Places to visit in Azores
1. São Miguel Island
São Miguel island nicknamed "The Green Island" (Ilha Verde), located in the archipelago of Azores in the middle of the atlantic ocean, is the largest and most populous island in total of nine islands.The island covers 760 km2 and has around 140,000 inhabitants, with 45,000 people residing in Ponta Delgada, the archipelago is largest city.
São Miguel is recognized, because of the lagoons, beautiful views, different greens colors, great temperatures, natural hot/cold pools, beaches, hot springs, a lot of biodiversity and also good peoples that receive all the ones who want to visit us.
2. Lagos das Furnas
Lagoa das Furnas is located in the parish of Furnas, in the municipality of Povoação. It has abundant vegetation and flowery landscapes that delight tourists both for the beauty and peace of mind it transmits. Furnas Lagoon is located in an ancient crater of Furnas Volcano. On its north bank it has boilers with temperatures ranging from 66°C to 93°C, some of mud and some of clear water. In Poça da Dona Beija we can take a beath in these hot waters. To get to Lagoa das Furnas from Ponta Delgada, you must take the EN1-1A until you reach the destination. Count on a 45-minute journey where you can contemplate the surroundings for approximately 40 km.
3.Lagoa do Congro
The hidden gem of Lagoa do Congro is one of the most beautiful lakes on São Miguel island. Almost perfectly round and with a perimeter of 1.25 kilometers, the lake goes up to 16 meters deep. Despite Lagoa do Congro not being on the typical tourist route, this special place provides a true connection with nature.Lagoa do Congro is located in the county of Vila Franca do Campo, on the south of São Miguel island. It is only a few kilometers away from the city of Vila Franca. From this town, follow the road towards Furnas and the signs to Lagoa do Congro. Then, you will find a dirt road on your left. You will drive for about 1 kilometer until the parking lot area, where you will stop before walking down to the lake. The starting point of the hike is indicated with a sign.
4. Lagoa das Sete Cidades
(other lagoons inside the Crater - Lagoa do Canário, Lagoa das Empadadas, Lagoa de Santiago...)
This is one of the wonders of the Azores best known and disseminated in various materials promoting the Azores.Lagoa das Sete Cidades is composed of two lagoons in a volcanic caldera, whose walls rise abruptly around the coast and are rich in conifers and ferns.
Lagoa das Sete Cidades is located right next to the village of the same name. It is about 25 km away from the biggest city on the island – Ponta Delgada – which corresponds to 40 minutes by car.
5. Lagoa do Fogo
Is one of the largest lagoons in the Azores and the second largest on the island of São Miguel, and has been classified as a nature reserve since 1974.
Lagoa do Fogo is located on Pico da Barrosa, accessible by road EN5-2A.
There is no public transport that goes to Lagoa do Fogo, so the only ways to get around are by car, taxi or guided tour.
6. Vila Franca do Campo
Vila Franca do Campo is a town and municipality in the southern part of the island of São Miguel. With 78.00 km² of area and 11,229 inhabitants is subdivided into 6 parishes (Ponta Garça, Ribeira das Tainhas, Ribeira Seca, São Miguel, São Pedro e Água D'Alto).
The Ilhéu de Vila Franca has been a nature reserve since 1993, and is also an important summer resort.
7. Caloura
If there is a place on the island of São Miguel that deserves, it is the place of Caloura. An area of great natural beauty, with one of the most picturesque fishing ports in the archipelago, Caloura is now a popular spot for locals and tourists in search of good weather, invigorating sea baths, relaxation and... great grilled fish. Located in the middle of the south coast of São Miguel, easily accessible from any point on the island, Caloura should definitely be at the top of your list of must-visit places.
8. Mosteiros
Mosteiros are located in the municipality of Ponta Delgada. It is a very popular area in the summer by locals and tourists looking for the sea, both for bathing and for fishing. It is also well known for its beautiful natural pools and beach which, in the summer, tend to be crowded.
9. Ribeira Grande
City and municipality with a unique landscape diversity where you can find and enjoy the beauty of Lagoa do Fogo, elected one of the seven wonders of Portugal in the wild beach category. It is a Natural Reserve of high environmental, landscape and tourist value, one of the ex-libris of the Azores. Challenge yourself to visit a municipality that has a lot to discover and offer. With a population of 12,967 inhabitants in its 14 urban parishes (Calhetas, Conceição, Fenais da Ajuda, Lomba da Maia, Lomba de São Pedro,Maia, Matriz, Pico da Pedra, Porto Formoso, Rabo de Peixe, Ribeira Seca, Ribeirinha, Santa Bárbara, São Brás).
10. Ponta Delgada
Ponta Delgada is the economic capital of the Autonomous Region of the Azores and the largest city in this region. It is the seat of the municipality of Ponta Delgada with an area of 231.90 km² and 68,809 inhabitants, subdivided into 24 parishes. The municipality is limited to the east by the municipalities of Ribeira Grande and Lagoa and has a coastline on the Atlantic Ocean to the north, south and west. With more than five centuries of existence, Ponta Delgada is a flat, modern and cosmopolitan city, being the largest municipality in the Azores and the one with the greatest diversity of equipment
11. Cascatas
Around the island we can encounter a lot of waterfalls. Some of them it's in the site below.
https://www.discover-azores.com/pt/as-mais-belas-cascatas-e-os-seus-guardioes/
12. Walk Trails
Below we can find some trails of the island.
