The island of S. Miguel, located in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores, is a natural paradise that seems to have been transported from another universe.
So Miguel, the largest island in the Azores, is an autonomous archipelago located smack dab in the midst of the Atlantic Ocean. So Miguel gives off the impression of being a whole separate world, one that is still in its most natural and unspoiled state. It has a primordial, almost prehistoric lushness that gives visitors the feeling that they have stepped into a period and place undisturbed by humanity. This is due to the fact that it has an almost prehistoric lushness. The stunning landscape is defined by its dramatic and varied topography, which includes features like as volcanic crater lakes, lush woods, fumaroles, waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and turquoise seas.
Naturally, the otherworldly landscape is at the top of the list of reasons to go there, as are the diverse activities that can be enjoyed while taking in the unspoiled natural beauty, such as whale watching and hiking. As a result of this, visitors who have had the good fortune to travel to both the State of Hawaii and So Miguel are unable to help but see similarities between the untamed landscape and eco-oriented tourism that thrives in both regions; this is how So Miguel got the nickname "Hawaii of Europe."
A trip to So Miguel is guaranteed to be a gastronomic adventure in every sense of the word. It doesn't matter if you're tasting exquisite cuisine, appreciating a holistic spa ritual, swimming in the hot springs, admiring the seamless design at a boutique hotel, or learning about local culture in the capital city; everything connects back to the soil that has blessed the island for millennia.
Getting to São Miguel
Because it is the largest of the Azorean islands, Sao Miguel is where the international airport is located. To get to Ponta Delgada (PDL), which is located in the Azores, passengers coming from the East Coast can board a nonstop trip on Sata Azores Airlines departing from New York (JFK) or Boston (BOS) and arriving there just five hours later.
Where to Stay in the Best Locations on So Miguel
The lodging options on S. Miguel are designed with the intention of bringing visitors into closer contact with the natural environment while at the same time giving a heavenly and frequently very comfortable place to unwind after a day full with exciting activities.
Senhora do Rosa, which is a member of the Mr. & Mrs. Smith collection and is located in a location that is embraced by the mountains and the sea while still being not too distant from Ponta Delgada, offers the kind of stay that is elevated yet unwaveringly linked to nature. At every step, the design and decor make a reference to the surrounding environment by combining contemporary items with antiques and comfortable textiles.
This is the Hawaii of Europe. https://t.co/DpIlHkJG4L pic.twitter.com/WpLPTJ0rmK
— Condé Nast Traveller (@cntraveller) April 7, 2023
A true escape on the southern coast, White Exclusive Suites & Villas is a boutique hideaway with a minimalist aesthetic and a policy that only allows adults to stay there; as a result, the atmosphere reflects the tranquility of the place. In addition to being managed by Singular Properties, the Santa Barbara property in the island's north provides guests with the opportunity to develop a greater appreciation for the qualities that give So Miguel its unique character. It's a beachfront eco-resort that has a healthy respect for the natural world and the peace and quiet of a retreat.
The Octant Furnas resort is a chic and modern interpretation of a traditional thermal springs getaway, and it features an extraordinary spa. The villas with their own private outside decks, heated swimming pools, and sun loungers exude the fullest sense of what it means to be on vacation. Spending a night or two in the nation's capital provides a welcome break from the typical routine. The Octant Ponta Delgada provides a refined home base for travelers in between excursions by providing a gourmet cuisine, panoramic views of the ocean, and the opportunity to observe whales from the rooftop bar.
The Top Activities Available on So Miguel
You don't go to So Miguel only to view the natural scenery; rather, you go there to commune with the natural world. Yes, there will be a certain amount of spectating involved, particularly when your eyes meet the endlessly gorgeous terrain for the first time; but, the island encourages visitors to be active participants and to appreciate every moment.
It would be unwise to visit Sao Miguel without packing hiking boots (and, for that matter, some kind of water-resistant gear). The number of hiking options is virtually limitless. The breathtaking paths of Sete Cidades provide visitors with a front-row perspective of the famous twin crater lakes of Lagoa Azul ("blue lagoon") and Lagoa Verde ("green lagoon"), making them a highlight of any tour. ("green lagoon"). Within the Agua de Pau Massif stratovolcano in the middle of the island of So Miguel is where you'll find the beautiful lake of Lagoa do Fogo. There is a difference in distance between the two primary vantage sites, which are known as Miradouro da Barrosa and Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo. (the latter being shorter). Both of these options are stunning, but the one you choose will depend on how much time and energy you have available. Cycling all the way around the island is another favorite activity. Consider going for an e-bike ride if you feel like your legs could use a break.
In reference to the practical requirement of having waterproof apparel, the reason for this is that it rains a lot on So Miguel. Because of all this precipitation, the landscape is impossibly lush, and it provides water for the numerous waterfalls. Canyoning trips via Ribeira dos Caldeires are highly recommended for vacationers who relish the adrenaline rush that comes with being drenched in a refreshing spray.
The plentiful mineral hot springs, in particular those found in the area of Furnas, are an excellent method to relax and relieve aching muscles. Do you want to get your feet wet in the water tourist industry? Tours that focus on observing marine mammals such as whales and dolphins are very popular. Scuba diving, surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding are among activities that travelers can partake in to extend their water adventures.
Although the untamed pull of nature is still the primary lure, the cultural touchpoint and capital of Ponta Delgada offers the landmark St. Sebastian Church, which dates back to the 16th century, as well as the City Gates, which date back to the 18th century. Additionally, So Miguel is home to a number of picturesque fishing communities that are well worth exploring.
The Finest Restaurants and Watering Holes on Sao Miguel
When you spend so much time outside, you're likely to work up an appetite. You can restore all of that depleted vitality by indulging in the varied gastronomic customs that are traditional to the island of So Miguel. At restaurants all throughout the island, the emphasis is placed on using local ingredients. This includes produce that has been ripened by the sun (and nourished by the rain), meat that has been reared in verdant meadows, locally made artisan cheese from the adjacent town of So Jorge, and seafood that has been fished in the waters off the coast.
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Ponta Delgada is home to the majority of the island's dining and drinking establishments. This includes the intimate appeal of Michel Restaurant, Reserva Bar for wine and small plates, and Gastrónomo, which delights customers with grilled limpets, octopus, tuna, clams, and squid that taste like they were just retrieved from the sea. All of these establishments are located in the same building. Rotas da Ilha Verde's abundant plant-based gastronomy and decadent, crowd-pleasing chocolate cake are two of the restaurant's main selling points. Plant-based cuisine is not very common in the Azores, but the restaurant hopes to change that and convert carnivores with its offerings.
In addition, hotels offer a venue where renowned chefs can demonstrate their culinary skills to guests. Quinta dos Sabores is an agriturismo located on an organic farm, and it features a gourmet restaurant that is inspired by the changing seasons, as well as lodgings. Quinta dos Sabores excels at many things, and it does so with a sense of ease that belies the hard effort that is required to care for the soil in such a conscientious manner. Cocktails, vinho verde, and tapas such garbanzo bean puree with red peppers from the Azores can be enjoyed in a fanciful atmosphere at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel's Gardener Bar & Terrace. The hotel is located within the Terra Nostra Garden.
You can book a chef-guided heritage food tour through The Art of Tasting Portugal, which includes stops at a biodynamic farm, an earth-oven bread operation, a tea factory, and a lunch spot in Porto Formoso. This will provide you with an immersive gastronomic experience that sheds light on purveyors, platers, and everyone else that is involved in the process. For more information, visit our website.