Sao Miguel, located on the eastern side of the archipelago, is by far the largest of the nine islands being 65km long, 14km wide at its widest and with an area of 746 sq. km. It is made up of 6 volcanic complexes and municipalities. A most beautiful and varied island, ideal for long stays, two centre and fly-drive holidays.
To the west of the island, Ponta Delgada, seat of the regional government, the main town and port has preserved its historical beauty. It is a delight to explore the narrow cobbled streets bordered by very well preserved period houses. Within this municipality are the Sete Cidades, an extinct volcano crater of 40 sq. km, within which are two magnificent lakes, one deep blue colour and the other emerald green.
To the north of the island lies the agricultural town of Ribeira Grande, surrounded by fertile lands yielding crops which include potatoes, tobacco, sugar beet, passion fruit and tea (the only place in Europe where it is grown). Here, too, is the dramatic lake of fire “Lagoa do Fogo” and delightful beaches nestling under high cliffs.
The north-east coast is a very special and relatively undiscovered region with spectacular high cliffs plunging from high, flower covered plateaux, fields and wooded mountains into the sea. This is the home of the rare Azorean Bullfinch.
The municipality of Povoacao is in the south-east. Here are the most beautiful gardens in the Azores. The spa town of Furnas, one of the largest thermal water sources in the world, with its beautiful two kilometre square azalea bordered lake, is home to a 30 acre botanical garden of great international importance. Everywhere, from April to early summer, hedgerows of azaleas and hydrangeas abound.
To the south of Sao Miguel, the municipalities of Vila Franca do Campo (the town was the island’s first capital) and Lagoa are mountainous, agricultural and farming areas with black cliffs disappearing into the ocean. Here pineapples, bananas, oranges and vines are cultivated.
There's so much to do during your stay on Sao Miguel, choose from whale & dolphin watching, diving, deep sea game fishing, walking and much more.
Festivals on Sao Miguel
- Festas Senhor dos Enfermos (Furnas). The streets are covered with Azaleas and other seasonal flowers for the procession – 30th of April
- Festas Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres (Ponta Delgada). This religious festival will take place between 25th of April -1st of May. The festival includes many cultural events and celebrations.
- Cavalhadas de S. Pedro (Ribeira Grande) will take place on 29 June. The event involves local residents dressing in period costumes and parading through the streets of the village.
Holiday Activities on Sao Miguel
There are a variety of activities available on the island of Sao Miguel. We have organised itineraries catered to the activities you would like to do whilst on holiday. Choose to climb to old village of Sanguinho on foot, swim with dolphins in their natural environment, cycle to the hot springs in Furnas and more...
