12 Incredible Activities on São Miguel Island in the Azores

São Miguel is a lush, lava-born Azorean island floating out in the middle of the Atlantic. It’s a place where you can hike around volcanic craters in the morning, soak in hot springs by afternoon, and eat stew cooked underground by dinner. If you're wondering what activities there are on São Miguel Island, you're in the right spot.

The island has a slow pace, but there is plenty to keep you busy! You can kayak across crater lakes, spot whales off the coast, explore lava tubes, and swim inside an ancient sunken volcano. If you’re looking for a more laid back itinerary, you can sip gin in a garden, sample tea at Europe’s only plantation, or just cruise around the countryside marveling at the lovely cows (they outnumber people!). Almost everything is kid-friendly, though your kiddos will need to be a little older for the boat activities, spelunking, and surf camp.

No matter the time of year, we recommend bringing a light rain jacket (for both wind and rain); the weather changes on a dime!

If you’re looking for an overview of the Azores covering everything from the history to the different islands to weather to transportation, check out our Essential Guide to the Azores here! If you want a detailed 4-day itinerary to begin your exploration of São Miguel – including all our restaurant recommendations – check this out!

From big hikes to hot springs to hidden waterfalls, here are 12 of the best activities on São Miguel Island!

1.     Explore Sete Cidades + Iconic Viewpoints + Hike the Caldera Rim

Sete Cidades are São Miguel’s legendary twin lakes nestled inside a vast volcanic caldera. If the skies are clear, head first to Miradouro da Vista do Rei for that postcard-perfect view of the green and blue lakes. We actually tried to do this on our second day but it was so foggy that we decided to return the next day. Luckily, we got a really incredible clear view on our second try!

Nearby, check out the Muro das Nove Janelas, the dramatic aqueduct wall that once supplied Ponta Delgada with water. Then continue toward Miradouro da Boca do Inferno, a short, magical hike that leads to one of the most jaw-dropping panoramic spots on the island. It’s a 10–15 minute walk from the Lagoa do Canário parking area, winding through mossy trees and up a volcanic ridge.

If you’re up for a bigger adventure, the Vista do Rei to Sete Cidades trail follows the crater rim for 7.5 km (about 2.5–3 hours one way), with nonstop views of lakes and coastline. Not feeling the full hike? Walk a portion and drive the rest. Down in the village of Sete Cidades, you can rent a kayak, visit the tiny São Nicolau Church, or refuel at a local café. For a short, lush hike, check out the nearby Lagoa de Santiago trail, which leads to a hidden emerald crater lake with far fewer crowds.

2.     Spend the Day in Furnas: Hot Springs, Volcano Stew, and Steamy Trails

Furnas is São Miguel at its most surreal—misty, steamy, and sulfur-scented in the best possible way. Start at Lagoa das Furnas, where you can watch cozido stew being unearthed from the steaming ground. It’s cooked underground in volcanic soil for hours! Nearby, stroll through the Caldeiras das Furnas, a bubbling landscape of fumaroles, hot springs, and hissing vents. For a soak, head to Terra Nostra Gardens (entry includes the famous thermal pool surrounded by exotic plants) or Poça da Dona Beija, a series of landscaped mineral pools tucked into the forest. Poça is open until 11 p.m., so it’s a great evening wind-down. Entry is €8 for 1.5 hours; towel and locker rentals available.

When it’s time to eat, try the cozido at Tony’s or Restaurante Vale das Furnas. We shared one cozido at Tony’s and were barely able to get through two thirds of it… it is a lot of food. Meanwhile, there was a very businesslike German couple to our right who each ordered a cozido and proceeded to put. them. away. Very impressive.

3.     Visit the Gorreana Tea Factory

Europe’s only tea plantation is right here on São Miguel, and Gorreana makes for a nice stop. You can walk through the working factory, where antique machines hum and clatter as they sort, roll, and dry tea leaves, then head upstairs to a tasting terrace with sweeping ocean views. They serve their signature black and green teas alongside locally made pastries—try the green tea cake! Afterward, stretch your legs with a short self-guided walk through the nearby tea fields. No booking needed, and it’s free to visit. Just a few minutes down the road is Chá Porto Formoso, a smaller plantation with a more intimate vibe, period-costumed guides, and equally scenic views—worth a stop if you’re curious to compare.

4.     Boat Trip and Snorkeling on the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo

This dramatic little islet just off the south coast is actually the flooded crater of an ancient volcano, now a perfectly round natural swimming pool surrounded by cliffs and teeming with marine life. The only way to reach it is by boat (available from mid-June to September-ish), and while the ride is short—about 10 minutes—the logistics take a bit of planning. Daily visitor numbers are capped to protect the ecosystem, so it’s essential to buy tickets online in advance and arrive early, even if you’ve pre-booked. The ticket office opens at 9:45, but the queue starts forming well before 8:30, especially in peak season. After you snag your spot, you’ll wait again to board your scheduled boat (usually starting around 10:00 AM and running hourly until 5:00 PM).

Return ferries typically depart about 10 minutes past each hour, giving you flexibility to stay as long as you like—though on sunny days, you might find yourself lingering longer than planned. Once there, expect a rugged setup—sunbathing happens on lava rock, not lounge chairs—so bring snorkel gear, a beach towel, plenty of sunscreen, and a backpack cooler with snacks. The water is stunningly clear and calm, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or just floating around in a natural “bride’s ring” of turquoise. On sunny days, you could easily spend a few hours here. If the weather turns or space fills up fast, you might be in for a shorter visit.

