What to pack for a holiday in Sao Miguel, The Azores
What you pack for a holiday in Sao Miguel and The Azores will vary depending on the time of year you’re visiting, and the kind of holiday you’re planning. A summer holiday visiting beaches will require a slightly different packing list to a hiking holiday in autumn or winter.
For our laid-back trip in November, which included trips to old towns, hikes, sight-seeing, and working from our villa, we needed some light layers. However in summer, you would probably need fewer warm pieces. So check the weather before you travel.
by @tomokas
What to pack for the daytime in The Azores
I brought t-shirts, shorts, loose trousers, leggings, and light layers like sweaters and shirts.These were enough for the warm to cool weather in Sao Miguel in November.
Casual trainers like Converse were perfect for walking along trails, footpaths, and around town. Sandals were useful for visiting hot springs and for trips to the coast.
by @tomokas
What to pack for the evenings in The Azores
I wore casual dresses, light trousers, and casual shirts for dinner and drinks in Sao Miguel. It’s a relaxed island that attracts a lot of walkers. So even in laid-back dresses I sometimes felt overdressed at dinner, where other tables were wearing waterproofs and fleeces.
If you like to dress up, you can get away with a nice dress at some of the fancier restaurants. Especially around the marina, which brings in cruise ships. But it’s not really a formal dress and heels kinda place.
It can get cooler later into the night in The Azores, so cardigans, waterproofs, and a denim jacket useful for me in November.
Discover the best places to eat in The Azores: read our blog here.
by @tomokas
What to pack for hikes in The Azores
For walking, you might prefer hiking shoes. But sensible, comfy trainers were adequate for all the hikes we did – which were fairly easy with well-built trails.
I wore cycle shorts, baggy t-shirts, sweatshirts, and Converse or Dr Martens boots for our hikes. Lots of tourists also wear light sports clothes, leggings, and waterproof clothing. This might make your hike feel easier if you prefer to wear the right gear. But I was fine without.
In the summer, sun protection including hats, sunglasses, and cover-ups would be essential in the heat.
Want to know more about the best hikes in Sao Miguel? Read our blog here.
by @tomokas
Everything else
A European plug adapter and relevant chargers for all your electronics
All toiletries you would use at home, as well as SPF for skin, hair, and face
Entertainment including books, games, and tablets
A water bottle for hikes
Cash, if you’re using it. We used our Monzo cards and rarely needed cash during our stay
Your driving licence and credit card if you’re hiring a car
Your passport!
My full clothing + essentials packing list for Sao Miguel, The Azores:
On top: enough T-shirts, jumpers, and light tops to last the duration of the trip.
I took a couple of casual sundresses for warmer days, and one nicer dress for evenings out. I also packed two exercise vests and sports bras for hikes and runs.
On the bottom: two pairs of comfy cotton shorts including running shorts, two pairs of leggings, a pair of jeans, and one pair of light trousers.
This was enough to cover all weathers during our three week stay. Fewer pairs of the same styles would be advised for shorter trips.
For my feet: a pair of sandals, a pair of trainers, running shoes, and Dr Martens Jadon boots. I probably didn’t need sandals in November but they were useful for trips to pools.
Outer layers: a denim jacket, a plaid shirt, and cardigan, and a waterproof coat. If you’re visiting in summer, a light jacket and light layers will probably be fine.
The rest: underwear, at-home clothes and PJs, bikinis, and workout gear as we ran a couple of times a week. Sunglasses, a backpack for hikes, an evening bag, a water bottle, chargers and adapters, books, my usual toiletries + SPFs.
I also brought a towel. But check whether your accommodation offers outdoor towels to save space in your luggage. If not, pack your own if you have a pool, are going to beaches, or are visiting hot springs.
Want to know more about planning a holiday in The Azores? Get the lowdown in our blog: How we spent three weeks in Sao Miguel.