Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego in the Azores — The Azores archipelago consists of nine islands floating in the Atlantic off the coast of Portugal. While it’s easy to island hop, we preferred staying on the largest island – São Miguel– for five nights to fully experience it. Our centrally-located airbnb (with a pool!) offered easy access to all the top locations, and an exceptional resting place after a full day exploring.
Was there enough to keep us busy? Absolutely! Between the vibrant woodlands and meadows, to the hot springs, dramatic coastline, black sand beaches, and gorgeous lakes, there was no shortage of adventures.
Here’s a list of our top 9 experiences, including where to stay:

Discover fiery Furnas.

Spend a day in Furnas, a geothermal hotspot on São Miguel Island, and watch the earth simmer and hiss while your dinner cooks in the hot sands off the shores of Furnas Lake. Here’s a few highlights, be sure to bring Euros:

Fumarolas Lagoa das Furnas — Walk on the shore of Furnas Lake amid the steamy geysers and watch as huge pots of the famous local dish – Cozido das Furnas – are cooked in hot volcanic pits.
Grena Park — Next to the fumarolas lies the entrance to Grena Park, where you can see nature at its purest while hiking to waterfalls. Afterwards, stop at the cafe right outside the entrance for a signaturel cerveja and tosta mista (ham and cheese).
Largo das Caldeiras — Drive to the village center, Calderas Square, and walk around the natural hot springs while eating macaroca – corn on the cob cooked in the bubbling underground waters. Our kids devoured it!
Restaurante Tony´s — After a day exploring, it’s time to taste the Cozido das Furnas. Tony’s is right in the village and seemed to be a local hotspot with some of the best food we had on the island. Travel Tip: Be sure to make a reservation to ensure they save enough Cozido for your party.

2. Canoe on Sete Cidades Lake.

If you only have a day on São Miguel island, experience the famous Sete Cidades Lake (Lagoa das Sete Cidades) by climbing to gorgeous viewpoints and canoeing on the clear, green water. Specifically:

Grota do Inferno and Vista do Rei Viewpoints — Stop at these picturesque miradouros on your way for the most iconic views of the lake. Travel Tip: Consider the fog before hiking to the summit! We didn’t, and found ourselves staring into the mist with no visibility. Plan your visit on a clear day.
Sete Cidades Lake — The largest of the freshwater lakes in the Azores, Sete Cidades Lake is technically two large twin lakes in the crater of a giant dormant volcano surrounded by vibrant vegetation. To really experience the lake, rent a kayak or canoe at Garoupa Canoe Tours, conveniently located right in the village on the lake. If you’re a family of five, you can rent the Hawaiian Canoe and paddle together. Travel Tip: They only accept reservations between 10am-12pm so plan your visit accordingly and bring Euros as they don’t accept credit.
Green Love — After paddling on the lake, have lunch right down the street from Garoupa at Green Love and take in the sights while seated on the lakeshore.

3. Explore volcanic shores.

If shimmering golden sand is what you’re seeking, São Miguel is not for you. This island is home to stunning black volcanic sand beaches. Here’s our favorite coastal adventures :

Fogo Beach — South of Furnas lies Fogo Beach, which was one of our family’s favorite beaches. Even on a cold, cloudy day the water and black sand felt warm thanks to being heated by underwater hydrothermal springs. The turquoise water contrasting with the black sands and rich-green mountains creates a stunning landscape. Travel Tip: Add this to your Furnas itinerary since it’s nearby and gives you a reprieve from the lingering sulfur smell of Caldeiras in Furnas.

Ponta da Ferraria Natural Pool — This unique, natural swimming pool is where volcanic hot water and refreshing seawater merge in a natural rock pool to create lukewarm water. There are no beaches as the pool is surrounded by rocky volcanic cliffs which creates a beautiful landscape, but is not the easiest to navigate with little ones. A small ladder leads down to the pool and crisscrossed ropes are available as the waves can get pretty rough. Travel Tip: This is not for little kids! Our 6-yr-old went in the pool and it was unnerving to hold her while clinging to one of the ropes and bobbing above the choppy waves. It’s also challenging to enter the pool as you have to navigate the rocks. Travel Tip: Take kids over 10 and wear water shoes.

Mosteiros Beach — After Ponta da Ferraria, take a short 15-minute drive to Mosteiros Beach, one of the best sandy beaches on the island. It’s shaped like a bay, creating calm waters and picturesque landscape with basalt stacks just offshore. Food trucks sell ice cream and beer right on the beach, so it’s a great place to stop early in the evening for a pre-dinner cone and cerveja.

