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Azores Map
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S. Miguel is the largest and most populated island of the Azores, known as the green island. The island has a surface area of approximately 759 km2 . The municipal seat is located in “Ponta Delgada”, the largest town in the arquipelago. This island has around 140.000 inhabitants.
Azores Map
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Azores Map

How to get there: The airport, 2 km from the centre of Ponta Delgada, provides daily flights to Europe via Lisbon as well as regular interisland flights. Weekly flights to United States and Canada are also available through charter companies. 

In the summer by ferry to S.Maria and Terceira. 

Some of the places to visit: 

  • The Convent and Chapel of Our Lady of Hope, known as "Convento de Esperança" or simply Saint Christ's Church "Igreja do Senhor Santo Cristo", is home to the magnificent statue of "Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres" Christ of Miracles, the patron of the largest religious festival in the Azores. 
  • The “Sant'Ana” Palace, a 19th century construction surrounded by beautiful gardens is actualy the residence of the President of the Regional Government of the Azores (it is not open daily). 
  • The museum “Carlos Machado Museum”, with permanent exhibitions.
  • The "Lagoa do Fogo" (Fire Lake). The hiker may reach the lake along well travelled paths.
  • The "Ermida da Senhora da Paz" (Our Lady of Peace Chapel), an authentic "Marian" sanctuary constructed on a mount provides an excellent view of the village and of the islet. The "Ilheu" of "Vila Franca", protected as a Natural Reserve, is approximately 1 km from the coastline. 
  • The Furnas lake, surrounded by a beautiful flowered shore. 
  • The area of the "Caldeiras" (Hot Springs) at the lake, serve as a natural kitchen. Cooking by burying pots of food in the earth is a tradition that provides a fantastic meal of mixed meats and vegetables. 
  • In the town of Furnas the "Caldeiras", are even more spectacular. Many openings in the earth sprout geysers of boiling hot water.
  • The "Terra Nostra" Park, behind the hotel of the same name, is one of the most beautiful parks in São Miguel. This 18th century park consists of small lakes, and streams, bushes of colourful and exotic flowers and century old trees of great botanical value. A lake that works like a pool of thermal iron water where you can relax in hot water.
  • "Nordeste" (Northeast), is one of the most attractive municipalities in São Miguel. The look-out points, "Ponta da Madrugada", "Ponta do Sossego", "Salto da Farinha", and the "Ponta do Estorninho", among others are worth stopping at to admire the flowers and the amazing landscape.
  • "Pico da Vara", the highest point on the island, with an altitude of 1105m, is a challenge to a one and a half to two hour walk along a path which offers magnificent scenery of nature in the most primitive form. Pico da Vara is considered Natural Reserve, and a previous authorisation by the Regional Forestry Ministry is required).
  • “Sete Cidades twin lakes” – the biggest crater in the Azores with 12 km perimeter.
  • Several beaches all over the island where you can swim.

Some of the local Festivals:

  • Festa Sr dos Enfermos (Furnas-the streets are covered with azaleas and other flowers for the procession – first Sunday after Eastern.
  • Festa Sr Santo Cristo dos Milagres (Ponta Delgada) – fifth Sunday after Easter
  • Festas de S,João da Vila (Vila Franca) – 23th of June
  • Cavalhadas de S.Pedro (Ribeira Grande) – 28th of June
  • Semana do Chicharro (Ribeira Quente) – middle of July
Azores Map
Azores Map
Azores Map