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

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Last Updated on April 17, 2024 by Leslie Stroud

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.

*The Azores offers a lot of beautiful lakes and beaches, which are perfect for families!*

*Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Opinions shared are my own, and I only endorse products I support. By clicking on any of the links below, I may get a small commission if you purchase at absolutely no additional charge to you. I appreciate your support.*

Table of Contents

1 The Ideal 5-Day São Miguel Itinerary With Kids
2 Where to Stay In São Miguel With Kids
3 Arriving In São Miguel, Azores With Kids
4 Day One: Exploring Ponta Delgada With Kids
5 Day Two: Driving Around São Miguel With Kids
6 Day Three: Enjoying São Miguel With Kids
7 Day Four: Exploring Sete Cidades With Kids
8 Day Five: Hidden Gems of São Miguel with Kids
9 Download My Printable PDF Itinerary Here
10 Additional Reading

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!

*Church S Pedro de Nordestinho Nordeste Ponta Delgada*
*^{_{Source: Unsplash}}*

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:

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

Interestingly, Praia dos Mosteiros has black volcanic sand
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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.

Museu Carlos Machado
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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

*Dip in Poca da Dona Beija thermal bath with kids before it gets dark*

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

*Tasteful Cozido being cooked at Caldeiras de Lagoa das Furnas. You should try it!!*

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

*Learn more about pineapples with kids by visiting the Arruda Pineapple Plantation*

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