What to Do in São Miguel When It Rains

Rain in the Azores isn’t a trip-ruiner. It’s just… Tuesday. The island has thermal pools that feel even better in a drizzle, underground lava tubes where weather doesn’t matter, and enough covered attractions to fill multiple days. This guide covers the best hot springs, museums, food experiences, and indoor activities to keep your São Miguel trip on track when the skies open up.

Rain in São Miguel is totally normal

Rain is an essential part of the Azores sub-tropical climate and something I always mention for first-time visitors.

When it rains in São Miguel, the best approach is to lean into it. Soak in geothermal hot springs like Poça da Dona Beija or Terra Nostra Park, explore the Gruta do Carvão lava caves, or tour the Gorreana Tea Factory. The Azores sit in the middle of the Atlantic, so rain can show up any time of year, often without much warning.

Nobody here cancels plans because of a forecast. They adapt. And honestly? Some of the island’s best experiences are even better with a bit of rain.

Best hot springs and thermal pools for rainy days

If you’re going to get wet anyway, you might as well do it in warm volcanic water, amairite? São Miguel has several geothermal bathing spots, and they’re arguably MORE enjoyable when it’s drizzling. Steam rising off the pools, fewer crowds, that cozy contrast between cool rain and hot water—it’s kind of perfect.

Poça da Dona Beija

The most popular hot spring in Furnas and one of the highlights of any trip to Azores. The facility has multiple pools at different temperatures, all fed by natural iron-rich thermal water. Evening visits are especially atmospheric when rain adds to the misty, jungle-like vibe. Booking your time slot in advance is mandatory.

Terra Nostra Park

The iconic orange thermal pool here is one of the most photographed spots in the Azores. But Terra Nostra is more than just a pool—it’s a sprawling botanical garden you can wander even in light rain. The combination of a long soak followed by a garden stroll makes this a solid half-day activity.

This place is also one of my top picks to stay in the island.

Caldeira Velha

Tucked into a lush forest on the slopes near Lagoa do Fogo, Caldeira Velha feels wilder and more natural than the other options. There’s a hot waterfall cascading into pools below, surrounded by ferns and moss. It’s stunning in the rain, though it can get crowded—arrive early if you can.

Ferraria

This one’s different: ocean-based thermal pools where volcanic hot springs mix with Atlantic seawater. The experience depends heavily on the tides and sea conditions.

IMPORTANT: Rough weather can make Ferraria unsafe or inaccessible, so always check conditions before making the drive out to the western tip of the island.

Explore the volcanic caves and lava tubes

Rain can’t touch you underground. São Miguel’s volcanic geology created an extensive network of lava tubes, and visiting one is a genuinely cool way to spend a wet afternoon.

In the outskirts of Ponta Delgada, Gruta do Carvão is a lava tube formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. Guided tours take you through the cave system, explaining how the tunnels formed when molten lava drained away beneath a hardened surface crust. The whole visit takes about 30–45 minutes—perfect for a rainy afternoon slot.

Visit the tea and pineapple plantations

São Miguel grows two crops you won’t find cultivated anywhere else in Europe: tea and pineapples. Both have visitor-friendly plantations with covered touring areas, making them ideal rainy day stops.

Gorreana Tea Factory

Europe’s only remaining tea plantation, Gorreana has been producing tea since 1883. You can do a free self-guided tour through the factory, watch the processing machinery in action, and sample different varieties in the tasting room. The whole experience is indoors, and the shop sells teas you genuinely can’t get elsewhere.

Porto Formoso Tea Plantation

Smaller and less crowded than Gorreana, Porto Formoso offers a similar experience with a nice café attached. If you’re a tea enthusiast, visiting both gives you a fuller picture of Azorean tea production. If you only have time for one, Gorreana is the more comprehensive stop.

Azorean pineapple greenhouses

The Azores grow pineapples in greenhouses using a unique slow-cultivation method that takes up to two years (!) per fruit. Plantations like Arruda and Augusto Arruda near Ponta Delgada offer free entry and covered walkways where you can see the growing process up close. The pineapples here are sweeter and more aromatic than what you’ll find on the mainland—grab one to take back to your accommodation.

Local factory tours and food experiences

Some of the best rainy day activities involve tasting your way through Azorean products. The spots below combine indoor touring with hands-on (or mouth-on) experiences.

• Mulher de Capote Liquor Factory

This traditional liqueur producer in Ribeira Grande makes passion fruit, pineapple, and other fruit-based spirits using local ingredients. The tour includes tastings, and you’ll likely leave with a bottle or two.

• Queijaria Furnense cheese farm

In Furnas, this small cheese operation offers demonstrations of traditional Azorean cheese-making. It pairs well with a hot springs visit in the same area—soak first, then snack on fresh cheese.

• Queijadas da Vila do Morgado

In Vila Franca do Campo, you can watch queijadas—traditional Azorean sweet pastries—being made by hand. They’re baked fresh throughout the day, so you can buy them still warm. It’s a quick stop but a delicious one.

Historic churches and cultural sites

Beautiful architecture provides shelter AND cultural insight. São Miguel’s religious heritage is visible mainly in Ponta Delgada, and several churches are worth stepping inside.

Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião

A striking Manueline-style church in Ponta Delgada’s historic center. The exterior is impressive, but the interior details—carved stonework, gilded altars—reward a closer look.

Santuário do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres

The most important religious site in the Azores, this sanctuary draws pilgrims from around the world. The interior is ornate and significant to local culture, even if you’re not religious yourself.

Forte de São Brás

This historic waterfront fort now houses the Military Museum of the Azores. The covered areas and harbor views make it a good rainy day stop, and the military history adds context to the island’s strategic importance over the centuries.

Plan your rainy days like a local

The Azorean approach to weather is simple: always have a backup plan. Don’t trust a single forecast for the whole island, specially if taken with 2 or 3 days in advance. São Miguel’s microclimates mean the north coast can be completely different from the south, and mountain areas like Furnas or Lagoa do Fogo are often fogged in even when Ponta Delgada is clear.

Having a flexible itinerary makes all the difference in Azores. Building in adaptability from the start saves a lot of stress later.

• Check conditions in the morning before committing to outdoor plans. Webcams like SpotAzores or Windy, with detailed, hour-by-hour forecasts are your best friend. Check multiple locations for a hint where may be more pleasant.
• Pack layers and a waterproof jacket regardless of the forecast. Trust me, you’ll use them.
• Rain often passes quickly. If it’s raining now, wait a bit—it often clears. Don’t cancel everything because of a morning shower.
• Some viewpoints look MORE dramatic in moody weather. Fog rolling through Sete Cidades can be more memorable than a clear day.

Where to stay in São Miguel

I’ve handpicked a list of the best places to stay for luxury, budget travelers as well as families.

These are my top hotel suggestions in the island:

Other reads about São Miguel

• São Miguel Road Trip Itinerary (4 days)
• São Miguel Travel Guide
• What to do in São Miguel
• What to eat in São Miguel
• Things to know before visiting Azores

What did you do in rainy days in São Miguel? 👇