The island of São Miguel is the largest island in the Azores archipelago and is known to be the “green island” due to its immense vegetation – it is a true lung of the island group.
Together with the island of Santa Maria, it forms the eastern group of the archipelago, which is only 81 kilometres away from each other. Its 62.1 km long and 15.8 km wide, in an area of 744.2 km, is home to more than half of the Azorean population, as well as some of the most beautiful natural riches of Europe and the world. The island finds its highest point in the Nordeste municipality – Pico da Vara, with 1105 meters of altitude. Characterized by two mountainous areas, separated by a low altitude area, the landscape of the island of Micaelense has extensive meadows full of forest.
In this article, we will present a set of some places that you must visit on your trip to São Miguel.
Sete Cidades Lagoon
The Sete Cidades lagoon is one of the ex-libris of the Azores archipelago and is also the largest freshwater reservoir in the archipelago. It is located inside a volcano caldera with a perimeter of about 12 kilometres. Its two lakes – the blue and the green – promote a scenery of indescribable beauty that amazes all its visitors. It is classified as Natura 2020 Protected Landscape. Around it there are several legends, read here one of the most known.
Vila Franca do Campo Islet
The islet of Vila Franca do Campo is a small paradise within another paradise. It is located in the municipality of Vila Franca do Campo, only 1 kilometre away from the village. It is one of the main attractions of the island, which can be visited by a mini boat trip. Also known as “Ring of the Princess”, this natural reserve is the result of an underwater volcano and presents in its interior crystalline waters, a beach that will provide good baths.
Termas da Ferraria
Termas da Ferraria is located at the southwest end of the island of São Miguel, by the sea in the parish of Ferraria.
They are integrated into the regional natural monument of Pico das Camarinhas and Ponta da Ferraria and represent a great landscape and scientific value due to their volcanic structure.
Prior to the settlement of the island of São Miguel, their origin goes through a strombolian eruption that built a slag cone and originated a lava flow, giving rise to a lava fajã. They are considered a rare case in the world due to the existence of thermal saltwater with very high sulfur content.
Pico do Ferro
The Miradouro do Pico do Ferro is located in the parish of Furnas, municipality of Povoação. The belvedere is at an altitude of 570 meters, at the elevation of Pico do Ferro. The site provides a unique view over the volcanic crater of Furnas Valley, where the beautiful Furnas lagoon is located.
Furnas Lagoon
Located in the Furnas Valley, associated with the volcanic formation of this area, surrounded by an immense density of Macaronesian vegetation. In its margins, you will find several volcanic water boilers and fumaroles. This is where you will find the holes where the famous Cozidos das Furnas are made. Another of the attractions, which is present on the shore of the Furnas lagoon, is the imposing hermitage of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias. A neogothic hermitage, built by José do Canto and inspired by the great European cathedrals.
Pinhal da Paz
Pinhal da Paz is a recreational forest reserve that represents one of the largest green areas of São Miguel. It has an area of 50 hectares, providing countless leisure spaces and several botanical collections: camellias, ferns, palm trees, cacti, azaleas and pine trees. It is a perfect space for moments between family and friends.
Poça Dona Beija
Located in Furnas, Poça Dona Beija is a mystical place of leisure and relaxation within the nature of the Azores. It is composed of five areas for bathing, with temperatures that are around 39º degrees. Besides its superficial beauty, its waters are loaded with therapeutic properties and help to mitigate several health problems (rheumatism and skin problems).
Terra Nostra Park
It is one of the largest gardens in the Azores and also one of the oldest. Inside, you will find one of the most remarkable collections of camellias in the world, with an inventory of over 600 specimens. This romantic garden was built in the 18th / 19th century. Another of its main attractions is the geothermal water tank, with brownish coloured iron water and with temperatures around 25º degrees.
Caldeiras of Furnas
Considered one of the ex-libris of the Azores, the Caldeiras of the parish of Furnas is one of the most visited places of the Azores and São Miguel, much due to the phenomena of active volcanism of this locality. Sulphuric mud, water springs – hot, cold and gasified – are some of the attractions of this place. Don’t forget to taste the corn cooked in the Furnas boilers.
