Where to stay in São Miguel? Where are the best areas to stay and the top hotels to look into? Here’s a local guide to make the most out of your trip to Azores. .
As a local who knows São Miguel inside and out, in this guide you can read all about the best areas to stay in São Miguel island. I’ll break down top hotel options for every budget, whether you’re a budget backpacker, a mid-range explorer, or a luxury seeker.
Short on time? Here’s the quick breakdown of the best areas and top hotels.
- Luxury ✨ White Exclusive Suites & Villas – A stylish cliffside retreat with panoramic ocean views, private pools, and a serene atmosphere in Lagoa. Perfect for a romantic getaway.
- Value for money – Terra Nostra Garden Hotel – Stay inside the iconic Terra Nostra Botanical Garden in Furnas with exclusive access to the thermal pools. A fantastic mix of comfort, history, and relaxation.
- Budget – Out of the Blue – Trendy and social boutique guesthouse in Ponta Delgada, offering stylish dorms and private rooms, a relaxed vibe, and an amazing garden space.
Find the best hotel deals in São Miguel here.
What to know before booking a place to stay
Before you hit that “Book Now” button, here are some local insider tips to make sure you pick the right place to stay.
How long to stay in São Miguel
São Miguel may look small on a map, but trust me—it’s packed with epic landscapes, hidden waterfalls, and unforgettable experiences. If you want to see the main highlights (Sete Cidades, Furnas, Lagoa do Fogo, and the coastline) without rushing it too much, you’ll need at least 3 to 4 full days.
For a deeper dive, including off-the-beaten-path spots, hikes, and more time to relax in hot springs, I’d recommend 5 to 7 days. This is where it could start to make sense to split your stay between two places. Not that the island is big – but it gives you a different perspective.
If you love slow travel and want to soak in the island’s laid-back Azorean vibe, a full week allows you to explore at a relaxed pace, mix in beach days, and even revisit your favorite spots.
When to book in advance
São Miguel is no longer the hidden gem it once was—especially in peak season (June to September) flights, rental cars, and hotels sell out fast. If you’re traveling in summer, I highly recommend booking accommodation and a rental car at least 3-6 months in advance to avoid high prices or limited options.
In the shoulder seasons (spring and fall), the top boutique hotels and unique stays tend to fill up quickly, so plan ahead if you have specific places in mind. For off-season travel (November to March), outside New Year Eve or other public holidays, you’ll find more flexibility.
Best areas to stay in São Miguel
São Miguel is packed with jaw-dropping landscapes, charming villages, and endless outdoor adventures—but where you stay can shape your experience.
Each area has its own vibe and perks. Some places are perfect for first-time visitors, while others are better for nature lovers, surfers, or those seeking a spa retreat. Some spots are great for families, while others are ideal for couples looking for a romantic escape.
Read on to discover the best areas to stay in São Miguel and which one fits your travel style best.
Where to stay in Ponta Delgada
Ponta Delgada is São Miguel’s beating heart—a mix of historical charm and modern convenience. As the island’s largest city, it has the best selection of restaurants, nightlife, and a few cultural attractions. It’s also conveniently connected by road to all other areas in the island, making it the perfect base for first-time visitors.
If you’re not renting a car, this is by far the easiest place to book tours and day trips to the island’s biggest attractions.
That said, Ponta Delgada is a city, not a nature escape—so don’t expect lush greenery or peaceful lakes at your doorstep. If your goal is hiking, hot springs, or secluded beaches, you’ll need to drive out of town (or book tours). Parking can also be a bit tricky, especially in the city center.
✅ Stay here if: you’re an efficiency-driven traveler that want easy access to the best restaurants, tours and transportation.
Hotels in Ponta Delgada
Luxury ✨ Octant Ponta Delgada ★★★★★
A contemporary waterfront hotel with a stunning infinity pool, gourmet dining, and sleek design. Perfect for those who want a stylish stay with modern amenities.
Value for money – Azoris Royal Garden ★★★★
Modern and stylish hotel in the heart of Ponta Delgada, featuring spacious rooms, a beautiful courtyard garden, an outdoor pool, and a wellness center.
Budget – Out of the Blue
Stylish and social boutique hostel in Ponta Delgada, offering beautifully designed dorms and private rooms, a lush garden, and a relaxed, community vibe.
Where to stay in Furnas
Furnas is São Miguel’s spa and wellness haven. This area is all about hot springs, spa retreats, and slow living, making it perfect for those who want to relax and unwind in nature.
Soak in the steamy thermal pools of Terra Nostra Park, take a dip in the iron-rich waters of Poça da Dona Beija, or watch the famous cozido stew being cooked underground by volcanic heat. Surrounding it all is lush, jungle-like greenery, plus some of the best hiking trails on the island.
The trade-off? Furnas isn’t the most well connected areas to tour the rest of São Miguel. It’s also quiet, especially at night, so if you’re looking for nightlife, you won’t find much here.
If you’re staying in São Miguel for 5+ days, I recommend splitting your stay and allow one or two nights in Furnas.
✅ Stay here if: you’re a slow traveler wanting to wake up surrounded by lush green landscapes and have easy access to thermal springs.
Hotels in Furnas
Luxury ✨ Octant Furnas ★★★★
A sleek, modern retreat in the heart of Furnas, featuring geothermal pools, a top-tier spa, and a focus on wellness programs.
