São Miguel, The Azores
Visiting The Azores archipelago in the North Atlantic is an adventure like no other. The seven volcanic islands, albeit tiny compared to mainland Portugal, pack in tremendous natural landscapes. From black sand beaches to thermal springs, from beautiful lakes to amazing hikes, from whale watching to sailing and kayaking, from tea estates to sumptuous sea-food there is something for everyone here. While we wouldn’t call it a “party” destination, do pack your bags for the Azores if you are looking to unwind in a remote and tranquil island, insofar spared by mass tourism.
Trip Highlights
- Head to Terra Nostra Park or Poça da Dona Beija and soak in the hot geothermal pools known for their health benefits including improved circulation, reduced stress and healing skin conditions.
- Trek to the summit of Mount Pico – while the trail is rock, you are rewarded with a gorgeous view at an altitude of 2,351 metres (7,713 feet)
- A haven for seafood lovers, most restaurants source ingredients straight from the ocean and ordering lapas (limpet clams) is particularly special, especially on the westernmost islands, Flores and Corvo.
- Soak in the picture perfect views of the crater lake Lagoa do Fogo or the Miradoura da Boca do Inferno in São Miguel
- Check out some of the oldest and one of the few tea plantations in Europe
- Walk around the desolate lunar landscape of the Capelinhos volcano
Which Visa Do I Need
Indian citizens require a Schengen visa to visit Portugal
Length of Stay
We recommend at least 5 days on São Miguel island. If you have a few extra days, you may choose to spend time on another island, or in Lisbon/Mainland Portugal on your way in or out.
Best time to visit
The Azores are a year-round destination with temperature ranging between 14-22 Celsius. This is attributed to a warm ocean current around the island. However, weather is unpredictable, even in the duration of the day.
volcanic landscapes, black sand beaches, thermal hot springs, sailing, kayaking, para-gliding, hiking, seafood
Did you know
- Three of the world’s large tectonic plates – North American Plate, Eurasian Plate and African Plate meet on the Azores. The westernmost islands of the archipelago, Corvo and Flores, are on the North American Plate, while the remaining islands are located within the region where the Eurasian plate is separated from the African Plates.
- São Miguel is home to the only tea plantation in Europe. It is also the only place in the world where pineapples are grown in greenhouses
- The traditional “cozido nas caldeiras” is a dish that’s cooked in volcanic heat for seven hours, one metre below ground
- Corvo, the smallest of the Azores covers seven square miles
