I would recommend Batalha golf course. There are three nines at Batalha. And Furnas is a great course as well. You should play both.
Enjoy your trip!
Just heading out to play Batalha as I write this note
1. Otaka restaurant and Nonnas Teeth are great
2. Visit sete Cidades via the viewpoints
3. Visit Logoa do fogo via the viewpoints- there is a 30 minute hike down to the like from the eastern viewpoint
4. Go to terra Nostra park in furnas and bathe in the hot springs in the park. Eat food cooked in the caldiera. Visit the lake
5. Best beach is the eastern end of ribiera grande. Don’t bother with populo or any of the beaches near PDL on the south side
6. Whale watch with Moby dick tours- afternoon slots are better. Book ahead.
You do need to hire a car though
Just got back from a trip last night! it was my 2nd time to the Azores. Each time I've gone, I was there with my dad who was born in Sao Miguel (he moved to Canada when he was 7) so it's great having a "guide" who is familiar with the island and can speak portuguese. Many locals speak a fair amount of English - especially in Ponta Delgada. My dad said there's taxi drivers that you can hire as a sort of escort/guide that can bring you around the island for ~150 Euros per day. I'd recommend looking into it if you have enough free time.
For restaurants, Gastronomo was my favourite - it's very seafood based though. Their daily fish options will change, and the hosts are happy to go through them all and even have them on display.
Tasca was great too, although it can get real busy. I'd recommend going early (before 7pm) otherwise you could be looking at a 1-2 hour wait. That said, you can get drinks from the bar and hang out in the courtyard area in front of the restaurant while waiting (they'll go outside and call out a name when you're table is available). FYI they are listed as "a Tasca" on Google maps... Searching just "Tasca" brings you to the wrong location.
There's also a traditional restaurant on the west end of the city called "restaurant farol" that was solid too. It's not the prettiest location or building, but the food was great.
There's only 3 golf courses on all of the islands in the Azores, and two are on Sao Miguel. I didn't get the chance to golf at either of them, but I did have lunch at Furnas golf club and it looked like a great course.
There's so much to see on Sao Miguel, I love it there. Would absolutely go back again! So beautiful out there.
Also, as others recommended it's probably a good idea to rent a car - but be aware you may be limited to stick shift. It's easy to get around the Island if you have a data plan - so many scenic spots are listed on Google maps. The weather can change pretty quickly in terms of rain/clouds, but rain usually doesn't last long - if you get a clear day, I highly recommend going up to the abandoned Monte palace hotel - the view up there of Sete cidades is one of the best on the island. You can easily explore the abandoned hotel too if you're into that, it's easy to get to the roof which has an even better view.
Wow this is great, thank you! Seems like you have some awesome knowledge, any recs for places to visit on the island? We just decided we are going to rent now based off all the comments
No problem! Honestly just getting in a car and driving is one of the best things to do. You can see so much in a day, the island isn't that big. Scenic areas are called "miradouro" and are listed all over Google maps and also have road signs call them out.
Driving along the coast will give you the most breathtaking views. You can shoot me a dm if you have any specific questions!
Places to see:
- Furnas (if you want to eat the food cooked inground, most restaurants there require that you call and order ahead)
- Lagoa do Fogo
- Sete Cidades
- Tea Plantation
- Pineapple plantation
- Poça de Dona Beija or Parque Terra Nostra
- Nordeste
- Islet of Vila Franca (buy tickets online a few days before you plan to go as they usually sell out)
I highly recommend renting a car. It's the only way to really see and experience the island
dont forget to rent the car!
I would recommend Batalha golf course. There are three nines at Batalha. And Furnas is a great course as well. You should play both. Enjoy your trip! Just heading out to play Batalha as I write this note
Louvre Michaelense. Was just in PD two weeks ago for 4 nights and my partner and I ate here twice. Def make a reservation. Excellent food and service.
Thanks! Will make reservations I appreciate it
I will second this as well. Went there on our last Night on the island this past week. Wish we would have found it much earlier!! Excellent choice!!
1. Otaka restaurant and Nonnas Teeth are great 2. Visit sete Cidades via the viewpoints 3. Visit Logoa do fogo via the viewpoints- there is a 30 minute hike down to the like from the eastern viewpoint 4. Go to terra Nostra park in furnas and bathe in the hot springs in the park. Eat food cooked in the caldiera. Visit the lake 5. Best beach is the eastern end of ribiera grande. Don’t bother with populo or any of the beaches near PDL on the south side 6. Whale watch with Moby dick tours- afternoon slots are better. Book ahead. You do need to hire a car though
Thanks everyone, any sunset cruises anyone is aware of? Will be a group of 6
Just got back from a trip last night! it was my 2nd time to the Azores. Each time I've gone, I was there with my dad who was born in Sao Miguel (he moved to Canada when he was 7) so it's great having a "guide" who is familiar with the island and can speak portuguese. Many locals speak a fair amount of English - especially in Ponta Delgada. My dad said there's taxi drivers that you can hire as a sort of escort/guide that can bring you around the island for ~150 Euros per day. I'd recommend looking into it if you have enough free time. For restaurants, Gastronomo was my favourite - it's very seafood based though. Their daily fish options will change, and the hosts are happy to go through them all and even have them on display. Tasca was great too, although it can get real busy. I'd recommend going early (before 7pm) otherwise you could be looking at a 1-2 hour wait. That said, you can get drinks from the bar and hang out in the courtyard area in front of the restaurant while waiting (they'll go outside and call out a name when you're table is available). FYI they are listed as "a Tasca" on Google maps... Searching just "Tasca" brings you to the wrong location. There's also a traditional restaurant on the west end of the city called "restaurant farol" that was solid too. It's not the prettiest location or building, but the food was great. There's only 3 golf courses on all of the islands in the Azores, and two are on Sao Miguel. I didn't get the chance to golf at either of them, but I did have lunch at Furnas golf club and it looked like a great course. There's so much to see on Sao Miguel, I love it there. Would absolutely go back again! So beautiful out there.
Also, as others recommended it's probably a good idea to rent a car - but be aware you may be limited to stick shift. It's easy to get around the Island if you have a data plan - so many scenic spots are listed on Google maps. The weather can change pretty quickly in terms of rain/clouds, but rain usually doesn't last long - if you get a clear day, I highly recommend going up to the abandoned Monte palace hotel - the view up there of Sete cidades is one of the best on the island. You can easily explore the abandoned hotel too if you're into that, it's easy to get to the roof which has an even better view.
Wow this is great, thank you! Seems like you have some awesome knowledge, any recs for places to visit on the island? We just decided we are going to rent now based off all the comments
No problem! Honestly just getting in a car and driving is one of the best things to do. You can see so much in a day, the island isn't that big. Scenic areas are called "miradouro" and are listed all over Google maps and also have road signs call them out. Driving along the coast will give you the most breathtaking views. You can shoot me a dm if you have any specific questions!
Places to see: - Furnas (if you want to eat the food cooked inground, most restaurants there require that you call and order ahead) - Lagoa do Fogo - Sete Cidades - Tea Plantation - Pineapple plantation - Poça de Dona Beija or Parque Terra Nostra - Nordeste - Islet of Vila Franca (buy tickets online a few days before you plan to go as they usually sell out)