Pico da Vara
This is the highest point on the island of São Miguel, located in the parish of Algarvia (Northeast) and has 1103 meters of altitude. Its ascent, as well as the trail that allows it, develops along the Tronqueira and Graminhais Plateau Protected Area. Along the ascent, you will pass through a protected area, where you can observe Priolo (Pyrrhula murina), a bird endemic of the Azores and abundant in this area. To climb Pico da Vara you need a license that can be requested through the Regional Direction of Environment or through this link – http://trails.visitazores.com/pt-pt/trilhos-dos-acores/sao-miguel/pico-da-vara.
Caldeiras of Ribeira Grande
Located in the municipality of Ribeira Grande, the Caldeiras represent one of the places where volcanism has seen inactivity. Space presents two structures where it is possible to see the boiling water, a small swimming pool that allows to bathe your feet in hot water and, also, the building of Termas das Caldeiras. It is a space with areas for bathing with water around 39º degrees and also with areas for massages and therapeutic treatments. In this place, you can still taste the Azorean dishes of the Restaraurante Caldeiras and also take advantage of the outdoor grill areas to spend a good time with family and friends.
Caldeira Velha
It is another of the zones of active (secondary) volcanism in Ribeira Grande. Its fumaroles and thermal springs provide this space with incredible natural settings. Its thermal waterfall and abundant vegetation surpass the expectations of any visitor. Here you can also bathe in three pools of hot water, with therapeutic properties, and with water at around 39 degrees.
Ponta do Sossego e Ponta da Madrugada Viewpoints
These are two of the most emblematic viewpoints of San Miguel. Here you can lean over the coastline of the island and be involved in the mystique of the silent and extensive garden areas. The spaces are equipped with barbecues that provide good moments between family and friends.
Ribeira dos Caldeirões Park
The Ribeira dos Caldeirões Park, located in the parish of Achada, exhibits a magnificent and gigantic waterfall that fed the old water mills present in the park. The park has five water mills, classified as Public Interest Properties, which were the only source of subsistence for the countless families in the Northeast.
Gorrena and Porto F0rmoso Tea Factory
They are the only two tea plantations in Europe for industrial purposes. The Gorreana Tea Factory is the oldest in Europe and has been operating since 1883. Take the opportunity to walk through the landscape of the tea plantations and taste the wonderful green tea.
Grota do Inferno and Vista do Rei Viewpoints
The Grota do Inferno presents a miraculous view of the several lagoons that are in the Seven Cities area. The King’s View, named this way due to the passage of King D. Carlos and Queen D. Amelia through this area, presents a magnificent view of the Seven Cities Lagoon.
Congro Lagoon
Congro Lagoon is located in the centre of the island and its lagoon is installed in a sea type explosion crater. It is surrounded by immense vegetation, mostly green, which reflected in the water gives it a green colour. It is a protected area and there several migratory birds rest and seek food. Its waters abound with fish species: Carps (cyprinus sp.) and Percas (fluviatilis perch).
Fogo Lagoon
Also located in the centre of the island, Lagoa do Fogo enchants for its beauty. It is surrounded by a lot of endemic vegetation where many nesting birds live. It is possible to go down to the lagoon through the trail that starts at the main viewpoint or through the pedestrian trail on the south side.
Salto of Cabrito
An imposing waterfall with an altitude of 40 meters that stands out for its freshness and surrounding vegetation. Its crystal clear waters invite you to fresh baths and you can still make your trail that starts in the area of Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande.
Mosteiros Islet
The Mosteiros islet is a set of four rocks resulting from the marine erosion of a small island formed by a coastal cone of maritime origin. Its name comes from its location (Freguesia dos Mosteiros) and is a privileged place for the nesting of sea birds. The sunset, in an alliance with this islet, is one of the greatest beauties to admire on the island of São Miguel.
Arnel Lighthouse
The Arnel Lighthouse, located on the tip of Arnel in the extreme northeast of the island of São Miguel, came into operation in 1876 and was the first lighthouse in the Azores, thus being the oldest lighthouse in the archipelago. It is the oldest lighthouse in the archipelago and has been the target of several interventions in terms of maintenance. It is possible to enjoy guided tours of the lighthouse so that visitors can get to know the history of the lighthouse and lighthouse keeper, as well as admire an exhibition of the lighthouses of the Azores.
