Have you ever heard about the Azores? It is a network of islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean that consists of nine islands. All of them belong to Portugal, that's why Portuguese is the national language. But don't worry, most of the inhabitants speak English fluently.
We spent 9 days over Christmas on the beautiful São Miguel, the biggest and most populous of the islands. It is a perfect spot to escape the cold, uncomfortable weather in some countries and enjoy Christmas time at the beach with local pineapples, in a café next to a tea plantation, or a hot spring.
Azores - São Miguel
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If you are looking for a unique and exciting hiking experience, the Azores’ São Miguel is the perfect destination. Located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the island is home to some of the most stunning and diverse hiking trails. With its beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife, and clear blue waters, hikers of all levels can find something that fits their taste.
The most popular trails on the island are located in Sete Cidades, a large mountain range that dominates the western end of the island. You can also hike through the highest peak, Pico da Vara, which stands at 1,108 meters.
For those looking for a more leisurely experience, there are plenty of trails in the area that provide beautiful views without the intense challenges of the higher peaks. -
“The weather changes so quickly that the weather forecast is usually unreliable.”
The climate in São Miguel is mild and subtropical climate all year long. Spring and summer offer the best weather, with temperatures ranging from 18 to 26°C (64–79°F) and plenty of sunshine. Rainfall is distributed evenly throughout the year, making the islands a great destination for outdoor activities. Autumn temperatures drop to around 15°C (59°F), while in winter, temperatures can reach as low as 12°C (54°F). Despite the cooler temperatures the island is still a great place to visit, thanks to its stunning natural beauty and the mild, rapid weather change.
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We decided to book some different locations to see a variety of areas:
Várzea, a city located in the west (airbnb.de)
Ponta Delgada, an apartment next to the ocean in the capitol (booking.com)
Salga, a city in the northwest (airbnb.de)
It was a good experience for us to spend our time in different location, but we can also recommend to only stay in one apartment:
1.) The weather is quite tricky. You can plan your day trips depending on that.
2.) The island is small enough to drive from one end to the other easily.
3.) You also don’t have stress to pack your luggage and stuff all the time.
Tips for the winter months:
If you are going during the winter months, we heard to not book a stone house because they are less insulated. You should also take warm clothes with you. Usually the apartments haven’t heating system.
Good to Know
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“Fly like a bird or swim like a whale.”
You can only reach the Azores by airplane or boat. In the capitol Ponta Delgada of Sao Miguel on the pavement next to the habor are plenty of paintings from sailors or people who vistit the island by boat. It was interesting to see where the travelers had been or where they are going in the future.
Ponte Delgada is also easy to reach by airplane. We flew there from Lisbon. It took us about two hours and fifteen minutes. If you have the time I would recommend to flight to the Azores from Portugal because the flight is much cheaper from there. I guess it is because the islands are part of that country. When you arrive at the airport you can walk outside and there will be a lot of taxis. They have a standard price to go to the city center of the capital which is eight euros. There is also a hidden bus station. The bus should also drive to Ponta Delgada but we could not figure out when and if it will come.
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drinking tea in the only tea plantation in Europe
buying a local pineapple and visiting pineapple plantations
eating local bananas
stopping at many view points (miradouros)
bathing in different hot springs
enjoying the beautiful nature
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Thermas & Ponta da Ferraria
Centro de Interpretação Ambiental da Caldeira Velha
Termas das Caldeiras
South-East
Ponte Delgada
The capital, Ponta Delgada, is the largest city in São Miguel with around 69 thousand inhabitants. It is easy to explore the city on foot and enjoy some lovely cafés on a rainy day. In the center, visitors can see the famous three-arched city gate Porta da Cidade and the gothic-style Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião, which looks fascinating with its combination of dark volcano stones and white walls.
Furthermore, the city boasts a great harbor where visitors can take a walk, a small botanical garden called Jardim Botânico António Borges, a lava cave known as Gruta do Carvão, and two pineapple plantations - Plantação de Ananás dos Açores and Pineapples Santo António. On the day of our return flight, it was raining heavily, so we also spent some time in a modern shopping mall called Parque Atlantico, which offers a variety of different food options.
São Roque
São Roque is a city located next to Ponta Delgada. We visited there on Christmas day, and fortunately, the weather was sunny, allowing us to have a wonderful first Christmas experience at the beach.
We visited Santa António. You get a free tour there with some information. Since we have been at the pineapple plantation we really appreciate eating pineapples. A plant can only bear once a fruit and it takes about a year before it is harvested.
Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo
This island in the South is the result of an old undersea volcano.
You can visit the place with the ferry and you can go swimming there. The weather and the sea were too cold in December, so Lars only flew to the island with the drone. But even there it looked amazing and we are sure it is worth visiting. Furthermore, it is the home of lots of different birds.
