- NOMATIQ
- Dec 1, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Jan 8
Imagine stepping onto an island where dramatic volcanic peaks rise above lush green landscapes, crystal-clear lakes reflect the sky, and the air feels untouched by time. Welcome to the Azores—Europe's best-kept secret. Nestled in the heart of the Atlantic, this stunning archipelago offers a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, and tranquility. São Miguel, the largest island, is the gateway to it all, with Ponta Delgada serving as the vibrant hub where culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes come together. Whether you're a digital nomad seeking inspiration or a traveler craving outdoor exploration, the Azores are sure to leave you awe-struck and wanting more.
Why Visit São Miguel and the Azores?
A little background information: São Miguel is as diverse as it is beautiful—64 km (40 miles) long, 14 km (9 miles) wide, and dominated by volcanic peaks that rise up to 1,105 meters (3,570 feet) above sea level. These peaks, along with geothermal activity visible throughout the island, give São Miguel a unique, rugged beauty. And while Ponta Delgada is the cultural and economic heart of the Azores, there’s a whole world to discover beyond the city’s historic streets, with peaceful towns, lots of impressive nature and eight neighboring islands just waiting to be explored.
From its crater lakes, like Sete Cidades, to its volcanic landscapes that feel untouched by time, the island offers endless opportunities for adventure. Hiking trails lead to breathtaking vistas, and after a day of exploring, you can unwind in the natural thermal pools at Caldeira Velha, surrounded by lush vegetation.
The Azores are known for their unique geothermal features—fumaroles, hot springs, and fertile volcanic soil—which continue to shape the landscape today. These natural wonders provide a rare and captivating backdrop for those who visit. For wildlife enthusiasts, the Azores also offer some of the best whale and dolphin watching in the world. The region is one of the few places where you can spot these majestic creatures year-round, making it a must-see destination for marine life encounters.
But São Miguel’s charm doesn’t stop there. The island is also home to Europe’s only tea plantation, where visitors can tour the lush fields, and pineapple farms, where the volcanic soil produces some of the sweetest fruit you’ll ever taste.
The Azores, and São Miguel in particular, offer a balance of adventure and relaxation that draws visitors from all over the world. Whether you're hiking through dramatic landscapes, soaking in geothermal baths, or enjoying the tranquility of its rural plantations, the Azores are a place where nature and culture blend seamlessly. It’s an experience that will leave you with lasting memories of a truly unique corner of the world.
Choosing Ponta Delgada as a Base
Before we headed to the Azores, we knew we wanted to spend our entire (six-week) stay on one island, so we ended up researching which island offered the most. São Miguel, being the largest, seemed like the best choice. We also needed reliable internet for our online work, so that was a key factor in finding our accommodation.
We ended up renting a lovely apartment in Ponta Delgada's east side, Tv. das Laranjeiras. It was a great place for us—close to a swimming spot, fast and reliable internet, a cozy bedroom (two even!), a beautiful kitchen, and even a garden, full of fruits and herbs for us to enjoy.
São Miguel is a very safe island. While our neighborhood also felt safe, it wasn't always the most inviting, with some rundown buildings, a café where locals spent their days drinking, and the nearby prison contributing to a less pleasant atmosphere. However, as we walked toward the city center and marina, the atmosphere became much more welcoming and our house way a cosy home base.
Exploring São Miguel: Highlights and Hidden Gems
During our stay, we had ample time to explore the island outside of office hours, and we'd like to share some of the highlights with you.
Top Nature Experiences
Lagoa do Fogo: This stunning crater lake offers panoramic views of turquoise waters surrounded by lush greenery. Hiking down and walking along the lake is magical; one of the most beautiful places we have visited. Also its viewpoints are incredible: one of our favorite places on the island.
Sete Cidades: Famous for its twin lakes, Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul, this destination is breathtaking when the weather cooperates. We arrived at the viewpoint on a very foggy day, we tried alternative hikes around the area, but didn't see anything from the lakes. We drove down to the lakes and walked around Lagoa Verde hoping the skies would clear. Later that day we returned to the viewpoint, and fortunately, the conditions improved, granting us a clear view of the picturesque lakes.
Ponta da Ferraria: Located on the west coast, this spot features natural hot springs where you can swim (conditions permitting). High tide and rough seas can make swimming tricky, but it’s still an amazing place to watch the sunset. We went twice and the place doesn't dissapoint.
Caldeira Velha: After a day of hiking, Caldeira Velha offers a perfect retreat, where you can unwind and relax in warm, natural pools, surrounded by lush vegetation. There are multiple pools, all set to different temperatures. If you go, don't forget your slippers!
Cultural and Agricultural Gems
Gorreana Tea Plantation: Explore Europe’s only tea plantation, where you can tour the factory, sample tea for free, and enjoy a hike through the surrounding fields. The hike takes you along the different plantation fields and offers great views. It’s a serene escape and a unique part of São Miguel’s history.
Local Markets and Cuisine: The market in Ponta Delgada offers fresh produce, including local fruits and vegetables. It’s located in an unassuming parking garage but is worth a visit for authentic flavors.
