5 Attractions that make São Miguel a unique destination

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Often called the Hawaii of Europe, São Miguel, the crown jewel of the Azores archipelago, enchants with its breathtaking scenery: lush volcanic craters cradle shimmering lakes, dramatic cliffs tumble into the Atlantic, and the land still breathes with the warmth of its geothermal heart. It's an island of contrasts, shaped by wild nature and preserved traditions, where every turn reveals a new surprise: a thermal spring in the middle of a forest, a village on the edge of a crater, plantations unique in Europe, or a field of hydrangeas as far as the eye can see (and thousands of cows). And all this without emptying your wallet. You'll be as safe reading this article as you will be exploring São Miguel.

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1 - THE PLANTATIONS OF SÃO MIGUEL

There are two types of plantations that make this corner of the Azores unique, and for very different reasons. Being something very cultural and grandiose in my eyes, the Gorreana Tea Plantation was one of my first stops. It is the largest and oldest tea plantation in all of Europe! Located on the northern slopes of São Miguel, this attraction is divided into three sections.

Gorreana | The tea fields

On one side of the street, you'll find 74 acres of fields you can walk through (for free). Since the climate here is unstable, I highly recommend bringing your raincoat and plenty of water for your well-being while wandering through these vast fields.

Gorreana | Tea making

The second part of the tour invites you to explore the tea factory and its commercial products. This part is quite intuitive, as it is located near the parking lot. Upon entering the main building, you have two options: a free tour or a paid option at €5 / person. Both options allow you to discover the entire site, although the paid option includes a guided tour, where you can learn more about the tea-making process and the complete history of Gorreana.

Gorreana | Tasting & shop

Finally, a small restaurant and terrace offer breathtaking views of other fields and the ocean. Tea is even served free of charge! Offering a tasting; isn't that the perfect way to round off this unique experience? Before you leave, don't forget to check out the products available for purchase to support local producers.

Pineapples | The plantations, tasting & products

Yes, indeed! São Miguel is home to the oldest pineapple plantations in Europe. The visit is free, regardless of which site you choose to explore. All the plantations are similar, and the cultivation process remains the same. However, my favorite was the eastern part of Ponta Delgada, more precisely the Plantação de Ananás dos Açores. Although some greenhouses are inaccessible depending on the growth stage of the pineapples, you can access some of them. As you wander around the estate, you'll have the opportunity to learn more about the different stages of this unique fruit's cultivation! It's a real pleasure to discover the colors, shapes, and sizes of pineapples at each stage of their development. The discoveries don't stop there! There's also a place where you can taste several products prepared with this fruit. I'd been told it would taste different from the American one, and my first bite was a real surprise. The fruit's acidity is much more pronounced, unlike the sweetness of its western cousin. Several local pineapple products are also available for purchase in the shop.

  2 - THE BLACK SAND BEACHES  

Born from the volcanic activity that shapes this island, the vast expanses of dark sand are much more than just a landscape. The black sand beaches of São Miguel embody the fascinating encounter between the forces of Earth and Ocean. They tell the thousand-year-old story of the volcanoes that forged the island, and reveal the very essence of these lands where the heat of the Earth meets the coolness of the Atlantic. Having explored several black sand beaches around the world, I particularly recommend these two locations to truly experience the volcanic essence of this type of beach. It is interesting to note that when the light is intense, the sand can sometimes take on a shade more gray than black.

Mosteiros | Monastery Beach

Located in the northwest part of the island, the magnificent Mosteiros Beach (Praia dos Mosteiros) is, in my opinion, the place where you feel the power of the ocean most intensely. Basalt columns, emerging from the water a few hundred meters from the shore, add a unique touch to the landscape, creating a striking atmosphere when the waves hit them head-on. The drive from Ponta Delgada is simply incredible, offering spectacular views throughout. The village of Mosteiros, meanwhile, is truly charming. However, it is important to fill up with gas before venturing into this area far from the big cities. Depending on the time of year, some restaurants may also be closed. However, public restrooms are accessible year-round across the street from the parking lot. Please note that during my 14 days in São Miguel, I noticed that the wind blew almost constantly from the northwest, creating strong waves on this beach. If you're looking for a calmer beach, don't hesitate to check out my second recommendation below. In any case, the water is probably colder than you think!

