São Miguel is the largest and most populous of the islands of the Azores archipelago located in the Eastern Group and in the Atlantic Ocean. It is the largest of all the islands that make up the territory of Portugal.
At the entrance to our wonderful island, Ponta Delgada opens its doors to us, it is known for the churches, convents and manor houses, typical neighborhoods, narrow streets, airy squares and exuberant urban gardens that mark the historic center. And along the graceful promenade facing the Atlantic, which outlines its profile, filled with terraces, bars and restaurants serving the best of regional and international cuisine.
In São Miguel, volcanism testifies to the power of nature, impressing with its diversity. There are around 500 volcanoes, 35 lakes and a wide variety of mineral and thermal water springs. It is also known for its marine life, which allows us to see whales and dolphins up close.
Lagoa das Sete Cidades is distinguished by being considered one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal. The green lagoon and the blue lagoon are actually just one, artificially separated. The surrounding, green landscape together with rounded lava mounds complete the extraordinary postcard landscape of this territory.
Furnas is a parish in the municipality of Povoação, on the island of S. Miguel, in the Azores, and is known for its boilers (permanently boiling) which prove that we are in volcanic terrain. It is also here that dishes that are unique in the world are made. When talking about Furnas, there is no tourist who doesn’t immediately think of Portuguese stew. And, even if you don’t even like this dish very much, you have to at least try it. Furnas is known for its thermal waters and also for its boilers and thermal pools. You can drink this water from some sources, the boilers in the center of the village are spectacular, living with fumaroles that emit water vapor and gases, for the inhabitants it is the most natural thing in the world. Vale das Furnas has more than twenty thermal springs. In Furnas there is also an 18-hole golf course. In this area there are several activities, from hiking to bathing in the thermal waters (Poça da Beija and Terra Nostra Park swimming pool).
Caldeira Velha is located on the northern slope of the Serra de Água de Pau, close to Lagoa do Fogo, and occupies an area of rugged terrain, deeply embedded in a fault valley, surrounded by huge cliffs. Caldeira Velha presents a set of manifestations of secondary volcanism and an iron thermal spring that springs from a fracture, currently with temperatures around 32 °C, while in the dam, next to the waterfall, the water reaches temperatures of 25 °C to 28 °C. °C. Further downstream, there are thermal pools whose water is heated by the fumarole and where it is possible to enjoy a relaxing thermal bath, at temperatures around 38°C. Despite being profoundly altered in terms of vegetation, it is possible to observe some examples of Azorean native flora such as Erica azorica (heather), Hypericum foliosum (malfurada), Ilex azorica (holly), Hedera azorica (ivy), Calluna vulgaris (rapa) and Osmunda regalis (real fetus).
Gruta do Carvão is the largest lava tunnel on the entire island. It can be visited and while walking you can learn a lot about the formation of São Miguel.
These are just some of the places to visit when visiting our island, which is surrounded by more beauties that you cannot miss during your visit, such as the
Lagoa do Fogo, Porto Formoso and Gorreana tea plantations, pineapple plantation, Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, Ponta da Ferraria, Vila Franca do Campo Islet, among many others.
We also indicate that you can choose to do All-Terrain Excursions, ATV Excursions, Private Tours, Walking Tours, and much more.
The best time to visit Ponta Delgada is as variable as the weather.
The well-known expression “4 seasons in a day” is not just an expression, it is a real fact.
The weather in Ponta Delgada is unpredictable just like the rest of the Azores islands.
In the Azores, the sun shines as quickly as it rains and when packing, you should take into account that a raincoat is essential.
Therefore, we would say that it is crucial to rent a car, as this is the only way to fully enjoy the natural wonders of the 6 municipalities of São Miguel.
With a rented car, in addition to being able to go to the most remote places in the municipality, you will be able to enjoy wonderful landscapes, you will have much more flexibility to change your plans. A flexible travel plan in Ponta Delgada is extremely important as weather conditions are constantly changing.
When renting a car, we strongly recommend that you do it through www.caazoresrentacar.com, we want to be part of your great adventure.