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São Miguel, Azores: 2-Day Family Road Trip Itinerary (Cruise Stopover Guide)

Arriving on a cruise? We explored São Miguel as part of a transatlantic cruise stopover — the ship docked overnight, giving us two full days ashore. This itinerary is built for cruise passengers with a tight window, but works just as well for anyone visiting São Miguel on a short break. If you are planning a longer stay, the What We’d Do With More Time section covers everything we had to leave out.

Why Renting a Car to Road Trip Around São Miguel, Azores Is the Best Way to See the Island

We sailed in to Ponta Delgada in the early morning of 13 November, 2024 during our first Trans Atlantic cruise.This was a special stop as the ship remained in port overnight, with the departure scheduled in the evening for the 14th November. This gave us two full days to explore the island of São Miguel.

When I was researching, I noticed there was so much to do on São Miguel island, and then I began to discover that it wasn’t so easy to get around with public transport. We are a family of six, and the cost (and inconvenience) of signing up for the ship excursions made me think hiring a car might be a better solution for us. And it was.

There is limited public transport, and the taxis are not that cheap (hello travelling families with more than two children who require big cars). The shore excursions from the ship would perhaps get us to the places that we wanted to see, but with a hefty price tag, plus a whole bunch of other people. And generally, we like to do our own thing.

We decided the best option, to give us full flexibility, was to hire a car for two days to explore the island of São Miguel from our floating base at Ponta Delgada. And we were really happy with our choice.

Why Use DiscoverCars.com to Book Your Road Trip

During all our travels, even before we started travelling on one way tickets, we’ve hired cars. I’m always searching everywhere for the absolute best deals and hacks to get good prices. Eventually, I stumbled upon DiscoverCars.com and since then I’ve never looked back. I’ve found this site consistently finds me the best value for my money compared with any other site I’ve used in the past.

Whenever we are looking for a car to hire, we head straight to DiscoverCars. I love they compare dozens of suppliers and make it easy to find the right vehicle at the right price without having to spend too much time on multiple sites. I always find the best deals using this site!

Day 1: Exploring the East of the Island

We started the day slowly. In hindsight, one of us adults probably should have disembarked the ship sooner to collect the car. Our rental company had a convenient location right next to the port, though we needed to take a van to the actual car pick-up point. Since we already had our paperwork done, it didn’t take us too long and we were on our way.

We headed east from Ponta Delgada, making our first stop at a small playground where the kids could run around and we could grab a snack before the adventures began.

Next, we pulled over at a scenic spot along the coast and snapped a couple of photos with our cruise ship visible in the background. We were off to a great start for the day.

We then tried to find a high enough vantage point to take in the Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo, a small volcanic islet just offshore that looks almost impossibly perfect from above. We couldn’t find a great viewing spot ourselves, so the photo below is from Unsplash, but it gives you a sense of what we’d hope to see.

While I’m not confident you can get this incredible view of the islet without a drone, I’d recommend heading to the Chapel (Sanctuary) of Nossa Senhora da Paz, which sits on a hilltop above Vila Franca do Campo and offers a sweeping view over the coastline.

From there, we continued on to the Miradouro da Lagoa das Furnas. This is a scenic lakeside viewpoint with a small chapel on the shore in the distance. The road is cobblestone and the green nature is stunning. I recall taking a bunch of photos, but I can’t seem to find any of them. If my son discovers some on his phone, I’ll update this post.

We continued past the lake to Caldeiras das Furnas, where we spent about half an hour walking around the geothermal area. The steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pools, and the unmistakable smell of sulphur reminded me a lot of my hometown, Rotorua. If you’ve never experienced a geothermal landscape before, this is a brilliant introduction.

After exploring the thermal area, we drove down to Ribeira Quente to see the Cascata da Ribeira Quente. Honestly, it was a bit of a non-event. I guess after seeing falls like Ban Gioc, these ones didn’t quite measure up. Interestingly, the long tunnels on the drive down were more memorable than the waterfall itself!

By early evening, we stopped at a thermal pool — Poça da Dona Beija. This one I feel really mixed about. It was a beautiful location, but the service was genuinely the worst we encountered on the trip. We were travelling as two families — our family of six and our friends’ family of seven. On site, we discovered you can’t simply buy a ticket at the door; you’re forced to use their online booking system. After booking, we realised my friend’s phone was still on the ship’s timezone from a couple of days at sea. Her booking had accidentally been made for an hour later than ours, and the staff flatly refused to refund, adjust, or allow us to rebook for later. Our only options were to lose an entire booking and pay again, or have someone skip it altogether. If you would like to enjoy the thermal baths, we also discovered some free ones located at Poça da Tia Silvina that would be worth looking at.

