city, like the Chapel of Mãe de Deus, located on the hill of Ladeira da Mãe de Deus, from where you'll get the best views of Ponta Delgada. Another great option is the José do Canto Botanical Garden, about a 15-minute walk from the Ermida Mãe de Deus, with hundreds of species of exotic plants, some more than a century old, for only 5€.
But if you’ve had your fill of Ponta Delgada, there are two great alternatives nearby that you might enjoy. First, the Gruta do Carvão, a unique lava tube and the longest on the island, with incredible volcanic formations that you can explore on a guided tour (more information here). Keep in mind that visits end at 6:00 PM!
Another option near Ponta Delgada is to visit the Augusto Arruda's Pineapple Plantations, where you'll learn about the traditional greenhouse cultivation process and get to taste products made from local pineapples. At the Hotel Herdade do Ananás, one of our favorite hotels, they offer a pineapple wine tasting experience, a very original combination.
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DAY 4 of your 5 days in São Miguel:
PLACES TO VISIT:
MORNING OF DAY 4 – SÃO MIGUEL IN 5 DAYS:
On Day 4 of our 5-day itinerary in São Miguel, we’ll explore the Furnas area, one of the island’s most popular destinations. Start your day early by visiting the Furnas fumaroles and caldeiras. Arriving in the morning lets you avoid crowds from tour buses, so you can peacefully admire the steam and bubbling geothermal activity. The site is well-designed for tourism, with wooden walkways allowing for safe exploration.
If you want to witness how the famous Cozido das Furnas is cooked in the volcanic hot springs, return at midday. This is when traditional meals are prepared using only the natural geothermal heat.
From this area, you can also enjoy the stunning Furnas Lagoon, with its distinctive green color. While swimming isn’t allowed, it’s worth admiring the breathtaking scenery. Formed in the Furnas volcano’s crater, the lagoon is surrounded by lush vegetation and geothermal phenomena.
After exploring the hot springs and lagoon, head to Furnas Village, one of the island’s most picturesque and tourist-friendly towns. This charming spot is renowned for its thermal waters and is also the best place to try the famous Cozido das Furnas. If it’s lunchtime, we suggest dining at local restaurants like Caldeiras & Vulcões or Tony’s, both specializing in this dish. Make sure to reserve ahead!
AFTERNOON OF DAY 4 – SÃO MIGUEL IN 5 DAYS:
After a hearty meal, visit one of São Miguel’s must-see spots in Furnas: Terra Nostra Park. This botanical garden is famous for its exotic plants, but its main attraction is the thermal pool, with water temperatures between 35°C and 40°C (95°F-104°F).
Important: Don’t forget to bring an old swimsuit (or one you’re not too attached to), as the iron-rich waters can permanently stain fabric.
Another thermal spot in Furnas worth visiting is Poça da Dona Beija. Open until 11 PM, this location is perfect for a nighttime visit. With five thermal pools surrounded by lush vegetation and water temperatures of 39°C (102°F), it’s a magical experience to soak under the stars.
Before heading to Poça da Dona Beija in the evening, use the afternoon to explore the surroundings of Furnas. You can visit Poça da Tia Silvina, a lesser-known hot spring, or stop by Pico do Ferro Viewpoint, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of Furnas Lagoon and its surroundings. Another great option is the Salto do Cavalo Viewpoint, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the entire region.provides sweeping vistas of the entire area.
Along the lagoon’s shore, visit the Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias, a charming 19th-century neo-Gothic church that seems straight out of a fairy tale.
If you choose to visit Poça da Dona Beija at night, you can have dinner first in the village of Furnas. If you already tried Cozido das Furnas for lunch, we recommend dining at Queijaria Furnense—you’ll love it!
And now, it’s time to soak in Poça da Dona Beija under the stars and enjoy its magical nighttime atmosphere.
THE BEST ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES IN SÃO MIGUEL!
DAY 5 of your 5 days in São Miguel:
PLACES TO VISIT:
MORNING OF DAY 5 – SÃO MIGUEL IN 5 DAYS:
We’re sorry to say it, but the last day of this São Miguel 5-Day Itinerary has arrived! For this final day, we’ll visit one of our favorite areas of the island: the southern coast of São Miguel, where you’ll find plenty of opportunities for water-based activities.
We recommend starting your day with one of São Miguel’s best activities: whale and dolphin watching in Vila Franca do Campo, a highly popular and unforgettable experience.
Photo from Civitatis
Unlike in Ponta Delgada, taking this tour from Vila Franca do Campo has its advantages: since it’s less touristy, you’ll enjoy a more personal and intimate boat ride. Plus, this activity comes with a special highlight—the tour ends with a close approach to the Vila Franca Islet, a protected natural gem shaped like a volcanic crater and featuring a natural swimming pool.
If the approach to the islet during the whale and dolphin tour leaves you wanting more, you’ll be happy to know that it’s possible to visit the islet through official boats departing from Vila Franca’s harbor (tickets available here) or by booking a tour like this one. Keep in mind, though, that it’s best to visit on a sunny day, as the water can be quite cold.
After spending your morning at sea, take some time to explore the charming fishing village of Vila Franca do Campo, which was São Miguel’s first capital.
Don’t forget to visit another of São Miguel’s highlights located here: the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Paz. Built in 1764, it offers spectacular views of the town and the ocean from the top of its beautiful staircase.
Before leaving Vila Franca do Campo, stop by the Queijadas do Morgado Factory, where you can try the famous Queijadas da Vila, delicious monastery-inspired pastries that are absolutely worth tasting.
If lunchtime finds you still in Vila Franca, we recommend two excellent restaurants: Restaurante Jaime or Atlântico Azorean Restaurant. However, if it’s still early, continue with the itinerary—you’ll find more great restaurants in the villages you’ll visit later in the day.
AFTERNOON OF DAY 5 – SÃO MIGUEL IN 5 DAYS:
In the afternoon, continue exploring the southern coast of São Miguel, heading east. Start with a stop at Ribeira Quente, a picturesque fishing village known for its beach, Praia do Fogo (Fire Beach), where the waters are naturally warmed by underwater hydrothermal springs.
After this stop, head to Povoação, another tranquil coastal village surrounded by lush green hills. This town holds historical significance as one of the first settlements on the island in the 15th century.
Povoação offers a peaceful beach perfect for families, as well as several points of interest, such as the Museu do Trigo (Wheat Museum) and the monument commemorating the arrival of the first Portuguese settlers. While here, be sure to try the Fofas de Povoação, a delicious local pastry you’ll find in the village’s bakeries.
Next, make a stop at the Pico das Bodes Viewpoint, where you can climb the wooden platform for incredible panoramic views. Finally, wrap up your day in Faial da Terra, a quiet village where you can take a leisurely stroll and visit some historic spots such as the Church of Nossa Senhora da Graça, the Hermitage of Nossa Senhora de Lourdes, the water mills, or the old whaling port.
And don’t leave Faial da Terra without visiting the abandoned village of Sanguinho. If you have time, you can explore it by hiking the PRC09 SMI - Sanguinho trail (which we provide more details about here), which will also lead you to the Salto do Prego Waterfall. Keep in mind, though, that if you decide to hike the trail, you might have to skip visiting some of the southern towns of 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 5 Days in São Miguel
For your stay in São Miguel for 5 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 5 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.
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:
Summary Table of the São Miguel 5-Day Itinerary
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