top attractions Azores | sao miguel azores | best of azores | azores lakes |
The attractions of Sao Miguel, Azores, are so diverse, interesting, and worth enjoying to the fullest. From hot springs to food cooked under the earth’s steam, to ocean cruises and trekking in remarkable panoramic spots. This is Sao Miguel Island, Azores.
The flight from mainland Portugal to Sao Miguel Island takes 2 hours. The Azores archipelago is formed of 9 islands, all volcanic. The islands are green all year round due to the humid climate and mild summers. You might experience rain and fog for a few minutes, then sunshine all in the same day. The weather is very unpredictable, but you can use an app – SpotAzores. Here you can see live webcams set up in different areas of the island and know which route you can take. You’ll also get information about tides, useful when going for a swim in the ocean.
If you want to explore the island thoroughly, rent a car with Rentalcars ! Click here or on the banner below:
Lakes of Sao Miguel
They are a wonder, especially on sunny days when you climb to those Miradouro (panoramic viewpoints marked with signs). At Sete Cidades, you can see two lakes, the Green Lake and the Blue Lake. Admire the lakes from the viewpoint, Vista do Rei.
lako do congro | lagoa do congro | lake in azore | sao miguel island lakes |
Lagoa do Congro (Lake Congro) has an emerald green color and is surrounded by forest. From the parking lot, you’ll descend on a forest path for 400 meters and reach the lake. There are no facilities, but the tranquility and beauty of the place are worth a visit.
Miradouro
These are special places with exceptional views, equipped with parking and dining areas.
Miradouro Boca do Inferno – the most famous panoramic spot in the Azores, featured in all promotional ads for the Azores islands. It overlooks the three lakes: Lagoa Azul, Lagoa Rasa, and Lagoa de Santiago. From the parking lot, there’s an easy walk to this viewpoint with a fantastic view. It’s a must-visit! Just make sure you go there on a sunny day for a breathtaking panorama.
attractions Azores | miradouro boca do inferno | best panoramic spots in azores |
Miradouro do Navio – here the ocean has carved an elephant trunk-shaped rock, visible from the shore. Located in a high area, it offers a wonderful perspective of the area and is a popular spot for admiring sunrises and sunsets.
For a view of the old lighthouse in Nordeste, go to Miradouro Ponta do Arnel. If you manage to descend the slope, you’ll get a closer view of the lighthouse but also a waterfall visible only if you reach the ocean.
miradouro lagoa do fuoco | best view points sao miguel | sao miguel azore |
Miradouro Lagoa do Foco. Come see the largest lake located in the crater of a volcano that erupted in the 16th century. From here, you can embark on numerous trekking trails around the lake and admire the vegetation.
In addition, you can also reach: Miradouro Santa Iria, Ponte da Madrugada, Ponta do Sossego, Vista do Rei.
Ocean bathing is every season
The right place is Ponte da Ferraria.
It is known for its natural hot springs that flow into the Atlantic Ocean. A unique aspect of this place is that you can swim in the warm waters of the hot springs and then cool off in the cold ocean, creating a unique natural thermal experience.
Here, you will find a small black sand beach where you can access the water. There is also a wooden structure serving as a platform for those who want to bathe in the hot springs. Another interesting aspect is that you can see bubbles of gas emerging from the ocean floor, feeding the hot springs.
You’ll find a natural pool in the ocean, changing rooms. Come only when the tide is low and bring water shoes.
Arruda Pineapple Greenhouse
Arruda Pineapple Greenhouse | ananas greenhouse | azore ananas | best ananas | fruits of portugal |
Pineapple arrived on the island in 1860, and now it’s the only place where pineapple grows in greenhouses. The greenhouse provides a fascinating insight into how pineapples are grown in this region, showcasing the various stages of cultivation and the techniques involved. You can explore the greenhouse, see the different varieties of pineapples, and learn about the importance of this fruit to the local economy.
It’s much smaller in size than Costa Rican pineapples but much more aromatic and sweeter. One of the highlights of the Arruda Pineapple Greenhouse is the chance to taste freshly harvested pineapples, which are known for their delicious flavor and sweetness. Additionally, you can purchase pineapple-related products like cakes and liquors and souvenirs to take home.
Have tea at the Gorreana Tea Factory
Gorreana tea factory | visit a tea factory | tes from azore | best tea | portugal tea |
At the Gorreana tea factory, you can see tea plantations, taste green or black tea, and take home souvenirs. It is one of the oldest tea plantations in Europe, dating back to 1883, and it remains a family-owned business to this day.
Take the guided tours of the plantation and factory to learn about the tea production process, from cultivation to processing. The tours typically include visits to the tea fields where the tea plants are grown, as well as the processing facilities where the leaves are dried and packaged.
One of the highlights of visiting the Gorreana Tea Factory is the opportunity to taste a variety of teas produced on-site. The plantation grows both black and green tea varieties, which are known for their high quality and unique flavors. Taste different sample teas in the factory’s tasting room and purchase your favorites to take home. Details here.
Book an accommodation for your trip to Azores with Booking! Apartments, hotels with breakfast, houses on the beach, choose what suits you best!
Furnas, where food is cooked underground
At Furnas, the air smells of sulfur, the earth bubbles, and at lunchtime, the show begins. The best-known dish is Cozido das Furnas. The pots with Cozido are buried in the hot volcanic soil and left to cook for several hours. The natural heat emanating from the hot soil warms the pots and cooks all the ingredients slowly and evenly, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish.
The ingredients used in Cozido das Furnas can include pork, beef, chicken, as well as a variety of vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and onions. The final taste of Cozido is intense and delicious.
Hot springs at Poca da Donna Beija
poca da donna beija | thermal pools in azore | hot springs azore | mineral waters in azore |
A must-visit location to experience the beauty of natural hot springs surrounded by lush vegetation and picturesque landscapes. The complex features a series of outdoor thermal pools with varying temperatures, ranging from very hot to more mild. These thermal baths are fed by natural hot springs rich in minerals such as iron and sulfate. It is said that these minerals have therapeutic properties and can help treat skin conditions, joint pain, and respiratory issues.
Set amidst lush vegetation and steam, the 5 thermal water pools are arranged. The water temperature is 27°C in one pool and reaches 39°C in the others. You have all the facilities to enjoy relaxation and recovery in thermal waters, all in a natural setting. The schedule is daily between 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., and a ticket costs 8 € for an adult. Within the complex, you’ll find changing rooms, a small shop, showers, and toilets. The ticket allows you to stay in the complex for an hour and a half. Details here.
Terra Nostra Park
Terra Nostra Park is a botanical garden and thermal garden located in the town of Furnas. The park is famous for its natural thermal springs, which feed a huge thermal lake with intensely blue warm water. In addition, the park also features thermal pools, waterfalls, and hot tubs, all fueled by the natural thermal springs.
Alongside the thermal facilities, Terra Nostra Park hosts a wide range of exotic plants and trees, including palm trees, ferns, Camellias, Ginko biloba, grottos, and gardens. You can stay at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, located right inside the park.
furnas | terra nostra park | furnas azores |
Local cuisine
cheese from azore | local cheese | best cheese from portugal |
Buy and taste local products from shops, including bread, local dairy products, among which the cheese is truly special, wine, and fruits. Fish and seafood are available in any restaurant.
As a specialty, try barnacles, a crustacean boiled in seawater. Dairy products are very tasty because cows graze outdoors, and the grass is always green and fresh. A traditional appetizer is red pepper paste served with local cheese or cheese fondue. The island’s dessert is a kind of muffin called Queijadas de Vila Franca do Campo.
Foto pixabay & Trip instinct