Common Tourist Mistakes in São Miguel and How Locals Avoid Them
Short answer
The biggest mistakes on São Miguel are trying to see both ends in one day, not renting a car, and ignoring the island's rapidly changing weather. Locals split the island into separate days, check webcams before driving to viewpoints, and book cars and popular spots well in advance.
Trying to do too much in one day
São Miguel is bigger than it looks. Do not try to do both ends in one day. Base near Ponta Delgada and split west (Sete Cidades) and east (Furnas, Nordeste) into separate days.
Travellers report that three days is too short; one poster regretted staying for just 3 days. A user who spent 10 days loved it and wished they had spent more time at Terra Nostra and stayed near Santa Barbara beach. Another found 6 nights/7 days perfect to leisurely explore the whole island by car without feeling rushed.
Locals know that driving between distant spots eats up time. Plan fewer stops and enjoy each place.
Not renting a car (or not booking it early)
A car is the practical way to get around. Public transport is limited and slow. A trip without a car is possible using tours, taxis, buses and walking, but you will miss many spots.
Travellers report that renting a car is almost impossible to see the best hidden spots without one, and that a car rental is essential for São Miguel; public transport is not great. Minibus tours are excellent and a good alternative if you don't drive. For hiking, you'd need to book a taxi or a bus to get to the nice places.
Book your car in advance. Travellers report that some booked twice from different companies. In high season, rental cars can be scarce and prices can spike. A compact car is best; roads are narrow and tight, especially on side streets. Consider getting tires and rims coverage or take photos of tires and rims at rental time to avoid a €100 charge for a new rim.
Ignoring the weather and not checking webcams
Weather is unpredictable day to day, more so outside summer. Check webcams before driving up to Sete Cidades (the SpotAzores app is widely used). If it is a wall of white, reschedule. Lagoa do Fogo is higher in the central mountains, with even more fog and wind. Keep the route flexible.
Travellers report that you can experience all four seasons in one hour, so pack layers. Sete Cidades can be covered in fog. Out of 14 days, only about three or four were truly sunny; fog can be thick and limit visibility at high viewpoints. The airport can have multiple days of delays due to continuous bad weather.
Locals check the webcams and have a backup plan. If the west is fogged in, they head east or to lower elevations.
Skipping the local food and drink (or not knowing what to order)
Local-favourite food in Ponta Delgada includes A Tasca (Rua do Aljube 16, no reservations, queue forms, go early), Taverna Açor (fish soup, São Miguel black pudding with pineapple), and Tasquinha Vieira (short seasonal menu, fish and seafood sharing plates).
Don't miss Cozido das Furnas, a stew cooked underground in volcanic ground in Furnas. Travellers report it has a weird, sulphury taste. Try the local cheese and pineapples; travellers report pineapples in São Miguel are unreal. For breakfast, Farm House offers a nice brunch; Armazéns do Congumbreiro and Confeitaria a Colmeia are nice for breakfast. At Confeitaria a Colmeia, get a nata; travellers report they are the best on the island.
For fish dinner, travellers recommend Borda d'Água or Bar a Caloura outside Ponta Delgada, or O Bom Pesqueiro in Ponta Delgada. For meat, try steak 'à regional' at Aliança in Ponta Delgada or Associação Agrícola outside Ponta Delgada. Vegetarians may have trouble finding food on São Miguel, according to travellers.
Not booking popular attractions and tours in advance
For spots like Caldeira Velha and Poça da Dona Beija, go in the morning due to waiting times, travellers report. Book a car in advance; some travellers booked twice from different companies. In high season, rental cars can be near impossible to get, and companies may charge exorbitant rates.
Travellers report that for Furnas, have lunch at Queijaria Furnense, then stroll to Terra Nostra Gardens. Terra Nostra is more interesting than Poça da Beija, according to travellers. Bring an old swimsuit since the iron in the water might stain it. The lockers require you to use an app on your phone, so make sure you have data/signal.
Locals know that morning visits are quieter and that booking ahead saves stress.
Driving like you're at home (and other on-road mistakes)
Be careful in towns with 'grotas' (volcanic crevices); drive under 40 km/h due to twists, blind corners, and pedestrians on narrow sidewalks, travellers report. Most rental cars are manual transmission, which could be a problem for those who drive automatics.
Travellers report that taxis are crazy expensive and drivers are not for the faint-hearted, especially if you're on a bike. Biking on São Miguel is challenging due to the topography and traffic; reconsider biking plans.
Locals drive defensively and avoid narrow side streets when possible. If you're not comfortable with manual transmission, book an automatic well in advance.
Questions people ask
Do I really need a car to explore São Miguel?
A car is the practical way to get around because public transport is limited and slow. Travellers report that renting a car is almost impossible to see the best hidden spots without one. If you don't drive, minibus tours are excellent and a good alternative.
What's the biggest mistake people make with the weather?
Not checking webcams before driving to viewpoints like Sete Cidades. Travellers report that Sete Cidades can be covered in fog, and out of 14 days, only about three or four were truly sunny. Use the SpotAzores app and keep your plans flexible.
How many days should I spend on São Miguel?
Travellers report that three days is too short, and one poster regretted staying for just 3 days. A user who spent 10 days loved it, while another found 6 nights/7 days perfect to leisurely explore the whole island by car. Add a day for each hiking or spa activity you plan to do.
What local food should I not miss?
Try Cozido das Furnas, a stew cooked underground in volcanic ground. Travellers report it has a weird, sulphury taste. Also try the local cheese and pineapples; travellers report pineapples in São Miguel are unreal. For breakfast, get a nata at Confeitaria a Colmeia; travellers report they are the best on the island.
Should I book rental cars and attractions in advance?
Yes. Book a car in advance; some travellers booked twice from different companies. In high season, rental cars can be scarce and prices can spike. For spots like Caldeira Velha and Poça da Dona Beija, go in the morning due to waiting times, travellers report.
Is São Miguel a good beach destination?
Not really. The Azores is not really a beach destination; most islands have black sand or rocky beaches, though Santa Maria is said to have nice sandy beaches. Travellers report that Praia do Lombo Gordo was the best beach on São Miguel, with black sand.
Compiled from OpenStreetMap, Wikivoyage and traveller reports. Confirm prices and opening hours locally. About
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