When people ask me what the Azores were like, three words come to mind: beautiful, inspiring, but quiet. It’s the kind of place where the pace of life slows, the views stretch on forever, and you find yourself stumbling across little moments that stay with you for a very long time.
But while the island of São Miguel feels almost dreamlike, there are definitely a few things I wish I had known before going. This is the kind of advice that would have made my trip smoother and even more memorable. So, if you’re planning your own adventure to Ponta Delgada, Furnas, and beyond, here’s what you need to know.
1. The Journey There Might Surprise You
Getting to the Azores feels like you’re slipping into a secret corner of the world. I flew JetBlue, from AUS to JFK, and then switched to Azores Airlines, which was a surprisingly small plane for a five-hour transatlantic flight. Customs was easy, but stepping off that plane, you realize quickly you’re not in a “typical” European hub. Everything feels more personal, more intimate, like you’ve landed somewhere that hasn’t yet been discovered by everyone else.
2. Rent. The. Car.
I cannot stress this enough: renting a car was the best decision of the entire trip. São Miguel is full of winding coastal roads, tiny villages, and jaw-dropping lookouts that you simply won’t reach if you’re tied to tour buses or taxis. I mean, I was surprised by those huge tour buses riding the edge of a cliff, but I’ll pass on the anxiety. We loved the freedom of pulling over whenever something caught our eye, which happened constantly. From an abandoned cliffside resort to tea fields rolling into the horizon, the best parts of this trip happened because we could go where we wanted, when we wanted.
3. Choose Where You Stay Wisely
We based ourselves at Pedras Do Mar Resort and Spa. It was lovely (breakfast included, spa, ocean views), but definitely more geared toward couples and honeymooners. Since I went with my best friend (heyyyyy, Lo👋🏼), it felt a little too tucked away. If I could do it again, I’d split my time. Maybe a night in Furnas, a night in Ponta Delgada, and another somewhere near the lakes or proper beachside. Staying in the town centers would’ve given us more “nightlife” (I use this word very lightly) and a chance to walk to restaurants or bars instead of always driving.
4. Don’t Miss the Unique Experiences
São Miguel has no shortage of postcard-worthy sights, but a few things really stood out:
- The Tea Plantation: Walking through rows of tea bushes while sipping something grown right there on the island felt surreal. We also got to see where and how it was made into little tea bags… SO CUTE.
- The Pineapple Plantation: Small but fascinating. And yes, I spent 40 euros on the smallest possible bottle of Pineapple Liqueur. It. was. divine.
- Cascada Salto del Cabrito: This was one of the most beautiful waterfalls I have seen. It was quite the trek to get to, if you parked before the entrance… so, if you feel like your rental can make the steep paved descent, there is parking closer to the waterfall. But we got our workout in for the day!
- The Hidden Finds: One of my favorite memories wasn’t even a “destination”. It was stumbling into a tiny village pizza bar, full of locals, soccer on TV, and us being the only Americans (… and girls) in the room. These unexpected stops made the island feel alive. And we had such a great time!
5. Book the Hot Springs in Advance
Here’s my biggest regret: not booking Poça da Dona Beija early. Tickets sell out quickly, and to make matters worse, we were leaving the next day after we “planned” this, so we didn’t get to go. Learn from my mistake and reserve your spot ahead of time so you don’t miss out on soaking in those steamy, mineral-rich waters surrounded by tropical greenery.
6. The Food is Simple, but Charming
If you’re expecting a long list of “must-eat” dishes, the food in São Miguel is more understated. We tried a collard green soup from Já Se Sabe in Furnas, which was recommended as a local dish, but overall, meals were simple, hearty, and surprisingly affordable. Restaurants shut down earlier than we expected. Even in Ponta Delgada, it seemed like everything wrapped up between 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. The nightlife was much quieter than we imagined, but there was something refreshing about that slower rhythm. Although… we did hit up the resort bar every night and were for sure the staff’s favorite revelers. We were sat at the bar each evening until they would kick us out; literally. “We’ll take one of everything.”
7. Pack for Chilly Breezes
Mid to late April in the Azores looks like spring on the calendar… but felt more like an extra-cool Texas winter day. The highs hovered around 65°F, with a cool ocean breeze, which meant I was constantly wishing I’d packed warmer layers. If you’re going in spring, bring a decent jacket and expect evenings and the coast to be especially brisk. São Miguel is also known for its hydrangeas, and it was too early in the season for us to see them. For a warmer, colorful, beachy vibe, aim for June or July instead. But also, I haven’t been there during June or July, so maybe take that piece of advice with a grain of salt.
8. Affordability is Part of the Charm
For Europe, the Azores felt shockingly affordable. My round-trip flight was just over $600, and splitting a resort with a friend came out to about a total of $400 each for four nights. Meals, coffee, and little adventures didn’t necessarily break the bank either. It’s one of those rare destinations where you can feel like you’re splurging, without your wallet screaming at you. But they definitely had their fair share of prime-dollar cash grabs.
If you’re dreaming of a trip that mixes breathtaking landscapes with a sense of discovery, the Azores are it. Go with a plan (book the hot springs, research a few can’t-miss spots), but leave plenty of room for spontaneity. The islands reward explorers!!
If there’s a next time for me, I’ll stay in different towns, most likely explore more of the other islands in the Azores, and go in the warmer summer months. But even as it was… chilly, quiet, and wonderfully unexpected… my time in São Miguel left me inspired. And that, to me, is the mark of a place worth visiting again.
Also, a little fun fact: if you’ve ever noticed the cover photo at the very front of The Daily Rae. You know, the one with the dreamy lake… that was taken by me at Sete Cidades, Azores. That’s how much this place imprinted on me.
Browse the blog archives for more vibes — there’s a little bit of everything here.