May again—let’s go.
After several months of living and working in the city, I knew it was time to reconnect with nature. There’s no better place for this than São Miguel, Azores. A stunning island filled with lush landscapes, wild coastlines, and steaming hot springs, just a little off the beaten path. This isaland ticked all those boxes and more.
São Miguel is part of the Azores archipelago, a remote group of nine volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, it is the largest and most accessible island. A perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers like myself.
Visiting in May was ideal — just before the busy summer season, with plenty of sunshine for exploring but enough unpredictability to keep every day interesting. Fewer tourists meant more space to roam freely, without the pressure to overplan. That kind of freedom is exactly what I look for when I travel.
While the Azores offer many islands to explore, I chose to focus on São Miguel and base myself in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel’s lively capital. From there, I took day trips to discover the island’s hidden gems — an ideal setup for any traveler wanting a blend of adventure and relaxation.
Freedom on Two Wheels
Here’s a little secret: even though I’d never ridden a motorbike before, I decided the best way to explore the volcanic paradise of São Miguel — an island 65 km long and 15 km wide — was to hire a scooter. (Pro tip: always have your driving licence handy!)
São Miguel’s diverse and hilly landscape is spread out, and I wasn’t keen on spending half my holiday waiting for infrequent buses in remote spots. So, renting a scooter gave me the freedom to roam at my own pace. I started with a test day to make sure I felt comfortable riding; the cost was around €25 per day plus a one-off €15 for extra insurance. My motorbike quickly became more than just transport — I affectionately named it Miguel, my trusty travel partner.
Visiting in the shoulder season meant I didn’t have to book in advance, but if you’re planning a trip during peak summer months, it’s definitely wise to reserve ahead.
One of the best perks of riding a scooter? The flexibility. São Miguel’s weather can change dramatically — one valley basking in sunshine while another hides in fog. Being able to adjust plans on a whim made the whole experience effortless and more enjoyable.
Once I’d studied the routes, navigating the island by scooter was surprisingly easy, with plenty of opportunities to pull over and explore. By the end of the trip, I felt like I really knew São Miguel.
Scooters are perfect for solo travellers looking for freedom and spontaneity. But if you’re travelling as a couple, with family, or planning multiple hikes — many of which last 1.5 to 2 hours — renting a car might be a better option. A car makes it easier to combine hikes in a single day and carry all your gear comfortably.
São Miguel’s Natural Wonders: Hot Springs & Thermal Baths
I quickly learned São Miguel’s secrets: save open-air hikes for those gloriously clear afternoons, and reserve the steamy hot springs for when the skies turn grey. And trust me, there’s no better place to be on a rainy day than soaking in a natural hot spring!
So naturally, I kicked off my trip with a visit to Furnas. Starting at Terra Nostra felt like the perfect introduction—immersing myself in the warm, orange, iron-rich waters was like a full-body reset. It was a slow, earthy cleanse that felt worlds away from city life, followed by a peaceful wander through the stunning botanical gardens and nature parks of Terra Nostra. Bonus: no online booking is usually needed, making it a spontaneous must-visit.
Since São Miguel is bursting with volcanic, steamy goodness, here are some of my favorite hot springs and thermal spots on the island:
Poça Dona Beija Hot Springs: These thermal waters hover around 39ºC (102.2°F) and are rich in iron. Surrounded by lush vegetation, it’s a truly relaxing experience. Entry costs just €8 per person, and tickets can be bought online—especially recommended during peak season or if you want to book a night visit.
Termas das Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande: For a more local, less touristy vibe, this spot was a favorite. It offers charm and authenticity away from the crowds.
Ponta da Ferraria: Don’t miss this unique ocean-side thermal experience, where hot volcanic spring water meets the cold Atlantic! You can literally float between warm and cool currents. The best time to visit is at low tide when the warm water is strongest—so be sure to check tide tables beforehand.
Piscina de Caloura: This stunning spot offers beautiful views, especially if you stop at Miradouro do Pisão beforehand. After soaking in the thermal pool, don’t miss nearby Bar Caloura, where fresh, simply grilled fish bursts with flavor—a perfect way to end the day.
Hikes That Took My Breath Away
Okay, so we’ve covered the hot springs—and trust me, those are reason enough to visit São Miguel! São Miguel is the perfect place to work up a sweat—and then reward yourself with another hot spring dip! So, after my fair share of relaxation, I traded my swimsuit for hiking boots and hit the trails. These were the ones that really stuck with me:
- This is more than just a hike; it’s an experience! You’re walking along the rim of a massive volcanic crater, with stunning views of the twin lakes below. Plus, there’s a creepy cool abandoned hotel that’s worth exploring (if you dare!).
- Want to feel like you’re on top of the world? This hike is a linear, roundtrip trail to one of the island’s most iconic crater lakes – Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake). Bring your camera, because the views are unreal! So glad I did this hike.
- This trail was my last hike of the trip. This is perfect if you’re looking for a moderate walk and a great way to say goodbye to the island. The village itself is charming, but the trail takes you to Salto do Prego waterfall – The crown jewel of the hike.I felt like I was hiking through a tropical paradise.
Useful Links
Azores Airlines (SATA) Main airline connecting the Azores with mainland Europe and North America.
SkyscannerGreat for comparing flight options to Ponta Delgada (PDL).
Azores Easy Rent Highly rated and locally based car/scooter rentals.
GetYourGuide Bookable activities and day trips.