In the end, we went ahead with our booking. We tried to go in late to overlap with our friends. However, their youngest was tired and hungry so they decided to cut their losses, and headed back to the ship early. It was a real disappointment. I come from a tourism town where the customer experience comes first, and this fell well short of that. If you’re planning to visit, just double-check your timezone before booking or check out Poça da Tia Silvina instead.

Day 1 Practical Tips

Drive time: Allow around 3–3.5 hours of driving total for the full east loop, not including stops. The roads are well-signposted and easy to follow from Ponta Delgada.

Parking: Most viewpoints and natural attractions on the east side have free car parks, though they fill quickly in summer. Caldeiras das Furnas can be busy. Factor in time to find parking. Parking near Furnas village itself is limited; we found street parking with some patience.

Lunch: Furnas village has a handful of cafes and restaurants. The local speciality is cozido das Furnas — a slow-cooked meat and vegetable stew cooked underground using geothermal heat, ready from midday. Several restaurants serve it, including Tony’s and Restaurante Terra Nostra. If you want to try it, book ahead or arrive early as sometimes it sells out.

What to bring: A swim bag if you plan to stop at a thermal pool (towels, swimwear, flip-flops), snacks for children between stops, and layers. The weather on São Miguel changes quickly, especially in the volcanic interior.

Return to Ponta Delgada: The east loop brings you back along the south coast road. Allow at least 45 minutes for the return drive to the port.

Day 2: Exploring the West of the Island

On day two we weren’t much earlier getting out, but we headed in a different direction. We started to drive a little inland first, then west to climb the volcanic mountains towards the Sete Cidades. Our first stop was Miradouro do Pico do Carvão, a viewpoint looking out over the volcanic hills of São Miguel’s interior. It was stunning — the kind of sweeping landscape that stops you in your tracks.

Next, we stumbled upon Muro das Nove Janelas. This was such a beautiful forest stop — lush, quiet, and atmospheric. We captured some of our best photographs of the trip here.

From there, we headed to Miradouro da Vista do Rei to take in the famous twin lakes of Sete Cidades. Another stunning view from above — the contrast between the blue and green lakes set inside the volcanic caldera is genuinely one of the most striking things I’ve seen. Well worth the drive.

In need of snacks and a breather, we headed down into the village below and discovered Parque Infantil Sete Cidades, a lovely little lakeside park where we met up with our travel friends. We found a spot to eat by the water before eventually packing up and making our way back towards the port.

We made the decision to drop the car off earlier rather than later — we didn’t want to be the family sprinting back to the ship at the last minute. As it turned out, that was the right call. There was a bit of a wait for the minivan transfer back to the port, so had we left it much later it could have been a stressful end to an otherwise great two days. We still made it back aboard with plenty of time to spare.

Search for rental cars in Ponta Delgada with DiscoverCars.com and compare dozens of suppliers in one search.

What We Would Do If We Were Staying Longer

Two days gave us a wonderful taste of São Miguel, but we left knowing we’d only scratched the surface. The island has so much more to offer than two short days allow. If we ever return — and we genuinely hope we do — here’s what we’d add to the itinerary.

• Terra Nostra Garden and thermal pool, Furnas — We were right there in Furnas and somehow didn’t make it in. This is one of the most iconic spots on the island: a stunning 12-hectare botanical garden built around a natural geothermal pool kept at a constant 42°C. The water is iron-rich and runs a deep amber colour — very different to the clear thermal pools we visited. If we return, this is the first thing on the list.

• Cozido das Furnas — A meal cooked underground using geothermal heat. The pots go into the earth in the morning and come out ready by lunchtime. It’s a slow-cooked meat and vegetable stew unique to the Azores, and to eat it in the valley where it’s cooked would be a genuine once-in-a-lifetime experience. Several restaurants in Furnas serve it — Tony’s and Restaurante Terra Nostra are often recommended.

• Caldeira Velha — A natural hot springs site tucked into the forest, with a small waterfall that flows into a warm pool. It’s family-friendly, sheltered, and far more relaxed than the commercial thermal pools. We didn’t have time to fit this in, but it looks like exactly our kind of stop.

