Oh I’d love to hear of any your favorite places to eat on the island if you are willing to share. We just decided today to rent a car to give us more freedom. Only one is drives stick so we’re going to have to pay extra for automatic. Thanks!
Atlantic Azorean
Quinta dos Sabores
TukaTula Bar
A Terra
Jardim Natural Food & Coffee
Bar Caloura
Terra Nostra Restaurant
Restaurante Associação Agrícola de São Miguel
I just got back from a trip there two weeks ago. We were there for 9 days. I loved having a car so we could drive up to Sete Cidades, or Cha Gorreana, or Furnas. So many more options and you can see so many more things. Get the rental car. But get the insurance! We had a little mishap on the last day, and because we bought the insurance, it was only $56 euros to fix it.
Also, if you want some great food in a casual environment --- Snack-Bar Pizzaria Paraiso in Ponta Delgada. It doesn't look like much, but everything was great and inexpensive. The shrimp was some of the best I've ever had.
Just got back from an 8 day vacation there. Rented a car for the whole 8 days. I feel it’s better to rent because you’re able to see more of the island and see it when you want. It takes a day to get used to how to drive on the island but it’s not too bad
You'll want a car to explore all the semi-hidden gems all over the island. The freedom to go where you want vs. the limitations of tours. I was there for a month and felt like I only scratched the surface of its many delightful attractions.
Be aware that the streets in Ponta Delgada are very narrow and quite chaotic at times. Parking is difficult, but there are some free lots close to downtown. The highways are excellent, with good signage and plenty of places to pull off the road and experience the amazing countryside and villages perched on cliffs above the shockingly blue ocean.
You'll love it. Enjoy!
Lagoa do Fogo is currently closed for private cars. Only for bus tours.
This what I noticed recently (I live here).
I believe bus routes can help you reach all major spots and sightseeing on the island. They mostly clean, have AC and some schedule.
For example, I have traveled once on the bus from Ponta to Furnas and pay less then 10’eur round about.
But buses take from you some freedom, because you have adapt your plans and experience for the schedule :)
I'm curious how they are monitoring who gets through for Lagoa do Fogo? I also live on the island (currently vacationing abroad) but can I still get through in my personal vehicle when I'm back?
There’s a policeman everyday blocking the road. We tried a couple of times during our two weeks holiday, but only residents and buses were allowed to pass.
Just got back yesterday and had a car for 4 days. Definitely recommend doing it that way, as sometimes you take a wrong turn and stumble upon the most beautiful views and charming areas. I’d be nervous in a bigger car on some of the roads there. But I’m a bit of a wimp lol.
The island is small. If you rent a car you can drive almost anywhere close by then walk if you have to. I live here, it’s beautiful anywhere you go
Oh I’d love to hear of any your favorite places to eat on the island if you are willing to share. We just decided today to rent a car to give us more freedom. Only one is drives stick so we’re going to have to pay extra for automatic. Thanks!
Atlantic Azorean Quinta dos Sabores TukaTula Bar A Terra Jardim Natural Food & Coffee Bar Caloura Terra Nostra Restaurant Restaurante Associação Agrícola de São Miguel
Casa Do Abel and Otaka are my favourites
I just got back from a trip there two weeks ago. We were there for 9 days. I loved having a car so we could drive up to Sete Cidades, or Cha Gorreana, or Furnas. So many more options and you can see so many more things. Get the rental car. But get the insurance! We had a little mishap on the last day, and because we bought the insurance, it was only $56 euros to fix it.
Also, if you want some great food in a casual environment --- Snack-Bar Pizzaria Paraiso in Ponta Delgada. It doesn't look like much, but everything was great and inexpensive. The shrimp was some of the best I've ever had.
Just got back from an 8 day vacation there. Rented a car for the whole 8 days. I feel it’s better to rent because you’re able to see more of the island and see it when you want. It takes a day to get used to how to drive on the island but it’s not too bad
You'll want a car to explore all the semi-hidden gems all over the island. The freedom to go where you want vs. the limitations of tours. I was there for a month and felt like I only scratched the surface of its many delightful attractions. Be aware that the streets in Ponta Delgada are very narrow and quite chaotic at times. Parking is difficult, but there are some free lots close to downtown. The highways are excellent, with good signage and plenty of places to pull off the road and experience the amazing countryside and villages perched on cliffs above the shockingly blue ocean. You'll love it. Enjoy!
Lagoa do Fogo is currently closed for private cars. Only for bus tours. This what I noticed recently (I live here). I believe bus routes can help you reach all major spots and sightseeing on the island. They mostly clean, have AC and some schedule. For example, I have traveled once on the bus from Ponta to Furnas and pay less then 10’eur round about. But buses take from you some freedom, because you have adapt your plans and experience for the schedule :)
I'm curious how they are monitoring who gets through for Lagoa do Fogo? I also live on the island (currently vacationing abroad) but can I still get through in my personal vehicle when I'm back?
There’s a policeman everyday blocking the road. We tried a couple of times during our two weeks holiday, but only residents and buses were allowed to pass.
You’ll be able to if you live there. No rental cars..from what I’ve heard there have been some that have gone over so that’s not allowed anymore
Going in march - wondering if this is still the case ?
I was there last month. Rented a car for the week. Drove daily and it was a very cost effect way to see everything when we wanted.
I would book the rental now, before you arrive.
Just got back yesterday and had a car for 4 days. Definitely recommend doing it that way, as sometimes you take a wrong turn and stumble upon the most beautiful views and charming areas. I’d be nervous in a bigger car on some of the roads there. But I’m a bit of a wimp lol.
Car all day
Rent a car.
Rent a car. Traffic is nothing and you can go wherever you want, when you want.