How many days do you actually need in the Azores with kids, and is São Miguel worth the trip? This is the full São Miguel guide — flights and points, renting a car, where to stay, the best hot springs and waterfalls, whale watching, and the honest story of how our four days actually went, weather included. We paired this trip with a stop in London (full recap in Season 2, Episode 2), and if you want the complete points and miles breakdown for the whole ten-day trip, that's back in Season 1, Episode 42. This episode is just about São Miguel: what it's like, what to do, where to stay, and what we'd change next time. In this episode: Why the Azores feel nothing like mainland Portugal, even though they're technically part of itHow long you actually need on São Miguel (we had four days — here's why that wasn't quite enough)Best time of year to visit and how the island's microclimates can wreck a tight itineraryThe points and miles breakdown for getting to and from São Miguel, plus why renting a car is non-negotiableWhere to stay: the DoubleTree by Hilton in Lagoa on points, plus Pedras do Mar and Senhora da Rosa for cash bookingsScenic lookouts, waterfalls, hot springs (including the one that's nearly impossible to book), whale and dolphin watching, and a pineapple farmOur actual day-by-day itinerary, weather setbacks and allA split family verdict: how Jacob, Shoshana, Ronnie, and Melissa each felt about the island differentlyTimestamps 00:00 — Intro & Recap of the Trip00:52 — Why the Azores Aren't Mainland Portugal04:03 — How Long You Actually Need06:07 — Best Time of Year to Visit07:16 — Flights, Points & Renting a Car10:50 — Where to Stay on São Miguel13:18 — Best Things to Do20:04 — Our Actual Day-by-Day Itinerary22:39 — Family Verdict & What We'd ChangeLinks The Full Guide São Miguel, Azores Travel Guide — full write-up with the map, packing list, and activity details mentioned in this episodeRelated Episodes S1 Ep. 42 — How We Planned London & Azores on PointsS1 Ep. 49 — London vs. Azores Recap: A Kid's TakeS2 Ep. 2 — London with Kids: What We Loved, What Surprised Us, and What We'll Do Differently Next TimeWhere We Stayed DoubleTree by Hilton Lagoa — booked on points, full Hilton transfer math in the guidePedras do Mar Resort & Spa — splurgier north coast pickSenhora da Rosa — cash booking, pool table and a pineapple-greenhouse hot tubThings to Do Poça da Dona Beija hot springsCaldeira Velha tickets — book the moment your dates are set, slots go fastWhale & dolphin watching tourSpotAzores live weather cams (São Miguel)Car Rental Discover Cars — São Miguel local rental optionsFlight Deals SAVE $20 on Thrifty Traveler Premium Don't miss this inspiring, practical travel with kids podcast hosted by family travel expert Melissa Conn, founder of The Family Voyage, certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, and mom of two who proves family travel is achievable for everyone. Blog The Family Voyage Get your free ebook The Busy Mom's Guide to Free Travel Check out my favorite travel gear and my Etsy shop! Chase Sapphire credit cards
