Sao Miguel Photography: I have traveled to the Azores for four months and These are my best shots of São Miguel

When I first booked a flight to the Azores, it was all about one thing—whales. These volcanic islands, situated in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, are renowned worldwide for their diverse marine life, particularly the opportunity to observe the majestic sperm whales and playful dolphins that inhabit their deep waters. But what started as a short trip to tick an experience off my bucket list quickly turned into a love story.

The Azores, a Portuguese archipelago of nine islands, had my heart from my first landing. With its scenic volcanic landscape, emerald-green crater lakes, and steaming hot springs, to cliffs that drop dramatically into the sea, every corner of these islands holds something quietly spectacular.

Over the course of four months, spread across different visits, I found myself captivated—not just by the landscapes, but by the rhythm of life, the warmth of the people, and the sheer wildness of it all.

These are not the kind of islands that demand attention; they whisper their magic slowly. And somewhere between watching whales breach the surface and wandering through hydrangea-lined trails, I realized I had fallen for these forgotten islands.

This post is a visual love letter to the Azores—my favorite photos from a journey that began with curiosity and turned into deep affection.

There is no particular pattern or timeline. Just a random photo gallery (with some explanation about the place of course) that I found myself editing one nostalgic morning with a coffe in my hand, reminiscing about these beautiful islands and daydreaming about my return.

Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões

Tucked away on the lush northeast coast of São Miguel, this park feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Waterfalls cascade down mossy cliffs, historic water mills hum peacefully under ancient trees, and winding paths take you through a rainforest-like dreamscape dotted with tiny bridges and hidden viewpoints. It’s peaceful, endlessly green, and full of those delightful surprises that make you want to linger a little longer. The entrance is free. There is a coffe shop where you can enjoy a great espresso coffee with a delicious pastel de nata while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

80+ sITES TO VISIT IN SAO MIGUEL

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✔️ 34 Lookout points
✔️ 10 hot springs + hikes and other sites
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Praia de Santa Bárbara (Areal de Santa Bárbara)

Located on the north coast of São Miguel, Praia de Santa Bárbara is one of the island’s most iconic beaches. With its vast stretch of soft, dark volcanic sand and dramatic waves rolling in from the Atlantic, it’s a favorite spot for both relaxing and catching some serious surf.

This beach has a laid-back vibe but plenty of energy, especially in the summer when the beach bar comes alive with sunset cocktails and the occasional live DJ. One of the best things about Santa Bárbara is the surf shop right by the entrance. You can rent boards, wetsuits, and even sign up for lessons if you’re new to the sport. The instructors are super friendly and experienced, making it a great place to try surfing for the first time or level up your skills if you already know the basics.

There are showers and clean restrooms on-site, along with plenty of free parking. The waves here can be strong, so it’s a good idea to check the flags and stay within safe areas. Whether you’re riding the surf or just watching the action from the sand, Santa Bárbara has a kind of raw beauty that’s hard to forget.

Ponta da Ferraria

Ponta da Ferraria is one of São Miguel’s most unforgettable spots—a place where steaming geothermal water flows straight into the ocean, creating a natural hot spring right in the waves. It’s a surreal experience: you’re floating in the Atlantic, but the water around you is warm, thanks to volcanic energy bubbling up from below.

To get there, you follow a steep, winding road that zigzags its way down dramatic cliffs. The drive itself feels like an adventure, with ocean views at every turn. At the bottom, there’s a decent-sized parking lot where you can leave your car before heading toward the natural pool.

Once you’re there, you’ll find a ladder to help you into the rocky pool (water shoes are a good idea—it can be slippery). Depending on the tide, the water can feel like a warm bath or a dynamic mix of hot and cool. Either way, it’s something you won’t forget anytime soon.

Before or after your swim, make sure to stop at the miradouro (viewpoint) above. From up there, you get a sweeping view of the cliffs, the ocean, and the tiny people soaking below. It’s one of those places where you can just stand and breathe it all in—peaceful, powerful, and uniquely Azorean.

Caldeira Velha Interpretation Center

Tucked into the dense green slopes of São Miguel’s Água de Pau volcano, Caldeira Velha is part museum, part jungle paradise. The interpretation center at the entrance gives a great overview of the island’s volcanic origins, the surrounding geothermal activity, and local wildlife. It’s a small but well-done space that helps you appreciate what you’re about to see outside.

