Sao Miguel Travel Guide
Säo Miguel Island of the Azores is definitely a place you want to add to your travel bucket list. This island in the Atlantic Ocean is perfect for exploring and hiking some of the best trails in the Azores.
We spent 5 days exploring Sao Miguel and all the island had to offer. Although there is plenty to see along the coast, hiking in Sao Miguel is the best way to experience the amazing views including ocean views, waterfalls, lakes, and even volcano craters. Make sure you check out our Top Hikes in Sao Miguel. I hope this Sao Miguel Travel Guide helps you have an amazing trip!
Things to See and Do in Sao Miguel
Sete Cidades
Lagoa do Fogo
Terra Nostra
Boca de Inferno
Arruda Pineapple Plantation
Islet of Vila Franca do Campo
Salto Do Prego
Lagoa do Furnas
Ponta Delgada
Typical Costs When Traveling
Accommodation – Hotels are reasonably priced on this popular European vacation destination but we also recommend looking at available options at VRBO or Booking.com. We recommend splitting up your travel and staying a few nights in Furnas and Ponta Delgada. This will allow you to maximize your time and take in all that each area of the island has to offer.
We stayed in Terra Nostra Garden Hotel for a few days and loved being able to enjoy the thermal pools after it was closed to the public. The room was very clean and spacious and the restaurant was delicious! We also stayed at the Pedra Del Mar hotel for the last part of our trip. I recommend paying the upgrade to an ocean view room because the view from this hotel is amazing! We loved the restaurant and relaxing by the pool with a sangria.
We booked our last trip to the Azores through Azores Getaway. They offer some amazing deals that include your airfare and hotel and usually a few tours. We were able to get our entire package for less than a flight booked on our own!
Food – Most hotels offer buffet breakfast included with your stay, which offers a variety of choices and helps with your budget. Because we stayed in hotels, we didn’t have a kitchen so we dined out for lunch and dinner. Popular lunch choices were sandwiches and hamburgers which were reasonable. Expect to pay higher prices at restaurants in hotels. A budget of $30-40 USD per person per day would be sufficient to allow for some nicer meals at dinner.
Transportation – We recommend renting a car for your stay in Sao Miguel. You will be driving to rural locations and public transportation was not reliable or nonexistent. Assuming you are traveling as a couple, rent the smallest vehicle as possible. Streets are tight and parking will be easier when parking at popular destinations.
Suggested daily budget – $150-250 USD (Note: This is a suggested Sao Miguel travel guide budget assuming you’re staying in a moderate hotel with breakfast included, renting compact car, and staying on $40 food budget per person. Using the budget tips below, you can always lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more often, expect this to be higher!)
Money Saving Tips
1
Book during Off-Season The Azores are a popular destination for Europeans and is most popular in June-September when the weather is less rainy. However the temperatures are moderate year round (50s in winter) and booking during an offseason can save you a significant amount of money. Just pack a raincoat!
2
Look for Travel Packages
We’ve found deals that are so unbelievable that if you don’t book it, you’ll be regretting it. Azores Getaways has packages that include flight and accommodations to Sao Miguel from Boston or New York for less than cost of a flight!
3
Book hotel with breakfast included We've already mentioned this above, but it can save you a portion of your budget if you book a hotel with breakfast included. Not to mention you will be able to sample an assortment of Azorean food options.
4
Most everything worth seeing is free It’s your lucky day in Sao Miguel because everything you want to see on this beautiful island is free. As always, we recommend recycling and always leave it as you found it (or better).
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August 24, 2018
