The Fantastic S. Miguel Island

22 May, 2024 | Reading Time – 5 min

In the middle of the Atlantic Ocean lies the fantastic São Miguel Island. It belongs to the Azores archipelago and is the largest island in this archipelago .

Didn’t you know that Portugal also had islands? It does and they’re wonderful!

S. Miguel Island was first settled in 1444, in the town of “Povoação”. Later in Vila Franca do Campo and finally in Ponta Delgada, the city that is currently the seat of the Regional Government of the Azores.

Here, nature reveals all its glory! With breathtaking volcanic landscapes, crystal-clear lagoons surrounded by vegetation, black sand beaches and a rich marine life that pulsates in the depths of the ocean.

Not to mention the hospitality of its inhabitants, the Azoreans warm the heart of any visitor with their warm and friendly ways. The whole island is full of color and green is queen, which is precisely why S.Miguel Island is known as the “Green Island”.

This destination is so magical that it may seem like you’re in Bali or Hawaii, but no, you’re really in Portugal. More than a tourist site, the fantastic S. Miguel Island is a sensory experience. From its steaming volcanic craters to its trails with the immensity of the ocean as a backdrop.

A real dream! Whether you’re an adventurer, a nature lover, a culture buff or simply a traveler looking for a quiet refuge, this island is the place to be.

Are you ready for another adventure? Strap yourself in and discover the fantastic S. Miguel Island!

How to get to S. Miguel Island

The most common way to get there is by air. There are two daily flights between Lisbon or Porto airports and S. Miguel Island.

The average journey time from the mainland is around two hours. If you want to visit more than one island of Azores you can do so easily, as there are regular daily connections between the islands.

If you want to travel directly from your home country, there are some countries where direct flights are possible. Some of these countries are Germany, the United States, Canada, England, Spain or France.

Finally, if you’re not a flight lover, you can still travel within the archipelago by sea, but this option is only available between the May and October, due to weather conditions.

What not to miss in this pearl of the Atlantic Ocean

When you arrive in S. Miguel Island, you’re bound to be overwhelmed by all its natural beauty. So, take advantage of your trip to the hotel and enjoy every detail, making your own checklist of places you can’t miss.

Have you got your pen in hand? Let’s explore the “Green Island”!

Ponta Delgada

This city started out as a simple fishing village, but due to its safe coves it quickly became one of the main ports on S. Miguel Island.

It has grown since then and is now the seat of the Regional Government of the Azores, where all the government bodies and institutions are located. Today, Ponta Delgada is a cosmopolitan, tourist-oriented city with a very active cultural life.

This is a city with more than five centuries of history, which you can discover at the Carlos Machado Museum.

Like many other places in Portugal, the religious aspect is very strong. You can visit the Mother Church of São Sebastião, the Convent and the Chapel of Our Lady of Hope.

Here’s a tip to enchant you in this city: visit the “Portas da Cidade”, admire its imposing architecture and feel the unique energy of this historic site.

Furnas

This iconic place of S. Miguel Island is about five kilometers from Ponta Delgada. The parish of Furnas invites you to embark on a geological adventure, observe the volcanic caldera and enjoy the thermal waters.

Your tour should include a visit to the Furnas Lagoon, with its sparkling waters surrounded by vegetation and steaming craters and the Terra Nostra Park.

This place is an oasis of exotic gardens, lakes and thermal pools, where you can relax and experience the best of S. Miguel Island. And don’t leave without first trying the Furnas stew! This typical dish consists of various vegetables and meats cooked slowly underground, taking advantage of the volcanic heat.

We guarantee that this dish has a unique flavor that you will never forget!

Lagoa das Sete cidades

This place is certainly the postcard of the fantastic S. Miguel island! Lagoa das Sete Cidades is a must-see tourist attraction. Although it is a single lagoon, its water has two shades.

This coloring is the motto for a beautiful legend:

It is said that a blue-eyed princess tried to live a forbidden love with a green-eyed shepherd. However, the King wanted his daughter to marry a prince and, when he discovered this love story, he forbade the princess to meet the shepherd. Heartbroken, the princess met her beloved, one last time.

Their farewell was so sad that their tears filled the two ponds: one green and one blue, the color of their eyes.

But there are many other legends, we hope you’ll visit it and discover the true beauty of this place!

Gorreana Tea Factory

Located in the parish of Maia, this factory has been operating since 1883 and its manufacturing process remains almost intact to this day.

After several tea planting experiments, the Gorreana species was chosen for the quality that gives this tea its unique flavor.

To fully enjoy this experience, we advise you to relax on the official trail that surrounds the entire industrial complex and finally enjoy the best tea you’ll ever taste!