What is the best place to stay in Sao Miguel?

Sao Miguel, the largest island in Portugal’s Azores archipelago, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. With its dramatic volcanic landscape and crater lakes, stunning beaches, and picturesque villages, Sao Miguel is an ideal place to explore and enjoy a unique, exotic vacation. Deciding on the best place to stay in Sao Miguel can be a little overwhelming since there are so many options. To make it easier, we’ve put together a guide to the best places to stay in Sao Miguel, featuring a range of options depending on your budget and travel priorities.

Furnas, the Best Place for a Midrange Stay

Furnas is easily one of the best places to stay in Sao Miguel if you’re looking for a midrange option. Located in the center of the island, Furnas is a scenic town known for its stunning and tranquil setting among a mountain valley. Visitors usually come to Furnas to relax in nature and also to get a glimpse of its bubbling hot springs and mineral pools. For accommodations, Furnas has everything from quaint guesthouses to luxury hotels. Most of these options can be found within walking distance of the town’s restaurants and shops, so you’ll be able to explore the area on foot.

Vila Franca Do Campo for Those Seeking a Budget-Friendly Option

For travellers seeking a budget-friendly stay in Sao Miguel, Vila Franca Do Campo, located on the south coast of the island, is an ideal option. This village offers a range of affordable accommodation options, from basic studios with private bathrooms to more luxurious villas with sea views. Another great thing about Vila Franca Do Campo is that it’s close to a number of attractions such as hiking trails and whale-watching excursions. Moreover, it’s just a short drive away from some of the island’s most stunning beaches.

Ponta Delgada – The Ideal Location for Exploring Sao Miguel

Ponta Delgada is located at the center of Sao Miguel, making it an ideal location for exploring the island. The city offers plenty of accommodation options ranging from boutique hotels to family-friendly resorts. There’s also a vibrant culture here, with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and boutiques to explore. Additionally, the city is close to some of the island’s most popular attractions such as Sete Cidades, Vila Franca Do Campo and Furnas.

Nordeste – A Great Place for Luxury Accommodations

Nordeste is probably one of the most underrated places on Sao Miguel and yet it is also one of the best places for luxury accommodations. Nestled between lush landscapes and high cliffs, Nordeste offers some of the best views you’ll find on the island. You’ll also find plenty of luxurious options here, such as a castle-like guesthouse right on the cliff or a 5-star cliffside spa resort boasting stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

In conclusion, there are many great places to stay on Sao Miguel depending on what type of experience you’re looking for. Furnas is ideal for midrange stays while Vila Franca Do Campo is perfect for those seeking budget-friendly options. Ponta Delgada is an excellent location for exploring the island, while Nordeste is an amazing spot if you’re looking for luxury accommodations. To learn more about places to stay on Sao Miguel, Azores Getaways provides a great overview of what’s available.

What is the best place to stay in Sao Miguel?

Sao Miguel is the largest island of the Azores archipelago, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy the beauty of pristine beaches, lakes, and natural landscapes. If you are planning a trip to this magnificent island, you will probably wonder what the best place to stay is. Sao Miguel offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to upscale hotels, and choosing the right one can be a difficult task. In this post, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the best places to stay in Sao Miguel.

1. What is the best area to stay in Sao Miguel?

One of the most popular areas to stay in Sao Miguel is Ponta Delgada, the largest city on the island. Ponta Delgada is centrally located, and it’s the perfect base to explore the island’s main attractions. The city has a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, apartments, and hostels, and it’s well connected to the rest of the island by bus or car.

Another popular area to stay in Sao Miguel is Furnas, located on the eastern side of the island. Furnas is famous for its hot springs, geysers, and natural fumaroles, and it’s an excellent place to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. If you stay in Furnas, you can visit the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, which features a large thermal pool, a beautiful lake, and a vast range of exotic plants.

Finally, Ribeira Grande is also an excellent place to stay in Sao Miguel. This town is located on the north coast of the island, and it’s known for its beautiful beaches, excellent surf spots, and charming historic center. If you stay in Ribeira Grande, you can explore the nearby beaches of Santa Barbara, Monte Verde, and Areal de Santa Barbara.

2. What is the best type of accommodation in Sao Miguel?

The best type of accommodation in Sao Miguel depends on your budget and preferences. If you are looking for budget-friendly options, hostels and guesthouses are the best choices. Sao Miguel has several excellent hostels that offer comfortable rooms, shared kitchens, and social areas where you can meet other travelers.

If you prefer more privacy and comfort, you can choose to stay in apartments or hotels. Sao Miguel has a wide range of apartments that vary in size and amenities, from basic studios to luxurious penthouses. Hotels are also a good choice, particularly if you want to enjoy upscale amenities such as spa treatments, swimming pools, and restaurants.

3. What are the best hotels to stay in Sao Miguel?

Sao Miguel has several excellent hotels that offer comfortable rooms, exceptional service, and beautiful views. Some of the best hotels in Sao Miguel include the following:

• Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico: This luxurious hotel is located in the heart of Ponta Delgada, overlooking the ocean. It features 140 rooms, two restaurants, a spa, and a rooftop pool with panoramic views.
• Hotel do Mar: Located in Ribeira Grande, this hotel offers 32 rooms with sea views, a restaurant, a bar, and a terrace. The hotel is situated next to Santa Barbara Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
• Furnas Boutique Hotel – Thermal & Spa: This hotel is located in the heart of Furnas and offers 55 comfortable rooms, a thermal spa, a restaurant, and a bar. The hotel is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is an excellent place to relax and unwind.
• Azor Hotel: Situated in the center of Ponta Delgada, this modern hotel features 123 rooms, a restaurant, a bar, a spa, and a rooftop pool with stunning views of the city and the ocean.

4. How can I find the best deals on accommodation in Sao Miguel?

If you want to find the best deals on accommodation in Sao Miguel, you should start by searching online booking platforms such as Booking.com or Airbnb. These platforms offer a wide range of accommodation options and allow you to compare prices, amenities, and guest reviews. You can also check the official websites of hotels and apartments, as they may offer exclusive deals and promotions.

Another tip to save money on accommodation is to book in advance or travel during the low season. Sao Miguel is a popular tourist destination, and prices tend to be higher during peak season (June to September) and holidays. If you book your accommodation well in advance or travel during the low season, you can save a considerable amount of money.

Conclusion

Sao Miguel is a paradise for nature lovers, and choosing the right place to stay can make a significant difference in your travel experience. Whether you prefer budget-friendly hostels, comfortable apartments, or luxurious hotels, Sao Miguel offers something for everyone. Ponta Delgada, Furnas, and Ribeira Grande are some of the best areas to stay, and they offer easy access to the island’s main attractions. By following our tips and recommendations, you can find the perfect accommodation in Sao Miguel and enjoy a memorable stay on this beautiful island.