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São Miguel Island is one of the 9 main islands that make up the
Azores archipelago, an autonomous region lying in the
mid-Atlantic, 1500 kilometers from mainland Portugal.
São Miguel, the "green island", rich with natural beauty
and historic sights, is the hub of the island group.
When we were there, it had just caught the edge of Hurricane
Lorenzo which devastated more westerly Flores and Corvo islands.
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Being volcanic in origin, São Miguel has peaks and valleys.
Farmland, divided by hedgerows and stone walls, lies in the
valleys. |
There are three gorgeous crater lakes in the calderas of the volcanoes,
the most famous being the twin lakes of Sete Cidades.
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Lagoa Fogo is the highest of the lakes, with an alpine climate
and vegetation. |
Thousands of hydrangea hedgerows line every roadway.
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Cute villages hug the coastline all around the island. Strategic
miradouros (viewpoints) afford wonderful views.
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The black sand beach of Mosteiros is one of the launching points
for whale watching expeditions. |
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Ponta Delgada is the capital city and main harbour. Historic
sights include Fort St. Blase, Church of St. Sebastian, the city
gates and city hall.
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We found this island and its people to be so delightful that we
have decided to come back to visit the other islands of the
Azores.
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Ribeira Grande is one of the 7 larger towns with a history
dating to the 15th century. |
The public buildings have a characteristic architectural style.
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Ribeira Grande has a broad beach and surf suitable for both
swimming and surfing.
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São Miguel has a mild climate and grows tea, pineapples, bananas
and other unique fruits. |
Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Paz is a pretty
shrine near Franco do Campo. |
Every town has a church with gold-gilded
wood carvings and azulejo tilework.
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Ponta Delgada has a long history as a nautical way-station for
Atlantic crossings.
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Vegetation ranges from sub-tropical gardens to coniferous
forests.
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This island is still geothermically active,
with fumaroles and steam vents at Furnas. |
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At Ponta da Ferraria, naturally heated water fills lava shelves.
Normally there are calm pools, but on this day the water was
rough in the aftermath of the hurricane. |
There is a tradition of slow-cooking stew in the heat of the
hot springs. These workers are removing pots that have been
cooking for 8 hours and will be served at restaurants in Furnas.
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At
Caldeira Velha Park, there is a hot waterfall and series of pools,
and an interesting interpretive center and hiking path. |
Poça da Dona Beija and Terra Nostra have
bathing pools ranging from 35 to 40°.
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