Top Things to do in Sao Miguel
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Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Sao Miguel, Azores
Discover the best top things to do in Sao Miguel, Portugal including Caldeira das Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, Boca do Inferno Viewpoint, Parque Terra Nostra, Furnas, Poca Da Dona Beija, Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Centre, Salto do Cabrito, Islet of Vila Franca do Campo, Nossa Senhora da Paz.
Restaurants in Sao Miguel
1. Caldeira das Sete Cidades
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,535 reviews
Reviewed By Sunshine324317
One of the most popular spots in Acores Portugal for photography due to its breathtaking views , it's stunning greens and colors in the summer is really something to see, we have a beautiful island of Sao Miguel Acores Portugal
2. Lagoa do Fogo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,967 reviews
Reviewed By Ashevilletraveler4 - Asheville, United States
The 4 of us agreed that is was one of the most beautiful places we saw on Sao Miguel Island and that's saying a lot because the whole island is beautiful. There is a steep hike down to a beach area and it's really well worth doing. It was so lovely to be by the lake at the bottom of the crater and listen to the sound of nothing except nesting birds. Amazing.
3. Boca do Inferno Viewpoint
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 335 reviews
Reviewed By vg-t-2012 - Toronto, Canada
Go in the morning for best photographs and to get ahead of most visitors (sun at back). If you can't walk very far or are short of time, don't park in the parking lot by the main road. If the gate is open, drive in and follow the dirt road that everyone is hiking along to the very base of the ridge where the trail goes uphill to the actual "miradouro"/viewpoint. There is room for several cars there. The view is amazing. If you have bad knees, bring trekking poles. It's about 5 minutes uphill to the viewpoint, depending on your uphill capability.
4. Parque Terra Nostra
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,904 reviews
A must see in the heart of São Miguel Island, inside of Furnas Valley, Terra Nostra Garden dates back to 1775, when American merchant Thomas Hickling fell in love with Furnas and decided to create the perfect relaxation haven which still seduces every visitor today. Aside from its large Camellia Collection (over 600 species, some of which unique in the World) and other rare species, the park surrounding Terra Nostra Garden Hotel is known worldwide for its Thermal Pool, filled with volcanic water from the hot springs at a steady 40°C (104°F), rich in iron and other minerals highly beneficial for the skin and creating complete and unparalleled relaxation.
Reviewed By 265kathleena - Antwerp, Belgium
I loved the Terra Nostra Parque, beautiful to see, amazing hot thermal baths and even some animals to watch; you can even feed the fish with special provided fish food. Top Place!
5. Furnas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,108 reviews
Reviewed By randr360 - Cape Coral, United States
Great full day trip from Ponta Delgada east to Furnas & Tera Nostra Garden, Nordeste, along the north coast with Samual da Silva Regao (Greencorner Tours -([email protected];(+351)911936846. Second great trip west to Sete Cidades and Logoa. He grew up on the island, speaks excellent English and is a safe driver - highly recommend! He can tailor an excursion specific to your interests; has a van that carries 8.
6. Poca Da Dona Beija
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,139 reviews
Poça da Dona Beija's ferruginous muds are indicated for cutaneous invigoration, and it's hot waters are therapeutic. All the pools have running water which ensures it's constant renewal. We receive tourists from all over the world looking for some time of relaxation and well-being. You can visit us anytime of the year. Our hot waters are revitalizing both in the Summer and Winter!
Reviewed By 693kerrys - Hampshire, United Kingdom
Pay at entrance, scan barcode to go through Barrier, go to shop- pay for locker with waterproof electric key and leave 20 euro deposit. Explored the five pools- with various waterfalls and overflows dropping into the red river- all slightly different and all 39oC Favourite spot was in the mystic pool where you could lay flat on the smooth black stone and have the hot water flow gently under you dropping into the river. Entrance into the river itself was shut when I visited. Great place to relieve aching muscles from hiking. Accommodation had given us dark towels for using at the spas- Worth having to ensure you don’t wreck white towels! Tip: if you do not pay for the shower in the changing rooms afterwards it is very cold, you have to go to the shop after you have finished in the spa to pay for it, and they wouldn't let us pay before so ended up having the cold shower as couldn’t be bothered to go back as it was late - in hindsight a hot shower would have been a nicer end to the visit! You need to keep hold of your ticket to leave through the barriers
7. Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,754 reviews
The Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Centre (CIACV) is a structure dedicated to the promotion of the natural heritage of the Caldeira Velha´s area, which is classified as a Natural Monument. The building has, among other aspects, the main purpose of promoting the particular environmental values, allowing the visitor to discover in loco the particularities of this point of interest and acting as a complementary space of informal education. At the same time offers a wide network of resources and promotes a touristic component. It is also possible to enjoy three thermal pools and a walking trail at the Natural Monument. Concentrated in a space surrounded by natural landscape, the building is noteworthy for being an “object stamped on the landscape”, which adapts to the existing vegetation and rocks, granting it an organic image, consistent with the space.
Reviewed By Matteuzzo - Syracuse, Italy
We came here on a cold January morning, but we didn't want to miss out on this experience. Since a couple of years, this little park asks for an entrance fee (both for visiting and bathing) and there is a ample car park nearby. There are changing booths, WC, showers and a small information center. Recommend to first take a bath in the 24°C pool and waterfall before you head to the 38°C hot springs. It was early morning but already very crowded. Nevertheless an unforgettable experience not to be missed!
8. Salto do Cabrito
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 464 reviews
Reviewed By TheCrazyreyn - London, United Kingdom
We walked from Caldeiras de Ribeira Grande to this spot along the hiking trail, and it's ingenious in the way it uses a giant pipe (which services the hydro electric dam next to the waterfall) as part of the route. The heights on this route by the waterfall are something else! I'd also recommend visiting the abandoned dam at the Caldeiras de Ribeira Grande end of this route, which we almost didn't do but was absolutely worth the 10-15 minute detour.
9. Islet of Vila Franca do Campo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 595 reviews
Reviewed By 683denad
Realaxing and chilling out in the crater of an ancient submerged volcano with a natural lake of crystal clear water fed by the Atlantic Ocean is an experience not to be missed. The queue for tickets sold for 8 Euro's in a white ticket office at the harbour is long so do get there as early as possible. Although we were towards the end of the line and the wait seemed forever we did get to chat with people in the queue which did pass the time - thanks Irish chap n girlfriend and family from Fuerteventura - good to meet you! Emmanuel from the ticket booth kept us informed of availability in the most charming manner and seemed genuinely disappointed when it looked unlikely that we would get onto the island. His lovely manner was much appreciated. We were lucky to get the last ticket! Stay strong in the queue. The ferry men looked after everyone and made sure we had a safe and fun trip to the landing stage. Clear return times are display. From the jetty you walk round a single track pathway which leads along the rocks and as you round a little bend you get a beautiful view of this amazing ancient island .Best take beach shoes to wear on rocks and in water(getting out of water the rocks are slippy), a sun hat for shade, sunscreen, drinks n picnic, camera for fabulous phots, goggles n snorkel as there are many fish and I wish I'd taken a float so I could just bob about a bit. When we went water was deep with some places you could touch the bottom where the beach usually is - must've been high tide. There are steps to use at various locations to get in and out of the refreshing water which once you get in is a pleasant temperature. There were life guards there who were extremely vigilant and this added to feeling of keeping visitors and the island safe. They are a credit to the island...in fact everyone involved with it was superb.
10. Nossa Senhora da Paz
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 487 reviews
Reviewed By seanm66 - Alfred, United States
Beautiful old church on the top of the hill. Has amazing tile work and stone work with breath taking views.