Just beyond the center, a forest trail leads to warm, iron-rich thermal pools and a dreamy waterfall, all wrapped in thick, tropical greenery. The whole place feels like a scene out of Jurassic Park—but with the added bonus of being able to soak in it. The water has a rusty tint from the iron, but it’s warm and soothing, and a perfect place to unwind.

There’s free parking just outside, and the path in is short and easy. You’ll find changing rooms, clean bathrooms, and a calm, organized atmosphere. Visits are timed (usually around 1.5 hours), so it doesn’t get overcrowded (but it does), and you need to book in advance on the official website.

Caloura natural pool and village

Caloura is one of those places that feels like a quiet coastal secret. Tucked between cliffs on the southern coast of São Miguel, this tiny seaside village is full of charm with its whitewashed luxury villas, bright bougainvillea, and narrow streets that lead down to the sea. The harbor area is small but beautiful, boasting crystal-clear water that is perfect for a dip or snorkeling. There’s a natural swimming area carved into the rocks, often visited by locals who know how special this spot is.

Just above the water, you’ll find a lovely viewpoint with panoramic ocean views and, if you’re lucky, a spectacular sunset. Caloura is also home to one of the island’s best-known seafood restaurants—ideal for a long, lazy meal after a swim. It’s peaceful, photogenic, and full of understated magic.

Chá Gorreana Tea Plantation

Chá Gorreana is more than a tea plantation—it’s a living piece of Azorean history. This family-run estate has been growing and producing tea since 1883, making it the oldest operating tea plantation in Europe.

You can walk through the lush tea fields, tour the old machinery in the factory, and sample freshly brewed black and green teas, all while taking in sweeping views of the north coast. The tour inside the factory and the hike around the plantations are totally free. You can also have a taste of their delicious tea.

There’s a small café, a gift shop filled with locally made tea products, and you can enjoy the beautiful views from the cafe’ terrace.
The hike itself is a leisurely walk through tea trees. It’s a calm, aromatic place where you’ll probably want to stay longer than planned.

Miradouro de Cintrão

Once a lookout for whalers, Miradouro de Cintrão now offers peaceful views over the craggy north coast of São Miguel. Located near Ribeira Grande, this cliffside spot feels removed from the busy tourist trail. You’ll find a quiet bench, coastal cliffs tumbling into the ocean, and a stillness that makes you want to stay awhile.

Povoação

Nestled in a green valley where seven streams meet the sea, Povoação is believed to be where the first settlers of São Miguel landed. It’s a charming town with cobbled streets, flower-filled gardens, and a cozy harbor that invites slow strolls and long coffee breaks.

The setting is dramatic—surrounded by steep hills and dense forest—and it has a more local, authentic vibe compared to some of the island’s busier towns. There’s even a small museum if you’re curious about the area’s history.

In fact, being located off the beaten path, there are fewer tourists around, allowing you to enjoy a more local feel. I would recommend stopping on the lookout point before driving down to the valley to soak up the spectacular views.

Ribeira Quente

This quiet fishing village feels like a hidden pocket of calm. Sheltered by steep cliffs on São Miguel’s southeast coast, Ribeira Quente has a warm, easygoing vibe. Its main beach, Praia do Fogo, is renowned for its naturally heated waters, thanks to geothermal vents beneath the sand.

It’s a great place for a swim, with soft waves and beautiful scenery all around. The village has a handful of seafood restaurants where you can sit outside and enjoy the catch of the day as the ocean breeze rolls in.

Farol da Ponta Garça

This striking white-and-red lighthouse stands tall on São Miguel’s south coast, guiding ships since the 1950s. It’s not always open to the public, but the surrounding grounds are accessible and offer lovely views over the ocean and coastline. The area around the lighthouse is quiet and peaceful, and there’s a short coastal path nearby where you can walk and enjoy the sound of the waves below.
As you can see in the picture, a girl stands by a monocular; she’s a “spotter” for one of the whale-watching companies on the island.

Interesting fact – Traditionally, spotters were important assets for whale hunters, because they played a fundamental role in spotting the whales from a distance and directing the boat to the right spot for hunting. Luckily, this practice has been over for years, but the job didn’t die with it. Spotters are now used for whale watching tours. They are in constant communication via radio and they help boat captains to spot whales so that tourists have a better chance of seeing them during their tours.

