The Azores Island archipelago has nine major islands and São Miguel is the largest among them, with the city Ponta Delgada (PDL). Azores has a subtropical climate with an annual average temperature of 18°C (64°F). I recommend the first time visitors spend at least two full days (with the hope of finding a clear day) on the island with a rental car to cover all the scenic areas.
Award Booking Flights to Portugal
I booked a one-way TAP business class from JFK to Lisbon (two passengers) for 70,000 Avianca miles ($100 USD taxes), which is one of the best award sweet spots of the program.
Typical cash prices for JFK-Lisbon one-way business class flight
![](https://i0.wp.com/awardcracker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/image-47.png?resize=780%2C154&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/awardcracker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/image-48.png?resize=780%2C129&ssl=1)
Ponta Delgada (PDL) also has nonstop flights from North America (JFK, EWR, BOS, YUL & YYZ).
![](https://i0.wp.com/awardcracker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/image_2022-12-02_152951484.png?resize=780%2C412&ssl=1)
Ponta Delgada Accommodations
I highly recommend staying at one of the Mr & Mrs Smith properties in Ponta Delgada which can be booked with IHG points as needed.
![](https://i0.wp.com/awardcracker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/image-18.png?resize=780%2C568&ssl=1)
Azores Must-see Nature Destinations
Day 1 Itinerary:
![](https://i0.wp.com/awardcracker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/image-12.png?resize=780%2C612&ssl=1)
Vista do Rei Viewpoint
![](https://i0.wp.com/awardcracker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/wallpaperflare.com_wallpaper-13.jpg?resize=780%2C520&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/awardcracker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/wallpaperflare.com_wallpaper-9.jpg?resize=780%2C488&ssl=1)
Sete Cidades
![](https://i0.wp.com/awardcracker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/wallpaperflare.com_wallpaper-8.jpg?resize=780%2C479&ssl=1)
Lagoa do Canario
![](https://i0.wp.com/awardcracker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/wallpaperflare.com_wallpaper-6.jpg?resize=780%2C439&ssl=1)
Miradouro da Boca do Inferno Viewpoint
![](https://i0.wp.com/awardcracker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/wallpaperflare.com_wallpaper-7.jpg?resize=780%2C488&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/awardcracker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/wallpaperflare.com_wallpaper-11.jpg?resize=780%2C439&ssl=1)
Parque Estacionamento Ferraria
![](https://i0.wp.com/awardcracker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/image-15.png?resize=780%2C585&ssl=1)
Day 2 Itinerary:
![](https://i0.wp.com/awardcracker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/image-17.png?resize=780%2C326&ssl=1)
Nordeste
![](https://i0.wp.com/awardcracker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/image-16.png?resize=780%2C585&ssl=1)
Lagoa do Fogo (Fogo Lake)
![](https://i0.wp.com/awardcracker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/wallpaperflare.com_wallpaper-5.jpg?resize=780%2C487&ssl=1)
Miradouro do Pico da Barrosa (Barrosa Peak)
![](https://i0.wp.com/awardcracker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/wallpaperflare.com_wallpaper-12.jpg?resize=780%2C520&ssl=1)
Summary
São Miguel Island in the Azores Island archipelago is a must-see destination with breathtaking views of lakes. I highly recommend that you visit this island during your trip to Portugal, which is easy to book with points.