Sao Miguel.

São Miguel has a special place in my heart, not only because this is where both my grandparents were born, but also because of it’s extreme uniqueness.

Some of my favourite moments were the simplest ones — driving along the coast, stopping at viewpoints that truly looked like a green screen, swimming in natural pools that were basically apart of the ocean, and of course eating delicious food.

I spent time exploring different corners of the island, but Ribeira Quente is where we stayed as a family; a small seaside town that felt peaceful, local and tucked away from everything. If you’re looking for a truly authentic experience, I recommend staying in this town.

This guide is a collection of the places I loved most during my time in São Miguel: where I’d stay, where I’d eat, my favourite viewpoints, and the natural pools, hot springs and beaches I think are worth experiencing.

More than anything, these are the places that made São Miguel feel so special to me — and the ones I’d go back to in a heartbeat!

Where to Stay.

Ribeira Quente is every dream town for travellers who love small, authentic towns right by the water. Not small enough where you don’t have access to things you need. Equipped with restaurants, small grocery stores, produce markets and a beach cafe, you won’t go without. Account for the drive time, as this town is about an hour and 20 min from Ponte Delgada, the main city. No drive on this island can really be classified as daunting or inconvenient, as every route you can take is absolutely breathtaking.

The beach that is apart of Ribeira Quente is Praia do Fogo (Fire Beach). What makes this beach so special is something you can’t immediately see. Beneath the ocean are hydrothermal springs that naturally warm the seawater — another little reminder that you’re exploring an island shaped by volcanic activity. You could even feel the springs as you walked over certain areas of the sand - feeling like you are stepping on little warm pockets of water.

The beach itself feels intimate and sheltered, surrounded by lush cliffs but also offering a little beach bar to grab coffee, lunch, and drinks - as well as food trucks located in the parking lot. In between swims, try Lapas Grelhadas (grilled limpets) - a famous Azorean delicacy.

View of Ponta Delgada from the Bell Tower.

Ponte Delgada.

The main city, where shopping is best and charm is evident. Maintaining the European charm with its cobblestone streets, endless street side cafes, and a few Portuguese churches. One of the things I loved most about Ponta Delgada was how easy it was to go from exploring the city, to swimming in the ocean.

Right along the waterfront you’ll find Piscinas do Pesqueiro, a natural saltwater swimming area connected directly to the Atlantic. There’s no sandy beach — you simply just find a spot along the waterfront and get in.

It feels very local and was such a fun way to break up a day of walking around the city. If you’re planning a day trip or a few hours in Ponta Delgada, I’d definitely pack a swimsuit and stop here for a dip.

Before leaving the city, make sure to find the Bell Tower. Built in 1724, the tower sits right in the centre of the old town and has a narrow staircase leading all the way to the top.

The climb is a little tight, but the view is worth it, and it can be done pretty quickly. The tower was closed to the public for decades, but reopened in 2013 for visitors to climb - so it’s definetly worth saying you were able to do it! Find it beside City Hall.

For breakfast, visit Louvre Michaelense. For lunch or dinner, visit

Louvre Michaelense - Ponte Delgada - Great Breakfast!

The design and decor in Louvre Michaelense was 10/10!

Best Look Out Spots.

This island is incredible for its views and you can find probably hundreds of different locations with the most breathtaking, uninterrupted views. During most of your drives, you will probably pass several. Here are some of my favourites that I think are worth the drive to: Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada, Miradouro da Vista do Rei, and Miradouro da Ponta do Arnel.

Plan these out depending on weather, or wait out the clouds in order to see them for their full potential. Weather changes quite quickly on the island so if it’s cloudy at 10am, they will probably be gone shortly after.

Some of these spots offer incredible sunsets as well, depending on what side of the island you are on!

Furnas.

While on the island, going to the town of Furnas and experiencing the hot springs, as well as cozido, is a must. You can actually see the island’s volcanic activity all around you here — steam rising from the ground and the unmistakable smell of sulphur in the air; which can be difficult to deal with at first but eventually you get used to it.