Praia da Vinha da Areia (Vila Franca do Campo)

This small beach, right next to the marina in Vila Franca do Campo, is a convenient and relaxed spot for a swim. With calm waters and nearby restaurants, it’s great for families or anyone looking for a more laid-back beach day. There’s a wide sandy stretch, sunbeds in summer, and an easygoing atmosphere that makes it perfect for an afternoon of doing absolutely nothing.

Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo

Just off the coast of Vila Franca do Campo, this little islet is a natural swimming sanctuary formed by a volcanic crater. In summer, boats ferry visitors to its sheltered lagoon, where the clear, calm waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The islet is a protected nature reserve, so visitor numbers are limited, which helps keep it pristine. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind swimming spot with postcard views, this is it.

Praia do Fogo (Ribeira Quente)

This beach might be small, but it has something special: geothermal heat. The sands of Praia do Fogo are warm underfoot, and underwater volcanic vents naturally heat the ocean water here. It’s a surreal experience, especially on a more fabulous day. The beach is clean, uncrowded, and backed by cliffs, giving it a cozy, hidden-away feel. Perfect for a relaxing swim or an afternoon nap in the sun.

Cascada da Ribeira Quente

Set in a lush, hidden gorge between twin road tunnels north of Ribeira Quente, this waterfall is a stunning Azorean secret. Water plunges down about 40–45 m (some sources say up to 60 m), creating a dramatic vertical drop against vibrant, iron-tinted cliffs. The name “Ribeira Quente”—“hot stream”—hints at the geothermal springs in the valley, though the waterfall itself isn’t steaming hot.

Getting here is part of the adventure: park just before the tunnel on the way to Ribera Quente, from Furnas, walk through (carefully—it’s narrow!), then follow a short, slightly wilder path emerging from the tunnel. In just a few minutes you’ll hear the roar of the falls and come upon a view that feels cinematic and intimate—a tall cascade framed by dense forest and rugged rock.

The trail can be muddy and uneven, so good shoes are a must. It’s an easy 5–10 minute walk from the road, but beware of slippery sections. Once you reach the viewpoint, you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled on a secret world—tall, quiet, powerful water in a calm valley.

Best visited after rain (the flow is richer) and early or late in the day (it’s peaceful then). From the vantage point, you can soak in the contrast of forest, waterfall, and the distant Atlantic—perfect for a moment of quiet awe.

Miradouro do Salto da Farinha

This viewpoint near Achadinha is a hidden gem. From the top, you get sweeping views over the northeast coast of São Miguel, including the towering Salto da Farinha waterfall in the distance. There’s a steep path leading down to the base of the waterfall if you’re feeling adventurous, but even just enjoying the view from above is worth the stop. It’s quiet, green, and full of that wild Azorean beauty. You have two choices, one is to just get to the waterfall and then back to where you parked the car or, you can do the entire trail. I leave you the link here.

Farolim dos Fenais da Ajuda

This little lighthouse on the northeast coast may not be grand, but it has a quiet charm. Standing near the village of Fenais da Ajuda, it’s set among green pastures and overlooks the rugged coastline with crashing waves below.

It’s not a busy spot, so you’ll often have it to yourself—perfect for a peaceful moment away from the more touristy parts of the island. The road to get there is narrow and rugged, and on the way back, you are close to a cliff. Keep that in mind, especially if you are driving a big car (I wouldn’t go back).

Miradouro Pico dos Bodes

This lookout is situated at approximately 460 meters between Povoação and Faial da Terra. Unlike the dramatic cliffs of Pico do Ferro, this spot offers a more panoramic 360° view—from lush valleys to the ocean and out toward Vila Franca do Campo. A wooden viewing tower adds a rustic charm, making it feel like a cozy hideaway in the sky.

It’s a quieter viewpoint, less visited and surrounded by greenery—ideal for spotting birds and even whales or dolphins passing offshore on rare clear days. If you’re looking for a peaceful, all-encompassing moment with ocean and island scenery, this is the spot. (No need for steep climbs—just park nearby and enjoy!)

