If you’re planning to travel to the Azores in times of COVID-19 please refer to these official sources when planning: COVID-19 Information from the U. S. Embassy in Portugal (in English) and Official Azores Government’s Information for Passengers Traveling to the Azores (in English, Portuguese, German, French, and Spanish).
The Miosótis program, named after the endemic flower commonly known as forget-me-not, was developed by the Azorean regional government to award sustainable best practices in hotels and other accommodations (including short-term rentals, since 2015).
When applying for the award, hotels will be evaluated on residue treatment, efficient use of water and energy, support of local businesses and biodiversity, and ongoing training of staff. Each certification is valid for two years, ranging from one to five Miosótis (except for the short-term rentals).
The hotels mentioned below are part of the official list released by the Azorean government, with certificates valid until the end of 2020. For your convenience, I don’t mention any accommodations without an online booking option (via their own official website or a reputable booking platform).
- Miosótis Hotels in Corvo
- Miosótis Hotels in Flores
- Miosótis Hotels in Faial
- Miosótis Hotels in Pico
- Miosótis Hotels in São Jorge
- Miosótis Hotels in Graciosa
- Miosótis Hotels in Terceira
- Miosótis Hotels in São Miguel
- Miosótis Hotels in Santa Maria
Miosótis Hotels in Corvo
Hotel Comodoro
Staying in Corvo Island was a challenge for those who couldn’t stay with friends or relatives and those who didn’t enjoy camping. Traveling to the smallest and most remote island in the Azores Archipelago had to be done as a day trip from neighboring Flores.
That ended when a local family decided to open Hotel Comodoro (formerly known as Guest House Comodoro), a facility with 14 double rooms and views to the ocean or the hills.
- Rating: 4 Miosótis
- Book directly with the hotel
Joe & Vera’s Vintage Place
If the “like a local” experience is more your type, there’s one more accommodation in Corvo that bears the Miosótis certification. Joe & Vera’s Vintage Place is one of the most recent hotels on the island, right next door to the local (and only) church. It doesn’t get more central than this, although the town isn’t that big.
- Rating: single
- Book directly with the hotel
Miosótis Hotels in Flores
Aldeia da Cuada
Booking.comThe passion project of a local couple, Aldeia da Cuada first began to take shape two decades ago. It’s one of the oldest rural tourism enterprise in the country and the perfect stay for those who want to shut down completely.
At this old village each house still bears the name of its last owner, a way to preserve the past and show appreciation for those who came before.
- Rating: 5 Miosótis
- Book on Booking.com*
- Book directly with the hotel
Argonauta Guesthouse
The Argonauta has been in business for 30 years, but the house is at least 300 years old. Talk about having a historical experience on Flores Island, right?
Art pretty much takes over this place in the small village of Fajã Grande, on the west side of the island.
- Rating: single
- Book directly with the hotel
Hotel das Flores
Booking.comHotel das Flores’ location comes with a killer view of the São Pedro bay and Corvo Island. It’s close to the airport and the old whaling factory-turned-museum, and the view makes up for the distance from the town center.
If you don’t feel like braving out for a swim in the North Atlantic Ocean, chill at the hotel pool with a view.
- Rating: 3 Miosótis
- Book on Booking.com*
- Book directly with the hotel
Miosótis Hotels in Faial
Azoris Faial Garden
Booking.comThe Azoris Faial Garden is the perfect choice for central location and spectacular views, for travelers who prefer hotels to other types of accommodation.
It also has all other hotel benefits like swimming pool, wellness center, restaurant and bar. Technically, you’d hardly have to leave the hotel but you’d be missing out on discovering Faial Island.
- Rating: 3 Miosótis
- Book on Booking.com*
- Book directly with the hotel
Casas do Capelo
Booking.comThese independent country houses with room for up to four people are a short drive from most of the points of interest in Faial Island. If you need that feeling of isolation but aren’t ready to be 100% away from it all, this might be the perfect fit.