5.     Whale Watching!

The Azores are one of the best places in the world to see whales, and Picos de Aventura runs eco-conscious tours from Ponta Delgada, and you can also check out Moby Dick Tours and Terra Azul. Blue whales glide by in spring, sperm whales hang out year-round, and you’ll likely spot dolphins tagging along too.

You’re not guaranteed a sighting, but when it happens, it’s magic… or so Eve hears!

6.     Sea Cave Tour from Rabo de Peixe

If you want something a little more off the beaten path, head to Rabo de Peixe on the north coast for a boat tour of sea caves, cliffs, and dramatic coastline. You’ll zip along the Atlantic, ducking into grottos and sea arches while learning about the island’s volcanic geology and the deep-rooted fishing culture that still shapes daily life here. It’s rugged, wild, and a refreshing contrast to the calmer south shore.

To book, look for local tour operators based in Rabo de Peixe or nearby Ribeira Grande—many offer online reservations (check Get Your Guide), especially during summer, but some still operate more informally, so it’s worth calling ahead or stopping by the marina to check availability. Tours tend to be small-group and weather-dependent.

7.     Kayaking on Lagoa das Furnas or Lagoa das Sete Cidades

For a quiet glide across a crater lake, you can rent kayaks at both Sete Cidades and Furnas. At Sete Cidades, rentals are available right at the lakeside near the bridge that separates the green and blue lakes. The setup is casual: no advance booking usually needed, and you’ll be paddling out into wide-open water with mountains rising all around you.

Furnas, on the other hand, is more enclosed, and often draped in mist. You can rent kayaks near the Terra Nostra Garden entrance; hours can vary, so it’s best to go earlier in the day. In both spots, the water is calm and beginner-friendly. Bring cash just in case and know that hours may be weather-dependent. Early mornings tend to be the most peaceful—less wind, fewer people.

8.     Cave Tour at Gruta do Carvão

If you want to go underground, Gruta do Carvão in Ponta Delgada gives you a peek into the island’s volcanic plumbing system. This ancient lava tube winds beneath the city, lined with bizarre rock formations, mineral colors, and just enough eerie lighting to make it feel like an adventure. Tours are guided and run several times a day, but it’s smart to book ahead online or call, especially in high season—they do limit group sizes, and spots can fill up. It’s a short and fascinating stop (about 30–45 minutes), perfect for a rainy day or a change of pace from the coast. Closed-toe shoes are a must, and they’ll give you a hard hat. 

9.     Explore Ribeira dos Caldeirões in Nordeste

On the island’s remote northeast corner, Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park has waterfalls, cobbled pathways, and a misty forest. It’s free to enter and open year-round, with no set hours—just show up and wander. The main waterfall is a stunner. Short trails wind through lush greenery, and there are picnic areas if you want to linger.

Parking is available nearby (and usually easy), and there’s a small café and restrooms on-site during high season. It’s one of the most photogenic pockets of São Miguel, so bring a camera—and a rain jacket.

10.  Pineapples at Plantação de Ananás A Arruda

Just ten minutes outside of Ponta Delgada, São Miguel’s famously tangy pineapples are grown in greenhouses here using a traditional method. You’ll stroll through the steamy, vine-draped greenhouses on a short self-guided tour, then swing by the mini-museum and shop, where you can sample pineapple liqueur and stock up on jams, candies, and other tropical treats.

No need to book ahead, and parking is available on-site. It’s a great stop en route to or from the airport if you want to squeeze in one last burst of island flavor.

11.  Experience the Gin Library + Sushi Dinner

Inside the elegant Solar Branco Eco Estate, the Gin Library holds one of the world’s largest collections of gin—over 1,000 bottles and counting. You can book a guided tasting experience or simply sip a craft G&T in an old colonial villa surrounded by gardens and Atlantic breezes. Bonus: there’s also an intimate, upscale sushi restaurant on-site. The estate is not really near any major sights—so make it a dedicated evening outing. Reservations are a must for both gin and sushi: book directly through the Solar Branco website. Note that it’s adults-only, and dress is smart-casual.

12.  Surf Camps!

If you’ve ever wanted to learn to surf, São Miguel is a great place to start. Santa Bárbara Beach, near Ribeira Grande, is the island’s most popular surf spot, with golden sand, consistent swells, and dramatic cliffs framing the horizon. Local surf schools offer everything from one-off lessons to multi-day surf camps with gear, instruction, and even lodging included. Most lessons are beginner-friendly and include a warm-up, beach basics, and about 90 minutes in the water. Our friends had an incredible experience doing a 10-day surf camp through Salt Lips. You can usually book online, but in high season, it’s smart to reserve ahead. Surfing here is best from spring through fall, and wetsuits are included. You’ll need one!

Ready for More?

Check out our Essential Guide to the Azores here! If you want a detailed 4-day itinerary to begin your exploration of São Miguel – including all our restaurant recommendations – check this out!

Visit GEAR UP For More Outstanding Travel Essentials

Copyright © WS&T. All rights reserved.