What not to miss in the island?
Lagoa das Sete Cidades is an absolute must-see with its one blue-coloured lagoon and adjacent green one. It’s a place of remarkable beauty that has inspired many legends and myths that nourish dreams to the present day. That’s probably why it is considered to be a trademark of São Miguel.
Visit Ponta da Ferraria, a small paradise on earth. Here, the water is heated by volcanic steam and blends with the sea water inside a small cove, forming a natural warm pool. In the low tide, the water is too hot
São Miguel Furnas is a mandatory tour during your visit to the island, a privileged place to contemplate secondary volcanic formations derived from its extinct volcano. Explore the fumaroles and small geysers in the town centre, its park and caldeira. Book your visit so you can taste the Furnas’ stew, cooked in geothermal heat.
The Gorreana tea plantation is unique in Europe. It is a result of 18th century travels who brought tea from the Far East to Lisbon.
There are many tourist attractions that you can’t miss, such as the Terra Nostra Park, the Poça da Dona Beija, the Salto do Cabrito waterfall or Caldeira Velha waterfalls. Save some time to discover Ponta Delgada’s white-wash walls that contrast with the dark basalt stone pavements. Go through the city gates, visit the San Brás Fortress and climb the City Council’s Bell Tower. If you can spare a little more time, find out about the history of whale hunting, the sea and fishing at Carlos Machado Museum.
Azores weather is characterised by regular rainfall throughout the year, humidity in the air, strong winds and always mild temperatures.
The best time to visit San Miguel Island is spring and summer when there are the sunniest and warmest days (despite the occasional sudden short shower). We can actually say totally clear skies are rare! In any case, this is the time for the traditional festivities, important events throughout the island.