• Lagoa do Fogo — A pristine crater lake sitting high in the volcanic interior of the island. Unlike Sete Cidades, which we saw from above, Lagoa do Fogo can be hiked down to. It’s considered one of the most beautiful spots on all of São Miguel and we didn’t get anywhere near it. A half-day here would be well worth it.

• Gorreana Tea Plantation — Europe’s oldest and only remaining tea plantation, on the north coast near Maia. It’s been in continuous production since 1883 and the factory tour is completely free. You can walk through the rolling green tea terraces, watch the production process, and taste freshly made teas. A relaxed, family-friendly stop that’s genuinely unique to the Azores.

• Whale watching from Ponta Delgada — The waters around São Miguel are considered some of the best in the world for whale and dolphin watching. Sperm whales are resident year-round, and seasonal species pass through on migration. We didn’t have time to fit a tour in on a two-day stopover, but with more time this would absolutely be on the list — especially for the kids.

• The pineapple plantations — The Azores grows pineapples in traditional low-slung glasshouses, which is unlike anything else in Europe. The tours are short (around 30–45 minutes), include tastings, and are genuinely interesting to walk through. Several plantations operate near Ponta Delgada and most welcome drop-ins.

• Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo by boat — We drove past this perfectly circular volcanic islet on Day 1 and couldn’t find a good vantage point to photograph it. What we didn’t realise at the time is that in summer you can actually take a short boat ride out to the islet and swim in its natural lagoon, enclosed by the crater rim. That would be well worth an hour or two on a warm day.

• Mosteiros on the west coast — At the far western tip of the island, Mosteiros is known for its dramatic black lava rock pools along the shoreline and views of the other Azores islands on clear days. It was just beyond where we turned back on Day 2, and it looks like the kind of wild coastal scenery that São Miguel does so well.

• Nordeste and the northeast corner — The northeastern tip of the island is often described as the most unspoiled part of São Miguel — winding roads lined with hydrangeas, dramatic sea cliffs, and viewpoints that get far fewer visitors than the Sete Cidades side. Ponta do Sossego, a clifftop garden overlooking the Atlantic, is one of the highlights. A proper half-day loop of the northeast would be a peaceful contrast to the busier west.

• Canoeing or kayaking on the Sete Cidades lake — We saw the twin lakes from above at Miradouro da Vista do Rei and they were breathtaking. But you can actually get out onto the water. Kayaks and paddle boats can be hired near the village, and being on the lake, looking back up at the caldera walls, would be a completely different (and brilliant) perspective. A longer stay would definitely include this.

Best Time to Visit São Miguel, Azores

The Azores have a mild Atlantic climate year-round, which means there is no truly bad time to visit — but there is a sweet spot. Spring (April to June) is widely considered the best time: the famous hydrangeas are in full bloom along the island’s roads and field edges, rainfall is lower than in winter, and the summer crowds have not yet arrived. Early summer (June and July) is the warmest and driest period, ideal if you are planning to swim at the thermal pools or kayak on the crater lakes.

We visited in mid-November, which brought overcast skies and some low cloud over the calderas — particularly around Sete Cidades on Day 2. The views were still spectacular and the island was gloriously uncrowded, but if clear caldera views matter to you, late spring or early summer gives you better odds.

For cruise passengers: Ponta Delgada is a year-round port of call, with the highest volume of cruise traffic between May and October. Late spring and early autumn arrivals will generally have the best chance of clear skies at the viewpoints.

Driving in Ponta Delgada and São Miguel Island

Getting behind the wheel on São Miguel is genuinely straightforward, especially if you’ve driven in mainland Europe or the UK. That said, there are a few things worth knowing before you set off — particularly if you’re road-tripping with kids and don’t want any surprises.

Basic Road Rules and Speed Limits

Portugal’s road rules apply across the Azores. Drive on the right-hand side of the road. Speed limits are:

• 50 km/h in urban areas (look for the town-name sign — speed reduces when you pass it and increases when you see the crossed-out version)
• 90 km/h on national roads (single carriageway outside towns)
• 100 km/h on dual carriageways
• 120 km/h on the Via Rápida (the expressway that runs along the south coast of the island, connecting Ponta Delgada to Ribeira Grande)

Speed cameras are present on the Via Rápida and in some town centres. Fines are issued on the spot and can be significant, so staying within limits is straightforward advice that is worth following.

