The largest of the islands in the Azores archipelago, Sao Miguel Island is located off the coast of Portugal. With a variety of options for recreation and relaxation, São Miguel is a vibrant destination that everyone will enjoy. Discovered in the early fifteenth century, São Miguel was originally settled by Portuguese citizens in 1440. Throughout the following years, the island enjoyed economic success and endured natural disasters and attacks before its resurgence as a commercially viable location.
Things to Do
By the nineteenth century, São Miguel was known for its beautiful architecture and its status as an exporter of oranges. Although agriculture remained a key part of the island’s economy through the middle of the twentieth-century, tourism became the main focus of the island in the 1980s and has remained that way ever since.
Visitors to São Miguel can customize their trip to include an assortment of attractions and activities that connect them with nature and recreation.
Surfing – Across the island, surfers of all interests and levels of experience can hit the waves. Regular surfing, windsurfing, and stand up paddling are available; visitors can explore the wide-open ocean or small lagoons. Guests can book excursions or guides on São Miguel’s website.
Canoeing/Kayaking – Either alone or with the help of a specialist, visitors can explore the island by way of canoe or kayak.
Unique Activities
Hiking – The island is home to a variety of trails that can be explored by beginners or experienced hikers alike. Guests should consult São Miguel’s website for more detailed information about each trail.
Whale Watching – Guests can take to the sea for a guided whale tour of the area. On most days, visitors will see a variety of rare and common whales and dolphins.
Golfing – Players on São Miguel can visit The Furnas Golf Course or the Batalha Golf Course. Each of these state-of-the-art golf courses allows for guests to enjoy their favorite game in style. Visitors can either bring their own equipment or rent clubs from the golf course. Golf is available year round due to the island’s temperate climate.
Horseback Riding – With the aid of a tour company, guests can experience the island’s natural beauty and travel across São Miguel on horseback.
Yachting – While yachting, visitors can take in the sights of São Miguel from the comfort of a sailboat. Guests can choose from a variety of tour companies to take them out to sea.
Fun Adventures
Nature – Called “The Green Island” by many, São Miguel contains scenic natural features that allow visitors to relax and reconnect with nature. Thick forests, broad fields, and mountains characterize the island’s landscape. Visitors can also expect to see volcanoes, thermal springs, and a tranquil coastline.
For a little more excitement, visitors should head to São Miguel during a holiday or one of the several festivals that are celebrated on the island.
New Year’s Eve – Visitors can enjoy New Year’s Eve like never before on São Miguel. The island offers top of the line restaurants, barhopping, and live music, all in front of the beautiful backdrop of the marina.
Carnival – Each year, São Miguel is overrun with the vibrant energy of Carnival celebrations. Guests can take part in the traditional Water Battle, attend masquerades, and watch parades from the streets of the capitol city of Ponta Delgada.
Holy Ghost Festivals – In the summer months, the citizens of the island celebrate the Holy Ghost Festivals in the streets of São Miguel. Beginning at chapels, these festivals include a parade, holy decorations, and opportunities to worship, as it is tied to Easter and Pentecost Sunday.
Saint Peter’s Horse Riders – Every June, the Saint Peter’s Horse Riders event celebrates the day of St. Peter. The event begins with a parade of riders dressed in medieval garb and ends with a joust in the city of Ribeira Grande. The bright costumes and music make this festival particularly exciting.
Dining and Shopping
Visitors will love the unique culinary experience available to them on the island. Eateries across São Miguel offer delicious meals, prepared in a traditional manner with local delicacies like fresh seafood, cheeses, and peppers. Guests should also be sure to sample the iconic green tea produced in the area. More specific dining options can be found online.
São Miguel also has a wide variety of shopping options for visitors of the island, from small eccentric gift shops to sprawling shopping malls. Guests may choose to take home some of the hand-painted ceramics or cornhusk dolls as a symbol of their time on the island.
