Top 10: Best Places to Visit in São Miguel, Azores — Part I
The Island of São Miguel is a little Paradise! It is located in the Azores Archipelago, in Portugal. We had the opportunity to visit it in 2016 and we were absolutely amazed… Here is a (extensive) list of the Best Places to Visit in São Miguel!
1 — Lagoa das Sete Cidades
Not devaluing the other attractions on the list… But it’s easy to choose the main one: the gorgeous Lagoa das Sete Cidades: Seven Cities Lagoon!
Located on the West side of the Island, this attraction is composed by two lagoons: Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul. The difference in its colors is due to the composition of its waters.
They are found in the caldera of a volcano, surrounded by green lands and even other dry lagoons and boilers.
The view over the Lagoa das Sete Cidades that you can get from the Miradouro da Vista do Rei (viewpoint) is something that you shouldn’t miss at all…
Near this viewpoint, you will find the next attraction in this list…
2— Monte Palace Açores Hotel’s… Ruins
Located at the top of the former volcano, there is a 5-star hotel… Or rather, there was a 5-star hotel — the Monte Palace Açores.
This hotel opened in 1989, hosted tourists for a year and a half and…
It closed.
Involved in polemic, shortly after it closed, it ceased to be watched. It was sacked until it became one the ruins with the one of the best views in the world…
You can explore them at your own risk. But be careful since safety is not guaranteed at all.
Also, beware, because your entering private property. Abandoned, yes, but private.
3 — Parque dos Caldeirões (Natural Park)
When we travel to a new place, we know perfectly well that there will be something left to see… This is our case with the Parque dos Caldeirões, located in the Northeast of São Miguel Island…
If you are planning a visit to the Azores, don’t forget to make time for this protected area.
Yes… If Nature in the Azores is already magnificent, now imagine what a protected area must be!
4 — Terra Nostra Park
Located in Furnas, Terra Nostra Park is a botanical garden filled with trees from the four corners of the world.
Impeccably organized and esteemed, this garden is the paradise of nature lovers!
You can spend hours on end there without realizing that the clock is ticking.
The park also has thermal pools that you can visit, every day of the week between 10am and 6pm. The ticket costs 8 euros for adults and 4 euros for children between 3 and 10 years.
5 — Lagoa das Furnas
São Miguel Island is full of lagoons. After the Lagoa das Sete Cidades, the Lagoa das Furnas is one you can’t miss!
Located in the Furnas area, in the center south of the island and very close to Terra Nostra Park, this lagoon has amazing surroundings.
Conclusions
Well and this is the first part of our Top 10 Best Places to Visit in São Miguel Island, in Azores, Portugal.
This island (and all in the Archipelago) has a very special relationship with Nature. The perfect symbiosis, we would say…
So stay with us and await for the next part!
Until then, stay safe — and for the brave ones in these strange times — safe travels!
