Portugal (Azores) 1/8/2026

São Miguel, Azores: Europe's Hawaii - 2026 Adventure Guide

AdventureNatureVolcanicHiking

São Miguel is the largest island in the Azores archipelago, a remote Portuguese paradise located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean (about 1,500km from Lisbon). Often called “The Green Island” (Ilha Verde) or “Europe’s Hawaii,” this volcanic island offers dramatic landscapes, geothermal wonders, and some of the most pristine nature in Europe.

In 2026, São Miguel has become a top destination for sustainable adventure tourism, attracting hikers, divers, and nature lovers from around the world who want to escape the heatwaves of mainland Europe.

Why Visit São Miguel in 2026?

The Azores have been recognized as one of the world’s most sustainable tourism destinations.

  • Landscapes: Imagine Ireland mixed with Hawaii. Rolling green hills, hydrangeas lining the roads, black sand beaches, and mist-covered craters.
  • Geothermal Activity: You can bathe in natural hot springs, see bubbling mud pools, and eat food cooked by the volcano.
  • Crowds: While popular, it still feels undiscovered compared to destinations like Iceland or Madeira.

Best Time to Visit

  • Summer (June - September): Best chance of sun and blue hydrangeas in bloom. Temperatures are mild (20-25°C).
  • Spring & Autumn (May/October): Good for hiking, fewer crowds. Weather changes fast.
  • Winter (November - March): Green and lush, but rainy and windy. Great for dramatic storm watching and hot springs.

Iconic São Miguel Experiences

1. Sete Cidades (Seven Cities)

The island’s most iconic sight is the twin lakes inside a massive volcanic crater (caldera).

  • The Legend: One lake is blue (Lagoa Azul), the other green (Lagoa Verde). Legend says they were formed by the tears of a green-eyed shepherd and a blue-eyed princess who were forbidden to love each other.
  • Vista do Rei: The most famous viewpoint.
  • Boca do Inferno: Hike to this viewpoint for a spine-tingling view of multiple crater lakes and the ocean. It is the most Instagrammable spot in the Azores.

2. Furnas Valley

This geothermal wonderland is a living laboratory.

  • Terra Nostra Park: A botanical garden with a massive thermal pool (naturally heated to 38°C) where you can soak surrounded by exotic plants. The water is orange due to iron—bring an old swimsuit!
  • Fumaroles: Walk through the town to see steam venting from the ground and bubbling mud pools.
  • Cozido das Furnas: A traditional stew (meat and vegetables) buried in the ground and slow-cooked by volcanic heat for 6 hours.

3. Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake)

A pristine crater lake located at 575 meters altitude.

  • The View: It is the wildest of the lakes, surrounded by high mountains and endemic vegetation.
  • The Beach: You can hike down to the white sand beach inside the crater. It is a nature reserve, so no swimming in some areas to protect the water quality.

4. Whale and Dolphin Watching

The Azores are one of the best places in the world for cetaceans.

  • Species: Sperm whales are resident year-round. In spring (April-June), migrating Blue Whales and Fin Whales pass through.
  • Ethics: The operators follow strict codes of conduct to respect the animals.

5. Ponta Delgada

The charming capital city.

  • Architecture: Distinctive black (volcanic basalt) and white architecture.
  • Portas da Cidade: The iconic city gates.
  • Mercado da Graça: Visit to buy the famous Azorean pineapples (grown in greenhouses, they are small and incredibly sweet).

6. Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo

A small volcanic islet just off the coast.

  • The Crater: The crater is open to the sea, forming a perfectly circular natural swimming pool.
  • Red Bull Cliff Diving: It is a famous stop on the world series. Accessible by boat in summer.

Gastronomy: Volcanic Flavors

  • Bolo Lêvedo: A sweet, fluffy flatbread/muffin unique to the Furnas area. Delicious with cheese or jam.
  • Queijo da Ilha: The Azores produce 50% of Portugal’s cheese. Try the spicy, aged cheese from São Jorge.
  • Limpets (Lapas): Grilled shellfish served with garlic, butter, and lemon.
  • Chá Gorreana: Visit Europe’s only tea plantation. The green hills of tea bushes overlooking the ocean are stunning.
  • Steak: The cows here are grass-fed year-round, making the beef incredible.

Where to Stay

  • Ponta Delgada: The best base for first-timers. Plenty of restaurants and easy access to the whole island.
  • Furnas: For a relaxing spa retreat in nature.
  • Ribeira Grande: On the north coast, popular with surfers.
  • Sete Cidades: Quiet and remote, perfect for disconnecting inside the crater.

Travel Tips for 2026

  • Car Rental: Essential. Public transport is limited.
  • Weather App: Use “SpotAzores” which shows live webcams. It can be foggy in the mountains but sunny at the coast.
  • Swimming: The ocean is cool (17-23°C). The hot springs are the place to warm up.

Conclusion

São Miguel is an island of raw, untamed beauty. It’s a place where you can swim in volcanic hot springs in the morning, hike to a crater lake in the afternoon, and watch the sunset over the Atlantic while sipping local tea.

Ready for volcanic adventures? Visit our Islands Registry or explore more Atlantic islands.