the 9-to-5 nomad's guide to solo travel
WHERE TO STAY
top neighborhoods for solo travelers & first-time visitors
SEARCH TOP HOTELS & HOSTELS FOR SOLO TRAVELERS
PONTA DELGADA
São Miguel, best for first time visitors and the largest and most populous island in the Azores. Its known for its stunning natural landscapes, thermal hot springs, and vibrant capital city, Ponta Delgada. The best area to stay on São Miguel include Ponta Delgada for easy access to amenities and attractions.
Main Nightlife District: Ponta Delgada
WHERE TO PLAY
Top Nightlife Hotspots, Beach Clubs & Bars
Ned Kelly’s Irish Pub
Location: Ponta Delgada
About: Pub
Rooftop Bar - Octant Hotel
Location: Ponta Delgada
About: Rooftop Bar
Résvés
Location: Ponta Delgada
About: Chic Bar
TukáTulá Beach Bar
Location: Ribeira Grande
About: Beachside Bar
Mercado da Vila
Location: Bodrum City
About: Food Hall & Bar
what to do
top attraction, day trips & adventures
Sete Cidades Lakes
The centerpiece of Sete Cidades is the stunning volcanic crater containing Lagoa Azul (Blue Lake) and Lagoa Verde (Green Lake). These lakes formed due to separate volcanic eruptions within the crater. Miradouro da Vista do Rei, formed at the rim of the crater, offers breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Sete Cidades Lakes and the surrounding landscape.
Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park
This park is a paradise for nature lovers, with lush forests, volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and hidden lakes. Caldeira Velha is known for fumaroles (vents emitting steam and gas), hot springs, and boiling mud pools. Lagoa do Fogo is a beautiful crater lake is a popular destination within the park. Hike or drive to the rim of the crater for stunning views of the lake.
furnas valley
Explore the geothermal wonders of Furnas Valley, where hot springs bubble, fumaroles hiss, and terracotta pots simmer cozidos (stews) underground. Take a dip in the therapeutic waters of the Poça da Dona Beija hot springs or visit the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, a thermal wonderland with vibrantly colored pools and lush vegetation.
whale watching
The Azores are a renowned whale watching destination. Embark on a boat tour and witness a variety of majestic cetaceans in their natural habitat, including sperm whales, dolphins, and humpback whales. The Azores offer year-round whale watching, but the peak season is generally considered to be from April to October.
off the beaten path
hidden gems beyond the popular tourist attractions
Black sand beach Praia do Lombo Gordo
Praia do Lombo Gordo, also known as Lombo Gordo Beach, is a hidden gem on the east coast of São Miguel Island in the Azores, Portugal. Unlike many of the Azores' beaches with white sand, Praia do Lombo Gordo boasts a dramatic black sand shore.
Gorreana Tea Plantation
Established in 1883 by Ermelinda Gago da Câmara, it is the oldest and currently the only tea plantation in Europe. Visitors have the opportunity to take guided tours of the plantation, learn about the tea production process, and sample various types of freshly brewed tea.
Poça da Dona Beija
A natural hot springs spa, in Furnas. The mineral-rich waters of the thermal pools are believed to have therapeutic properties, offering potential health benefits such as relaxation, stress relief, and relief from muscle aches and pains.
Islet of Vila Franca do Campo
A unique spot where visitors can bathe in naturally heated sea water pools, created by volcanic activity. The most striking feature of the islet is the crystal-clear lagoon that fills the volcanic crater. The water in the lagoon tends to be calm and warmer than the Atlantic waters making it a perfect spot for swimming.