Água D'Alto Beach

Sao Miguel Island in Azores, Portugal is filled with vibrant lakes, volcanos, lush trails, hot springs, hydrangeas, and black sand beaches. Get insights into hidden coves untouched by time, trails that lead to the heart of the island, and gastronomic secrets that dance on the palate. Packed with insider tips, breathtaking imagery, and curated itineraries, this guide is your passport to an island less traveled✨ I share everything you need to know in organized lists, and how to split up your days on the island. You can expect: 🗺 Interactive google map with everything pinned (75 pins) ❓ FAQ and other tips (such as transportation and how to split your days/activities up on the island) 🥾 Hiking trails + waterfalls (AllTrails links included) 🔍 Viewpoints for simple yet insane sights (TripAdvisor links included) 🍲 Restaurants (menu linked when available) 🏝 Beaches 💧 Hot springs & Thermal baths 🛶 Tours with links (free options also listed) 🏨 Recommended accommodations (Includes budget, mid-range, and luxury options for the following regions: Ponta Delgada, Furnas, Ribeira Grande, and Sete Cidades) 📱 Useful apps & websites 📍 BONUS: 1 week recommended itinerary + 4 day recommended itinerary ____________________________________________ **I do make a small kickback at no cost to you on some of the tours and accommodations listed on this guide** Make sure to save this guide + tag me in your adventures @theguidedtravels. I know you’ll love the island as much as I did, and I would love to see where you decide to go(:

São Miguel Island is the largest--in both size and population--of the Azores. The Green Island was discovered and claimed by the Portuguese in the early 15th century. Mild climate and fertile volcanic soil made the island appealing for settlers. It quickly became an export hub for in-demand sugar. A fishing industry eventually followed. Now it's tourists who are flocking to the island. They're lured by black-sand beaches, hidden hot springs, lake-filled craters, Europe's only tea plantations, quiet hiking trails, volcanic hills, and whale-watching tours. Be sure to spend some time in Ponta Delgada, the easy-to-navigate capital, as well. This detailed guide includes: Places: cities, neighborhoods, towns, hidden villages Stay: hotels Eat: coffee shops, ice cream stands, restaurants, teahouses Drink: beach bars, rooftop bars Do: abandoned hotels, aqueducts, bamboo groves, beaches, botanical gardens, bridges, chapels, churches, fountains, fumaroles, gardens, gates, hikes, lakes, marinas, nature preserves, public parks, roads, sculptures, squares, statues, tourist offices, viewpoints Transportation: airports, car rentals, parking lots

There are secret islands in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. Nine of them, actually. The Azores are an autonomous region of Portugal, even though they're nearly 900 miles off the coast of Lisbon. Mount Pico, on the island of Pico, is actually the highest point in the European country. The volcanic archipelago is covered with farmland. Small fishing communities line the coasts. Travelers were first introduced to the remote islands when they became a refueling stop for flights between Europe and North America. Direct flights from Boston and New York eventually followed. The Azores are finally being discovered by North Americans without Portuguese heritage. It's about time. Ponta Delgada, the little capital, mixes historic buildings with modern hotels and restaurants. São Miguel, the main island, is full of hiking trails and hot springs. Pico Island is famous for its wine. While seven other islands are just waiting to be explored. With mild climate, thanks to the jet stream, the Azores are a year-round destination. Go before the secret gets out. This detailed guide includes: Places: islands, cities, neighborhoods, towns, hidden villages Stay: hotels Eat: bakeries, coffee shops, ice cream stands, pizzerias, restaurants, teahouses Drink: beach bars, rooftop bars, tapas bars, wineries Do: abandoned hotels, aqueducts, bamboo groves, beaches, botanical gardens, bridges, chapels, churches, fountains, fumaroles, gardens, gates, hikes, lakes, marinas, mountains, natural swimming pools, nature preserves, public parks, roads, sculptures, squares, statues, tourist offices, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, viewpoints, windmills Transportation: airports, car rentals, ferries, parking lots