With lush green landscapes, volcanic craters, hot springs, lakes, waterfalls and the only tea plantation in Europe, the remote island of São Miguel in Portugals Azores is a paradise for nature and adventure lovers.
Azores also known as the westernmost point of the European continent. A cluster of nine volcanic isletsin the North Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Portugal, with dazzling lakes, verdant meadows, volcanic calderas and waterfalls. A hiker’s and nature lover’s delight. Tours in the Azores reveal some of Europe’s most impressive and surreal landscapes.It’s no coincidence that for many years now, leading travel magazines, such as Conde Nast Traveller, Travel+Leisure and Lonely Planet, include the Azores among the world’s top destinations.
São Miguel: The jewel of the Azores
São Miguel is the largest island and the undisputed jewel of the Azores. Formed above the junction of three tectonic plates, the North American, the Eurasian and the African, São Miguel was first discovered by Portuguese explorers in 1427. What they found was a truly wild land, with diverse flora, waterfalls and volcanic mountains. For hundreds of years, São Miguel served as a station for these explorers and seafarers to refuel and gather supplies. Today, the island is a little paradise for nature-loving travelers. Volcanic crater lakes, lush forests, waterfalls, black-sand beaches and azure waves define a breathtaking landscape.
Ponta Delgada, the capital of the archipelago on São Miguel, is renowned for its hot springs and lush surroundings. It is a beautiful and charming city with narrow winding lanes, authentic restaurants and distinctive local architecture. The Jardim de Antonio Borges botanical garden, which dates from the 19th century and hosts plants from almost all over the world, offers a tranquil refuge just steps from the city’s picturesque streets.
To the east, in Vila Franca do Campo, make a stop at the church of Nossa Senhora da Paz, atop the hill, which offers one of the island’s best views. Climb the steps to take in the view over the town as well as the Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo, the crater consisting of two islets formed by an ancient submerged volcano. It is one of the island’s protected nature reserves, home to a lagoon that attracts divers and swimmers.
Further east lies Lagoa das Furnas, a lake where locals gather to savor the traditional Cozido das Furnas, a dish of assorted meats and vegetables that slow-cooks for about 6 hours beneath the volcanic soil. Then, take a refreshing dip in the thermal pools at Poça da Dona Beija or at Terra Nostra Park before driving to Pico do Ferro, a spot with enchanting panoramic views over Lagoa das Furnas.
To see beautiful waterfalls and go canoeing, head to the Natural Park Ribeira Dos Caldeirões. It is also worth enjoying afternoon tea at Chá Gorreana, Europe’s only tea plantation, founded in 1883. Tea began to be cultivated in the Azores in 1878, when a specialist from China arrived to train locals in the medicinal properties of the plant.
Do not miss the chance to see the island’s western lakes, Lagoa do Fogo, as well as the "twin" lakes of Sete Cidades (if you look at them from above, they seem to form the number 8) which are among the island’s most famous natural attractions and the main source of fresh water for the entire Azores archipelago.
After visiting Igreja de Sao Nicolau, a Gothic church built in 1857, you can drive to the northwest coast of São Miguel, stopping at one of the island’s most photographed spots, Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado, to watch the waves pound the towering cliffs.
Finally, it is definitely worth taking a daytrip for whale watching organized by several companies, such as Futurismo. The excursions take place on large boats and passengers have the opportunity to observe the whales’ daily life and learn about the different species found in the area.