Value for money – Terra Nostra Garden Hotel ★★★★
A timeless art deco-style retreat nestled inside the iconic Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, offering exclusive access to its famous thermal pools
Budget – Vista do Vale
Simple yet comfortable hotel, with great views over the Furnas valley and just a short walk from the town’s famous hot springs and restaurants.
Where to stay in Ribeira Grande
If you love surfing, coastal views, and adventure, Ribeira Grande is your spot. Located on São Miguel’s north coast, this area boasts outdoor adventures, local culture, great local restaurants, and easy access to the island’s best hiking trails and waterfalls, but the real draw is the coastline. Santa Bárbara Beach is a hotspot for surfers and sunset lovers alike.
However, this isn’t the place for city conveniences. While you’ll find great cafes and surf lodges, the restaurant scene is more limited than in Ponta Delgada. The weather can also be a bit moodier on the north coast, meaning occasional strong winds and choppy waves.
✅ Stay here if: you’re an adventure-driven traveler seeking surfing opportunities, outdoor adventures, and an overall laid-back local beach vibe.
Hotels in Ribeira Grande
Luxury ✨ Santa Bárbara Eco Beach Resort ★★★★
A sustainable beachfront resort with stylish villas, private pools, and breathtaking ocean views. One of my favorites in the island.
Value for money – Volcanic Charming House
Modern and cozy guesthouse in Ribeira Grande, ideal for travelers who want a central location close to beaches, hiking trails, and local restaurants.
Budget – Eco Surflodge Azores
A laid-back eco-friendly lodge perfect for surfers, adventure lovers, and budget travelers, offering a relaxed vibe and easy access to the best waves in São Miguel.
Where to stay in Sete Cidades & Mosteiros
If you’re looking for jaw-dropping scenery, rugged coastlines, and ultimate tranquility, you’ll find it in west area of São Miguel. Sete Cidades is famous for its twin lakes, epic viewpoints, and hiking trails, making it a dream for outdoor lovers. Meanwhile, Mosteiros, a small seaside village just a few minutes away, offers a wild volcanic coastline, natural swimming pools, and some of the best sunsets on the island.
But while the landscapes here are unmatched, it does come with a few trade-offs. Services are limited—there are only a handful of restaurants, virtually no nightlife, and very few shops, which means a rental car is a must. If you’re the type who likes walking to cafes or having a variety of dining options, this might feel too remote.
✅ Stay here if: you’re a hiking and nature lover and don’t mind compromising on infrastructure for a truly relaxing stay.
Hotels in Sete Cidades & Mosteiros
Luxury ✨ SENSI Azores Nature & SPA ★★★★★
Luxurious boutique retreat blending modern design with nature, featuring an infinity pool, spa, and stunning ocean views, perfect for a tranquil and rejuvenating stay.
Value for money – Quinta da Queiró
Charming countryside retreat in the heart of the volcanic crater of Sete Cidades, offering rustic-style accommodations, peaceful surroundings, and tasty local teas.
Budget – Mosteiros Place
Modern oceanfront retreat in Mosteiros, featuring spacious suites with breathtaking sea views, a stunning infinity pool, and a tranquil atmosphere.
Other places to stay in São Miguel
Lagoa
At the very center of the island, Lagoa is a strategic option for travelers who want to stay close to Ponta Delgada but prefer a quieter, less touristy vibe.
If you like oceanfront strolls, natural swimming pools, and seafood fresh off the boat, this is your spot.
Here my top hotel recommendation would be the stunning White Exclusive Villas & Suites.
Nordeste
Nordeste is São Miguel’s most remote and untouched region, perfect for travelers looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in nature.
This side of the island is a wild, untamed paradise, where dramatic cliffs plunge into the Atlantic, lush forests thrive, and some of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the Azores await. It’s as far from the island’s busy hotspots as you can get, and that’s exactly what makes it so special.
I recommend staying in Casas da Chaminé.
Final thoughts and takeaways
You know what though? You’re in for a unique experience no matter what. Just pick what feels right and enjoy the ride.
That said, hopefully you get a better idea as to the different areas of São Miguel, what are their vibes and which ones resonate better with you. Here’s me trying to anticipate some of the questions you may still have.
What is the best area to stay in São Miguel if I’m not renting a car?
Choose Ponta Delgada if you want the most convenient base for sightseeing, restaurants, and nightlife, and access to tours to visit the island spots.
Which area to stay in São Miguel for best access to hikes?
The best hikes in my opinion are in the Sete Cidades area. So I’d either pick an accommodation in the west side of the island or centrally located (Ribeira Grande, Lagoa) to make it easier to access hiking trails scattered through the island.
Where is the best place to stay for surfers?
If you are into surfing, adventure, and a chill beach vibe, definitely pick Ribeira Grande.
Where is the best place to stay for couples on a romantic getaway?
I’d perhaps recommend staying in Furnas if you’re into hot springs and relaxation, but would consider Sete Cidades / Mosteiros for a more secluded and immersive nature experience.
That said, in this case I think the hotel you choose can be more important than the location.
Does it make sense to split my stay across two different areas?
Absolutely! If you’re staying 5 or more days, combine Ponta Delgada with another area of the island, eg. Furnas, for a mix between city convenience and nature escape.
Finally, because you endured until the end of this article, here’s a map with all the above hotels in a map as a token of appreciation.
Other reads about São Miguel
- São Miguel Road Trip Itinerary (4 days)
- São Miguel Travel Guide
- What to do in São Miguel
- What to eat in São Miguel
- Things to know before visiting Azores
Which area of São Miguel resonates the best with your travel style? Where did you stay for your trip? Share your experience below! 👇
