São Miguel is the largest island in the Atlantic archipelago known as the Azores. The Azores offer some majestic mountain ranges and dramatic cliff top views, making them popular with tourists who enjoy the great outdoors. São Miguel has three main cities: Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande and Furnas. Furnas is fairly typical of what Sao Miguel has to offer with its thermal springs, dramatic lakes, and huge volcanic craters. Car hire in São Miguel is essential in order to travel effectively through the island's lakes (don't miss Lagoa do Fogo), and intriguing cities. Hiring a car in São Miguel is available from our locations in Ponta Delgada, including the airport.
Furnas is something of a tourist hotspot during the summer months, occupying a useful central position on the island. Here you'll find the much-loved Terra Nostra Park, which is a spectacular botanical garden, incorporating some spectacular hot springs. Hiring a car in São Miguel is the only way to see the island. Rent a car in São Miguel and head for Sete Cidades on the far east of the island, where you'll witness the 'twin lakes' and sweeping panoramas. Head back towards the centre of Ponta Delgada in the evening and enjoy the restaurants and amenities around the famous city gates. Finish your tour at the hot springs of Caldeira Velha in the northern city of Ribeira Grande.