How Many Days Do You Need to Visit São Miguel Island in the Azores?
- Aina & Dani
- 19 minutes ago
- 4 min read
How many days do you need to visit São Miguel Island? If you're planning a trip to this Azores island, you're probably asking yourself this exact question. So, in addition to reading our full São Miguel travel guide, don’t miss this article with clear recommendations on how many days to spend based on your travel style.
São Miguel is the largest and most visited island in the Azores archipelago and, without exaggeration, a small natural paradise in the middle of the Atlantic. The more days you have, the better. But we know time is limited, and travel plans often need to fit your vacation time and budget.
Although we believe the ideal trip to São Miguel should be at least 7 days, you can still have a great experience with a shorter stay. That’s why in this article, we also cover 3-day and 5-day itineraries, so you can easily plan your visit without missing the highlights.
How Many Days Do You Need to Visit São Miguel Island? – Contents:
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First Things First: What to Consider
Even though São Miguel isn’t a large island and the distances between top tourist spots aren’t huge, there are a few important things to keep in mind when deciding how many days to stay:
You can see the essentials in a short time. Even on a brief trip, you can visit major areas like Sete Cidades, Furnas, or Vila Franca do Campo because distances are manageable. However, you’ll definitely need to rent a car to explore freely, as public transport is very limited (you can find more info here).
The weather can change your plans. Weather in São Miguel is unpredictable—it’s common for one side of the island to be cloudy while the other is sunny. With more days, you can adapt your plans around the weather. With fewer days, you may need to improvise.
Some places deserve more time. Some experiences aren’t just “seen”—they’re felt. The more time you have, the easier it is to slow down and truly enjoy them. For example, spending a relaxing afternoon at Terra Nostra Park, Caldeira Velha, or the Poça da Dona Beija hot springs isn’t something you want to rush.
If you love hiking, keep in mind that many trails take half a day or even a full day. We’ve put together a list of the 10 best hiking trails in São Miguel to help you plan.
Choosing where to stay is key, especially if you’re short on time. A poorly located hotel can waste precious hours on the road. Check out our practical guide to choosing where to stay in São Miguel.
And if you run out of days... don’t worry. São Miguel is one of those places you’ll want to come back to—and this will be a perfect excuse to return.
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.
How Long Should You Stay in São Miguel?
Quick Getaway: 3 Days
Perfect if you're taking a short trip from mainland Portugal or combining São Miguel with other Azores islands. In just three days, you can cover the island’s most iconic landscapes: the Sete Cidades and Furnas Lagoons, natural hot springs, the cliffs of Mosteiros, and Vila Franca do Campo.
If that sounds like your kind of trip, check out our complete 3-day itinerary for São Miguel.
Full Experience: 5 Days
Five days in São Miguel lets you enjoy a well-rounded trip. That’s enough time to visit all the island’s essential sights—like Sete Cidades, Furnas, Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake), and Vila Franca do Campo—plus explore some lesser-known spots.
It’s an excellent choice for a first visit: you’ll see the must-sees, experience what makes the island special, and even find moments to enjoy the local pace of life. You won’t have time to spare, but you won’t miss the best parts either.
Here’s our 5-day São Miguel itinerary to help you plan.
The Ideal Trip: 7 Days or More
If you can dedicate a full week to São Miguel, get ready to enjoy the island the way it deserves. With 7 days (or more), you’ll not only explore all the must-see attractions without rushing but also uncover off-the-beaten-path spots, tackle several hiking routes, and experience the island at a slower, more immersive pace.
This kind of trip lets you adjust to the weather, be spontaneous, dive into local cuisine, or wander through peaceful villages without watching the clock. It’s also perfect for visiting more remote areas like the Nordeste region, which often gets skipped on shorter visits.
Seven days is the ideal amount of time to see all of São Miguel—not just the highlights, but each region covered in our São Miguel travel guide. And if you have more days? Even better!
Check out our 7-day itinerary for São Miguel here.
In Summary...
Type of Trip | Recommendation |
|---|---|
Quick getaway to see the highlights | 3 days |
Full trip to cover all top sights | 5 days |
Ideal trip to explore deeply | 7 days or more |
No matter how long you stay in São Miguel, the island is going to surprise you. Plan well, make the most of your time, and leave some room for spontaneity… because on this island, the best things are often the ones you stumble upon.