- Rating: 5 Miosótis
- Book on Booking.com*
- Book directly with the hotel
Casas da Fajã
Booking.comThe exposed stone of the exterior walls hide surprising interiors in these two refurbished rural houses with fully equipped kitchens. Feel free to use the herb garden to cook some newly learned Azorean recipes.
- Rating: 5 Miosótis
- Book on Booking.com*
- Book directly with the hotel
H18
Booking.comWhile short-term rentals are a nuisance in touristic cities like Lisbon, in the Azores they don’t (yet) overrun the islands and are actually an alternative at a destination where accommodation is sometimes scarce.
This five-bedroom AL (Alojamento Local) with shared kitchen and living room is close to the city of Horta.
- Rating: single
- Book on Booking.com*
- Book directly with the hotel
Pátio – Horse & Lodge
Warmth, wood, and horses is the theme of this 4-star boutique nature lodge in Faial, in the village of Cedros. With a restaurant onsite serving lunch and dinner, there really isn’t a good excuse to leave the hotel. Well, apart from sightseeing of course.
- Rating: 5 Miosótis
- Book directly with the hotel
Pousada Forte da Horta
Booking.comPart of the Pestana – Pousadas de Portugal group, this historic hotel overlooking the marina of Horta is located at the old city fort. From the hotel, you can explore the city or the beach, within 10 minutes walking distance.
- Rating: 3 Miosótis
- Book on Booking.com*
- Book directly with the hotel
Quinta das Bungavílias
Once a family farm, Quinta das Buganvílias is now a two-house rural tourism business with onsite restaurant and bar. In addition to the view of Pico Island, there’s plenty of outdoor space for kids (and grownups) to enjoy.
- Rating: 5 Miosótis
- Book directly with the hotel
Quinta da Meia Eira
Booking.comQuinta da Meia Eira is a rural tourism with a twist. The units have the look and feel of country houses, but you’ll also find the kind of facilities you’d expect at a hotel like the indoor heated pool.
- Rating: 5 Miosótis
- Book on Booking.com*
Quinta do Vale
Close to the city of Horta, this rural tourism business has 10 double rooms, a reading and games room, gym and sauna, swimming pool, and barbecue area.
- Rating: 5 Miosótis
- Book directly with the hotel
Refúgio
Booking.comThe two fully equipped apartments (a four-bedroom and a one-bedroom) are very close to the airport and the city of Horta. Refúgio means haven in Portuguese and that’s precisely the vibe there. Breakfast and bike rental available for an extra fee.
- Rating: single
- Book on Booking.com*
- Book directly with the hotel
Miosótis Hotels in Pico
Apartamentos Turísticos Jeirões do Mar
Booking.comTen fully equipped one-bedroom apartments in the town of Madalena, with views of the sea and the mountain. Weather permitting, every day is “eating out” day at the apartments’ terrace. And because it wouldn’t be a 100% Pico Island experience without vineyards, here you’ll have your own to explore in addition to a playground for kids.
- Rating: 4 Miosótis
- Book on Booking.com*
- Book directly with the hotel
Casas do Verdelho
Booking.comStaying at Casas do Verdelho is the closest you’ll ever get to living in a small village on Pico Island. Each of the two-bedroom five houses is fully equipped and you’ll get your own barbecue area if you feel inclined to invite the next door neighbor over for grilled fish.
- Rating: single
- Book on Booking.com*
- Book directly with the hotel
Pousada de Juventude do Pico
Pico’s Youth Hostel (Pousada de Juventude in Portuguese) is a budget-friendly facility with dorm rooms and shared bathrooms. Perfect for anyone traveling on a tight budget, not just kids.
Besides, how many times do you get to tell people that you spent the night at a 17th century convent?
