2 Day Azores Itinerary: São Miguel Road Trip Guide

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If Hawaii and Iceland had a baby, I’m pretty sure it would be the Azores.

The Azores are a group of nine volcanic islands that belong to Portugal and sit right in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean between Europe and North America. They’re known for crater lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, black sand beaches, dramatic coastlines, and some of the greenest landscapes I have ever seen.

I visited São Miguel Island on a 2 day stopover with SATA Azores Airlines on my way home from Portugal, rented a car, and took myself on a solo road trip around the island.

While my trip did not start off perfectly, my flight from Faro to Ponta Delgada kept getting delayed, so the first afternoon I was supposed to have on the island basically disappeared; I had an incredible time with the 2 days I had left. 

In 2 days, I hiked to Boca do Inferno, visited Sete Cidades, soaked in the ocean hot spring at Ponta da Ferraria, ate traditional octopus stew in Mosteiros, relaxed on a black sand beach, hiked through an old hydroelectric plant at Salto do Cabrito, swam under waterfalls, and ended my trip at Praia do Fogo for a relaxing picnic on the beach before heading to the airport.

If you’re looking for an Azores itinerary that works for a short stopover or weekend getaway, this 2 day São Miguel Azores itinerary is for you.

Short on time? Want to save this for later? Here’s a quick cheat sheet version of this itinerary, along with a Google Map of all the locations, in Google Doc form:

Is 2 Days Enough For São Miguel, Azores?

Two days is not enough to see everything on São Miguel, but it is enough to have an incredible short adventure.

This itinerary is best if you:

• Are visiting the Azores on a stopover
• Want a short São Miguel road trip itinerary
• Love hiking, hot springs, waterfalls, and beaches
• Have limited PTO
• Want a realistic plan that still leaves room for flexibility
• Are comfortable renting a car

Would I go back and spend more time? Absolutely.

But if you only have 2 days, don’t skip the Azores just because it feels too short. You can still see a lot, especially if you rent a car and plan your route strategically. 

Do You Need A Car For This Azores Itinerary?

Yes, I highly recommend renting a car for this São Miguel itinerary. There is not much in the way of public transportation around the island. 

A lot of the best stops on this itinerary are spread around the island, and having a car makes it much easier to move at your own pace. This is especially important if you’re trying to fit several outdoor stops into a short stopover.

Driving in São Miguel felt very relaxed to me. The roads were not busy when I visited in August, and having a rental car gave me the freedom to change plans when needed.

And that flexibility ended up being key.

After my hike in Sete Cidades, I checked the tide schedule and realized it was perfect timing for Ponta da Ferraria, the ocean hot springs. Since I had a car, I could just drive there and enjoy it right away. 

Compare rental cars on Expedia.

How To Visit The Azores As A Stopover

One of the easiest ways to add the Azores to a Portugal or Europe trip is by booking a stopover with SATA Azores Airlines.

SATA Azores Airlines has a stopover program that lets travelers add a stop in the Azores when flying between North America and select cities in Europe. You can choose to stop in São Miguel or Terceira for 1-7 nights. 

For this trip, I visited São Miguel on my way home from mainland Portugal. I booked a one way flight from Faro, Portugal, to New York with a layover on Sao Miguel island. I had 2 nights on the island, which gave me one full day and one shorter final day before my flight.

Check the official SATA Azores Airlines stopover page for information on how to book a stopover in the Azores. 

2 Day São Miguel Azores Itinerary Overview

Here’s the quick version of this 2 day São Miguel itinerary:

Day 1: West São Miguel Road Trip

• Boca do Inferno and Sete Cidades viewpoints
• Ponta da Ferraria ocean hot spring
• Lunch in Mosteiros
• Praia dos Mosteiros black sand beach
• Salto do Cabrito waterfall hike
• Return to Ponta Delgada for sunset

Day 2: East São Miguel Waterfall Hike And Beach

• Salto do Prego waterfall hike
• Praia do Fogo in Ribeira Quente
• Return to Ponta Delgada Airport

Day 1: West São Miguel Road Trip, Hot Springs, Mosteiros, And Salto Do Cabrito

My first full day in the Azores was all about the west side of São Miguel.

This day had crater lakes, one of the island’s most famous viewpoints, an ocean hot spring, traditional food, a black sand beach, and a waterfall hike.

It was a full day, but it worked well because the stops were all just a short distance away from each other. 

Stop 1: Boca Do Inferno And Sete Cidades Viewpoints

Boca do Inferno was my first stop of the day, and it was the perfect way to start this São Miguel road trip.

From my hostel in Ponta Delgada, the drive to the parking area took about 30 minutes.

There is parking near the trail, but it fills up quickly, especially during summer or busy travel periods. I recommend getting an early start if you can.

If the main parking area is full, there are a few additional parking areas farther down the road. You’ll just have a slightly longer walk.