On our way from Ponta Delgada to Sete Cidades we found - apart from many viewpoints - a nice food truck where some locals ate. The owners were really friendly and we can recommend stopping there. It is definitely a good spot to eat the traditional Bifana.
Fábrica de Chá do Porto & Chá Gorreana
On the Azores are the only tea plantations in the EU.
You can walk in the tea fields which is also a nice spot for a foto shooting. At both spots you can learn a lot not only about the history but also about the cultivation and harvest of the tea for free. At the tea shop of the Fábrica de Chá do Porto you get a free cup of tea afterwards. This place was for us a little bit more traditional and quaint, whereas the Chá Gorreana was more modern. But both are beautiful and interesting. The Chá Gorreana is also a must see because you get as much free tea as you want. You can enjoy lots of traditional sweets as well. In general, it is a great combination to drink a variety of home-grown tea with tasty local sweets. The view is wonderful too. For us, the the two tea shops where a good refuge on a rainy day.
South Azores
Termas das Caldeiras
A cozy spa with water from a hot spring seduces to relax. When we went there it was quiet and less crowded because it is not a popular tourism spot. Usually you can find there lots of residents.
Sete Cidades
It is a city located in an old volcanic crater which has three lakes:
Lagoa Azul, Lagoa Verde and Lagoa de Santiago. It is a perfect destination for hiking or just spent some time at a beautiful spot. It is one of the most famous spots on the island, I would say. But when you have been there you know why
Thermas & Ponta da Ferraria
Thermas da Ferraria is a spa with thermal pools and Ponta de Ferraria is a natural thermal pool inside of the ocean. It is especially warm during low tide. Of course, it is therefore a bit colder compared to the hot springs in the inland. But it is a super cool and rare experience.
Monte Placa Hotel
The huge concrete building located at the viewpoint Vista do Rei was once a 5-star hotel. Nowadays you can not really imagine this. It was open for 18 month when the owners had to declare insolvency.
West Azores
“A rain jacket and a swimsuit are two things that a local always has with them.”
— Resident of São Miguel
Northwest
Ribeira dos Caldeirões
The Ribeira dos Caldeirões National Park is also a great option for hikers of all levels. Located in the north-central part of the island, the park is home to a wide variety of trails, ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes. The park's main attraction is the Ribeira dos Caldeirões, a series of stunning waterfalls and cascades located in a lush, green valley.
The park has a number of other trails, including the Caldeirões Trail, which is an accessible trail that offers spectacular views of the waterfalls. This trail is suitable for those with mobility impairments. In addition, the park also features the Miradouro dos Sete Cascades Trail, which is a short, easy hike leading to a viewpoint with breathtaking views of the seven waterfalls. We enjoyed walking in the tropical environment a lot.
Pico da Vara
We hiked to the highest mountain of the island with 1,108 meters.
The trail is well prepared and we would say aligned for advanced hikers due to the slope. First, we walked through a forest and at the top you have an amazing view.
East
South-West
Furnas
Furnas is a village located in the center of the island of São Miguel. It is known for its thermal springs, natural pools and lush green landscapes. There are two hot pots in the city: A big pool inside of a park and the other one is a spar.
Furnas is home to the famous Caldeiras das Furnas, a series of hot springs, geysers and fumaroles located in the crater of an extinct volcano. The hot springs here are known to have therapeutic properties, and the water is said to have a healing effect on those with rheumatic and respiratory problems. You can fill up your bottle. The natural sparkling water has a really unique taste.
Furnas is also home to several beautiful parks and gardens, such as the Terra Nostra Park. This park is home to a variety of exotic plants and lush gardens, as well as a large lake where visitors can take a dip in the refreshing waters.
The natural beauty of Furnas has attracted many tourists over the years, and the village is also home to a number of excellent restaurants, bars and cafes which offer the typical Cozinho. It is a typical dish prepared under the earth with the heat of the Caldeiras das Furnas. It is better reservate a table.
Nice to know: The geothermal area was decorated with Christmas decoration in the winter season. It looked quite interesting
Grená Park
Located in the heart of the island, Gréna Park is a natural oasis of peace and tranquility. This park is a great place to relax, enjoy nature and get away from the bustling city life. The park was created in the early 1950s and is home to a wide variety of indigenous flora and fauna. It is also a popular destination for birdwatchers, as it is home to a number of different species of birds, such as blackbirds, skylarks, and warblers.
Gréna park is divided into two sections; the lower area which is home to a large lake and the upper area which is home to dense vegetation and a variety of trees. The lower area is a great spot to take a leisurely stroll, as there are well-maintained paths that loop around the lake. The upper area is more rugged and is perfect for those looking to explore the park's trails and discover its hidden secrets.