- Rating: 2 Miosótis
- Book directly with the hotel
Miosótis Hotels in São Jorge
Abrigo da Cascata
Booking.comIn São Jorge Island, fajãs are a dime a dozen. Well, the idiom is not completely fair because this particular landscape is more valuable than a dime. Abrigo da Cascata is located in Fajã do Cavalete and claims to be the rural tourism with a hotel feel. I think they’re probably right. The two independent houses share a kitchen and lounge.
- Rating: 5 Miosótis
- Book on Booking.com*
- Book directly with the hotel
Blue House
Booking.comYou can’t really miss this two-bedroom house painted in bright sky blue. This vacation home has two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a courtyard, and priceless views of the ocean.
- Rating: single
- Book on Booking.com*
Blue Planet S. Jorge Azores
Booking.comLazy mornings admiring the ocean and Pico Island? That’s pretty much what you can expect at this two-floor house with two independent apartments and a terrace with a barbecue area. Do take the time to explore the town of Velas though. It’s less than 10 minutes away, walking distance.
- Rating: single
- Book on Booking.com*
- Book directly with the hotel
Cantinho das Bungavílias
Nineteen apartments with a view to the neighboring islands of Pico and Faial, a restaurant onsite, an indoor and an outdoor pool, a spa, and a sauna. Several tours and experiences available on request.
- Rating: 3 Miosótis
- Book directly with the hotel
Casa do Alambique/Sailingside
Booking.comNext door to the São Jorge Museum in the town of Calheta, Casa do Alambique is a fully equipped, four-bedroom house that accommodates up to 10 people. The house is owned by a sailing company, so sailing boats for rent or tours are available.
- Rating: single
- Book on Booking.com*
- Book directly with the hotel
Casa da Fajã da Caldeira
Booking.comFajã de Santo Cristo is perhaps the most famous of all the fajãs in São Jorge. Remote and hard to reach, Santo Cristo has no electricity so locals rely on generators and batteries. But none of that matters when you can have a once in a lifetime experience at this two-bedroom house located there.
- Rating: single
- Book on Booking.com*
- Book directly with the hotel
Casa dos Lagos
Booking.comFive fully equipped apartments in the town of Velas, each one of them with a terrace facing the mountain or the ocean. A shared garden with lakes (lagos, in Portuguese) is free to use by all guests.
- Rating: single
- Book on Booking.com*
- Book directly with the hotel
Casas dos Vimes
At the fajãs, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2016, balance between man and nature is key. At Fajã dos Vimes, the rural houses Casas dos Vimes accomplish that. The houses follow the typical Azorean architectural style and honor their roots and surroundings.
- Rating: 5 Miosótis
- Book directly with the hotel
Hotel Soares Neto
In the center of the town of Velas, overlooking the marina and the bay, this 2-star hotel is an unpretentious accommodation with breakfast included and a salt water swimming pool. Guests can rent a car or a scooter at the hotel.
- Rating: 1 Miosótis
- Book directly with the hotel
Marficas Hostel
Booking.comIf you don’t mind sacrificing location to save on the budget, Marficas is a comfortable but affordable option in Urzelina. Rooms are double, triple, or dorms with shared bathrooms, kitchen, and lounging area.
- Rating: single
- Book on Booking.com*
Pousada da Juventude de S. Jorge
At São Jorge’s Youth Hostel everything is about the views and nature. Guests can book a bed in a male or female dorm with shared bathroom, double rooms with private bathroom, or triple rooms with private bathroom.
- Rating: 2 Miosótis
- Book directly with the hotel
Quinta das Figueiras
Pretty much in the middle of nowhere, Quinta das Figueiras is the right rural tourism accommodation for travelers who want peace and quiet all day every day.
- Rating: 5 Miosótis
- Book directly with the hotel
Quinta da Magnólia
Booking.comMuch of the style of the old farm house comes through in the decor of the rooms and the contrast between black stone on the walls and wooden windows and doors. A contrast that could sum up the reality of living in the Azores.
