Sao Miguel offers a perfect mix of dramatic landscapes, volcanic wonders, and local culture, making it an ideal destination for short but immersive tours. With just two days, you can see the island’s most iconic sights, like the Sete Cidades crater lakes or the Thermal Baths in Furnas, while also experiencing local food and traditions. We’re particularly fond of tours that combine nature and cultural highlights, such as visiting hot springs and tasting Azorean pineapple liqueur. For example, the Sao Miguel in Two Days: A Perfect Blend of Nature & Culture offers a well-rounded experience designed to give you a taste of the island’s best scenery and stories.
In this list, you’ll find options that range from guided group tours to private excursions, with varying focuses like natural wonders or cultural insights. Whether you want to explore volcanoes, hot springs, or local farms, each tour offers a unique way to maximize your two days on the island. Now, let’s dive into each of these top-rated options to help you decide which one best fits your travel style.
1. São Miguel in Two Days: A Perfect Blend of Nature & Culture
Priced at $155.82 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive two-day experience of São Miguel. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a balanced mix of landscape, history, and local cuisine. The tour is well-rated, with a perfect 5.0/5 from 119 reviews, reflecting its popularity and quality. It does not include accommodation, but it covers key sights with an experienced guide and driver handling all the logistics, so you can focus on enjoying the scenery rather than planning.
Highlights include a visit to the Sete Cidades volcano, famed for its blue and green lagoon and the legend that inspired its colors. The day also features a stop at the Fogo volcano, a striking natural monument home to seabirds and migratory birds. On the second day, you’ll relax at thermal baths (at your own expense) and enjoy two locally prepared lunches that highlight the island’s flavors. The itinerary offers enough flexibility to include scenic viewpoints like Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado and the Mosteiros rocks, with time for photos and soaking in the views. The reviews praise the informative and friendly guides, and the carefully curated route.
Bottom Line: If you want a well-organized, scenic overview of São Miguel with a good mix of nature and local culture, this tour delivers great value and plenty of memorable moments.
2. Essential Sao Miguel: 2 Day-Tour of Natural Wonders & Top Spots
At $144.67 per person, this tour provides an in-depth look at São Miguel’s most famous volcanic sites and natural attractions. It’s perfect for travelers eager to see iconic viewpoints, such as the Vista do Rei and Lagoa do Fogo, along with local production sites like the Arruda Pineapple Plantation. With a 5.0/5 rating from 27 reviews, it’s a favorite among those who appreciate guides who share detailed insights and a focus on natural beauty.
Day 1 includes a stop at the Arruda Pineapple Plantation, where you’ll learn how pineapples grow in glasshouses and taste local pineapple liqueur. The Pico Carvao viewpoint offers sweeping vistas of the north and south coasts. The highlight is the Vista do Rei, often called Portugal’s most famous viewpoint, which offers spectacular views of the blue and green lagoons within the volcanic crater. The day concludes with a visit to the Lomba do Vasco Belvedere, providing an impressive vista of the Mosteiros coast.
Day 2 covers Furnas and the hot springs, along with a visit to the Tea Plantations of Gorreana, one of the few tea farms in Europe. Guests appreciate the flexibility of the itinerary and the informative guides—one reviewer called it a “great way to get to know the island”. The tour balances scenic viewpoints, cultural stops, and gourmet experiences.
Bottom Line: If your priority is seeing the must-see volcano sights and enjoying local flavors, this tour offers a practical and engaging way to do so in just two days.
3. 2 Days Private Tour in Sao Miguel
For travelers who prefer a personalized experience, the 2 Days Private Tour offers bespoke itineraries tailored to your interests. Costing $810.32 per group (up to 7 people), it’s the most customizable option on our list. This tour covers both the west and east sides of the island, with flexible stops and the benefit of a driver and expert guide working with you to include your specific requests.
Highlights include a visit to the Ferraria thermal hot springs—a unique experience since you swim in ocean thermal waters—and Sete Cidades, known for its spectacular lakes. The second day offers a trip to Lagoa do Fogo, a high-altitude lake with stunning viewpoints like Pico da Barrosa. Guests can enjoy custom stops, including tea plantations and waterfalls, based on their preferences.
Reviews note the expert guidance and the ability to modify the itinerary. The tour is ideal for families or couples wanting an intimate, flexible exploration of São Miguel’s highlights, with privacy and comfort. The main drawback is the higher cost, but for those valuing tailored experiences, this tour is an excellent choice.
Bottom Line: If you seek a highly personalized journey and don’t mind paying a premium, this private tour is the way to go.
How to Choose the Right Sao Miguel Tour
Picking the best two-day tour depends on your budget, interests, and travel style. If you want a balanced overview with a focus on landscape and local culture, the São Miguel in Two Days: A Perfect Blend of Nature & Culture offers a solid, well-reviewed option. For those eager to see iconic volcano viewpoints and sample local produce, the Essential Sao Miguel provides a slightly more focused experience at a similar price point. If you prefer customized, private attention, and are willing to invest more, the 2 Days Private Tour gives you the flexibility and exclusivity.
Consider your fitness level—some tours involve uphill walks or hot springs dips—and your interests, whether they lean more toward volcanoes and waterfalls or culture and farms. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak travel months in spring and summer.
Final Thoughts
Sao Miguel’s diverse landscapes and charming villages mean you can tailor your two-day adventure to suit nature lovers, foodies, or culture enthusiasts. The group tours provide a hassle-free way to see the highlights, while the private tour offers a highly personalized exploration. For most travelers, a combination of scenic viewpoints, geothermal dips, and local food makes for a rich, memorable trip.
No matter which option you select, booking early will ensure you secure your preferred dates. With so many fantastic sights packed into just two days, Sao Miguel truly rewards those who plan ahead and pick the tour that best matches their interests. Get set for a trip full of breathtaking views, tasty treats, and unforgettable experiences.
