Sao Miguel Island - Azores
joanadecq
born, raised and an eternal Sao Miguel lover
9 Nov 2006
based on 10 votes
tips of places you can t miss and experiences you must have
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Explore locations featured in this Traveler List:
Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel
- Category: Perfect week or more
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Traveler type:
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1. Caldeira das Sete Cidades.
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| small village with two lakes that rest inside a sleeping volcano. 40 minutes away from Ponta Delgada, the main city, this calm village is ideal for walking around the lakes, lay down on the grass and enjoy the peaceful nature and observe the lifestyle of the local farmers and their cows. Don t forget to stop in every sightseeing along the road, so you can see other hiden lakes, that surround this enchanted valley. |
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2. Ferraria
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| black rough rocks with a hot bubling sea water. After going to Sete Cidades and when going back to Ponta Delgada donÃôt forget to stop by this place. It is down the hills next to the sea and you can lay down and sunbade. Even if it is not sunny you can always go to the ocean because it is warm, and sometimes really hot, since it is warmed up by the geotermic activity of the earth. It feels like a big natural salty jacuzzi. And if you are really lucky you can spy some dolphins passing by. Before coming here you can consider going to Mosteiros, a small friendly fishing village with a beach and natural swimming pools with plenty of colourful fish (don t forget waterglasses) |
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3. Lagoa do Fogo
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| Fire Lake, is a peaceful lake in a sleeping volcano. Situated in the middle of the island, it is the ideal place to contemplate nature. And, if you are willing to rest down there and swimm in cold clean water, experience the challenge of hicking down the crater into the volcano where the lake is. It is not a difficult path, altough it requires good confortable shoes. It takes somewhat 20 minutes to go down, and a little bit more to climb it. |
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| small village inside the crater of a volcano with geotermic activity. Furnas will take you all day if you want, because there is a lot to do. You can star by going to the Caldeiras next to the Lake, where the tradition is to cook "cozido" in a hole in the ground. You can watch how it is done, even today people do it (despite the fact that they can also do it at home in the hoven) because the taste is different. After that you can walk (carefully) around the bubling hot natural jacuzzis and enjoy the natural beauty of the surronding environment. After that, you can go to the village and see the garden of Terra Nostra (astonishing botanic park) and take a long bath in the pool with the yellow warm water (heaten up by the geotermic activity) -when you overcome the fact that the water looks like mud you will want to stay inside the pool for hours! After that you can lunch in a local pizza place or any other restaurant. Or, if you feel like enjoying the rest of the day in this side of the island you can drive to Ribeira Quente village. The road has beatiful hiden waterfalls (be aware), and luxurious vegetation. Once you get to Ribeira Quente you can see the fishermen, the boats and go to the small but really good beach. To eat I recomend the Garajau, with fresh fish. After that trip, yoo will be exhausted but really satisfied with the day you spent in Furnas. |
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5. Sanguinho
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| cascate surrounded by luxury vegetation. This piece of natural beauty is in Faial da Terra (Povoacao). It is a long way from Ponta Delgada, but is a good way to get to know Sao Miguel better. Once in Faial da Terra (small village) you have marks that indicate the path to Sanguinho. Is is almost an hour walking around the mountain, in and out, but once you get there and you have tumbling legs, feel tired and need to rest, take a really cold bath in the waterfall. It is refreshing and revitalizing. Despite the fact that it is not a difficult walk you can go in an organized group that a tourist agency promotes. |
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6. Ilheu da Vila
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| An isle, natural reserve, where you can swim in the clear water. Situated in front of Vila Franca do Campo, you may want to go there in an early morning of a sunny day (it must be during the summer). The trip is done by boat (2,5 euros per person) and it takes 15 minutes. Once you get there just do it like you were on the beach. Lay down (the rocks are not very confortable) and swim in the clear waters with plenty of fish crossing your way. It is safe for kids. Do not forget sunblock because it is the ideal place for tanning. Walk around the village of Vila Franca do Campo. It has beaches, aquapark and good seafood. |
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| main city of Sao Miguel. Of course you can not leave Sao Miguel without seeing the capital. Explore the churches, the public garden of Antonio Borges, the slim streets, the local shops, the marina with the boats, the main Avenue next to the sea, ideal to take your jogging time or eat in the cafes and restaurants. Do not forget to go on a whale watching trip. |
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8. other places
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| Consider also going to: Caldeira Velha (hot water waterfall) and visit the city of Ribeira Grande and village of Nordeste (it has beautiful gardens and natural)springwaters). Enjoy your stay! |
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Compliment joanadecq