- Rating: single
- Book on Booking.com*
- Book directly with the hotel
Miosótis Hotels in Graciosa
Boina de Vento
Booking.comDutch-style windmills are perhaps the closest to the perfect postcard image of Graciosa Island. At Boina do Vento you get the chance to stay in one. The refurbished windmill has a view of the ocean, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen.
- Rating: 3 Miosótis
- Book with Booking.com*
Graciosa Resort – Biosphere Island Resort
Graciosa Resort has 46 rooms (two of them are suites and one of them is prepared for guests with reduced mobility), six two-bedroom villas, onsite restaurant and bar, a kids club, a swimming pool, and a fitness center. Enough reasons to book a flight to Graciosa?
- Rating: 2 Miosótis
- Book directly with the hotel
Mó da Praia
Booking.comMó is the Portuguese word for grindstone and, you guessed, this rural tourism unit is set inside a refurbished windmill, whitewashed with red on top as is the tradition in Graciosa. The mill has two bedrooms, two living rooms, a shared bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace.
- Rating: 4 Miosótis
- Book on Booking.com*
- Book directly with the hotel
Quinta dos Frutos
Booking.comThe three independent houses of this old farm are surrounded by fruit trees, mostly, hence the name Quinta dos Frutos. Two of the houses have one bedroom and a sofa bed, and can accommodate up to four people. The larger house, with two bedrooms, has room for up to five people. All houses have a fully equipped kitchen and access to a barbecue area outside.
- Rating: 4 Miosótis
- Book on Booking.com*
Miosótis Hotels in Terceira
Azoris Angra Garden Hotel
Booking.comMost travelers visiting Terceira Island will look for accommodation in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Angra do Heroísmo. Azoris Angra Garden Hotel is not only central, but includes a restaurant and bar onsite so all you have to plan for is sightseeing.
- Rating: 4 Miosótis
- Book on Booking.com*
- Book directly with the hotel
Aparthotel Atlântida Mar
Booking.comAt the other city on Terceira Island, Praia da Vitória, this apartment hotel is all about the view. Whether you’re at the pool, at the gym, or watching your kids at the onsite playground, it’s still about the view of the massive Atlantic Ocean.
- Rating: 5 Miosótis
- Book on Booking.com*
- Book directly with the hotel
Casa da Ribeira
Casa da Ribeira is both the name of this short-term rental house and the village where it’s located, close to the city of Praia da Vitória. The traditional house maintains the same architecture, but with modern facilities.
- Rating: single
- Book directly with the hotel
Casa das Vinhas
Booking.comCasa das Vinhas got its name because of the vineyards (vinhas) around the house. The small country house has a view to the ocean, two bedrooms, one bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, and a barbecue area. The nearest beach is within walking distance.
- Rating: single
- Book on Booking.com*
Pousada da Juventude da Terceira
Terceira’s Youth Hostel is located at the fishing village of São Mateus (a 10-minute drive from Angra do Heroísmo and a 30-minute drive from Praia da Vitória). In addition to dorms with shared bathrooms, you can also book a private bedroom or a one-bedroom apartment.
- Rating: 2 Miosótis
- Book directly with the hotel
Quinta do Espírito Santo
Booking.comQuinta do Espírito Santo is a country house with a history. If you have questions about your accommodation or the island just ask the owner, a historian and the former director of the Angra do Heroísmo Museum. The house is also worth the stay, of course.
- Rating: 3 Miosótis
- Book on Booking.com*
- Book directly with the hotel
Serreta Island Home
The massive window is probably the first thing guests notice at this short-term rental. It has two bedrooms with two lounge areas, two bathrooms, a shared living room, and a shared kitchen with a traditional stone wood-burning oven.
