Welcome to São Miguel!
São Miguel, the biggest island in the Portugese Azores, is located between North America and Europe. Only 4 hours from Boston or 2 hours from Lisbon, the island’s easy access makes this destination irresistable!
Jardim Botãnico António Borges
This 4 acre botanical paradise is located in the city center of Ponta Delgada. Look at the amazing roots on this ancient Australian Banyan tree.
António Borgers (1812-1879), a politician and a botanist, imported exotic trees, flowers, and plants from all over the globe in order to turn the Azores into a garden paradise.
This peaceful, subtropical garden has hidden caves carved into volcanic rock, colorful plants, giant trees, ponds, and trails all for your enjoyment with no admission fees.
The Trail to Boca do Inferno Viewpoint
Walk to the end of this trail and you will see, what some consider to be the best view anywhere in the Azores, the caldera lakes around Sete Cidades.
Sete Cidade
Lagoa das Sete Cidades, a twin lake, sits in the crater of a dormant volcano. Legend has it that a blue eyed Princess and a green eyed Shephard were in love and banned from seeing one another. The King agreed they could meet one last time. The Princess shed blue tears which formed a blue lagoon and the Shephard shed green tears which formed a green lagoon. Their tears formed two lagoons that would be together forever.
“A Peace Pole is an internationally-symbol of the hopes and dreams of the entire human family, standing vigil in silent prayer for peace on earth. Each Peace Pole bears the message May Peace Prevail on Earth in different languages on each of it’s four sides. There are estimated over 250,000 Peace Poles located in every country in the world dedicated as monuments to peace.”
worldpeace.org
Mosteiros Coastal Cliffs
There are breathtaking views throughout this gorgeous northwestern area of the Green Island. Look one way to see Mosteiros. Look the other way to see Ponta da Ferraria.
Praia do Areal de Santa Barbara
Close to Ribiera Grande, this beach provides warm black sand, an ocean breeze, clear water, incredible waves and the luxury of being next to Tukatula, the “beach bar”. Note that the riptide can be very strong so be cautious.
Caldeira Velha
Enjoy a dip in this waterfall of warm, iron water, located on the north slope of the Fogo Volcano, near Ribeira Grande.
Lagoa das Furnas
This 3 hour hike begins and ends in Furnas. Traditional dishes are cooked in the “caldeiras” (hot springs) and served for dinner in local restaurants. This peaceful hike will prepare your appetite for a scrumptous meal.
As you hike back along the road, you can appreciate the beautiful villas and gardens along the route.
Parque Terra Nostra
This romantic style botanical garden provides a brownish, iron-rich thermal pool for bathing and is surrounded by stunning trees, shrubs, and flowers.
The Green Island of the Azores … Europe’s Best Kept Secret … Off The Beaten Path … Peaceful … Picturesque … Pristine. Make plans to visit São Miguel. You will be inspired by it’s beauty, warm and welcoming people, and delicious fresh cuisine.