From the parking area, the hike to the Boca do Inferno viewpoint took me about 20 minutes.

I’d call it easy to moderate. It’s very doable, but I would wear closed toe shoes because the trail can be slippery if it has rained.

Once you reach the viewpoint, you’ll understand why this is one of the most popular stops on São Miguel.

The view over Sete Cidades is unreal. You can see crater lakes, rolling green hills, dramatic cliffs, and the ocean in the distance.

It’s the kind of view that makes you stop talking for a second and just stare.

Tips For Visiting Boca Do Inferno

• Start early to avoid parking stress
• Wear closed toe shoes
• Bring a light jacket because the weather can change quickly
• Check visibility before going if the island is cloudy
• Add a short rim walk if you have extra time and energy

Take a look at the trail on AllTrails and find driving directions here.

Stop 2: Ponta Da Ferraria Ocean Hot Spring

After hiking to the Sete Cidades viewpoint, I checked the tide schedule and realized I had timed the day perfectly for Ponta da Ferraria.

This was honestly one of the coolest experiences I had in the Azores.

Ponta da Ferraria is where warm volcanic water mixes with the Atlantic Ocean. At the right time, it feels like nature’s hot tub.

The key is that you need to visit at low tide. That’s when the water is safest and warmest enough to actually enjoy.

From Sete Cidades, the drive to Ponta da Ferraria took about 20 minutes, which makes these two stops really easy to pair together.

Definitely check the tide schedule before your trip and try to plan this part of your Azores itinerary around low tide.

There is nothing better after a hike than soaking in a natural hot spring. And an ocean hot spring? That’s just unreal. 

Tips For Visiting Ponta Da Ferraria

• Check the tide schedule before going
• Visit at low tide
• Do not get in if the waves are rough
• Bring a swimsuit and towel
• Water shoes are helpful
• Keep dry clothes in the car (there are bathrooms and a changing area on site) 

Stop 3: Mosteiros For Lunch And Beach Time

After the hot spring, I was starving, so I drove about 15 minutes to Mosteiros.

Mosteiros is a small beach town on the northwest coast of São Miguel. It has a relaxed feel, a beautiful black sand beach, and dramatic rock formations offshore.

I stopped into a local restaurant and ordered polvo guisado, which is a traditional octopus stew with potatoes.

And oh my god. This was my favorite meal of the whole trip.

The octopus was tender, rich, comforting, and exactly the kind of meal you hope to stumble into when traveling.

After lunch, spend some time at Praia dos Mosteiros.

The beach has black sand, rugged coastal views, and dramatic offshore rocks that make the whole area feel moody in the best way.

I didn’t bring my snorkel, but I’ve heard this can be a good place to see fish and other marine life when conditions are calm. Next time, I’m packing one.

Tips For Visiting Mosteiros

• Stop here after Ponta da Ferraria
• Try polvo guisado if you eat seafood
• Leave time for Praia dos Mosteiros
• Bring a swimsuit and towel
• Pack a snorkel if you have one

Stop 4: Salto Do Cabrito Evening Adventure

By this point in the day, I had already hiked, soaked in an ocean hot spring, eaten an incredible lunch, and relaxed at a black sand beach.

But, who knows the next time I’d be back in the Azores, so of course I had to add in a waterfall hike. 

I had about an hour drive back to Ponta Delgada no matter which direction I went, and since summer sunset in the Azores doesn’t begin until around 9:00 or 9:30 pm, I still had plenty of daylight left.

The final stop was Salto do Cabrito, a waterfall near Ribeira Grande.

You can make this stop very quick and easy and just park nearby for the short walk to the waterfall.

But if you have the time and energy, I highly recommend doing the short loop hike.

The loop takes about 2 hours and I would call it moderate. It takes you through lush, jungle-y sections, past an old hydroelectric plant, and up stairs and ladders that make the whole place feel like a movie set.

Save the waterfall for the end and go for a swim to cool off.

Cold water on tired legs after a full day of exploring? Perfect.

After my waterfall swim, I headed back to Ponta Delgada, which took about 30 minutes from Salto do Cabrito. I made it back just in time for sunset and then rested up for day 2.

Tips For Visiting Salto Do Cabrito

• Choose the quick waterfall stop if you are low on time
• Do the loop hike if you want more adventure
• Budget about 2 hours for the loop
• Expect stairs and ladders
• Wear shoes with good grip
• Bring a swimsuit and towel

Find the hike on AllTrails and get driving directions here.

Day 2: East São Miguel Waterfall Hike And Praia Do Fogo

Day 2 was my final day in the Azores, so I needed a plan that gave me one more adventure without making me panic about missing my flight.

The plan was simple: hike to a waterfall, visit one more warm beach, then return the rental car and head to the airport.

Stop 1: Salto Do Prego Waterfall Hike

Start day 2 early and drive from Ponta Delgada to the Salto do Prego trail area near Faial da Terra. The drive takes about 1 hour.

