In this article, we'll talk about where to stay in São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores. We'll tell you about the best areas to stay on the island, with their pros and cons, and the main nearby tourist attractions.
You can also check out our São Miguel Travel Guide, organized by area, to get a deeper understanding of São Miguel Island and help you decide based on your preferences.
If you've read other articles in our guide, you'll know that we recommend the Herdade do Ananás hotel, cozy and unique for its pineapple greenhouse; the Comercial Azores Boutique, in the center of Ponta Delgada, and also the Canadiano Urban Nature, with a perfect quality-price ratio.
But in this post, we'll focus on the different accommodation options on the island of São Miguel to make your choice as easy as possible. Additionally, we'll give you different budget options ($) in each area so you can choose the one that best fits your pocket.
Let's dive into our article on the best accommodations in São Miguel!
Are You Planning Your Trip to São Miguel? Get organized with our comprehensive SÃO MIGUEL TRAVEL GUIDE, where you'll discover all the places to visit by area:
(1) Sete Cidades Area, (2) Furnas Area, (3) Ribeira Grande Area, (4) Nordeste Area, (5) Vila Franca do Campo Area y (6) Ponta Delgada Area
Where to Stay in São Miguel (Azores) - Contents:
Where to Stay in São Miguel
If you are planning your trip to São Miguel, choosing the right area to stay in is an important part of making the most of your experience on the island. Since the island is not very large, any area can be a good option as distances are short, but there are other factors to consider when choosing where to stay in São Miguel.
For us, the best accommodation options in São Miguel are the Ponta Delgada or Ribeira Grande areas.
Ponta Delgada, as the island's capital, offers a wide variety of services, restaurants, and activities. Its central location makes it easy to access São Miguel's main tourist attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring the island.
On the other hand, Ribeira Grande also has a very good location on the island, situated in the north-central area of São Miguel, making it an ideal accommodation alternative if you prefer a quieter environment while maintaining the convenience of easy access to the main tourist attractions.
The areas of Furnas and Vila Franca do Campo can also be an attractive and convenient option for staying in São Miguel. In recent years, these towns have been gaining tourist relevance and now offer more services. Additionally, they are well situated in the south area of São Miguel Island, so they also serve as a good base for visiting the entire island.
The other areas we'll discuss in this post, Nordeste and Sete Cidades, are options farther from the center of São Miguel Island, making them perhaps the "least convenient" in terms of transportation. The Sete Cidades area is located in the west, while Nordeste is at the other end, in the east of the island. They are the most tranquil alternatives (especially Nordeste) but due to their location, they are the least recommended.
Ultimately, the choice of where to stay will always depend on your interests, travel style, and budget... So, don't miss out on this post with all the information you need to stay in São Miguel!
1. PONTA DELGADA, the most popular option for staying in São Miguel
Ponta Delgada is undoubtedly the most popular option for staying in São Miguel, and for good reason. As the island's capital, it is the hub of activities and services, and is very close to João Paulo II Airport. Think about it: after a whole day exploring São Miguel Island, what could be better than arriving in Ponta Delgada, strolling along its harbor and pedestrian streets, and dining at a nice restaurant?
Being in a fairly central area of São Miguel Island, it's easy to quickly reach the main tourist attractions, and nothing is too far away.
However, it is the "least tranquil" option (and we use quotes because Ponta Delgada is a very peaceful city) where you'll find the most tourists.
For us, it's the most convenient option for staying in São Miguel.
Recommended Accommodations in Ponta Delgada:
COMERCIAL AZORES BOUTIQUE ($): With a privileged location in the center of Ponta Delgada. It has parking, a bar for casual meals, and best of all, its terrace and communal lounge for relaxing! You can book here.
Comercial Azores Boutique. (Photo from Booking)
BELEM LODGE ($): Super cozy apartment, very close to the beaches of San Roque and Milicias. It has private parking and is in a very quiet area. You can book here.
CANADIANO URBAN NATURE ($$): Hotel with quite a few rooms but very cozy. All rooms have a balcony and best of all, the buffet breakfast served in their restaurant! You can book here.
Canadiano Urban Nature Hotel. (Photo from Booking)
HERDADE DO ANANÁS ($$$): A less economical option but we can't stop recommending it for its originality: this hotel has its own pineapple plantation, and you can swim in the pool inside the greenhouse. Plus, its decoration is exquisite and we find it to have a very relaxing atmosphere. You can book here.
Herdade do Ananás. (Foto de Booking)
SENHORA DA ROSA ($$$): Our least economical recommendation, but well worth staying in this modern yet traditional hotel where every detail has been carefully attended to, and it is surrounded by a nature oasis. You can book here.
Senhora da Rosa, Tradition & Nature Hotel. (Photo from Booking)
Main Points of Interest in Ponta Delgada:
Main Organized Tours from Ponta Delgada:
Another advantage of staying in Ponta Delgada is that if you don't want to rent a private vehicle, or simply don't want to worry about transportation, or want to visit certain parts of the island with a local guide, you can book full-day excursions from the capital. Here are our recommendations:
2. RIBEIRA GRANDE, a strategic alternative for accommodation in São Miguel
Ribeira Grande is a great alternative if you're looking for a quieter place that's still accessible for exploring São Miguel.
Staying in Ribeira Grande allows you to enjoy the authenticity of a historic Azorean city, with the advantage of being close to stunning beaches like Santa Bárbara Beach and other natural wonders such as Salto do Cabrito or Caldeira Velha.
This city has the advantage of an even quieter atmosphere than Ponta Delgada and also offers a good cultural scene. Additionally, its location on the north-central coast of São Miguel makes it a strategic accommodation option from which you can explore the island without as much tourism as in Ponta Delgada.