- Rating: single
- Book directly on Airbnb
Miosótis Hotels in São Miguel
7 Cidades Lake Lodge
The lake Sete Cidades on São Miguel Island is probably the island’s most famous landscape. The 7 Cidades Lake Lodge is right in the middle of Sete Cidades Valley, with a view to the lake. The 1950s large house can accommodate up to seven guests and the smaller one-bedroom bungalows have space for two people.
- Rating: single
- Book directly with the hotel
Azoris Royal Garden Hotel
Booking.comThis 4 star hotel is located in the main city of Ponta Delgada, within walking distance of the city’s historic center. The hotel has an outdoor pool, onsite restaurant and bar, spa, and bikes available for rental.
- Rating: 3 Miosótis
- Book on Booking.com*
- Book directly with the hotel
Casa da Belavista
Booking.comLocated in the town of Nordeste (perhaps one of the most beautiful locations on the island), this three-bedroom house has a fully equipped kitchen, outdoor pool, and barbecue area. Guests can also rent bikes and order groceries delivery.
- Rating: single
- Book on Booking.com*
- Book directly with the hotel
Casa da Flor
Booking.comLocated in Ribeira Grande, São Miguel’s second city, this independent house has three bedrooms, two private bathrooms and a shared one, a shared lounge area, and a backyard where you can sunbathe. Children are not allowed at this accommodation.
- Rating: single
- Book on Booking.com*
- Book directly with the hotel
Casa das Furnas
Booking.comIn the heart of the Furnas town, this contemporary house has a fully equipped kitchen, shared bathroom and lounge area, and an outdoor terrace with a barbecue area.
- Rating: single
- Book on Booking.com*
- Book directly with the hotel
Casa do Pópulo
Booking.comCasa do Pópulo is a refurbished 19th century house, about 15 minutes by car from the city of Ponta Delgada. The house has an outdoor seasonal swimming pool, a sunbathing terrace, a barbecue area, and family rooms that accommodate up to four guests.
- Rating: single
- Book on Booking.com*
Casa da Ribeira
Booking.comThis small house in Furnas has one bedroom, a fully equipped kitchen, and a shared bathroom. It accommodates up to four guests in the two twin beds in the room and a sofa bed in the living room.
- Rating: single
- Book on Booking.com*
- Book directly with the hotel
Ecorismo/Stonewood Lodge
Booking.comThis ecotourism business has five villas and an apartment, each with independent equipped kitchen, bathroom, and living room. The largest house can accommodate up to six adults. Shared outdoor facilities include a garden, a barbecue area, and a picnic area.
- Rating: single
- Book on Booking.com*
- Book directly with the hotel
Furnas Valley
Booking.comFurnas Valley is a short-term rental house with four bedrooms and two bathrooms, one minute walking distance from one of the most famous hot springs in Furnas: Poça da Dona Beija. Parque Terra Nostra, another must-see attraction in town, is a six-minute walk away.
- Rating: single
- Book on Booking.com*
- Book directly with the hotel
Hotel Alcides
Booking.comIn the center of Ponta Delgada, Hotel Alcides is a no-frills, modest, and affordable accommodation. The onsite restaurant, with the same name, is perhaps one of the best-known in the city.
- Rating: 3 Miosótis
- Book on Booking.com*
- Book directly with the hotel
Hotel do Colégio
Booking.comThe 4-star boutique hotel is set inside a 19th century house, and has an onsite restaurant and outdoor swimming pool. In its 100+ years of existence, before it was a hotel the building housed Ponta Delgada’s music school.
- Rating: 3 Miosótis
- Book on Booking.com*
- Book directly with the hotel
Hotel Matriz
Booking.comIn the historic center of Ponta Delgada, Hotel Matriz is an affordable hotel with an onsite bar and private parking space. All rooms are equipped with private bathroom and breakfast is included.
- Rating: 3 Miosótis
- Book on Booking.com*
- Book directly with the hotel
Hotel Talisman
Booking.comHotel Talisman is located in a refurbished Art Deco 18th century building in the center of Ponta Delgada. Onsite you’ll find a massage room, a bar, a restaurant, and a gym and a swimming pool on the rooftop with a panoramic view of the city.
