Located in the Azores, a group of islands with a very special charm and fabulous landscapes, the island of Sao Miguel is undoubtedly the island not to be missed during your stay in this archipelago. It offers so many beautiful places to visit but in this article you will read about top 10 in Sao Miguel Azores. At 64 km long and 8 to 15 km wide, Sao Miguel, the largest island in the archipelago and in Portugal, hides an impressive number of sublime places that will leave you speechless.
Its various viewpoints offer a breathtaking view over an ocean inhabited by sperm whales, whales, dolphins and you can even swim in one of its natural pools, which originated from the volcanic activity of the island. The island of São Miguel began to be populated in 1444 and today it is home to more than 137,000 inhabitants who live mainly from raising cattle (it is even said that there are more cows on the island than inhabitants), their derivatives (milk, cheese , butter, meat), fishing and, increasingly, tourism. Before showing you top 10 places to visit in Sao Miguel Azore, below you will find the summary of places:
- Lagoa do Fogo
- Terranostra Park
- Vista do Rei Viewpoint
- Viewpoint of Cumeeiras
- Canário Lagoon & Boca do Inferno Viewpoint
- Ponta da Ferraria
- Ponta Delgada
- Lagoa do Fogo
- Old Boiler
- Hermitage of Our Lady of Peace
1. Lagoa do Fogo
In the opinion of many travelers, this is the main tourist attraction of São Miguel, and the most beautiful lagoon you will see on the island. It has beautiful landscapes and views, as it is in a volcanic caldera! To visit it, it is best to choose a day with clear skies and stop the car at a viewpoint over the lagoon, walking down for about 30 minutes to reach its level. Afterwards, just enjoy: the lagoon is beautiful and you can bathe in it, in the “Praia do Fogo” area.
2. Terranostra Park
This park is very close to Furnas de São Miguel, another tourist spot on this list, and is perfect for enjoying hot water pools and walks through gardens rich in plant species. There are lakes, a picnic area and beautiful scenery in this park. This superb 12-hectare park with lush vegetation offers unique moments alongside an impressive botanical collection with large ferns, hydrangeas and much more.
3. Vista do Rei Viewpoint
Located close to the city of Ponta Delgada, this viewpoint is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful (and one of the best known) that you will find on the island. The Vista do Rei viewpoint offers a magnificent view over the Caldeira das Sete Cidades and, in particular, over the natural lakes with both blue and green waters, such as Lagoa das Sete Cidades.
4. Viewpoint of Cumeeiras
This is one of the viewpoints that offers some of the best views over Lagoa das Sete Cidades and over the western part of the island of São Miguel. If you have the opportunity, enjoy this landscape while having a picnic at one of the tables there. Also know that this viewpoint is much less known than the Vista do Rei viewpoint and offers the opposite view over Lagoa das Sete Cidades.
5. Canário Lagoon & Boca do Inferno Viewpoint
Lagoa do Canário is located about 17 km from Ponta Delgada and, in addition to being able to admire it up close, as well as the forest that you will find there, know that you can and should discover the Miradouro da Boca do Inferno. From this beautiful viewpoint, you can enjoy the fantastic view over Lagoa das Sete Cidades, Lagoa de Santiago and Lagoa Rasa. Also know that this is for me one of the most beautiful viewpoints on São Miguel (when there is no fog) and will undoubtedly be one of the unforgettable moments of your visit to the island.
6. Ponta da Ferraria
Located on the west coast of the island of São Miguel and about 26 km from Ponta Delgada, Ponta da Ferraria is classified as a regional natural monument due to its unparalleled beauty, and is currently a unique bathing area thanks to its natural pools and therapeutic hot springs of volcanic origin. In addition to being able to bathe in this place, know that you can also explore the surrounding area and admire the natural landscape as well as the beautiful lighthouse, 18 meters high.
7. Ponta Delgada
Once a safe haven for ships sailing to and from India , Ponta Delgada has grown to become one of the largest and most important cities in Portugal. With more than 500 years of history and considered the economic capital of the Azores, Ponta Delgada will enchant you with its beautiful churches, its urban art, its gardens, its fort and the cave of volcanic origin where you will find the largest tunnel of island lava.
8. Lagoa do Fogo
Lagoa do Fogo is the lake with the highest altitude on the island (575 meters), the second largest and one of the postcards of the island of São Miguel. To admire it, stop at the Miradouro da Barrosa and the Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo, where there is a car park. From the Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo, you will be able to go down to the level of the lagoon and its small beach (a 2 km walk). Still, be careful as the weather in this place changes quickly (the blue sky can turn foggy in a matter of minutes).
9. Old Boiler
Here you will undoubtedly have the possibility to enjoy the calm and silence in a beautiful and verdant place. Caldeira Velha, located in the center of the island, between Lagoa do Fogo and Ribeira Grande , is a park where you will find great biodiversity with two swimming pools where the water is naturally warm 38 °C in the small pool and 21 °C in the big.
10. Hermitage of Our Lady of Peace
According to legend, the Hermitage of Nossa Senhora da Paz was built in 1764, after the apparition of the Virgin Mary to a shepherd. The main reason for interest in this place is the view that is offered over Vila Franca do Campo and the islet of Vila Franca do Campo, which can be visited by boat. This is one of top 10 places to visit in Sao Miguel Azores.