A Tasca Restaurant is the best place to start your day with a broad assortment of local sausages, roasted pork, and seasonal vegetables. They also offer several traditional desserts, including "bolo lêvedo" and "queijadas da vila".
Mercado da Graça is one of Azores' oldest markets, filled with foodie treasures like artisanal cheeses, locally sourced seafood, and unique fresh fruits. Don't forget to try the Azorean pineapple, which is considered one of the best pineapples in the world.
Taberna Açor is a local eatery that serves traditional dishes with a modern twist. Try their "Lapas Grelhadas" (grilled limpets), a local delicacy, and the "Guisado de Jaquinzinhos" (Atlantic scad stew). Their wine list is also noteworthy, including Azores wines and international options.
A Mulher do Capote is a family-run distillery that creates liqueurs made from regional fruits such as passionfruit and tangerine. Take a tour of their facilities and taste their spirits, including their signature "Whale Gin."
Finish your day at Anfiteatro, a Portuguese restaurant located on the oceanfront with breathtaking views. Enjoy their "mariscada" (seafood stew) or have a steak accompanied by a Azorean wine while the sun sets over the ocean.
To explore Sao Miguel, renting a car is highly recommended. Renting a car costs around $35-$60 per day, and gas costs around $6.50 per gallon. The travel time between each location on this itinerary is estimated to be between 10-25 minutes.
If you have more time, consider visiting Furnas, a picturesque town known for its volcanic hot springs, where you can enjoy a traditional Portugese cozido stew. Alternatively, if you have less time, you can skip the Mercado da Graça and head directly to Taberna Açor for a delicious lunch.
João Paulo II (PDL) is the primary airport in Sao Miguel. It is located approximately 3 miles west of Ponta Delgada, which is about a 15-minute drive from the city center.