The Azores, a Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, are an easy trip from the US East Coast! In only four and half hours from NYC or Boston, you can be completely immersed in Portuguese and island life. When a quick weekend getaway is in store, these islands are just what the doctor ordered. This is my guide to a weekend on São Miguel, Azores!
Explore Ponta Delgada
Ponta Delgada is the capital city of the archipelago and will be your home base when exploring the Azores. The city is small but very walkable and easy to navigate. The sidewalks are lined with classic Portuguese style mosaic stones, each street offering a unique design. It’s based right on the Atlantic Ocean which makes it easy to access water activities such as whale and dolphin watching, boat rides, or ferries to other islands in the Azores.
Whale Watching
There are several options for whale watching on the island. Some as small as the dinghy pictured above, and others on large ships carrying hundreds of people. The former didn’t make me feel incredibly safe and the latter made me feel like I was engaging in mass tourism. Therefore, I chose to go with Moby Dick Tours. About thirty of us boarded an old wooden fishing boat for 4 full hours of dolphin and whale watching! With the exception of the horrific sunburn I got on my legs, it was an amazing time and it should be high on everyone’s Azores bucket list!
Arruda Pineapple Plantation
Arruda Pineapple Plantation is a working pineapple plantation that is located about 5 km outside of Ponta Delgada (about a 10 minute drive). Admission is free, and you can conduct a self-guided tour through their many greenhouses. Each greenhouse has pineapples that are at a different stage in their growth, so you can really see the progression. They also have a gift shop that offers tastings of everything from pineapple juice, pineapple cake, to of course- pineapple.
Sete Cidades
Vista do Rei (King’s View) is the iconic viewpoint on São Miguel that you often associate with the Azores. It’s spectacular! You’ll get sweeping views of the natural blue and green lakes and the town of Sete Cidades. Several miles of hiking trails line the mountains offering plenty of postcard-worthy sights. Plan ahead by checking the weather before you head out. It’d be a shame to have these views covered by dense fog or rain.
Warm Water Baths
These natural warm water baths are located within the Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Centre (CIACV). This area of São Miguel is classified as a National Monument- and it is well deserved, this place is gorgeous! Admission for adults is €8 (less for children and seniors), and allows access to the grounds including the nature centure, hiking trails, and of course- the baths. Lockers are available to rent for the day for €5. Many island tours will include this as a stop, so be sure to check your tour itinerary!
North Shore
The North Shore of São Miguel is much more green and lush than other parts of the island, and is definitely worth a stop on your trip! Both the north and south shores of the island have beautiful beaches, but the ones in the north are famous for their world-class waves and surfing. Areal de Santa Bárbara is one of the most famous, and an afternoon laying out on the beach between the cliffs deserves a spot on your itinerary.
In addition to the beaches, you’ll find large majestic cliffs that make you feel like you are overlooking the coast of Ireland. They’re spectacular!
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