Extend your stay on São Miguel Island

Beyond Ponta Delgada where many of our holidays are based, São Miguel Island offers excellent accommodation ideally located to immerse visitors in the island’s natural beauty. Extend your stay with extra nights at one of our recommended hotels below. Each accommodation is personally visited by our team, so feel free to email or call us for personalised advice.

CLOSE TO PONTA DELGADA ( 5 – 10 mins by road on the south coast) The areas surrounding Ponta Delgada offer a mix of traditional Azorean charm, beautiful sandy beaches and stunning natural landscapes. These local villages and suburbs have a rich cultural heritage and provide a tranquil base to relax and for exploring the island’s rural beauty while being just a few minutes drive from our boat base.

LAGOA DAS FURNAS – FURNAS LAKE (40 mins by road from Ponta Delgada, inland on the eastern side of the island) A more secluded experience and peaceful area surrounded by lush green forests and scenery. Near the lake you will see steaming fumaroles where the traditional “Cozido” stew is cooked geothermally underground, hiking trails in nearby Grená wildlife park to a waterfall and where you can hire hammocks to take in the views. You can also hire kayaks for the lake and bikes to explore the local area at this park. The Furnas Monitoring and Research Centre, located near the lake, offers a wealth of fascinating information about the Furnas Volcano.

FURNAS VILLAGE (40 minutes by road from Ponta Delgada, inland on the eastern side of the island) Famous for its geothermal activity, hot springs and lush botanical gardens with huge geothermal pool, you can stay in the heart of this fascinating village and explore the region. One of the unique features of Furnas is its public water fountains, where visitors can experience natural mineral-rich spring waters with different properties. These fountains are scattered throughout the area, and each has its own distinct water, often bubbling up from the ground due to volcanic activity. This water is used to make cheese at Queijaria Furnense where you can sample the cheese before you buy (they also have an adjacent restaurant serving excellent charcuterie boards and cheese bread). In the centre of the village of Furnas you will find Poca da Dona Beija –  geothermally heated pools set in stunning surroundings that offer a unique natural experience (also open until late for night time bathing).

NORTH SHORE & RIBEIRA GRANDE (20 mins by road from Ponta Delgada, on the north coast) This area has beautiful, long sandy beaches, picturesque walks and is home to the second largest city on the island, Ribeira Grande. Ideal as a base for exploring the island, the town is known for its historic architecture, cultural heritage, and stunning coastal views. Ribeira Grande has a relaxed atmosphere, with pavement cafes and artisan shops, streets lined with traditional Azorean buildings including the iconic Church of Nossa Senhora da Estrela and the 17th-century bridge over the Ribeira Grande River. The area is also a hub for surfers, thanks to nearby beaches like Praia de Santa Bárbara.

CALOURA (20 mins by road from Ponta Delgada, on the south coast) Caloura boasts dramatic volcanic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and hidden swimming spots like the natural rock pools at the harbour. The area is dotted with charming whitewashed cottages and surrounded by lush greenery, offering a peaceful retreat. This hotel is a perfect spot for relaxing, enjoying fresh seafood, or exploring nearby vineyards and scenic walking trails.

ÁGUA D’ALTO (20 mins by road from Ponta Delgada, on the south coast) Known for its beautiful sandy beaches, this area of the island offers a serene getaway with stunning coastal views. The village is surrounded by lush green hills, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and those seeking tranquillity. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions including traditional Azorean churches and scenic hiking trails.