Regardless how long you decide to stay on São Miguel island, you simply cannot miss those places! And although it is possible to see them all in just one day, we advise you to take it slow to experience the real Azorean vibes and expand your bucket list with hidden gems of the island!
SETE CIDADES
Two lakes, one coloured in blue, another in green, lay within volcanic caldera. According to the legend those two lakes were created by tears of the princess and her lover, a shepherd, who had to part from each other, and colours of both lakes take origin in the colour of their eyes. Love...
If you want to check the lakes from above, most probably you go to the king of the viewpoints on São Miguel - Grota do Inferno, which is one of the most visited spots! Since it's just an easy 15-minute walk from the car park, you can effortlessly get ready for a limitless photoshoot session with Sete Cidades lakes ;) Just mind the path - there is endemic flora around you!
ISLET OF VILA FRANCA DO CAMPO
Located just in front of the Vila Franca do Campo town, between June and September, you can reach by boat a stunning crater of an underwater volcano! Apart from a very beautiful landscape, this is probably the best spot for snorkelling: plentiful of sea species are waiting for you to admire their colours and different shapes. The islet is just 1km away from the shore which means that within 15-20 minutes you can get there also by yourself on a rented kayak :) Keep in mind that this is a protected area!
LAGOA DO FOGO
In the central area of the island you will find one of the largest waterbodies in the Azores. It can fit 210 football pitches! And as during the game, it's also forbidden to enter the lake (the whole area is protected due to the diverse endemic fauna and flora). However, you can still admire marvellous views!
ANANAS, THE LOCAL PINEAPPLE
São Miguel is a home to pineapples which are... grown in greenhouses! Probably this is the only place in the world where such a technique is being used. After the orange plantations were destroyed by a disease in 1860, Augusto Arruda began growing pineapples, originally imported from Brazil. The exquisite island's conditions together with specific procedures still bring extremely sweet and tiny pineapples, so much adored by both locals and tourists! There are 3 pineapple plantations open to public and you can visit them free of charge!
HOT SPRINGS AND FURNAS
Furnas is well-known for its thermal springs. There are two places where you can enjoy hot water treatment: Terra Nostra Park with its famous "orange" lake and Poça da Dona Beija, which is open till 11PM. Go there to relax while watching stars! However, don't take any white swimwear or white towels - their colour will be ruined by iron which the springs here are full of!
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
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