11 Best Sights in São Miguel, The Azores

Caldeiras da Lagoa das Furnas

Fodor's choice
Along Lake Furnas you’ll see pockets of steam rising from the vents in the volcanic soil, which is used to cook the famous cozido (stew, usually made from a variety of meats). If you arrive around noon, you can see the cozido pots being lifted out of the earth after hours of cooking. At other times, the caldeiras are an atmospheric place for a short stroll on the paths constructed around the bubbling mud, or a longer but still relatively easy hike around the lake itself, which takes about 90 minutes.

Parque Terra Nostra

Fodor's choice
These sprawling gardens date back to 1775, when Boston merchant Thomas Hickling built a summer house called Yankee Hall, planted trees brought in from North America, and constructed the thermal water pool, still a highlight of the park today. The gardens were enlarged in the mid-19th century, adding Australian King and Canary Islands palm trees and other imported species still thriving today. The garden is particularly well known for its collections of camellias, cycadales, and ferns, as well as for its thermal pool, which is an orange-brown color due to its high iron content. There are changing rooms and outdoor showers to rinse off after, but be sure to bring a towel and wear a swimsuit that you don’t mind getting stained.

Poça da Dona Beija Hot Springs

Fodor's choice
These rustic mineral hot springs surrounded by greenery make for a relaxing stop when in Furnas—though they’re extremely popular with locals and tourists alike, so it’s best to come in the morning to avoid the evening rush and to more easily snag one of the limited parking spots. There are four stone pools with water at 39ºC, some with waterfall features, and one cooler pool with 28ºC water; all are orange-colored because of the high iron content, so leave light-colored swimsuits and any jewelry back at your hotel to avoid discoloration. Towels are available for an extra fee, as are lockers, for which you’ll need to leave a deposit. You’ll definitely want to rinse off after bathing in the pools, and while cold showers are free, you’ll need to purchase a token to have a hot shower.

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Ponta da Ferraria

Fodor's choice
This natural hot springs differs from the others on São Miguel because it’s actually in the ocean. Surrounded by basalt cliffs, the cold ocean water mixes with the hot thermal water to create a unique bathing experience—just keep an eye on the tides, as at high tide, the waters can feel chilly, while at low tide they can be steamy. But time it right (there’s a Ferraria Hot Springs app that can help), and you’ll never want to leave. A footpath leads down to the volcanic rock pool and from there, a ladder will take you into the thermal waters. Though it’s fairly shallow, wearing waterproof shoes is a good idea, as the rocks can be sharp and slippery underneath. There are ropes to hold on to if needed, and lifeguards on duty.

Praia de Santa Bárbara

Fodor's choice
Stretching for about 1 km (a little over half a mile), this black-sand beach on the Atlantic Ocean is best known as a prime surfing spot—in fact, World Surf League Qualifying Series events are held here every year. You can take a surfing lesson from the school on the beach or rent a paddleboard here, or just grab a drink in the adjacent beach bar. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (no fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: surfing; walking.

Centro de Interpretação Ambiental da Caldeira Velha

It’s a short walk on a paved path through a subtropical forest to reach the four small pools at Caldheira Velha: three hot pools (about 36ºC), and one cooler pool (about 27ºC) adjacent to a waterfall. While more compact than the pools at Furnas, the ferns and other greenery give this place an almost prehistoric feel. The interpretation center contains informative displays on the area’s volcanic history and biodiversity in the Azores in general. Bring a towel and flip-flops; there are lockers and showers, but with cold water only.

Forte de São Brás

Ponta Delgada

Used as a military support hub during World War I and II and still partly in use today by the naval forces, this 16th-century fort on the far west side of Ponta Delgada’s waterfront houses a compact yet comprehensive museum chronicling the country's military history up to colonial times. Inside the museum, you’ll find collections of weaponry, uniforms, photos, and military vehicles, along with temporary exhibits such as the role of the Azores during World War II. Finish your visit with a walk along the ramparts to see the lovely harbor views.

Lagoa das Sete Cidades

The breathtaking Blue and Green Lakes (Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde) of Sete Cidades are one of the most photographed sights on the island of Sāo Miguel—and for good reason. If at all possible, plan your visit for a clear day, when one lake appears to be robin’s egg blue and the other jade green. The best way to see the lakes is from one of the vantage points high above, especially Vista do Rei, which has its own parking area. The viewpoint at Boca do Inferno offers what many visitors consider an even better view, overlooking not only the lakes, but also the entire volcano-shaped landscape. You can start a hike from either viewpoint, or at Lagoa Verde itself—though keep in mind that while this hike starts off easy, it becomes more difficult as it climbs up and down through the woods.

Museu Carlos Machado

This eclectic museum’s collection is displayed in three buildings within walking distance from each other, with the largest section—the natural history collection—housed within the 16th-century Convento de Santo André, a former convent that retains much of its original charm. The natural history portion focuses on botany, geology, mineralogy, and especially zoology, with many taxidermied specimens that are both fascinating and creepy. The Santa Bárbara location houses more contemporary artworks and temporary displays, while the sacred art museum includes 17th- and 18th-century pieces from Azorean painters, a former chapel with an intricate carved-wood altar, and interesting temporary exhibits.

Plantações de Chá Gorreana

Home to one of the only tea plantations in Europe, Gorreana has been cultivating organically grown black and green tea since 1883. A visit here is rather homespun; visitors are welcome to take a self-guided tour (or a free guided tour) of the factory, with machinery dating from the 19th century, before helping themselves to samples of both hot and cold teas. There’s also a tearoom that serves light meals (along with tea, of course), and a shop to buy products to take home.

Praia de Água d'Alto

This long stretch of beach along the south coast, about 21 km (13 miles) east of Ponta Delgada, is popular with locals and visitors alike for its clear water, beach bar, and proximity to town. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: swimming; walking.