Accommodation In Sao Miguel
Budget:
Casa da Praia
Located on the edge of Ponta Delgada and close to a wonderful small beach, Casa da Praia is a beautifully decorated inn well stocked with creature comforts.
Mid-range:
Vila Nova Hotel
We stayed at the Vila Nova hotel, perfectly located near the centre of Ponta Delgada. The spacious rooms are comfortable with good sized balconies that overlook the hotels pool. Plus the hotel has free on site parking
Top of the range:
Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico
Probably the best hotel on Sao Miguel, the 5 star Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico is located right in the heart of Ponta Delgada with fantastic views of either the city or the ocean.
If youd prefer to stay in one of the other towns or somewhere a little more isolated then you can search for accommodation all over the island here.
Beaches Not To Be Missed
Unlike Sao Jorge and Flores, characterized by a very jagged coastline and not very rich in beaches, Sao Miguel has beaches of surprising beauty, offering some of the best conditions in the world for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. The water temperature is mild throughout the year thanks to the action of the Gulf Stream.
Sao Miguels beaches, like pretty much all of the Azores beaches, are mostly dark sand, due to their volcanic origin, and rocky. The black sand beach of Praia do Populo is located near the town of Sao Roque, about a 15-minute drive from Ponta Delgada. Near the beautiful fishing village of Calorua is the beach of Ribeira Quente.
Praia do Lombo Gordo, located in the municipality of Nordeste, is reached through a steep and winding road. Finally, the Praia de Santa Barbara, in Ribeira Grande, is the largest of the whole island, and is characterized by black beach and crystal clear sea.
Best Azores Sao Miguel Hotels
Along with Airbnb rentals, there are many great Azores Sao Miguel hotels. Depending on how long you plan to stay, a hotel may be a better option than Airbnb. I always suggest that if you plan to stay anywhere for more than seven days to consider Airbnb. This is because you will have a kitchen to prepare some meals. While it is nice to go out to dinner most times when youre on vacation, sometimes its nice to relax at your place. While I only stayed in the Airbnb on my trip, I did visit several hotels for drinks or dinner. You should definitely consider these when finding the best place to stay in the Azores for your vacation. Keep in mind that there are many more Azores Sao Miguel hotels. These are simply the only Azores Sao Miguel hotels I have visited and can recommend.
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Best Villages To Stay In On Sao Miguel
Hi, I will be traveling to Sao Miguel in June with my husband, sister and her husband We look forward to hiking, mountain biking, and visiting villages in the evening for dinner and wine. We will be there for six nights and I would like to split them to stay 3 nights in two different villages. I think one of the villages we would like to stay is Furnas but I am having difficulty deciding on the 2nd village. I have been considering Povoaco, Sete Cidades , Ribeira Grande, or Ribeira Quente. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
The owner is nice and communicate fast. I love the fire place and authentic feeling and views are nice. Also close by to hot springs. Just take a look.
visiting villages in the evening for dinner and wine. If you choose a very small one nothing of this will exist. So if Ponta Delgada is not an option then go for Furnas and Ribeira Grande
We spent 2 weeks in Sao Miguel and divided our time between PD, Ribiera grande and Moisterios . You can read the trip reports here www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g189134-i1760-k9704416-2_weeks_in_Sao_Miguel_week_1_trip_report-Sao_Miguel_Azores.html#82171870 and here www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g189134-i1760-k9775184-Trip_report_week_2_June_2016-Sao_Miguel_Azores.html#81723482. Hope you find them helpful.
Out Of The Blue Azores
Friendships form and strengthen at this upscale hostel offering curious travelers, explorers, and dreamers a taste of local life. Contemporary shared and private rooms, yoga, workspaces, garden hammocks, excursions, and Friday night pizza parties guided by enthusiastic staff promise a communal travel experience.
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Book A Cozido Experience
Cozido das Furnas is one of the must try Portuguese foods when you are in the Azores Cozido is a hearty stew which often includes a mix of meats such as pig ears, chorizo, chicken, beef, ham, pork belly, and blood sausage. You will also find some potatoes and vegetables mixed in. The ingredients are combined in a pot, which is then placed in the ground and buried for a few hours. The geothermal energy cooks then cooks the cozido until it is done.
Restaurants have dedicated cooking holes where they cook their cozido, and there are also public cooking holes at Furnas Lake that locals use to cook their meal . For the full experience, you can help the chef prepare the ingredients, and then accompany them to the lakefront to bury the pot. You can then head off to enjoy your day and return later to watch the pot being removed from the ground and then you can enjoy the hearty meal. If you dont have a full day for the experience, try to visit Furnas Lake during mid-day, when many of the restaurants will come to remove their Cozido das Furnas pots from the ground. À Terra at the Furnas Boutique Hotel is a good place to try the traditional meal
Faqs When Booking A Hotel In So Miguel
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Are hotels in São Miguel safe during the coronavirus crisis?
