São Miguel is one of the 9 islands in the Azores archipelago. A little paradise in the Atlantic, somewhere between the European and American continents.
Any visit to the Azores must provide a few days on the island of São Miguel. With an incomparable beauty, this green island amazes any visitor, with breathtaking landscapes, vibrant nature, beaches, lagoons and mountains, places and towns, gastronomy or even typical cities. This island, in so little territory, has everything and more to offer.
Considered the most beautiful beach on the island of São Miguel, much appreciated at sunset and always protected by the imposing presence of the islets of Mosteiros.
In summer, the beach of Mosteiros, on the island of São Miguel, is very popular with tourists and vacationers, both for bathing and fishing. The natural pools known as Poço da Pedra are a popular attraction and one that does not leave anyone indifferent with its medicinal properties. Although small, the sand is dark in color due to the concentration of olivine, a mineral derived from the volcanic formation of the island, this beach is excellent for enjoying the rays of sunlight in spring and summer.
Be sure to visit the Fishing Port, where Galician Curlew is usually present.
Furnas is a parish in the municipality of Povoação, on the island of São Miguel, in the Azores and one of the main tourist sites in the entire Azores Archipelago. This site contains many attractions and points of interest, but all of them converge from a central point, the volcanic activity of the place through geological formations and human activity.
The thermal waters, boilers, geysers and thermal pools, the Terra Nostra Park and the Poça da Dona Beija, the Lagoa das Furnas and the local cuisine, known worldwide for the Cozido das Furnas (Portuguese stew of meat or cod that after preparation with local products is placed in natural “ovens”, under the volcanic soil, where it cooks slowly for hours in these “natural kitchens”).
The Furnas Volcano is one of the three central active volcanoes on the island of São Miguel, in the Azores.
Classified as Monumento Natural do Pico da Camarinhas – Ponta da Ferraria for conservation and environmental protection of the compound of volcanic structures that characterize it.
The panoramic view under the ajã lávica and Farol da Ferraria that you get from the Ponta da Ferraria viewpoint, also called the Sabrina island viewpoint, is a must-see, providing moments of relaxation and photos of rare beauty.
Down there, as a result of the fajã or lava delta (name given to a flat land, generally cultivable, of small extension, located by the sea, formed by materials detached from the cliffs or by delta deltas resulting from the penetration into the sea of drains from lava from the slope) and other geological events, Ponta da Ferraria is offered with thermal waters and natural swimming pool.
Relaxation and rest in the waters with temperatures that can reach 30º C and the heat of the rocks, are experiences that you will forget more.
The SPA SPA offers treatments for problems related to rheumatism and neuritis.
Brand image of the island of São Miguel and even the Azores in general, the panoramic view obtained from the viewpoint of Vista do Rei, under the Lagoa das Sete Cidades is undoubtedly splendid and vibrant due to the combination of colors that the flora and the Lagoon lend to the scene. This is also why it is the target of a greater demand by tourists.
The viewpoint of Cumeeiras, offers a view on the opposite side to the viewpoint of Vista do Rei, of equal scenic beauty, offers calm and relaxation because it is much less known.
Blue and green tones stand out from the natural lakes, especially on sunny days. Lagoa das Sete Cidades is the largest freshwater lake in the Azores with an area of about 4.45 kilometers and a depth of 33 meters. The Lagoon, despite being one, presents two different colors and for that reason, they were given two different names on both sides of the lagoon, Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul. The double color of its waters is separated by a shallow channel, crossed by a low bridge that separates on one side a mirror of green waters and, on the other, a mirror of blue tone.
Its formation is due to the successive collapse of rock formations, constituting one of the largest slaughtering boilers in the world.
Due to its relevance and environmental importance, it was classified as a Paisagem Protegida da Rede Natura 2000 .
Its existence for centuries and especially its coloring has come to be associated with myths and legends, especially the existence of Atlantis and the the legend of the princess and the shepherd in the kingdom of the Sete Cidades
In the center of São Miguel island, located on the great Fogo volcano,
also known as Água de Pau volcano, is probably the most beautiful
Açores lagoon, Lagoa do Fogo. Given its location, on top of the mountain
Serra do Pau, which rises to 947 meters, is the lagoon that is most
elevated on the island of São Miguel, about 575 meters.
Large elliptical shape train forms the caldera of a volcano with about 15 000 years and is surrounded by dense and lush vegetation.
Last eruption occurred in 1563.
Classified as natural reserve in 1974, maintains its original landscape, virtually without human intervention.
