An Introduction to Sao Miguel...

Sao Miguel holidays are centred on Sao Miguel island, the largest and most populous of the the Azores islands.  It is an island of great natural beauty with green hills, thermal springs, waterfalls, lakes, lagoons, forests and small towns and villages. 

The best Sao Miguel hotels are the 3 stars Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, Sao Miguel Park Hotel and the 4stars Hotel do Colegio, Hotel Estalagem Senhora da Rosa, Hotel Marina Atlantico, Hotel Royal Garden, Hotel Bahia Palace, and Hotel Caloura.  Our Sao Miguel holiday flights operate from London Gatwick to Ponta Delgada airport on Sao Miguel island.

The transfer time from airport to your hotel is between 20-40 minutes.  So book your Sao Miguel holiday or Sao Miguel hotel with Holiday Options and don’t forget our Sao Miguel late deals and holiday offers at very special prices.

Sao Miguel is the largest (67km long and 16km wide) and most populated island (130,000 inhabitants). It is a very beautiful and varied island of green hills, thermal springs, waterfalls, lakes, lagoons, forests and small settlements and fishing villages.

Flowers, especially azaleas and hydrangeas, are everywhere and there is a botanical garden in the Spa town of Furnas. Agriculture is the mainstay and there are vineyards, tea and pineapple plantations and dairy and hill pasture farming. There are hotels to suit all tastes and the island is ideal for long stays, fly-drive and two centre Sao miguel holidays. Favourite activities include whale watching, diving, swimming with dolphins, walking and golf.

The islands were discovered by Portuguese navigators in the 15th century and swiftly became the staging post between Europe and the Americas. Vasco da Gama and Christopher Columbus were visitors. Little has changed. The population stands at around 250,000 and the islands are sparsely inhabited outside the main towns.

Organic food with fish and local beef and pork play a big part in what is essentially Portuguese cuisine. Spicy sausages, pork kebabs and delicious soups are also plentiful. As in many Latin countries, attractive vegetarian cuisine is harder to come by. Dessert is usually fruit and cake and the local cheeses are excellent. Wine is produced on most islands and the fortified Pico Verdelho is legendary.

Interestingly many shops are now run by the Chinese! There is a good curio and ceramic shop on Santiago and local foods and liquor are popular purchases.

The islands are not really conducive to sunbathing on beaches. There are some fine stretches of sand on most islands, some golden and some volcanic black sand, which present good beachcombing and walking experiences. Probably the best beach on São Miguel is at the Bahia Palace Hotel. 

Whale & Dolphin Watching You are more likely to see whales in The Azores than anywhere else on earth. We offer half and full day trips from the island of São Miguel, which can be pre-booked. There are also trips available from other islands, which can be booked locally.
Sperm Whales are native to The Azores and can generally be spotted at most times of the year, while other species may also be spotted in summer months. We cannot guarantee you will see a whale but you would be unlucky not to.

Each trip commences with a 30 minutes briefing by a Marine biologist who will accompany the tour. There is also a ‘whale spotter’ who goes ahead of the group.

At no time will there be any manoeuvre which will disturb the mammals.

There is a minimum age of 5 years and all children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Back sufferers and pregnant women are not accepted on whale watching boats.

Full Day Sea Watch Trip including lunch £39 - operates daily May to October The boat carries up to 36 persons. Clients should make their own way to the Skipper Bar in the Marina by 09.15 for a departure by 09.30. The boat proceeds along the south coast to Ribeira Quenta (28 miles) arriving at approximately 11.00. There is time for a swim on Fogo Beach or exploration of the village etc. prior to a typical lunch in a rustic-style restaurant. Drinks and coffee are included. Return departure is at 15.30 and arrival back at the Marina at 17.00.

Half day (3 hours) Picos de Aventura Trip £29- operates daily all year Transport is by custom-designed 6m zodiac inflatable boats, which carry up to 12 persons and give quick access to the whales and dolphins.

These excursions should be booked at the time of your initial booking.

Travel between the islands can be by boat or the more popular inter-island air service which runs like an efficient bus service. Flight and ferry services are naturally subject to weather conditions. Should delays or cancellations occur our local representative will ensure that the best possible alternative arrangements are made.