What to do on São Miguel, Azores with kids

São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores archipelago, is a treasure trove of adventures for families seeking unforgettable experiences. It is very much marketed as an active adventure destination but, trust me, you don’t need to be adventurous to enjoy it.

From captivating natural wonders to cultural delights, here are some must-do activities that will leave both kids and adults happy.

Furnas: this small town in the centre of the island is great fun to visit with kids. We headed straight for the caldeiras: steaming hot holes in the ground where locals showcase the unique tradition of cooking food with natural geothermal heat. They were really impressive. But be warned, the very strong smell of sulfur made us all feel very sick after a while. Also, corn cooked in a plastic bag in those holes were not really our idea of a snack. If the smell becomes overwhelming, retreat to the outskirts for a delightful lunch away from the city centre.

Poça Dona da Beija in Furnas: these hot springs have been set up into 5 different thermal pools. While the site may be bustling with tourists, the tranquil ambiance remains intact, offering a perfect setting for relaxation. Keep in mind that some pools might be too hot for young ones, so exercise caution during your visit. With convenient changing rooms and showers on-site, it's a family-friendly must-do activity.

Kayak on Sete Cidades' lake: several little shacks have appeared on the shore of the lake in the village of Sete Cidades. Most of these are only opened at the weekend unless you pre-book a guided tour or activity. We went kayaking with Futurismo, it was a cheap activity for all of us (we rented two double kayaks) and they were very helpful. The stunning lake is in the centre of a very large crater. Go on a sunny day and it is heaven.

Caldeira Velha: another slice of paradise. Hot springs in the middle of a lush tropical garden with showers and toilets. The water is very warm and the waterfall a lovely refreshing shower after a small hike around the gardens. Parking to enter the site is very very limited (and dangerous), so again go early or late.

Ilheu de Vila Franca de Campo: this is a small islet off the coast (boats depart from Vila Franca do Campo). The number of visitors on the islet is limited as it is a nature reserve. There are no real beaches, it is just a funny shaped rock with a lagoon inside it. Yet, it is worth the 10-minute boat ride. It is stunning and allowed our children to snorkel in just a few feet-deep of water. Watch for currents and tidal waves. But there are lifeguards on site. Low tide times are always better for little children. We managed to pre-book the trip but many visitors just queue for a chance to get on the boat. Daily visitor numbers are limited, if you come late, you stand no chance of getting on. Oh and don't bring a pram or pushchair! The single small path going around the islet is just rocks and you will struggle. Take towels, picnic and swimming gear just like you would at the beach as there are no services on-site (just toilets).

Gorreana tea plantation: Azores is the only place in Europe that produces tea. Aided by some Chinese people back in the day, the plantation still produces green and black tea to this day. You can visit the fields and the historic factory where the tradition of tea cultivation has thrived for centuries. When we were there we were surprised to see anyone could walk in and tour the old buildings without any kind of ticket or entry fee. We even go to taste the different teas for free. I am assuming this is not going to last long!

We visited a pineapple plantation. Yes, pineapples in Europe! Azorean pineapples are small and have a very distinct shape. Dating from the 19th century, this unique plantation grows pineapples in greenhouses. The site is only a few minutes from the city centre of Ponta Delgada. The visit is free and there is a little store attached to it where you can sample all things pineapple. I highly recommend the fresh juice. Amazing!

Lagoa do Fogo: make a quick detour to Lagoa do Fogo to witness breathtaking panoramas of azure waters and verdant landscapes. Despite the occasional cloudy weather, the view from this vantage point is nothing short of spectacular.

Bonus entry:

You have to have a meal at Restaurante da Associação Agricola de São Miguel. This was the highlight of our culinary trip. It is a large restaurant serving meat (steak) from the island as well as other local products. If you like a good steak, this is a must. The blood sausage with local pineapple was my husband's favourite. The little local cheesecakes are also delicious. They are very family-friendly, like most Portuguese restaurants. Service is good and prices are reasonable. We went back many times. Booking is recommended as it is huge but gets full quickly. Ask for a Kima for the kids (the local passion fruit drink). Highly recommended.

São Miguel, Azores, invites families with its diverse array of attractions, from natural wonders to cultural gems. Whether you're soaking in thermal springs, kayaking on pristine lakes, or indulging in tropical delights, every moment promises an unforgettable experience for the whole family. So pack your bags, embark on this exciting journey, and create cherished memories.

You can find many of my favourite addresses on this map. Go and get a pineapple cake from A Tasca (listed on the map). Yum!

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