The landscape is stunning, regardless of the point of view, however it should the viewpoint of Barrosa and the viewpoint of Lagoa do Fogo stand out. higher perspective and Praia do Fogo at the lagoon level. This beach was nominated in 2012 for 7 wonders – Beaches of Portugal.
Who loves the nature, walking between the trails or photographing should not miss visiting.
With more than 500 years of history, Ponta Delgada is considered as the economic capital of island São Miguel and even the Azores.
Historical wealth overflows at every corner and is one of the most beautiful cities in the entire archipelago. Leave wander the streets and alleys of Ponta Delgada, the promenade and the Graça market and along the way delight yourself with the beautiful churches, monuments, urban art and museums, gardens and fort, while see the Gruta do Carvão where you can see the largest underground tunnels dug by the force of volcanic lava.
Rabo de peixe is a small village and parish in the municipality of Ribeira Grande and one of the most picturesque of São Miguel island. Its populations are dedicated to the vast majority to the art of fishing and agriculture and have their homes in the cliffs in front of the Atlantic Ocean.
Don’t forget to strolling through the streets and having contact with the locals and enjoying the colorful some streets where the houses are painted with vibrant colors.
One kilometer from Vila Franca do Campo, on the island of São Miguel, the islet is “a little paradise ”that was once a volcano. According to Forbes a hidden pearl.
Natural Reserve since 1983, this islet is the crater of an ancient volcano and currently one of the main attractions of the São Miguel island .
Located about 500 meters from the coast of Vila Franca and 1200 meters from the Tagarete pier in the center of the village, this islet is on the south coast of the island of São Miguel in the Azores. Access is by sea only.
The natural landscape and the peaceful environment make this place the ideal retreat for any one. Usually, visitors arrive in the morning and enjoy the whole day to visit and explore the islet and bathe in the turquoise waters on the small beach inside the crater.
This location has hosted the Red Bull Cliff Diving Series and this year a new round was scheduled for 6 September 2020, but due to the pandemic the whole circuit was canceled.
Welcome to Gorreana …
… The oldest, and currently only, tea plantation in Europe. We cultivate this wonderful product that is tea since 1883, keeping,
since then, the original traditions of the Orient as well as the ancient
qualities that have been in our family for five generations.
Unmissable visit, the history of the company, the history of tea, what tea is, how it is grown, how it is prepared and how it is drunk.
Initially it was just a well in the parish of furnas, on the island of São Miguel and frequented only by the locals and was called “Levada do Tio Chico Brasil”.
In the past the railway waters were used to irrigate the plantations of yams (lameiros), as a natural fertilizer for that tuber.
At the end of 1980s, according to the popular legacy, a parish priest was the first to use the medicinal properties of these waters, their affluence grew until a government intervention is made.
Is name, comes from the Brazilian tv series “Dona Beija” and the image of the character bathe in a cachoeira (small waterfall). Previously it was known as “well of Youth”, Água do Poço “or” Poça do Paradise “.
More exploration was recently granted to private individuals that carried out modernization and expansion, currently having 5 thermal pools, changing rooms and a souvenir shop.
“Space mystic of leisure and relaxation, immersed in the exuberant Azorean nature, hot thermal waters from an iron spring. “
When visiting the island of São Miguel, you cannot miss the Terra Nostra Park, located in Vale das Furnas.
Parque Terra Nostra is a Portuguese botanical garden located in Vale das Furnas, municipality of Povoação, island of São Miguel, arquipelago of the Azores.
Considered one of the most beautiful in the world by Condé Nast Travel magazine.
This botanical garden in the valley of the furnas has more than 600 genera of camellias and the largest collection of cicas in Europe. Created in 1780 by the United States consul, as a summer residence.
In addition to a huge variety of plants and trees, it has lakes, streams and a pool of volcanic origin.
Caldeira Velha is part of a Natural and Regional Monument, biological diversity and natural pools on the hillside of the Serra da Água de Pau forest, located in the municipality of Ribeira Grande, São Miguel island in the Azores.
With an average temperature of 34º C, these pools of thermal waters form exotic and beautiful landscapes, accompanied by great relaxation and tranquility.
I can’t say enough good things about Quinta da Abelheira. Margarida made us feel at home and went out of her way to ensure we were comfortable. We loved her!! The breakfast spread was wonderful, with many delicious options. The location is central to the airport, the center of Ponta Delgada, and is easily accessible to sites like Furnas and Sete Cidades. I would love to come back here again and spend more time exploring the island.