The Salto do Prego hike is about 2.5 miles, and usually takes about 1.5 to 3 hours depending on your hiking pace and how long you spend at the waterfall. The trail is short, but it does have some uphill sections. The trail to this waterfall is part of a much longer trail, so you can continue the hike beyond this waterfall if you have more time. 

One thing to know: while the trail is short, the last 2 kilometers to the waterfall are very much uphill. But the climb is worth it.

The trail winds through lush forest and leads to a beautiful waterfall where you can swim.

This was such a peaceful way to spend my last morning on São Miguel.

And as a bonus, I made a new cat friend near the parking area, which was obviously a major highlight.

Tips For Hiking Salto Do Prego

• Start early 
• Wear hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers
• Bring water and snacks
• Wear a swimsuit under your hiking clothes
• Bring a towel and dry clothes
• Budget extra time if you want to swim
• Expect some uphill hiking

Find the Salto do Prego hike here on AllTrails.

Stop 2: Praia Do Fogo In Ribeira Quente

After hiking Salto do Prego, head to Praia do Fogo in Ribeira Quente.

The drive from the Salto do Prego trailhead takes about 30 minutes.

Praia do Fogo is a black sand beach with restrooms and restaurants nearby. It’s a great final stop if you want to slow down before heading back to the airport.

I stopped here for a little beach picnic before saying goodbye to São Miguel.

After 48 hours of hikes, waterfalls, hot springs, beaches, seafood, and solo road trip magic, this was exactly the kind of ending I wanted.

From Praia do Fogo or Ribeira Quente, the drive back to Ponta Delgada Airport takes about 45 minutes.

If you are flying out the same day, leave plenty of buffer for returning your rental car, checking luggage, and getting through security. You should arrive at the airport 2 to 3 hours before your flight. 

Where To Stay In Ponta Delgada

For this itinerary, I recommend staying in or near Ponta Delgada.

Ponta Delgada is the largest city on São Miguel and a convenient base for exploring since it is centrally located. 

It worked well for me because I could pick up my rental car, stay close to the airport, and still reach the west and east sides of the island without crazy drive times.

I stayed at the hostel Pes Verdes in Ponta Delgada, which worked well for a solo trip. The space had a beautiful rooftop terrace with gardens and hammocks. There was a full kitchen, multiple bathrooms, and plenty of communal space. The dorms were very comfortable, and all the beds had privacy curtains, lamps, and chargers in the bed.

Other highly rated accommodations in Ponta Delgada: 

Budget: Out of the Blue Azores Hostel

Mid-range: Casa do Campo de São Francisco

Luxe: Mercure Hotel

What To Pack For The Azores

No matter the season, the weather in the Azores is unpredictable and can change quickly. In São Miguel, the weather on one side of the island can be completely different from the other. Definitely pack layers and be prepared for rain. Even if you’re visiting in the warmer summer months, be prepared for wind and cooler temperatures on some of the hikes that go into higher elevations. 

For this São Miguel itinerary, I recommend packing:

• Hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers
• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Water shoes
• Light rain jacket
• Warm layers
• Reusable water bottle
• Snacks
• Dry clothes for after swims
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Small backpack
• Phone mount for driving (useful for following directions!) 
• Portable charger

I’d also bring a snorkel if you’re visiting during warmer months when you may be swimming in the sea. I personally love this collapsable snorkel set as it packs up super small for travel. 

Need help packing for the Azores? Grab my Azores essentials Amazon shopping list here. 

Is The Azores Worth Visiting Solo?

Yes, I loved visiting the Azores solo.

São Miguel felt like a great solo road trip destination because the island is manageable, the drives are not too long, and there is so much nature to enjoy.

This is a good solo trip if you are comfortable:

• Renting a car
• Driving in a new destination
• Hiking alone
• Adjusting plans based on weather
• Spending time outdoors

Overall I felt extremely safe, but as always, use normal travel precautions, trust your gut, avoid hiking after dark, and let someone know your plans.

I really enjoyed São Miguel as a solo traveler and would absolutely go back.

Final Thoughts On This 2 Day Azores Itinerary

A stopover in the Azores was truly magical. This trip allowed me to break up the long transatlantic flight between Europe and the US with some incredible nature experiences. Was 2 days enough to see all of São Miguel? No, but I feel like there’s never enough time anywhere to truly see everything. Was it enough to make me fall in love with the island and immediately want to come back? Absolutely! 

If you’re flying between North America and Europe and have the option to add an Azores stopover, I highly recommend considering it. Or even visiting for the weekend if you’re located on the East Coast of the US or somewhere in Europe. 

You don’t need a huge trip to have a real adventure.

Sometimes you just need 48 hours, a rental car, and the willingness to fit in one more waterfall before calling it a day.

Want to recreate this trip? Grab my free São Miguel Azores itinerary with the full route, planning notes, and Google Map.