Are you planning a trip to the Azores? If so, you're in for a treat! São Miguel Island is the largest and most popular island in the archipelago, and it's home to some of the most stunning natural scenery in the world.
In this video, I'll be sharing my top 10 picks for places to see on São Miguel Island:
1. Miradouro da Boca do Inferno: Check the live camera before you go, most of the year it is full of low hanging clouds making the hike and lookout almost impossible and not worth it. But on a clear day (or even just an hour) - it is worth changing your plans for! (the viewpoint was full of fog the entire 5 days we were there - we tried to go but turned back).
2. Caldeira Velha Hot Springs and Park: The park is a beautiful jungle and inside is the hot springs and waterfall that you can soak in for up to 2 hours (book your time slot in advance or make a reservation when you arrive for upcoming time slots - but space is limited).
3. Gorreana Tea Plantations: These tea plantations are the oldest in Europe. You can wander through their tea fields on a marked trail, or enjoy a free cup of their tea inside their cafe and shop.
4. Terra Nostra Park: This botanical garden is home to a variety of plants, including thermal pools and a lake. The thermal pools and gardens are both beautiful. If you choose to swim in the hot springs, just be warned that the iron in the water can stain your clothes. Always shower after you get out of the water (they have showers on site).
5. Nordeste: This small city on the eastern coast of the island is charming and beautiful. A sleepy, old, coastal town with small shops, a beautiful center square, and friendly locals make it worth a stop on your way around the island.
6. Sete Cidades: This twin crater lake is one of the most iconic sights in the Azores. The city and the two lakes are worth a visit.
7. Tromba do Elefante: A small rock formation that looks like an Elephant's trunk! Do you see it? The best view of the rock is from the Miradouro das Pedras Negras lookout.
8. Santa Barbara beach: A large sandy beach on the north coast a little to the east. It has great facilities (showers, restaurant, snack bar, large parking lot, bathrooms, changing rooms, chairs, lifeguards, etc.) so it is great for families and those not wanting an adventure making it to the beach. The waves can be strong so be careful but it is great fun to watch the surfers! In winter the large waves host surfing competitions! There are other smaller, more secluded beaches around the island, check out Praia do Calhau da Maia if that is more what you are looking for!
9. Ponta Delgada: The capital of Sao Miguel, and the largest city on the Azores Islands, it is a beautiful city with lots of pedestrian streets, shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. A great view is from a tower west of the central square. The entrance is free and the view is beautiful, but the way up is VERY narrow (the last steps are in a spiral and you have to go sideways with your thighs or hips scraping the walls in some cases and depending on your size) and can scare some people, as the stone steps are old and some have holes looking down. But if that doesn't scare you, the view is worth it!
10. A drive around the island: this is perfect for the unpredictable weather on the island. Jump in your car and head through the inner roads around the island, or circumvent the entire island. From the ocean to lakes, to rolling pastures to herds of cows, the entire island is beautiful and worth seeing. And, you can never get that far from where you are staying!
00:03 Miradouro da Boca do Inferno
00:12 Caldeira Velha Hot Springs and Park
00:46 Gorreana Tea Plantations
01:19 Terra Nostra Park
01:37 Nordeste
01:57 Sete Cidades
03:03 Tromba do Elefante
03:40 Santa Barbara beach
04:20 Ponta Delgada
05:27 A drive around the island
BONUS SIGHTS (not shown in the video):
1. Lagoa do Fogo: This volcanic lake is located in the crater of an extinct volcano.
2. Furnas: This town is known for its geothermal activity, including geysers and hot springs.
3. Vila Franca do Campo: This islet is located off the coast of São Miguel Island and is a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling.
4. Salto do Prego: This waterfall is one of the tallest in the Azores.
Ribeira dos Caldeirões: This national park is home to a variety of volcanic landscapes.
5. Sanguinho: an abandoned village in the south eastern part of the island. Use the same trailhead as Salto do Prego waterfall. Do not attempt these hikes during or right after the rain, the cobblestones are slippery and since the town is abandoned, if you slip or fall, help is not close by.
I hope this video gives you some inspiration for your trip to São Miguel Island! Please subscribe if you enjoy our videos!! ‪@urbancitywalks‬
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