"Ilha de São Miguel" Top 5 Page for this destination Ilha de São Miguel by Avieira67

Ilha de São Miguel Travel Guide: 213 reviews and 666 photos

Lagoa das Sete Cidades - Ilha de São Miguel

The Green Island

São Miguel, with 747km2 and 131.510 inhabitants, is the largest Island of the Azores.
The process of populating of the Island was initiated in 1444 by peoples from Mainland Portugal and some from various European countries, especially France.
In 1522, an earthquake destroyed Vila Franca do Campo, and Ponta Delgada became the new capital.
After the autonomy, São Miguel is the principal political and administrative centre of Region and seat of the Regional government.
Due to its volcanic origin, the Island presents wonderful landscapes. Lagoa das Sete Cidades, one of the seven natural wonders of Portugal, is situated at the west side of the island in a parish with about 860 inhabitans (census 2001). When going down to this caldeira, one can see Lagoa de Santiago on your left side.
In the middle of the island there is Lagoa do Fogo. Going from the city of Ribeira Grande to this lake, you must stop at Caldeira Velha.
Furnas is a picturesque village in a valley. Close to here, you reach Ribeira Quente, a typical fishing village with a bay beach.
At Nordeste municipality, we find the highest mountain of the island - Pico da Vara - 1103m, which is also a nature reserve. In this municipality, enjoy the nature through the tourist viewing points such as Salto da Farinha, Ponta do Sossego and Ponta da Madrugada. If you want to feel the nature, go to Tronqueira by off-road vehicle. At Achada parish you must visit the beautiful waterfall and the Natural Park of Ribeira dos Caldeirões around it.
If you are looking for personalized tours, don't hesitate to contact Festitour, a great company offering an excellent service.

Pros and Cons

Pros:The volcanic landscape
Cons:The volcanic origin

Intro Updated Mar 28, 2011
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Reviews (46)

Normal taxi fares Transportation (9)

I really don't know Gary Travassos, but this site is very useful, especially if you need a reference about normal taxi... more travel advice

Sushi Restaurants (6)

This is the only place on the Island where Japanese food is available. Because of this, we can't compare quality with... more travel advice

Furnas village Things to Do (9)

Furnas Village belongs to the municipality of Povoação. The population in 2001 was 1,541, its density is 45.5/km² and... more travel advice

Tours Transportation (9)

In my opinion, the best way to explore the Island is to rent a car. Anyway, if you don't like to drive and need a guide,... more travel advice

Hotels (3)
See All Rural houses
Off The Beaten Path (13)
See All Lagoa Rasa II
Favorites (1)
ITINERARIES

Local Customs (3)
See All Festas do Divino Espírito Santo
Shopping (2)
See All Centro Comercial Sol-Mar
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Comments (12)

mfas2000 Aug 25, 2009 at 1:29 AM Report Abuse

The island looks very interesting
mircaskirca Aug 13, 2009 at 10:00 AM Report Abuse

As fotos de Sete Cidades estão muito bonitas, António! Ahhh, saudades! Acho que conheço aquela menina na ultima foto ;)) Haha, so agora que vi as fotos de Caldeira Velha tambem :)
jorgejuansanchez May 4, 2008 at 2:03 AM Report Abuse

Magnificos tips! Lastima que no olhe a tua pagina cuando estive nas Azores! Mas es melhor tarde que nunca.
36waterfalls Jan 27, 2008 at 2:03 AM Report Abuse

Absolutely stunning page! Very good 'off the beaten path' tips...
call_me_rhia Aug 16, 2007 at 11:31 PM Report Abuse

thanks for the tips. we're looking into being in ponta delgada in early november. Would u have a budget/mid-range hotel to recommend?
malatyapazari634 Mar 25, 2007 at 3:03 PM Report Abuse

Parabens pela tua linda e arrumada pág. !! Adorei viajar assím mas prefico cá vir :=)
yumyum Jun 17, 2006 at 4:27 AM Report Abuse

You live in a very beautiful country!
ginguba Feb 10, 2006 at 10:54 AM Report Abuse

Parabéns pelas páginas sobre os Açores. Este ano não escapam! :D
LanaFromRiga Aug 1, 2005 at 2:08 AM Report Abuse

Very beautiful pictures! Amazing views!
La_Holandesa Apr 16, 2005 at 2:22 PM Report Abuse

yum cozido de bacalhau! i like the portugese food...have to return soon, great pages !obrigado, many greeetz Anita :)