WHAT TO DO ON A RAINY DAY - SÃO MIGUEL ISLAND

The Azores are known for the 4-season weather in one day and it can happen that during your visit it will rain a bit. Does it mean that the day is lost? Not at all!

First of all, it's necessary to point that, actually, we have a 3-season weather style - it is not snowing here and the temperature rarely drops below 15C :) However, since we are in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the weather changes often and many times also during the same day.

In general you can always find a place on the island where the weather is good - for a hike, admiring astonishing view points or taking unforgettable selfies ;) In the morning, during our delicious breakfast, we recommend checking island webcams - this way you can find out where the weather is good and what side of the island you should explore.

You can also join our tours, which we organise exclusively for You, our Guests. We plan them weekly, based on the weather forecast and every day we go somewhere else. This way you can be sure that you will take the most of your Azorean visit!

In case our tour is fully booked, you can still enjoy the day, even if it's raining :)

Carlos Machado Museum (Ponta Delgada)

If you are interested in natural history, ethnography, art, decorative arts, and all connected to the Azores (including clothing and toys (!)), this regional museum is the perfect place to explore, especially during a rainy day. It consists of 3 branches: Santo André Convent (the main building which is right next door to our hostel), Santa Bárbara Branch and Devotional Art Branch (former Church of the Jesuit School). Museum is open every day except for Mondays, with free entrance every Sunday. It is possible to get a discounted ticket when visiting 3 museums the same day.

Gruta do Carvão (Ponta Delgada)

Gruta do Carvão is the largest known cave system in São Miguel island and one of the most remarkable of the entire archipelago. It was created between 5000 to 12000 years ago in a long basaltic flow which reached the sea in the western part of Ponta Delgada. It is believed that it was emitted from the Sete Cidades volcano and/or the Fogo volcano. Literally an incredible experience. Contact the place before visiting - there is a limited number of places per day.

Pineapple plantation (Ponta Delgada)

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

There are 5 hot springs in total on São Miguel island. On the very West you can enjoy Ferraria, natural pools located in the ocean bay, however it is possible to go there only 1 hour before low tide until one hour after it. Otherwise the waves are too strong and there is too much water in the bay (it's not hot anymore). Before going there check how high are ocean waves - if more than 1 meter tall, probably it's not the place to tak a swim ;)

In the middle of the island you can enjoy hot pools in two places: Caldeira Velha with its famous "golden waterfall" (online booking recommended at east one day in advance) and Termas das Caldeiras (no reservations) - the only one without orange iron water. Instead, your skin get can a proper healing with silica water!

The village of Furnas is well-known for its thermal springs. There are two places where you can enjoy hot water treatment: Terra Nostra Park with its "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!

Azorean Emigration Museum (Ribeira Grande)

The Azores has a very rich emigration history - earthquakes, volcano eruptions and in general poor living conditions were always pushing Azoreans to look for better living conditions outside of the Archipelago. This museum, located in the old fish market presents the history of Azorean emigration and tells a fascinating story of lives of many who had to leave their homeland, mostly towards Brazil, the USA and Canada.

Liquor Factory Mulher de Capote (Ribeira Grande)

This liquor factory dates back to 1936, being famous for the passion fruit liquor, now produces plentiful of sweet spirit beverages, including rum and gin. When visiting you are guided through the factory premises and learn about the production process. The tour is free of charge and at the end you are welcomed to taste all factory products.

Tobacco Museum (Maia)

If you are interested in the process of tobacco and cigarettes production, this place is a perfect one to visit! Tobacco Museum in Maia explains thoroughly all the steps to cultivate tobacco, the history of its trade in the Azores as well as recently they opened a new section depicting cigarettes machinery from the late 19th century. Moreover, it is the only European museum devoted to the research and promotion of tobacco agroindustry, from a perspective of social and local development.

There are many more places to visit - make sure you book a stay with us so that we can share with you also some secret spots!

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