What to Do in São Miguel in 3 Days: The Perfect Itinerary for a Short Break

Three days in São Miguel may seem short for such a rich island — and it is true there is always more to discover. But with the right itinerary you can see the island's highlights without running, without stress, and with time to sit at a terrace and appreciate Azorean life in peace.

This itinerary was designed for those who want to see the island's highlights in a balanced way, combining nature, culture and gastronomy. The recommended base is Ponta Delgada, from which all excursions depart.

Day 1: Ponta Delgada and Lagoa do Fogo

Morning — Ponta Delgada

Start the day slowly. Have breakfast at a café in the historic centre — order a bolo lêvedo (a Furnas speciality) or a massa sovada with Azorean butter.

With a full stomach, walk through the historic centre on foot. Start at the iconic Portas da Cidade, the black basalt baroque arch that is Ponta Delgada's calling card. Continue to the Praça do Município, the Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião and the Mercado da Graça, where you can buy fresh cheese, regional liqueurs and traditional sweets.

Afternoon — Lagoa do Fogo

After lunch, head to Lagoa do Fogo, about 21 km from Ponta Delgada. This lake hidden in a volcanic crater at 580 metres altitude is one of the wildest and most beautiful landscapes on the entire island.

In summer (mid-June to end of September) access is via shuttle bus — tickets cost €5. Outside that period, you can drive directly.

If you have the energy, do the PRC02-SMI trail (11 km, 4 to 5 hours) to reach the lake shore. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, the viewpoint next to the road already offers a fantastic view.

Evening — Caldeira Velha (optional)

On the way back to Ponta Delgada, stop at Caldeira Velha — natural hot pools at 40 °C with a waterfall cascading into a greenish pool. Entry: around €5.

Day 2: Sete Cidades — the Azores' most famous caldera

Morning — Viewpoints and descent to the caldera

Leave early — before 8:30am — to avoid the crowds at the viewpoints. The first stop is Miradouro da Vista do Rei: the panorama over the caldera with Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde is simply unbelievable.

Next, descend to the village of Sete Cidades. Alternatively, do the PR3-SMI trail (7.7 km, about 2 hours) which descends from Vista do Rei to the village — an easy and spectacular route.

Midday — The village and the lakes

In the village you will find a peaceful and very picturesque atmosphere. Have lunch at one of the local restaurants and then hire a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore the lakes from the water.

Afternoon — Sunset at the viewpoints

Return to the viewpoints in the late afternoon — the caldera turns a golden colour at sunset that no photograph truly captures. Miradouro da Grota do Inferno is the best-kept secret in this area: less well-known, more intimate, and with a breathtaking view.

Day 3: Furnas — where the earth cooks

Morning — Hot springs and the stew ritual

The third day is dedicated to Furnas, about 40 minutes from Ponta Delgada. Leave around 10:30am to arrive at the caldeiras next to Lagoa das Furnas just before lunch.

Around noon the ritual begins: restaurant staff arrive with wheelbarrows to unearth the stew pots that have been buried in the ground since the early hours of the morning. Tony's, Miroma or Restaurante Caldeiras are the most recommended.

Afternoon — Terra Nostra Park and thermal baths

After lunch, visit Terra Nostra Park — a 12-hectare botanical garden with over 600 species of tropical plants and the Azores' most iconic thermal pool: a basin of iron-rich water naturally heated to 37 °C, of a deep orange colour.

If you prefer a more accessible alternative, Poça da Dona Beija has five outdoor pools open until 11pm — ideal for a dip at sunset.

Tip: On the way back to Ponta Delgada, stop in the village of Furnas to buy passion fruit liqueurs, homemade jams and lemon verbena tea. They are the best souvenirs you will find on the entire island.

Three days is not much for São Miguel but it is enough to fall in love with it. When you arrive at the airport, you will already be thinking about when to come back.