Paradise in the Atlantic - Azores
Hi Steemian fellows!
This is my first post and it's about the place where I was born, São Miguel, in Azores.
It's a small guide for whomever would like to visit this small paradise! I've tried to keep the points of interest close to each other by region, so that you can easily follow the leads, in case you plan to take a tour.
Brief Description
The Azores belong to Portugal.
They are located (literally) in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, right between the tectonic plates Euro-Asian and North-American, therefore they are from volcanic origins.
There is a total of 9 islands: São Miguel, Santa Maria, Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico, Faial, Flores and Corvo.
The biggest and most populated (where I am from) is São Miguel. This will be the one I will be focused at.
Where to Stay
In Ponta Delgada, I recommend Hotel Ponta Delgada. It's a 3 stars hotel, well situated in city center with excellent conditions and a great staff!
Where to go and visit
There is a ton of stuff you can do and visit during your stay. In order to have the chance to go everywhere (and the weather may vary), I suggest you rent a car. There are quite a few rent-a-cars in city center.
As for points of interest. I will try the cover the main ones, depending on the time you will spend there (or the weather conditions).
I've been mentioning the weather conditions because it may vary a bit, in the morning the sky is cloudy, in the afternoon you've got clear sky and at night it might rain. It's almost a tropical weather. Humidity is usually above 65%. Depending on the season, it may reach up to 100%. São Miguel is known as "Green Island" for a reason :).
Lagoons
São Miguel has several lagoons throughout the island, here are a few of them:
Sete-Cidades
Locaded on the west side of the island, we have Sete-Cidades, a lagoon was formed on an old vulcanic crater. One side is blue and the other one is green, separated by a canal, in which there's a small bridge divinding them.
There's an old legend associated to their colours, in which a princess(blue eyed) was forbiden to marry her loved one(green eyed). On the day they said goodbye to each other, their grief and sorrow was such, that their tears formed both lagoons. You may, and should, take a walk (apart from sightseeing) right next to it, there are acessible trails that go round it.
Close-Up
Lagoa de Santiago
This one you can spot it on your way down to the village of Sete-Cidades. It's unacessible, but it's beautiful.
Lagoa do Canário
You can spot this Lagoon, and go there by foot near the water, on your way down to the "Miradouro Boca do Inferno".
Miradouro Boca do Inferno
One of the most iconic spots for sightseeing. From here you can actually see "Lagoa Rasa" (upper left), "Lagoa de Santiago" (center), "Lagoa das Sete-Cidades" (further one) and even the sea on the horizon.
On our way down to the sightseeing spot (that's my wife and daughter by the way):
You can park the car on a improvised parking next to the entrance (with an open gate, during the day) as you can see by the green arrow. Or you can take your car down the road closer to the pedestrian trail that will take you to the breathtaking spot.
On the Eastern side, we have Lagoa do Fogo.
This lagoon is also breath-taking. You can either enjoy it from the sightseeing spot or, for the most adventurous ones, you can take a hike down to the lagoon (there's a trail you can follow). However, be prepared for the return, because it's up, up, up!
Caldeira Velha
After your visit to Lagoa do Fogo, on your way down, you have "caldeira velha". Here you can a take a bath on natural heated water. It's a sight that looks like coming from a movie scene.
Lagoa Ilhéu de Vila Franca
You can reach this lagoon by boat only (unless you're Michael Phelps's brother).
You can by the tickets next to the port. I recommend going on summer, if you plan for a swimm!
CreditsPhotorator
Lagoa das Furnas
This is a lagoon situated right before you enter the village of Furnas, when you drive East. Here is the spot where the famous "Cozido" is actually made.
A mix of vegetables and several type of meat, along with "chouriço" (sort of dry sausage, which is mixed with meat, paprika, garlic, spices and other seasonings) and "morcela" (another typoe os sausage but with different seasonings).
This is cooked all together, placed under the ground when the sun starts to rise and is cooked for 5 to 6 hours before it is uncovered and ready to be served. It's delicious.
Credits: tasteit
Caldeiras das Furnas
Here you can spot the power of geysers.
Park entrance:
Close view:
Close there is a garden where you can taste several types of water (and also along the park). It's quite fun to taste them, different flavors.
Near to the park, right by the entrance, don't miss the chance to have some corn, which is actually cooked inside the geysers.
Poças da Dona Beija
This spot has nothing to do to what it was when I lived there. What used to be a small cave where you could fit 6 to 7 people in the hot water, is now turned into a very accessible place to be at. You now have 5 to 6 pools "fed" by the hot water that is lead to each one. Small note: this water, as you can see buy it's color, is rich in iron, so, if you have some old shorts (or bikini), take it with you, because there's a very strong change that it will come with a new color variation!
Jardim Terra Nostra
This garden is filled with hundreds of species of trees and flowers from all over the world. If you love nature and taking pictures, this is the place!
There she goes, taking the lead with the map.
It also has a natural heated pool, were you can take a swim - it's not deep - and, once again, take the same same shorts/bikini that you brought from "Poças da Dona Beija" and turn it even more reddish.
Beaches
Milicias - Located next to São Roque, with dark sand.
Água d'alto, with grey sand.
Riberia Quente, relatively close to Furnas
Miradouro Ponta da Madrugada
This spot is located on the most eastern side of the island. If you're one of those people of enjoy's a sunrise, believe me, this is the spot!
There she goes again...
If you plan to visit or explore this side of the island, you can always stay at the 4 stars Hotel do Mar located in Povoação, close to Furnas. You can have your breakfast on your room balcony with the sea right in front of you!
Chá Gorreana
Last, but not the least, you can take a tour on the Gorreana tea factory and try the samples. This is the only and most ancient existing factory in Europe (since 1883). It 100% organic.
Small note
For those of you who will be driving, you might get some heavy traffic:
I advise you to roll up your windows while you're passing them, otherwise you might get a loose tail on your face or even a big head entering through your window!
I didn't cover all the beauties of São Miguel, but I hope you have the chance to pay it a visit, because I assure you, you will not forget it!
PS-Sorry for the long post! Hope you liked it!
Cheers!