Hotels are safe environments for travellers as long as they properly implement sanitary measures in response to coronavirus . However, we recommend getting in touch with the local authorities regarding safety procedures for hotels in São Miguel.
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What is the most popular destination in São Miguel?
Based on KAYAK hotel searches, the most popular destination is Ponta Delgada . The next most popular destinations are Furnas and Ribeira Grande . Searches for hotels in Mosteiros are also popular.
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How much is a cheap hotel in São Miguel?
KAYAK users have found double rooms in São Miguel for as cheap as C$ 27 in the last 3 days. The average price is C$ 184.
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How much is a hotel in São Miguel for tonight?
In the last 72 hours, users have found São Miguel hotels for tonight for as low as C$ 57 . Users have also found 3-star hotels from C$ 58 and 4-star+ hotels from C$ 82 .
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Casa Vista Da Marquesa
Entire house hosted by Pedro Superhost
- 2 guests, 1 bedroom, 1 bed, 1 bath
This traditional centennial house is not to be missed! With a mixture of modern and traditional elements, guests will love all it has to offer.
The home is located in a quiet area of the island and has gorgeous views of the ocean. It has a beautiful outdoor area with a landscaped patio that is perfect for relaxing and sunbathing.
The inside is equipped with all the essentials you need for your vacation getaway including a fully stocked kitchen.
Host Pedro greets guests upon arrival and is very helpful.
Extra amenities:
Entire house hosted by VePe Super host
- 2 guests, 2 bedrooms, 3 beds, 1 bath
If you want to stay in an Airbnb São Miguel Nordeste that is close to nature, you will enjoy Casa da Azinhaga.
This house is in a great location within walking distance to shops and restaurants, while being only 40 minutes from the Ponta Delgada Airport.
Outside youll find an adorable garden and an eating area. It is great for a couple or small family as there is enough room for 4 people, thanks to the 2 bedrooms. One with a double bed and one with a bunk bed.
The kitchen is fully stocked with basics and sparkling clean. Guests love the location in a quiet part of the island.
Extra amenities:
Entire house hosted by Mário Superhost
- 6 guests, 3 bedrooms, 3 beds, 2 baths
Wow! This impressive peaceful home will be sure to please all its guests.
Mário is a very helpful host and greets guests upon arrival.
Sample Azores Sao Miguel Itinerary
You could spend as little as 3 days on Sao Miguel or up to a month on this amazing island! Heres what you can do with on week in Sao Miguel:
- Day 1: Arrive in Ponta Delgada and explore the town. Visit the Mercado da Gracia.
- Day 2: Spend the day exploring the town of Furnas and watching locals cook Cozido.
- Day 3: Explore the Terra Nostra Gardens
- Day 4: Swim in the hot springs of Sao Miguel Island.
- Day 5: Take an ATV tour of Sao Miguel Island.
- Day 6: Take a Whale Watching Tour
- Day 7: Take a day trip to another island in the Azores
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Where To Stay In Sao Miguel
Theres a wide range of very good accommodation available across the island, from cozy guest houses to luxury hotels right on the sea.
If youre spending five days in Sao Miguel then Ponta Delgada, the islands capital, is the most practical place to stay. Being the largest town on the island, Ponta Delgada has the greatest choice of hotels, restaurants and amenities on the island.
Go On A Whale Watching Trip
One of the best things to do in Sao Miguel is to go on a whale watching tour. Whales and dolphins live in Azorean waters all year round and Sao Miguel is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Numerous whale watching toursdepart from Ponta Delgadas marina every day.
As well as minke whales and sperm whales, theres also every chance of spotting bottlenose dolphins and sea turtles too. Boat trips head out into the Atlantic Ocean and take between 2 and a half to 3 hours in total, during which time your practically guaranteed to spot some of the areas local whales and dolphins.
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Best Family Hotels In So Miguel Azores
Although I dont have kids of my own, Im very well aware of the all the logistics the little ones entail. Picking the right place to stay is essential and can make your trip much easier and stress-free.
Apart from the family-friendly hotel suggestions in São Miguel below, also take a look at my Airbnb recommendations further down the article. Acess to a kitchen is important to prepare some meals for kids or simply to save some money.
Located in the historical center of Ponta Delgada, this hotel is not only architecturally interesting, but its also super convenient.
Its just a 3-minute walk from the Atlantic Ocean, and with several bakeries, shops, and restaurants nearby. It may not be an eye-candy or have glorious views, but if you want a solid and efficient option of accommodation to stay with your family, this is it.
Best Time To Visit The Azores
You are probably wondering, what is the weather like in the Azores and São Miguel. Well, that can change on a dime but for the most part the weather is pretty temperate thanks to the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. Summer brings the most sunshine, and the most beautiful hydrangea blooms throughout the island, making it ideal to visit between June and September when average temperatures are in the 70s F. Although the tropical feel and humidity can make it seem warmer.
