São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal (with Map & Photos)

São Miguel Island is not accidentally nicknamed the green island. Its hills and valleys, the slopes of the lakes, are all covered with lush vegetation. That is why green is the main color of the island. The usual green landscape is diluted with black and white cows that graze all year round and produce the most delicious milk.

São Miguel Island Azores
São Miguel Island Azores

What to see on São Miguel Island


The capital of São Miguel Island is Ponta Delgada. It is right next to the international airport.

The city has a historical part of the city with architecture typical of the Azores, a fort, the São Sebastião Church and other attractions.

São Miguel Island Azores
São Miguel Island Azores

In the west of the island of São Miguel is the miradouro da Vista do Rei observation deck, which offers a royal view of the lake Sete Cidades.

In addition to Lake Sete Cidades, there are others on the island of São Miguel. No less beautiful places. For example Lagoa do Fogo which was formed in the crater of an extinct volcano 15 thousand years ago.

Be sure to visit Furnas with hot springs and the richest botanical garden Parque Terra Nostra. Warm springs and hot water pools in São Miguel: Parque Terra Nostra, Poça da Dona Beija (open until 11 pm), Caldeira Velha and Ribeira Grande.

São Miguel Island Azores
São Miguel Island Azores

It is fashionable to swim in them, and the water there is considered healing. Entrance to many places is paid and the number of people is limited.

In the northeast one can see the highland rainforests, the famous laurissilva of the Azores (laurissilva dos Açores). A unique bird in the world lives in them, a local endemic - o piolo (Azores bullfinch). In summer they can be seen from the lookout miradouro do Pico Bartolomeu. This bird weighs only 30 grams and has a length of 17 centimeters.

Beaches of São Miguel Island: Milicias, Sao Roque, Santa Barbara, Ribeira Quente, Pedreira, Povoacao, Lombo Gordo, Caloura, Mosteiros, Moinhos.

São Miguel Island Azores
São Miguel Island Azores

In the west of the island of São Miguel there is a place Ponta da Ferraria - a lava formation descending to the sea. There, the salty waters of the ocean are heated by a volcano. You can take warm baths in the ocean, which attracts many locals and tourists.

In May, next to the Campo de São Francisco, the religious feast of the Roman Apostolate is held, dedicated to Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres, which attracts a lot of people from the Portuguese diasporas in North America. This holiday is also called Emigrant's Day.

From July 11 to 14, the Divino Espirito Santo holidays are held on the São Miguel Island. The people have fun, cook and eat the soup of the Holy Spirit.

São Miguel Island Map