Roundabouts are extremely common on the island — vehicles already in the roundabout have priority unless signage indicates otherwise. If you’re used to British-style roundabouts, you’ll feel at home. If you’re not, take them slowly and yield.

Mobile phones must not be handheld while driving. Hands-free is permitted. Fines for handheld phone use are steep.

Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers, front and rear. Children must be in an appropriate child restraint for their age and weight. If your rental car supplier is providing a car seat, confirm the specification when you book — or bring your own travel booster if your children are old enough.

Alcohol limit: The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/L (lower than the UK but the same as most of mainland Europe). For new drivers (within three years of passing their test), the limit is 0.2 g/L. On a family road trip this generally isn’t a concern — but worth knowing if you’re having wine with lunch at a Furnas restaurant.

Road Conditions and What to Expect

The Via Rápida along the south coast is smooth and well-maintained. Once you head inland or up towards calderas and viewpoints, the roads become narrower, more winding, and sometimes steep. In a standard family hatchback these are all manageable, but take them at a sensible pace.

Cobblestone streets (calçada portuguesa) appear frequently in village centres and around Ponta Delgada’s historic core. They look beautiful but can be slippery when wet. The Azores receives rainfall year-round, so wet roads are possible at any time.

The inland areas — particularly around Sete Cidades and Furnas — can experience low cloud and fog, especially in the mornings. If visibility drops significantly, slow down and use your headlights.

Documents You Need to Carry

• Driving licence: EU/EEA licences are fully valid in Portugal and the Azores. UK licences issued before Brexit remain valid for driving in Portugal. Most other international licences are also accepted, but check with your rental supplier.
• International Driving Permit (IDP): If your licence is not written in Latin script (for example, a Japanese, Chinese, or Arabic licence), you will need an IDP alongside your original licence. Obtain this before you travel from your home country’s motoring authority.
• Passport or photo ID: Required at rental pick-up and recommended to carry while driving.
• Booking voucher: Always bring your DiscoverCars.com booking voucher to the rental desk — a screenshot on your phone is perfectly acceptable. Without it, the supplier may not release the car.
• Payment card: Most suppliers require a credit card (not debit) for the security deposit hold at pick-up. Check your booking confirmation for the specific requirement.

Always read the Rental Conditions on your DiscoverCars.com booking before you travel — the exact documents required, deposit amounts, and included mileage all vary by supplier.

Safety Tips

In case of breakdown or accident: Your rental will include an emergency contact number — save it in your phone before you leave the rental lot. In a serious emergency, 112 is the universal emergency number in Portugal (police, fire, ambulance). If you’re involved in an accident, you’ll need to complete a European Accident Statement form (Declaração Amigável), which the rental supplier should provide in the glovebox.

Parking in Ponta Delgada: The city centre has a mix of free and paid parking. Blue-marked spaces are metered or require a parking disc (disco de estacionamento) — your rental car may include one in the glovebox. Underground car parks are available near the waterfront and offer a more straightforward option if you’re spending time in the city. Outside Ponta Delgada, parking at viewpoints and natural attractions is generally free but can be limited in peak season — arrive early for popular spots like Vista do Rei above Sete Cidades.

Petrol stations: Ponta Delgada has multiple petrol stations. Outside the city, fill up before heading into the interior — there are fewer options once you’re in the hills. Most hire cars run on regular unleaded (gasolina sem chumbo); confirm the fuel type when you collect the vehicle.

Full Coverage: DiscoverCars.com offers a Full Coverage option at the time of booking, which can significantly reduce your liability in the event of damage to the rental vehicle. This is a separate product to standard travel insurance — if you’re considering it, review the terms carefully so you know exactly what is and isn’t covered. Details are available in your booking.

Travel Insurance

Renting a car and exploring a remote volcanic island with children is exactly the kind of trip where travel insurance earns its place. A good policy covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and personal liability — all of which are worth having when you’re driving unfamiliar roads far from home with a family in the car.

We recommend World Nomads for family travel insurance. They cover a wide range of activities including hiking and water sports, and have strong emergency assistance. Get a quote before you travel so you’re covered from the moment you leave home. Note that DiscoverCars.com’s Full Coverage option covers damage to the rental vehicle only. It is not a substitute for travel insurance.