- Rating: 3 Miosótis
- Book on Booking.com*
- Book directly with the hotel
Market Place
Booking.comMarket Place has six independent apartments that can accommodate up to seven guests. The city’s produce market is less than five minutes away, walking distance.
- Rating: single
- Book on Booking.com*
Pousada de Juventude de S. Miguel
At São Miguel’s Youth Hostel, guests can choose between a bed in a dorm room with shared bathroom, a twin room with private bathroom, or a private room with four beds.
- Rating: 2 Miosótis
- Book directly with the hotel
Quinta do Bom Despacho
A former 1700s family farm house, Quinta do Bom Despacho is a rural tourism with double and triple rooms, with shared or private bathrooms, equipped kitchens and living rooms, a natural swimming pool outside, and organic kitchen gardens and orchards.
- Rating: single
- Book directly with the hotel
Quinta dos Curubás
Booking.comAt the town of Vila Franca do Campo, the five houses of Quinta dos Curubás are surrounded by a shared garden with some resident animals. Bikes and barbecue gear are available for free.
- Rating: single
- Book on Booking.com*
- Book directly with the hotel
Quinta Minuvida Orchard Lodge
Booking.comLocated in the fishing village of Rabo de Peixe, Quinta Minuvida Orchard Lodge is all about mindful living and sustainable tourism. The five suites are decorated with vintage furniture or new pieces made from reclaimed wood.
- Rating: single
- Book on Booking.com*
- Book directly with the hotel
Quinta do Norte
Booking.comA working farm with resident animals (including friendly cows), Quinta do Norte has twin, double, and triple rooms, with a garden, a terrace, and an equipped shared kitchen. Supermarkets and restaurants are a short drive away.
- Rating: single
- Book on Booking.com*
Quinta do Paraízo
Booking.comThis 19th century family farm house was transformed into a rural tourism business with a working pineapple greenhouse, an orchard, a vegetable garden, and an outdoor swimming pool.
- Rating: 5 Miosótis
- Book on Booking.com*
- Book directly with the hotel
Quinta do Rebentão
Booking.comQuinta do Rebentão is a short-term rental house where all bedrooms have private bathrooms. There’s a shared kitchen, lounge area, and terrace and barbecue area outdoors.
- Rating: single
- Book on Booking.com*
Solar da Glória ao Carmo
Booking.comSolar da Glória ao Carmo is a former Manor House built over 300 years ago. Guests can book one of the suites or one of the two independent apartments located in the house extension.
- Rating: 5 Miosótis
- Book on Booking.com*
- Book directly with the hotel
Surf & Guest House Lorena’s
Booking.comAll rooms at Surf & Guest House Lorena’s face the ocean and the nearest beach is less than 10 minutes away, walking distance. The accommodation has a shared kitchen and lounge area.
- Rating: single
- Book on Booking.com*
The Lince Azores Great Hotel
Booking.comThe Lince Azores Great Hotel is located in the center of Ponta Delgada, overlooking the city. The hotel is equipped with an onsite restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a swimming pool, a gym, a bar, and an area for kids.
- Rating: 4 Miosótis
- Book on Booking.com*
- Book directly with the hotel
Vista do Norte
Booking.comContemporary-rustic in style, Vista do Norte is a short-term rental house overlooking the town of Capelas, with two bedrooms and shared bathroom, kitchen and living room.
- Rating: single
- Book on Booking.com*
Miosótis Hotels in Santa Maria
Pousada de Juventude de Santa Maria
Santa Maria‘s Youth Hostel is a whitewashed building with Algarve-style chimneys, which pretty much matches the style of traditional houses on the island. In addition to twin rooms and a bed in a male or female dorm, guests can also book a private room with four beds.
- Rating: 2 Miosótis
- Book directly with the hotel
