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Visit São Miguel: Fall in love with the largest island in the Azores
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There is an endless list of reasons why you should visit São Miguel in the Azores. One of them is the natural beauty of everything you come across. From the lagoons to the verdant mountains, the trip will be unforgettable. And if you do it in the company of Guerin, it will be even more memorable.
3-day itinerary of São Miguel
All set to go? Get to know the itinerary that will take you to travel to the most hidden corners, and also the trendiest ones, of one of the prettiest Azorean islands.
São Miguel Itinerary - Day 1
Ponta Delgada – Ilhéu de Rosto de Cão Viewpoint – Praia das Milícias – Forte de São Caetano – Praia do Pópulo – Pineapple Plantation
Ponta Delgada
We start our 3-day tour with the small fishing village Ponta Delgada, whose view looks like a magazine cover. Walking through its narrow streets is a real trip back in time, with its historic buildings and exuberant urban gardens. For those who like nature, it is also a destination not to be missed. The natural landscape, the majestic mountains and the magnificent black sand beaches make this city a true Portuguese treasure. Its authenticity and beauty extends to its people as well. Expect to be welcomed.
Ilhéu de Rosto de Cão Viewpoint
From the viewpoint you glimpse a magnificent landscape in which the rocky coastline, the turquoise sea and the dog-shaped islet that seems to have been sculpted to detail by the hand of nature stand out. It is here, in one of the most popular tourist spots in S. Miguel, in front of the vastness of the ocean that you feel the power of nature.
Praia das Milícias
A few minutes away you will find the famous Milícias Beach. This dark sandy beach will be the ideal place for your first dive of the tour. Before diving, enjoy the sea breeze for a stroll along the shore.
Forte de São Caetano
At one time, it protected the Micaelense coast from pirate attacks. Now, Forte de São Caetano has only ruins that, despite being in poor condition, are worth a visit. If only to take a glimpse of the landscape, which includes the neighboring beach, Praia do Pópulo. Or to admire the incredible sculptures by Japanese sculptor Minoru Nizuma.
Praia do Pópulo
If you didn't go bathing at the first opportunity, maybe you will this time, at the Praia do Pópulo. Another black sandy beach, cut out by its green dunes. A unique natural beauty that deserves to be carefully enjoyed.
Pineapple Plantation
To close the first day's tour, visit the pineapple plantation Augusto Arruda. In the Azores, where the sun shines brightly and the land is fertile, the conditions are ideal to produce juicy and tasty pineapples. The long, green leaves that spread everywhere create a vibrant landscape. Free entry to the plantation allows you to learn about all stages of pineapple growth.
São Miguel Itinerary - Day 2
Pico do Carvão Viewpoint - Lagoa das Empadadas (Lagoa Rasa and Pico do Paul Viewpoint) - Lagoa do Canário and Boca do Inferno Viewpoint - Lagoa das Sete Cidades - Mosteiros - Ponta da Ferraria
Pico do Carvão Viewpoint
Start the second day with a unique view from the Pico do Carvão Viewpoint over the northern and southern coasts of São Miguel. The imposing mountains and the Volcano of Fogo leap into view and stay in the memory of those who pass by.
Lagoas das Empadadas
It is with the aim of getting to know the Lagoas das Empadadas that we start the first hike of the tour. Located in two distinct volcanic craters, they look like they were taken from a real movie set. This is one of the Azores' best kept secrets and is one of the obligatory stops on the hike that starts at Aqueduto do Carvão. A walk where every kilometer of the 3.5 km that make it up is worth it.
Lagoa do Canário and Boca do Inferno Viewpoint
Next stop: Forest Park of Mata do Canário. This is where you'll find the incomparable Canário Lagoon, where you'll find tranquility for quiet moments with your fellow travelers, and the Boca do Inferno viewpoint, one of the most beautiful in São Miguel. All at once you can see the Lagoa do Canário, Lagoa Rasa, Lagoa de Santiago and Lagoa das Sete Cidades.