Praia dos Moinhos | Porto Formoso

Most often visited by locals, the magnificent black sand beach of Moinhos is located in the north of the island, in the miniature village of Porto Formoso. This site is relatively isolated, making it a quiet and less crowded place, perfect for those looking to get away from the tourist crowds. The atmosphere is tranquil, and it allows you to enjoy a preserved natural environment. It is the place where I felt the most serene near the water on the entire island. This free beach is bordered by steep cliffs and is surrounded by lush vegetation. A restaurant-bar with a terrace right on the black sand is open during the tourist season (May to October). Parking is very limited in the narrow streets of the village. However, you can park in the surrounding streets and walk a little to reach the destination. IMPORTANT: For your safety, I recommend that you consult the sign at the entrance to the beach, which details the drift currents present at this site.

  3 - THE FUMAROLES  

As a still-active volcanic island, São Miguel is marked by intense geothermal activity, particularly visible through its fumaroles; these emanations of steam and gas that hiss from the ground. These spectacular phenomena, true windows onto the depths of the Earth, bear witness to the island's ongoing volcanism. They fascinate as much as they intrigue, blending science, tradition, and mysticism in a natural setting of singular beauty.

Fumaroles | Caldeiras das Furnas

The inhabitants of the Azores have adapted admirably to the constant presence of volcanic activity, even founding villages directly in the calderas. One of the most emblematic is undoubtedly the village of Furnas, located in the center-east of São Miguel. It is, in my opinion, one of the best places on Earth to observe fumaroles up close, without the tourist crowds found in places like Yellowstone, where I enjoyed the experience much less than here. As soon as you arrive at the parking lot, you will be struck by the smell of sulfur and the plumes of steam that escape even from the manholes. As you head towards the science center, you will discover a network of freely accessible trails that wind through a sort of unusual urban park, punctuated by pools of boiling water from which clouds of steam rise. Among the points of interest, there is one place in particular not to be missed: a gaping, waterless hole called the "Lungs of the Earth." If you listen carefully, you will hear the powerful whoosh of air escaping from the ground, as if the Earth were breathing beneath your feet. This rumble comes directly from the volcanic chamber buried beneath the caldera; a moment both impressive and deeply fascinating.

Fumaroles | Lagoa das Furnas

There's also a second place where you can witness this geothermal phenomenon. These are the fumaroles located north of Furnas Lake (Lagoa das Furnas). This site is about a 7-minute drive from Furnas town center. Unlike the calderas near the Furnas Science Center, which offer free access, this place has an entrance fee of €3 / person. It's important to note that some of the wooden walkways that crossed the caldera have been removed, in case you're looking for an Instagram photo taken in 2018. This is also the place to experience the famous Cozidos das Furnas; a unique Azorean meat dish prepared in a very special way thanks to geothermal energy. A little bonus for cat lovers: you'll see several tomcats lounging among the fumaroles, as if they've been managing the place forever. Apparently, even cats love volcanic steam baths!

  4 - THE USAGE OF VOLCANIC STONE  

Let's stick with the theme of volcanoes, which are an integral part of the history and identity of this unique island. Like many European destinations, São Miguel boasts some truly remarkable architecture. But here, one detail makes all the difference: the use of volcanic stone, incorporated into traditional Portuguese buildings, adds a unique local touch and a raw character that recalls the power of the surrounding nature. Each village has its own atmosphere, and each is as charming as the last.

Ponta Delgada | A volcanic essence

Whether you arrive by air or sea, your first steps will take you to the charming, colorful cobblestone streets of Ponta Delgada. The administrative capital of the Azores and the archipelago's largest city, it has something to entice you from the start. Between its welcoming cafes, restaurants where you can listen to fado music, museums, lively public squares, and discreet but very present street art, the city is full of treasures and is very safe even for women. The architecture is magnificent, and everywhere you look, you'll notice a distinctive element: the elegant use of volcanic stone, which gives the city its character both ancient and vibrant.