Whale Watching Tours: Even outside peak season, whale watching is a popular activity. On our tour, we were lucky to see a playful baby whale despite visiting in November. But then again: that was also the only one we saw! There are multiple tour agencies on the island, we went with Futurismo Azores. During the tour we were given a lot of information on the animals. We could walk around on the boat, once it stopped for the animals. The company made sure to keep enough space between the boat and the animals and seemed to respected the wildlife. Prices were around 50 euros per person at the time, and we stayed out for 2,5/3 hours.
Island Hopping Adventure: Flores
We took a weekend trip to Flores, one of the most remote islands in the Azores. Flores has a number of picturesque waterfalls cascading down its cliffs and lush valleys. The Ribeira Grande Waterfall, with its impressive 300 m (984 ft) drop, is one of the island's most remarkable natural highlights. Here the rain season worked in our favor, as the waterfalls were big and showered down the island's cliffs, transforming the island into a surreal piece of paradise. Renting a car allowed us to explore its lush valleys and rugged cliffs fully. Here we rented a cute little apartment in Fajã Grande: with the ocean in front of the door and a big lush green wall with waterfalls behind it.
Practical Tips for Living in Ponta Delgada
Transportation: Renting a car is the best way to explore São Miguel, though buses are a budget-friendly alternative for reaching several key locations. We used Go Rent-a-Car, which offered fair prices and reliable service even with last-minute bookings. For inter-island travels there are boats and flights. Each island has its own airport and flights are operated by SATA Air Açores, the regional airline. These flights provide a convenient and efficient way to travel between the islands. There are also boat and ferry services available, especially between some of the islands that are closer together. However, it's important to note that boat travel can take longer than flying, and schedules might be less frequent, particularly for more remote islands. The weather conditions in the Azores can sometimes impact both flight or boat schedules, especially during the winter months, when storms are more frequent. Due to the timing of our visit we visited one of the other islands by plane.
Grocery shopping: There are many small stores around the city. These are good for getting basic ingredients, snacks, and drinks. We prefer a bigger supermarket once in a while to buy in more at once. For us, the Solmar São Gonçalo was the best option, huge supermarket with everything we needed. It was a 20-minute walk from our place.
Dining: We didn't eat out a lot in Ponta Delgada. Partly because we generally travel cheap and we enjoy cooking ourselves (we had a great kitchen here too), and also because for some reason we did not really feel like eating out much here. Therefore no real specific restaurant tips. In general: most places for food, coffee or a beer can be found around the main square. What we often did here was taking our coffee or lunch to go, and enjoy it on top of a hill or at the side of a like!
Weather and Climate: Our stay was in October/November, right when the rainy season started. Despite the rain, temperatures were mild, rarely dropping below 15°C (59°F) at night and reaching up to 23°C (68°F) during the day. It was the perfect weather for hiking, swimming, and enjoying the outdoors—just be sure to pack a rain jacket! It's the showers that keep the island lush and green after all.
Swimming: While Ponta Delgada lacks sandy beaches, Piscinas do Pesqueiro offers a safe spot for swimming in the marina. Locals and visitors alike frequent this area. Keep in mind: every once in a while, a massive cruise ship arrives in port here, fun to watch - it'll make you feel incredibly small in comparison.
Are Ponta Delgada and the Azores Worth Visiting?
While Ponta Delgada wasn't our favorite city, it had a unique charm with its timeless feel, as if it were 10 to 15 years behind mainland Europe. This blend of old-world character and slow-paced life added to the overall appeal of our stay. However, the Azores as a whole were nothing short of breathtaking. The islands exceeded our expectations with their stunning natural beauty and remarkable landscapes. Visiting during the off-season allowed us to explore without the crowds, making the experience even more special and authentic.
Are Ponta Delgada and the Azores Good For Digital Nomads?
For digital nomads, São Miguel offers a solid option for remote work. The island boasts good, stable Wi-Fi, which makes it easy to stay connected. During your weekends and time off work, you won't be bored; as the island offers countless opportunities to immerse yourself in nature. The mild, lovely climate makes outdoor activities enjoyable year-round, and the stunning scenery is a constant source of inspiration.
That said, we didn’t encounter many other long-term residents or digital nomads during our stay. The island seems to cater more to tourists on holiday or short visits, so connecting with like-minded individuals wasn’t a prominent feature—though we didn’t actively seek that out. If you're looking for a quieter, self-focused remote work experience surrounded by natural wonders, São Miguel is a fantastic choice.
FAQs About Visiting Ponta Delgada and The Azores
When is the best time to visit the Azores?
April to October offers the best weather and wildlife experiences, but the off-season has fewer crowds and lush scenery.
Do I need a car to explore São Miguel?
While buses are available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore more remote spots.
What currency is used in the Azores?
The Euro (€) is the official currency.
Is Ponta Delgada walkable?
Yes, the city is compact, with most attractions, shops, and restaurants within walking distance.
What should I pack for a trip to the Azores?
Bring hiking shoes, a rain jacket, and layers for changing weather. Swimsuits and sunscreen are essential for hot springs and sunny days too. For more general packing tips, find here our how-to pack light article!