Lagoa das Sete Cidades
At the Lagoa das Sete Cidades you will find a simply magical place, where we recommend you take a short walk and bring your picnic basket. In the village of Sete Cidades the highlight is the Gothic style Church of São Nicolau and the exceptional avenue leading to its entrance.
Mosteiros
After making one more check on your list we head to the fishing village of Mosteiros. After a dive in the natural pools of Caneiros head to Ponta do Castelo, where you can see the famous Ilhéus dos Mosteiros. Don't leave behind Mosteiros Beach, enjoy the landscape out of a painting, where the crystal blue sea contrasts with the black sand.
Ponta da Ferraria
The second day of São Miguel's travel itinerary ends in what is one of the most extraordinary settings on the entire island, at Ponta da Ferraria. To see it properly, take the Ponta da Ferraria section of the PR43 SMI trail of only 1 km. During the trip you will also appreciate the best of São Miguel, the Arriba Fóssil, the Arco Litoral, the Cone Litoral and the Ponta da Ferraria Natural Swimming Pool, one of the most popular in the island.
São Miguel Itinerary - day 3
Lagoa das Furnas - Furnas - Terra Nostra Park - Lagoa do Congro - Nossa Senhora da Paz Viewpoint - Vila Franca do Campo - Cascata do Segredo
Caldeiras e Fumarolas da Lagoa das Furnas
For the last day, the amazing Caldeira e Fumarolas da Lagoa das Furnas. Located on the opposite side of the lake, this is where the famous Furnas stew is made, which you will definitely want to try. For the volcano to do its work, you will have to wait between 6 and 8 hours to enjoy this unique stew in one of the Furnas restaurants.
Parque das caldeiras e fumarolas da vila das furnas
After a tasty and unforgettable lunch, head to the Caldeiras Park and Fumarolas of Vila das Furnas. Here you will find boilers with mud bubbling and hot springs of thermal water. The smell of sulfur is quite strong, but the experience is totally worth the effort.
Terra Nostra Park
There's no refusing a thermal bath, so one couldn't be missing from this itinerary. At Terra Nostra Park you will find a thermal water tank. Once you enter, you won't want to leave, but there is still a lot to discover in this park. Before you take a dip in the tank, stroll through the botanical gardens of the park and observe the different species of trees.
Congro Lagoon
Next, the magic of the Congro Lagoon awaits you. It has a mysterious air because it is hidden behind the forest. It is so beautiful that it looks like something out of a movie. To get here, the only option is to take a short walk. The end will be so rewarding that you won't even remember the effort.
Nossa Senhora da Paz Viewpoint
Continue your tour heading to the Nossa Senhora da Paz Viewpoint. Surrender to the panoramic view over Vila Franca de Campo and with its islet marking the horizon. To see an even more sublime landscape, climb the steps of the Capela Nossa Senhora da Paz.
Vila Franca de campo
Once the capital of the island of São Miguel, Vila Franca de Campo is known for being the starting point to discover the famous Ilhéu de Vila Franca. Located in the crater cone of an ancient submerged volcano, which in the summer is transformed into a natural pool. If you don't want to go to it, you can always admire it from the island. If so, we recommend Praia do Poço Largo as one of the last destinations on this exciting trip to the Azores.
Cascata do Segredo
If you still have time for one last long stop, follow the hiking trail PR 39 SMI - Quatro Fábricas da Luz. On your way you will find the beautiful Poço dos Trinta Reis, then head to the hidden Cascata do Segredo. Surrounded by vegetation, it invites you for a refreshing and last swim in Azorean waters.
Venture out with Guerin
Guerin is the perfect partner for you to discover the island of São Miguel. With Guerin's vast fleet, you have the perfect car for every adventure. Go to the Azores with your partner or take the whole family. We have the right car, find out all about it.
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