4. Sample local specialties at Augusto Arruda Pineapple Plantation.

Compared to Central and South America, the famous Azores pineapples grow smaller and sweeter. See how they grow (in the ground – who knew?!) at the historic Augusto Arruda Pineapple Plantation as you wander through greenhouses and sample the original pineapple jams, chutney, liquor, and pina coladas.

5. Soak in thermal pools.

São Miguel Island is known for its simmering geothermal pools, and the Poça da Dona Beija hot springs — located in the geothermal village of Furnas — is one of the island’s top attractions. Once a wild spring, it’s now an open air spa with a series of deep water tanks filled with volcanic, crystalline water ranging from 80-100 degrees F. Hop from tank to tank while surrounded by gorgeous, lush greenery. Travel Tip: Reserve your 90-minute timeslot in advance as it sells out and bring Euros for the showers.

6. Hike to a hidden waterfall.

Looking for a family-friendly hike in the Azores? Below are 2 options depending on your intensity level. I, personally, preferred the first hike! But if you ask my kids, they’ll say the 2nd hike was more enjoyable.

Cascata do Salto do Prego (moderate, 4 miles) — Located in the charming parish of Faial da Terra on the southeast coast of São Miguel, this is one of the most famous hikes on the island. It’s a steep climb to 900 ft and took us roughly 3 hours. During the hike you’ll see goats and chickens alongside picturesque streams and waterfalls. Once you arrive at the majestically hidden Salto do Prego waterfall, you’ll be rewarded with a refreshing swim hole, so wear your bathing suit!

Salto do Rosal (easy, 2 miles) — For an easier adventure, walk this beautiful trail lined with giant redwoods to the Salto do Rosal waterfall. The trail begins at the cathedral on Furnas Lake and costs 4 euros to enter. It takes roughly 30 minutes and bring extra euros for a fresh pineapple juice or Pina Colada at the end.

7. Savor the sweeping coastal views.

With its sweeping coastal views, hydrangea lined highways, and endless rolling hills, there’s so much to see merely driving around the Azores. So rent a car and save this list of top viewpoints for your future visit. Oh, and watch out for crossing cows!

Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego — Located on the east coast, this stunning view is arguably the best on Sao Miguel with its terraced gardens and dramatic cliffs.
Miradouros da Boca do Inferno and da Vista do Rei — Stop on your way to Sete Cidades for the most iconic views of the lake.
Mosteiros Ponta da Ferraria — The westernmost tip of the island is a popular coastal spot for the unique Ponta da Ferraria Natural Pool, where volcanic hot water and refreshing seawater merge in a natural rock pool to create lukewarm water.

8. Wander through beautiful villages.

Be sure to linger in one of the Azores picture-perfect villages, lined with whitewashed facades and terra cotta roofs, historic chapels, and cobbled streets.

Here’s a list of our favorites for your future visit:

Ponta Delgada — the largest town and regional capital offering a bustling European vibe, historic landmarks, and thriving culinary scene.
Furnas — a bubbling volcanic village with traditional Azorean fare (cozido das furnas), mustard-colored hot springs, and steaming geysers.
Mosteiros — a salty seaside village on the westernmost tip of Sao Miguel surrounded by green pastures and home to a stunning black sand beach.

9. Relax amid the rolling hills and pastures.

Nestled in the hills of Ponta Garça, a small coastal village on the southern tip of São Miguel island, Casa Celeste is the perfect house for larger families looking to explore the island. Its central location offers easy access to all the top excursions, so just rent your car in Ponta Delgada and enjoy the scenic roads.

Here’s our key takeaways:

Pool — oceanview patio with a large heated pool, barbecue, lounge area, and outdoor game room — ideal for evening swims after a day exploring. Our kids couldn’t wait to get “home” to swim while we enjoyed local cheese and wine.
Layout — modern 4 bedroom with 5 beds, 3 full baths, large kitchen, dining and living rooms.
Neighborhood — located in a small coastal town with a local market and surrounded by rolling hills and a neighboring goat farm. We loved listening to the goats and cows while our loud, Jersey girls splashed in the pool.
Portuguese Bread Delivery — just leave the number of desired rolls hanging by the front door before bed and wake up to fresh buns daily!
Ideal location — roughly 30 min to Ponta Delgada, 15min to Furnas, and 45 min to western and eastern points.