However, being a smaller city, you should keep in mind that there are fewer restaurants, shops, and services compared to Ponta Delgada. Also, it's important to note that you'll need a car to get around the island as there are no full-day tour options from Ribeira Grande.
If you haven't booked your rental car yet, don't miss out on the best rental deals on the island, with full coverage to protect you from any issues!
Recommended Accommodations in Ribeira Grande:
VOLCANIC CHARMING HOUSE ($): A house converted into a super cozy hotel with several rooms. Its pool is very tranquil, providing an oasis of peace. It's less than a 10-minute walk from Monte Verde Beach, with an unbeatable location. You can book here.
Volcanic Charming House. (Photo from Booking)
CASA DO HORIZONTE ($$): With incredible views of Monte Verde Beach. And the best part is that it's just a 3-minute walk to the beach! You can book here.
Casa do Horizonte. (Photo from Booking)
HOTEL VERDE MAR & SPA ($$$): A hotel with all the amenities and services, ideal if you enjoy spending time at your accommodation during your travels. What we love most about this hotel is its pool with ocean views—the sunsets are amazing! You can book here.
Hotel Verde Mar & SPA. (Photo from Booking)
Main Points of Interest in Ribeira Grande:
3. VILA FRANCA DO CAMPO, ideal for enjoying the south coast of São Miguel
Staying in Vila Franca do Campo is a fantastic option if you want to enjoy the south coast of São Miguel. This charming coastal town is not only famous for its stunning landscapes, the incredible Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Paz, and the Vila Franca Islet, but also for all the water activities available, such as whale and dolphin watching, snorkeling at Vila Franca Islet, and scuba diving.
The main advantages of staying in Vila Franca do Campo are the ability to enjoy the south coast of São Miguel every day, a more traditional atmosphere, and access to the best water activities on the island. However, you should be aware that there are fewer services, less nightlife, and fewer accommodation options.
Recommended Accommodations in Vila Franca do Campo:
POUSADA DA VILA ($): A house converted into a hostel at a very affordable price, with an excellent quality-price ratio. The rooms are private, and most have bathrooms. Additionally, it has a shared kitchen. And there's more! It's just a 6-minute walk from Corpo Santo Beach. You can book here.
Pousada da Vila. (Photo from Booking)
OLIVE BOUTIQUE GUESTHOUSE ($$): A guesthouse-type accommodation, a 5-minute walk from Corpo Santo Beach. You'll love its small pool! You can book here.
Olive Boutique Guesthouse. (Photo from Booking)
PESTANA BAHIA PRAIA NATURE & BEACH RESORT ($$$): A resort hotel with all the amenities and services, ideal if you enjoy spending time at your accommodation during your travels. The pool with ocean views is incredible! This option is slightly more expensive than the island's average, so it all depends on your tastes and budget. You can book here.
Pestana Bahia Praia Nature & Beach Resort (Photo from Booking)
Main Points of Interest in Vila Franca do Campo:
4. FURNAS, close to the best hot springs in the Azores
Staying in Furnas, although not a common choice, can offer a unique experience on the island of São Miguel. The main advantage is that, although you'll be more towards the east of São Miguel, you'll be very close to the south coast, making the location worth considering for accommodation.
Another advantage is that you’ll be in the same town as some of São Miguel’s most famous hot springs, like Poça da Dona Beija and the springs at Terra Nostra Park. By the way, if you stay at the hotel in Parque Terra Nostra, you have unlimited access to its hot springs!
However, just like the previous two areas, you will need a car to get around as there are not many efficient public transportation options. Additionally, there are no full-day tour options to visit other parts of São Miguel. If you haven’t rented your car in São Miguel yet, you can do so here.
Recommended Accommodations in Furnas:
VICTÓRIA GUEST HOUSE ($): A guesthouse at a very economical price in the center of Furnas. The rooms are private, and most have bathrooms. Additionally, it has free private parking. You can book here.
HOTEL VALE VERDE ($): Also a fairly economical hotel in the center of Furnas. It’s an old house converted into a hotel that doesn’t lack detail. It has a traditional ambiance that you’ll love. And the best part is that breakfast is included! You can book here.
Hotel Vale Verde (Photo from Booking)
TERRA NOSTRA GARDEN HOTEL ($$$): The hotel at Parque Terra Nostra needs no introduction. This iconic hotel is located within the botanical garden of the park, making it one of the best settings to stay in. The best part is the unlimited access to its thermal pools. However, it’s not suitable for all budgets. You can book here.
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel (Photo from Booking)
Main Points of Interest in Furnas:
5. Other areas to stay in São Miguel (Sete Cidades and Nordeste)
You may have noticed that two areas are missing from this post that are included in our São Miguel Travel Guide: the Sete Cidades area and the Nordeste area. Although the island is not very large, these are more distant from the center of São Miguel, making them the "less convenient" options in terms of getting around.
The Sete Cidades area is located in the west, while Nordeste is at the other end, in the east of the island. These are the quietest alternatives (especially Nordeste), but due to their location, they are the least recommended. Additionally, they have the fewest services around, making it more challenging to find restaurants or supermarkets.
Staying in Sete Cidades also has its advantages, such as being close to the marvelous Sete Cidades Lagoon, Serra Devassa, or Canario Lagoon. In this area, you will enjoy a lot of tranquility, especially as night falls, so if you are looking to completely disconnect and connect with nature, this is your zone!
The same goes if you choose to stay in the Nordeste area. This area is full of rural accommodations perfect for disconnecting and enjoying one thing: nature. In fact, this is the locals' favorite area due to its great natural beauty, and it is the least exploited tourist-wise, so if your goal is to get away from it all, we can’t think of a better area.
And that wraps up our post on where to stay in São Miguel! We hope it helps you plan your perfect trip to this wonderful island in the Azores.
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