If you’d like more information on insurance options available for travelling digital nomad families, read our post Travel Insurance for Digital Nomad Families & Worldschoolers.

Staying Connected on the Island

If you are arriving by cruise, your phone will likely default to expensive ship or roaming data once you hit the dock. A travel eSIM is the fastest way to get affordable local data on arrival — and it is genuinely useful for Google Maps navigation on the inland roads where offline maps can be patchy.

Roamless offers a global eSIM that you can set up before you leave home. Activate it when you arrive in Ponta Delgada and you have data immediately, without hunting for a SIM card in a new country.

Local Driving Culture

Locals drive at a relaxed pace relative to mainland Portugal. Drivers are generally courteous and patient, particularly with tourists who are clearly navigating unfamiliar roads. If you’re unsure of a turning or need a moment, pulling into a lay-by or side road is easy to do and expected on the smaller inland routes.

Flashing headlights can mean different things — most commonly, the car ahead is flagging a hazard (animal on the road, tight bend, local that knows something you don’t). Treat it as a warning to slow down.

If you’re heading to a popular viewpoint, you’ll find that other tourists are in the same position as you — no pressure, everyone is stopping, taking photos, and moving at a holiday pace.

DiscoverCars.com’s 24/7 multilingual customer support is available throughout your trip if you have questions about your booking or encounter any issues on the road.

Where to Stay in Ponta Delgada

If you are visiting São Miguel independently — rather than as a cruise stopover — Ponta Delgada is the natural base for exploring the island. The city is compact, walkable, and well-connected to the Via Rápida, which makes it easy to head east or west each morning without losing time.

For a family, a self-catering apartment or a family room in a hotel close to the waterfront gives you the easiest access to the rental car pick-up points near the port. Most accommodation clusters are within a few minutes’ walk of the port gates and the main restaurants along the seafront.

Use the search below to compare current availability and prices for stays in Ponta Delgada:

Our Map Route

Day 1 — East Loop

Open Day 1 route in Google Maps

Day 2 — West Loop

Open Day 2 route in Google Maps

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FAQs

How can I get the best rental car deals for my road trip in the Azores?

The most reliable way to find a competitive rate is to use a comparison platform rather than going directly to a single supplier. DiscoverCars.com searches across multiple car rental companies operating out of Ponta Delgada airport and the city, so you can compare prices, vehicle types, and inclusions side by side. Book in advance if you’re travelling in summer or during peak cruise season. Availability on a small island can tighten quickly, and prices increase accordingly. If your dates are firm, locking in a rate early usually saves money.

What’s the best type of car for a road trip on São Miguel Island, Azores?

A standard compact or small family hatchback handles the island well. The Via Rápida is a proper dual carriageway, but once you’re on inland roads the lanes narrow and parking spaces shrink. We’re a family of six and travelled with a seven-seater SUV and our friends as a family of seven travelled with a larger people-carrier. We got around pretty well. However, parking near Furnas was tight. For a family with luggage and car seats, a mid-size family hatchback (like a VW Golf or similar) would be a sweet spot. Enough boot space, comfortable for four or five people, and easy to manoeuvre on the winding caldera roads. Automatic transmission is widely available through DiscoverCars.com if that’s a preference.

Do I need an international driver’s licence to rent a car in the Azores?

If your driving licence was issued in the EU, EEA, or UK, you do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) — your current licence is valid. If your licence was issued outside these regions and is not in Latin script (for example, a Japanese, Korean, Chinese, or Arabic licence), you will need an IDP alongside your original licence. Obtain your IDP before you travel — they cannot be issued abroad. Even if your licence is in Latin script but was issued outside the EU, it’s worth confirming with your rental supplier in advance, as some have specific requirements. Your passport will also be required at the rental desk.

How do I book a car for a one-way trip?

One-way rentals (picking up at one location and dropping off at another) are possible through DiscoverCars.com, though on a small island like São Miguel this is rarely necessary — almost all itineraries start and end in Ponta Delgada. If you’re connecting São Miguel with another Azores island (Faial, Pico, Terceira) as part of a longer trip, a one-way rental across islands would typically involve returning the first car and collecting a new one on the second island. Use the DiscoverCars.com search to check availability for your specific pick-up and drop-off locations. Note that one-way fees vary by supplier and destination.

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This post contains affiliate links. If you book a rental car through our DiscoverCars.com links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We used DiscoverCars.com personally for this trip and only recommend services we’ve actually used.