Miradouro da Pico do Ferro

This viewpoint, situated atop Pico do Ferro, offers a spectacular view of the Furnas Lakes, located right above the steamy caldeiras. The drive up is smooth and well-signposted, with parking just a short stroll away. From here, you get sweeping views of the Furnas valley below, including the steaming caldeiras and the emerald-green Lagoa das Furnas spread out like a giant jewel.

A paved platform with benches makes it easy to linger, and on clear days, you can see all the way across the volcanic landscape. There’s also a popular walking trail (PRC22) that leads down to the caldeiras—great if you’re up for a mini-adventure. It’s one of those places that feels both expansive and intimate, a perfect pause to appreciate São Miguel’s geothermal heart. I didn’t do this trail, so I can’t tell you how it is. Make sure you

Sete Cidades

Sete Cidades is nothing short of dreamy. This crater-caldera on the western side of São Miguel is home to two lakes—Lagoa Azul (Blue Lake) and Lagoa Verde (Green Lake)—nestled side by side like a painter’s masterpiece.

You can stroll around the village streets full of color, sit by one of the cafes and enjoy the views and the slow life, or hike around the side of the lake. It’s not possible to complete a whole round hike, but you can take a nice walk on the sides.

The Sete Cidades rim is one of the most popular hikes, starting from the Miradouro do Rei and continuing all the way down to the town. It’s 7 km. Or you can walk around the rim. I didn’t do that, but I was told that most of the time there is no view, just a trail lined by rocks. There are jeep tours that take you there, though.

Miradouro do Rei

Perched right on the edge of the caldera rim, this viewpoint delivers an iconic panorama: both lakes, the village rooftops, and forested slopes all visible at once. It’s a classic “pinch-me” moment, especially when the water’s glassy calm creates a perfect reflection. A helpful viewing platform means there’s space to linger, take your time, and fully absorb the experience. By this viewpoint sit the ruins of an old hotel, and I have always wondered what it would be like to sleep in a fancy hotel with these views.

Miradouro do Salto do Cavalo

Further away from Pico da Ferro is this off-the-beaten-path lookout point, most often overlooked. You can get there by car and enjoy spectacular views of the Furnas Village and the southern coastline of Sao Miguel.

Lagoa das Furnas

Not a miradouro, but a full immersion—this hike circles the eastern lake of Furnas, passing steaming fumaroles, relaxing hot springs and hidden viewpoints above the water. It threads through eucalyptus woods, past local tea plantations, and touches Caldeiras geothermal fields. In roughly 8–10 km, you experience the full Furnas story—geology, history, nature, and tradition—all in one go.

Miradouro Boca do Inferno

With a dramatic name to match its raw views, this viewpoint looks down into the crater rim near Sete Cidades. From here, you see the rolling volcanic hills and the broad basin below—sunrise and sunset here hit differently, with swirling clouds and shafts of light playing over the rugged terrain. Read my guide to Sao Miguel to learn more about this spectacular, popular spot.

Lagoa do Fogo

Lagoa do Fogo is one of the biggest crater lakes on São Miguel and definitely one of the most impressive. It sits high up in the mountains, so the weather can change quickly—sunny one minute, foggy the next. But when it’s clear, the views are incredible, with bright blue water surrounded by untouched green hills.

There’s a main viewpoint right off the road where you can park and take in the view. If you’re up for a bit more adventure, there’s a trail that leads down to the lake’s shore. It’s a steep hike, but doable if you have good shoes and take your time. Swimming isn’t allowed because it’s a protected nature reserve, but the quiet and the scenery make it a really peaceful spot to visit.

Best tip: try to go early in the day when the skies are usually clearer, and always bring a light jacket—it can get windy and cool up there.

Mosteiros

At the western tip of São Miguel lies Mosteiros—a cluster of black volcanic rock formations rising from the sea like ancient sentinels. The village behind them is small, quiet, and charming.

Walk to the edge to admire the rock towers, watch waves crash at their base, or linger at a café enjoying seafood as the tide sweeps in.

You can enjoy the volcanic beach while watching the sunset or just spend a relaxing day. If you walk or drive to the opposite side of the small peninsula, you can enjoy the rugged coast and swim in natural pools of salt water.

Enjoy a delicious hamburger while watching the sunset mark the end of another beautiful day in the Azores.