Portugal

The Perfect 5-Day Itinerary With Kids In São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal

Given the flood of questions about our relocation to Portugal and being American expats, I’ve taken the plunge and launched a second blog titled ‘American Family in Portugal’. Join us as we share our journey and insights into expat life in this beautiful country!

Are you seeking rolling green hills, stunning lakes, sea cliff views, iron-rich hot springs, and more? The Azores reminded our family of a cold Maui (granted, we went in winter!) filled with beautiful cows (and yes, they are beautiful).

The main island of São Miguel has a lot to offer to families looking to explore, relax and enjoy the beauty of nature outdoors. Just driving around is magical! I love immersing in everything we see out of the window, making it hard for me to put my camera down.

We recently moved to Portugal as a family and are trying to get out and explore the island of Portugal. The Azores is an autonomous region claimed in the name of Portugal since the 1400s. Everyone kept telling us the Azores and Madeira are Portugal’s “Hawaii”. We fell in love instantly!

Following is an ideal 5-day São Miguel Island, Azores itinerary with kids. Feel free to modify it as it fits your family’s needs, and check out my Top 30 Things To Do In São Miguel With Kids Ultimate Guide.

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The Ideal 5-Day São Miguel Itinerary With Kids

Below are some of the top attractions to see in São Miguel with the kids. Feel free to pick and choose what interests you and modify this itinerary!

• Gruta do Carvao- go cave exploring
• Whale Watching- in the right season
• Hot springs
• Black sand beaches
• Lookouts over the ocean
• Farm tour to milk cows
• Visit the island Ilhéu de Vila Franca and snorkel
• Hiking
• Canyoning
• Pineapple and Tea plantations
• Try the traditional food cozido
• And more!

Where to Stay In São Miguel With Kids

• Nordeste
• Furnas
• Ribeira Granda
• Ponta Delgada

Note: Where you stay on the island doesn’t matter as it’s only about an hour to drive anywhere.  We stayed in Nordeste and never had to go more than an hour to each destination.

We loved our Airbnb experience in Sao Miguel. We had a lovely 5-bedroom home surrounded by cow pastures and stunning views. You can find other Airbnb options here:

• Casa do Outeiro with Heated Pool
• Craftsman’s House
• Epicenter Santacruz
• Azores House
• Wonderful Furnas Cottage

However, hotels can be fantastic. Check out some of these hotels:

• The Lince Nordeste Country and Nature Hotel
• Azoris Royal Garden – Leisure & Conference Hotel
• Octant Ponta Delgada
• Hotel Gaivota Azores
• Pedras Do Mar Resort & Spa

Arriving In São Miguel, Azores With Kids

• If you’re staying in an Airbnb, take your rental car to the grocery store. We recommend going to Mercado da Graça Farmer’s Market for fresh produce and Continente in the Parque Atlântico mall for your other needs.  Both stores are located about 10 minutes from the airport in Ponta Delgada. Want recommendations for what to buy for your Airbnb?  See my shopping list for What Food To Buy When Staying In An Airbnb With Your Family.
• If it’s too early to check into your accommodations, visit the Gruta do Carvao, hit a black sand beach in Ponta Delgada, or stop by a museum. There is plenty to do if you need to kill some time.
• Consider dining at a local restaurant like Tasca for Portuguese food, something more familiar at Balcony Restaurant.

Day One: Exploring Ponta Delgada With Kids

• Whale watching in Ponta Delgada for the half-day option with Picos de Adventura.
• Visit Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo for snorkeling in the afternoon.  Boat rides depart hourly from the wharf of Vila Franca do Campo.
• Visit the São Sebastião church or any of the amazing churches around the city.
• Enjoy a picnic dinner at the beach or in your Airbnb, or visit any of the amazing restaurants nearby.

Day Two: Driving Around São Miguel With Kids

• Visit some lookouts or miradouros, and take a little tour around the east side of the island.
  • Start at Miradouro do Cintrão, visit the lighthouse, and simply head east.
  • Look for brown signs that alert you to a hike, viewpoint, or other points of interest.  
• Drive to the Joao de Cantos Parque to explore with the kids. My kids loved playing by the lake while the adults admired the romantic and beautiful cathedral.
• Go to the other side of the lake and rent a canoe on the lake or watch the volcanic activity in Fumarolas Lagoa das Furnas.
• Head into Furnas.
  • Go for a hot swim under the stars at Poça da Dona Beija Hot Springs.  It’s open until late, but I’d recommend going before it gets dark.
  • Hit Tony’s for dinner.  Call ahead and reserve Cozido for dinner to try a meal cooked in the heat of the volcano. It’s an experience!

Day Three: Enjoying São Miguel With Kids

• Head up the middle of the island to see Lagoa do Fogo.  View from one of the miradouros first, then go down to the lake (park in the Parque de estacionamento), and be sure to check the live webcams first. You might not be able to see anything because of the clouds and fog, that’s what happened to us!
• Hike on the Janela do inferno Hike.  Walkthrough the old aqueduct tunnels (bring a flashlight or a charged phone with a flashlight) and experience incredible views!
• Book a farm tour in advance and head to the Âmago Wellness Farm in the afternoon (around 4 pm) for a farm tour and milking the cows.  Enjoy the fresh milk with a small picnic at sunset. The kiddos will love it!

Day Four: Exploring Sete Cidades With Kids

• Head to Sete Cidades for a family hike.
  • Choose your own route on All Trails or hire a hiking tour guide for the day.
  • A visit to the Blue and Green Lake (Lagao Azul and Lagao Verde) inside an ancient crater is a must.
  • Miradouro da Vista do Rei is a great viewpoint (literally the king’s lookout).
• Have lunch or dinner in Sete Cidades. Lagoa Azul serves Mediterranean flavors and looks great!
• Visit Igreja de São Nicolau. The picturesque main church in the area with lovely gardens.
• Rent a kayak at Sete Cidades or stop by a playground. I’ve found a stop like this is sometimes needed to get those wiggles out for the littlest travelers.
• Go for a swim in the nearby Ponta da Ferraria natural hot springs.
• Choose a guided tour in the area and learn more background and history from the locals! Here are some guided tours to Sete Cidades.

Day Five: Hidden Gems of São Miguel with Kids

• Visit a pineapple or tea plantation.
  • Arruda pineapple plantation, located near Ponta Delgada, offers self-guided tours.
  • The Goreanna tea plantation is currently the only tea plantation in Europe and has been around since 1883. Tour is free, and the parties are self-guided as well (donations welcome). Can be very popular and difficult to find parking.
  • Visit a fortress.
• Enjoy your last dinner at a local restaurant.  Check out this blog for some suggestions for your last night.

Head home and dream of your next trip back…..

Enjoy!

Leslie

Download My Printable PDF Itinerary Here

Additional Reading

30 Amazing Things To Do In The Azores With Kids: Ultimate Family Guide To São Miguel Island

Visiting Poça da Dona Beija Hot Springs With Kids: All You Need To Know

Discovering Madeira as a Family