Discover Portugal with Rhodes Traveled
Must-Dos While Visiting Portugal
(Azores & Mainland Highlights)
Portugal is a blend of slow-living island charm and vibrant city energy. Whether you're sipping espresso on a São Miguel overlook or wandering cobblestone streets in Lisbon, there’s no shortage of “how is this even real?” moments.
🌿 Azores Island Vibes (What to Expect)
São Miguel – Lush, volcanic, and dramatic. Think crater lakes, hot springs, tea plantations, and endless hiking.
Santa Maria – Small, sun-kissed, and laid-back. The oldest island with the best beaches and a slower pace.
Terceira – Bright, cultural, and slightly off the radar. Pastel towns, local festivals, and epic coastline trails.
🚗 Rent a Car and Explore
Public transport isn’t really a thing on the islands, so renting a car is essential. Two to three days per island lets you hit the main sights and discover hidden gems.
🍽️ Where to Eat
Taberna Roberto (São Miguel) – Tiny, rustic, and unforgettable. Local dishes done right—get the octopus.
À Terra (Furnas Boutique Hotel) – Farm-to-table with wood-fired everything. Cozy but upscale.
Adega Lusitana (Terceira) – A hidden gem with Azorean specialties.
Time Out Market (Lisbon) – For a taste of everything, from Michelin chefs to pastel de nata perfection.
Cantinho do Avillez (Lisbon) – Elevated Portuguese comfort food from a celeb chef.
Tapabento (Porto) – Creative, indulgent small plates and a fantastic wine list.
🥾 Get Outside—It’s Why You’re Here
Some of the most beautiful views in Portugal are only accessible by foot. If you like hiking, this is your heaven.
Popular hikes to add to your list:
São Miguel:
Lagoa do Fogo Trail – Panoramic views of a massive crater lake.
Salto do Prego – Lush rainforest vibes ending at a waterfall.
Sete Cidades Vista do Rei – Easy, iconic, and beyond Instagram-worthy.
Terceira:
Monte Brasil Trail – Views of the ocean and Angra do Heroísmo from a dormant volcano.
Mistérios Negros – Dense forest, lava fields, and a rugged, otherworldly vibe.
Biscoitos Trail – Combines nature and lava-rock coastlines.
🏞️ Bonus Must-Sees
The Abandoned Hotel Monte Palace (Sete Cidades, São Miguel) – A ghostly shell of luxury, now a photographer’s dream.
Poça da Dona Beija (Furnas) – Thermal baths tucked into the jungle. Go at night if you want the place to yourself.
⚠️ Travel Mistakes to Avoid
Even paradise has its pitfalls—here’s what to avoid so your trip stays dreamy, not dicey.
❌ Skipping the Rental Car
This is not a place for taxis and Ubers. Without a car, you’ll miss all the remote magic. Just get the smallest car possible—some roads are tight.
❌ Underestimating the Hikes
Many trails are labeled “easy” but feel like a StairMaster session. Bring good shoes, water, and be in decent shape. Some are steep, remote, and muddy—but worth it.
❌ Expecting Big City Prices
Portugal is still surprisingly affordable. We had lunch for €3 per person in Povoação (and it was legit good). Don’t overpay just because it looks fancy.
❌ Assuming Mainland = Islands
Mainland Portugal (Lisbon, Porto) has a very different vibe—more touristy, faster-paced, and busier. The Azores are quiet, raw, and meant to be taken slow. Plan accordingly.
❌ Flying In Without Buffer Days
Azores weather is famously unpredictable—flights get delayed or canceled more often than you’d expect. Always give yourself a cushion before any big connections.
🚫 Bonus Tip: Ned Kelly’s Irish Pub & Grill is a SCAM
There’s an Irishman in Ponta Delgada running an actual pub—and an actual scam. He goes by many names (Keith Christopher Morony, Kevin Loughrin, Steven Maloney, Patrick Roche… you get the idea), and he’s been conning people into investing in “future Irish pub projects” for over 30 years across the U.S., Canada, Ireland, and more. He’s been deported from the U.S. twice, and every one of his scams has the same hook: the charm of an Irish bar. So if a guy with too much blarney and too many aliases pitches you a pub dream over pints—smile, nod, and walk away with your wallet intact.
🧭 Rhodes Traveled: Real Tips from Our Azores Adventure
This is where it gets real—stuff I wish someone had told me before I went.
🏡 Povoação Is a Hidden Gem
Out of all the towns, Povoação on São Miguel stole our hearts. It’s calm, charming, and off the tourist radar. So much so… we’re buying property there.
💪 Hike. Then Hike Again.
There are few places on earth where every trail leads to something epic—a waterfall, crater lake, ocean cliff, or thermal pool. If you can walk, you should walk. Then walk some more.
🌱 Life Is Slower Here—and That’s the Point
Locals aren’t rushing. The food takes time. The views demand lingering. Slow down and sync up with island life.
📷 Instagram Can’t Capture the Smell of Eucalyptus
Seriously. Some of the hikes smell so fresh it’s like walking through a wellness retreat.
🌍 Don’t Just “Do” Lisbon and Porto
They’re amazing, yes—but the real Portugal magic is in the wild places: the hot springs of Furnas, the volcanic pools of Biscoitos, and the untouched beaches of Santa Maria.