For me, Furnas is somewhere you should dedicate at least half a day to, although you could easily spend longer. Walk around the town and geothermal areas, visit Lagoa das Furnas, try cozido, and make time for a soak in one of the thermal pools. Terra Nostra Park and Poça da Dona Beija are two of the most popular places to experience the warm, mineral-rich water.

Caldeiras e Vulcões is where we went to try cozido, traditional Portugese food cooked under ground, with the help of the volcanic heat. A great place to have lunch in between hot spring visits. If you are willing to stay in town for dinner, A Quinta was hands down the best food I had all trip.

Furnas was one of those places that really made me appreciate just how alive São Miguel is beneath the surface. You’re not just looking at a volcanic landscape here — you can see, smell, and feel it all around you.

Nordeste & Villa Franca.

The different towns on Sao Miguel island offer different things for different travellers, but the island is small enough that you could see all the towns in a week. If you wish to narrow it down to just a few, I would start with the three already mentioned in this guide. Ponte Delgada, Ribeira Quente, and Furnas. I would also strongly consider visiting Nordeste and Villa Franca.

Nordeste located on the eastern side of the island, with winding roads, dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, tiny villages and some of the most beautiful viewpoints on the island.

If you want to see the quieter, more untouched side of São Miguel, I wouldn’t skip Nordeste. It was one of those parts of the island where the journey itself was just as beautiful as the places I was driving to. The lighthouse is also located in Nordeste, which is at the edge of the island, perched above the ocean. Lighthouse tours run daily, and are free.

Hungry? Visit Restaurante Tronqueira, a buffet in Nordeste offering a wide variety of traditional Portuguese dishes.

Villa Franca do Campo is another very popular town and a perfect place for ocean lovers. It has a beautiful waterfront, narrow streets, traditional architecture and views across the Atlantic — also home to Queijadas do Morgado, the famous place where traditional queijadas are made. They also have a storefront and cafe for you to purchase your gifts to take back home.

Take a boat ride oer to Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo - the crater of an ancient submerged volcano, with an almost perfectly circular natural lagoon in the centre.

Above the town, you’ll also find Nossa Senhora da Paz, one of my favourite viewpoints in São Miguel. The white chapel sits at the top of an incredible staircase decorated with traditional blue-and-white azulejo tiles. From the top, you get a panoramic view over Vila Franca.

Santa Barbara.

Where both my grandparents were born, so I might be biased, but I loved it here. This town has expanded immensely throughout the years and offers a ton of cool spots for travellers. Known as the surf spot, Santa Barbara beach is home to Santa Barbara Beach Club, Eco Resort, and TukaTula Beach Bar. The town itself where locals live is quite small, but definitely worth walking through to view all the small village beauty it has to offer.

TukaTula Beach Bar was a great spot if you’re looking for more elevated beach dining/cocktails. Santa Barbara Beach Club had the best acai bowl, and Santa Barbara Eco Resort is the most romantic spot for dinner and a sunset.

Some Extras.

Another swim spot I have to mention before I wrap up this guide, is Piscina de Caloura. If you only plan on visiting one natural swimming pool, make sure it’s this one. With a stunning backdrop, and lively atmosphere (but still family friendly) this was one of the most unique experiences I’ve had through ALL my travels. Bar Caloura is the seafood restaurant located directly at the pool’s entrance. Get a table, and swim between drinks and meals.

Before ending your trip, depending on what month you visit, see if you can squeeze in a festa. Festivals and village parties are pretty much every weekend during the summer months. Every village has their own, so your choices are wide! The one in Ponte Delgada is the largest, and if you can plan your trip around that one, it might be worth it!

Piscina de Caloura - Praia da Baixa D'Areia cove beach.

There is so much packed into this one little island — volcanic landscapes, natural hot springs, black-sand beaches, waterfalls, crater lakes, incredible food and some of the greenest scenery I’ve ever seen.

My biggest advice is not to over-plan it. Save the places you really want to see, rent a car and leave some room to wander. São Miguel is an island that is just as much about the journey between places as it is about the destinations themselves.

For a deeper look into some incredible Sao Miguel spots, click here to visit my Instagram!

French Riviera.

KELEECI MEDIA