Temperatures are cooler in the winter but not cold, averaging in the mid-to-high 50s, with ocean water temperatures never dipping below about 60 degrees. You will certainly avoid the crowds if you visit in the winter or early spring, but some of the activities you want to do may not be available.
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The Best Place To Stay In The Azores
So, Im sure that everyone always thinks that their Airbnb is the best. But let me tell you, the Airbnb I stayed at on Sao Miguel is probably the best place to stay in the Azores. And let me tell you why. If youve ever wanted to feel completely relaxed by views of the ocean, rolling hills, cows, and quaint villages, this is the perfect Airbnb for you. I stayed here for exactly one month, and it is one of my favorite that Ive ever stayed at. And I have stayed in a lot of Airbnbs. The house itself is beautiful, with a pool and hot tub. I visited during the winter, so I only used the hot tub. I can only imagine during the summer that this is most definitely the best place to stay in the Azores.
The house is located in the parish of Lomba da Fazenda and is just about as far east on the island as you can possibly be. You will be pretty far away from the main town of Ponta Delgada and some attractions, but I believe it is worth the drive. If you are only coming for a short trip, this may not be the best place to stay in the Azores because of how far away it is. But if you want a relaxing vacation to unwind and forget about your troubles, this home is magical. I will include the link to the Airbnb below. I am not affiliated with them, nor do I make any commission. It is just a great place and my top recommendation on where to stay in Sao Miguel Azores.
Explore The Abandoned Monte Palace Hotel
The abandoned interior of the Monte Palace hotel, and the view of Sete Ceidades from the hotels roof
Next to the Miradouro da Vista do Rei is the abandoned Monte Palace hotel, a vast concrete oddity completely at odds with the lush tropical landscape.
The empty brutalist shell was once an 80 room 5 star hotel with restaurants and a nightclub.
Built at a time when the Azores hardly had a tourist industry to speak of, the Monte Palace hotel seemed destined to fail from the start. Theres an excellent explanation of the whole ambitious yet calamitous project here.
Certainly one of the most adventurous things to do in Sao Miguel is to take a sneak peak at the now dilapidated hotel. Now ransacked, looted and vandalised the empty hotel is the most unexpected of tourist attractions on the island.
The building is a death trap and taking a peek inside certainly wont be for everyone. If you do venture in, caution is required at every step theres nothing to stop you from falling down the lift shaft or any of the holes and gaps that fill many of the floors.
If youre feeling adventurous theres supposedly a nightclub in the hotels basement and many rumoured tunnels too. Reports suggest that the shell of a hotel has recently been bought and there are plans to return it back to its former glory.
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Sao Miguel Azores Weather
Lets talk about the weather in Sao Miguel, and the Azores in general. The Azores definitely has seasons, but they are much milder than youll find in other parts of Europe.
How cold does it get in the Azores? Well, not that cold. Even in the dead of winter, the coldest it gets at night is in the low 50s and its in the mid-60s during the day. The summer temperatures are even nicer at around low 60s at night and mid-70s during the day.
So with the weather only fluctuating about 20 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year, its a very mild climate. However, it does rain a lot! I mean look at these pictures! All that green, all those flowers, and all those lakes? How do you think they get like that? Rain! It rained almost every day we were in the Azores in July, but there was never a crazy downpour and the light sprinkle wasnt too cold. We found that it mostly rained in the afternoon, so its best to get up early and prepare for some rain later in the day.
What is the best month to visit the Azores? This is a tough question to answer because I think the Azores would honestly be lovely year-round, but I think visiting Sao Miguel especially in the summer is quite magical because of the hydrangea bloom!
The hydrangeas bloom between . This is also when the weather will be warmest. We were on Sao Miguel in the middle of July and it did not feel crowded or touristy at all. The tour companies all seemed happy to have us there and were grateful for the tourism.
Where To Stay On The North Coast Of Sao Miguel
In the area west of Ribeira Grande, there are a few other really nice hotels with amazing sea views. These are luxury sea view resorts with great facilities, pools, and restaurants. They are located outside of town, so parking is easy and their location is excellent for visiting pretty much any place on the island.
The driving distance from here to Ponta Delgada is just 20 minutes and about 40 minutes to either Sete Cidades or to Furnas .
Just west of Ribeira Grande, youll find one of the best hotels in Sao Miguel Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort. It has an amazing location, wonderful sea views, beautiful studios for couples, and villas for families. This is truly one of the nicest places to stay on the north coast and was our first choice for our most recent vacation in the Azores. However, it wasnt available So we looked for a nice alternative nearby.
We stayed at Pedras do Mar Resort & Spa, between Fenais da Luz and Calhetas village. One of the most beautiful coastal hikes of Sao Miguel passes right at the hotel and the coastal scenery here is amazing! This is a beautiful 5* resort with great facilities and wonderful sea views. However, its not perfect for sunset, because the sun is usually just behind the mountains But you can see some wonderful sunrises if you make an effort to get up early.
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