There are also a few must-sees to discover as soon as you arrive on São Miguel, and one of the first I recommend is the Vulcanology Center in Lagoa; the neighboring town of Ponta Delgada. For only €2.50 / person, you can take a one-hour guided tour that will immerse you in the volcanic history of the Azores. IMPORTANT: the tour only takes place once a day, so remember to check the schedule in advance. In my opinion, this is the best activity to start your stay: it will give you the keys to understanding the landscapes and attractions that you will explore later, because on São Miguel, volcanic activity influences almost everything.

Ponta Delgada is also a great place to stay, especially if you're an urban traveler. Solo or budget travelers will find some of the most affordable (and cleanest) hostels in Europe here! My favorite? The Island Bliss Hostel : Unbeatable value for money, perfect location and a super friendly staff. And if you're a fan of good coffee, don't miss Dondue, a little gem nestled near the main square and the famous iconic arch. Finally, if you're not planning on renting a car, Ponta Delgada port is the starting point for many activities: hiking tours, whale watching sea excursions, culutural tours.. There's something for everyone. Here's a low-budget activity starting from Ponta Delgada that brings together two of my favorites on the island; Furnas & tea plantation!

  5 - TRADITIONS

Here, artisanal know-how is passed down from generation to generation, in a subtle balance between memory and modernity. Whether in pottery workshops, wool spinning mills, or unique tea factories as discussed in point No. 1, ancestral gestures resurface, carried by passionate hands. These artisans tell, through their creations, the story of a rural and authentic Portugal, where each object is imbued with meaning and culture. In São Miguel, rediscovering these old crafts also means reconnecting with a deep identity, shaped by the land, the sea, and time.

Cerâmica Vieira | Pottery from Portugal

In the southern part of the island, about a 20-minute drive east of Ponta Delgada, lies a true treasure trove of Azorean artisanal heritage. Founded in 1862, Cerâmica Vieira is one of the oldest earthenware (Azulejo) factories still operating in Portugal. While the façade welcomes visitors with shelves that almost evoke the glass cases of a museum, displaying carefully arranged blue and white tableware, it is at the back, in the old workshop buildings, that we discover the vibrant heart of Cerâmica Vieira. In these simple and somewhat raw spaces, with thick walls and old tiled roofs, the artisans perpetuate centuries-old gestures with peaceful concentration. Each pot passes through these patient hands, often the same ones for decades. Some workers have grown up with the sounds and rhythms of this workshop, true guardians of local tradition. Here, there is no mass production, no industrial machines. Just artisans, earth, fire, and a deep pride in keeping alive an art that has been passed down for over 160 years. For lovers of local culture, this is an essential detour: a journey into the past, but also an encounter with a present resolutely rooted in authenticity. Even though access to the site is free, leaving a few euros in the artisans' box is a wonderful way to thank their generosity and support precious expertise.

Ceramica Vieira | A Portuguese tradition

At the front of the site, far from the rustic ambiance of the buildings in the backyard, the atmosphere becomes more orderly, almost methodical. Here, in a room far from the light of the workshop, hundreds of pieces are piled up, covered with a first layer of white, like a canvas ready to receive its story. A little further, on the other side of the corridor, the scene changes: large tables flooded with natural light welcome the expert hands of the artisan painters. Brush in hand, they meticulously trace the delicate patterns of the azulejos and earthenware pieces. Each gesture is measured, each nuance carefully applied; a precise, almost choreographed work, where repetition becomes beauty. In this almost industrial space, the full rigor of Portuguese craftsmanship is expressed, between technical mastery and artistic heritage.

Leaving São Miguel, I understood that this island is not only visited with the eyes, but with all the senses. Between the misty lakes perched in the craters, the windswept cliffs, the peaceful cows grazing by the ocean, and this exuberant vegetation that seems to come out of a story, each moment had a taste of wonder. And then there were the rainbows, sometimes doubled, drawing the sky as if nature itself were winking. Several times, I found myself smiling, feeling a bit like a leprechaun lost in a box of Lucky Charm: amazed and sincerely happy to be there. São Miguel is an invitation to slow down, to marvel, and to let yourself be surprised. And believe me, you don't need to look for treasure at the end of the rainbow: here, the whole island is one.

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