Farm Experiences & Rural Tourism in São Miguel (Azores) – 6 Eco-Friendly Activities
- Aina & Dani
- Aug 10
- 4 min read
Are you interested in discovering farm visits and rural experiences in São Miguel? This island in the Azores, known for its lush nature, is also an ideal place to explore a slower, more authentic way of life in direct connection with the environment. In São Miguel, you’ll find a handful of lesser-known local initiatives that focus on rural tourism and sustainability as a lifestyle.
We decided to write this article because we often receive questions from people interested in rural experiences in the Azores. São Miguel is a true agricultural paradise, with several small traditional projects that support local production and environmental responsibility.
In this article, we’ll share 6 farm visits and rural experiences in São Miguel, all different from one another, but with something in common: they’re authentic, locally-run, and sustainable places.
Let’s dive into this selection of farm experiences and rural tourism in São Miguel!
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Farm Experiences and Rural Tourism in São Miguel (Azores) – Content:
1. Quinta do Agricultor
If you want to truly understand what traditional rural life was like in the Azores, this farm is a must-visit. Quinta do Agricultor isn’t just a farm—it’s a living tribute to the founders’ childhoods, their grandparents, and a way of life that is gradually disappearing.
At this farm in São Miguel, you’ll have an educational experience where you’ll learn how farming families used to live, discover old tools used in the kitchen and the fields, and even get to milk a cow.
You can choose between two types of visits: the standard one (€20 for adults/€5 for kids), which lasts about 2–3 hours and focuses on local traditions, or the tasting visit (€55 for adults/€20 for kids), which includes a traditional food experience. You can book these activities through their website.
2. Margaridas Apiary
If you’re not afraid of bees (or want to overcome your fear), you’ll love this experience. At Margaridas Apiary, a family-run project in Lagoa, you’ll discover just how important these tiny insects are to life as we know it. They produce top-quality artisan honey here, with a strong focus on respecting nature, bees, and local biodiversity.
During your visit, you’ll suit up as a beekeeper and get up close to the hives to see how a real hive functions. You’ll observe how they’re organized, what each type of bee does, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot the queen. The experience ends with a honey tasting produced by the Margaridas family. You can book this activity here.
3. Quinta São José
At Quinta São José, located in the town of Rabo de Peixe, you can enjoy a truly unique rural experience: a traditional breakfast with goats. Yes, you read that right. Here, not only can you interact with the goats and help milk them, but you’ll also participate in making fresh products—and then sit down to enjoy a traditional breakfast.
The breakfast features local products like various breads, homemade jams, cheeses made from the farm’s own milk, honey, and the famous Pé de Torresmo, a typical Azorean dish made with crispy fried pork skin—delicious and truly local. You can book this activity through their website.
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4. Quinta da Paródia
Quinta da Paródia is a place where farming and livestock blend with fun, educational activities. Here, you can see animals such as cows, horses, donkeys, goats, pigs, rabbits, and poultry—and even go on a pony ride through the farm and nearby woods.
You can visit Quinta da Paródia without a reservation on select dates announced throughout the year. They also offer guided tours that can be booked at any time, lasting either 1 or 2 hours.
Haven't booked your accommodation yet? For your stay in São Miguel, we recommend Herdade do Ananás, a cozy and unique hotel with a pineapple greenhouse; Comercial Azores Boutique, in the center of Ponta Delgada, and Canadiano Urban Nature, a perfect balance of quality and price.
5. Donkeys & Friends
Donkeys & Friends is a sanctuary in São Miguel dedicated to caring for and protecting donkeys—animals that have played a part in Azorean culture and history for centuries. With the donkey population having significantly declined in recent years, this project offers them a peaceful refuge free from harm. Through responsible tourism, they invite visitors to connect with the animals, understand their role, and learn to respect them.
You can explore all the experiences they offer here, and we love how they’re designed. You can go on hikes alongside the donkeys or take guided tours around the Caloura area, where two donkeys serve as your charming guides. One especially interesting option is spending a full day with the caretakers to learn everything involved in taking care of these animals.
6. Quintal Dos Açores
We’re wrapping up our list of farm experiences and rural tourism in São Miguel with Quintal dos Açores—a family business that has been making traditional jams, spices, and preserves since 1997, using homemade recipes and raw ingredients grown in their own fields in Candelária.
When you visit Quintal dos Açores, you’ll find handmade jams, spices, and preserves—all with the traditional touch that defines the Azores. It’s the perfect way to take a piece of São Miguel’s flavors back home with you.
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