Ponta Delgada

Lagoa

Angra do Heroísmo

Rosto de Cão

Rabo de Peixe

Arrifes

Horta

Madalena

Praia da Vitória

Ribeira Grande

Vila Franca do Campo

Parque Terra Nostra is a botanical garden located in Furnas, São Miguel, Azores, Portugal. It was created in the 1930s by a wealthy American businessman, Thomas H. Hooper, who imported numerous species of plants from all over the world to create a lush and exotic garden. The park covers an area of about 30 hectares and features a large thermal pool fed by the hot springs in the area. The garden is a popular tourist destination and is known for its collection of exotic and native plants, as well as its scenic beauty. It is surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, making it a great place for a picnic, a walk, or a soak in the hot springs.

Parque Terra Nostra

Miradouro da Boca do Inferno is a viewpoint located on the island of São Miguel in the Azores archipelago. It is situated near the town of Ribeira Grande and offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged coastline. The name Boca do Inferno, which translates to "Mouth of Hell", comes from the crashing waves and rough sea that can be seen from the viewpoint.

Miradouro da Boca do Inferno

Caldeira das Furnas is a volcanic crater located in the eastern part of São Miguel Island, one of the islands in the Azores archipelago of Portugal. The caldera is about 1.5 kilometers wide and is known for its bubbling mud pools, geysers, and hot springs.

The area around Caldeira das Furnas is an important part of the Azores' geothermal activity, and the hot springs and thermal waters are used for medicinal and therapeutic purposes. Visitors can observe the bubbling mud pools and hot springs and even see local chefs cook the famous cozido das Furnas, a traditional Portuguese stew, by burying it in the hot ground.

In addition to the geothermal activity, Caldeira das Furnas is surrounded by lush green vegetation, including the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, which features a variety of exotic and endemic plants from the Azores and other parts of the world. The garden is home to a large thermal pool that is popular for swimming and relaxing.

Caldeira das Furnas

Lagoa do Fogo is a beautiful crater lake located in the center of São Miguel island, which is part of the Azores archipelago in Portugal. The lake, which is surrounded by mountains and lush vegetation, is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the Azores, with a depth of around 30 meters.

The lake's name, which means "lake of fire" in Portuguese, comes from a volcanic eruption that took place about 15,000 years ago. The eruption created a large caldera that eventually filled with water from rainfall and underground springs, forming the Lagoa do Fogo.

The area surrounding the lake is a protected nature reserve, and it is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including several species of birds and rare plants. The lake is also a popular destination for swimming, hiking, and bird watching. There are several hiking trails around the lake, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

To reach the Lagoa do Fogo, visitors can take a 30-minute drive from the capital city of Ponta Delgada, or take a guided tour that includes transportation and a visit to other attractions on the island. The lake is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and anyone seeking a peaceful and beautiful setting in the Azores.

Lagoa do Fogo

Standing gracefully on the charming Gonçalo Velho Cabral Square in the capital of São Miguel Island, the Ponta Delgada City Hall (Paços do Concelho de Ponta Delgada) is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Azores archipelago. With its elegant white façade, dark volcanic stone trim, and stately bell tower, this 17th-century building reflects the island’s classic Azorean architecture—a beautiful blend of simplicity and strength shaped by the Atlantic.

The City Hall serves not only as the administrative center of Ponta Delgada but also as a symbol of civic pride and history, anchoring the city’s main square where locals and visitors gather to experience the tranquil rhythm of island life.

The Paços do Concelho was constructed in the 17th century, when Ponta Delgada was emerging as the economic and political hub of São Miguel. The building originally served as the seat of local governance and has retained its role through centuries of change, including the Azores’ rise as a major Atlantic trading point between Europe and the Americas.

Over the years, the City Hall has witnessed countless civic celebrations, processions, and festivals, standing as a silent witness to the island’s evolution—from a maritime port to a modern cultural center.

Interesting Facts
- The building’s bell tower, visible from much of the city center, is one of Ponta Delgada’s most photographed features. Visitors can climb the tower for sweeping views of the city, the harbor, and the distant hills.
- The architectural style combines Portuguese Baroque elements with the volcanic basalt stone characteristic of the Azores, creating a striking black-and-white contrast.
- The main square (Praça Gonçalo Velho) in front of the City Hall is often used for public events, markets, and cultural performances.
- At the base of the tower, you’ll find traditional Portuguese azulejos (blue and white tiles) and the statue of Gonçalo Velho Cabral, the 15th-century navigator credited with discovering the Azores.
- The surrounding area is filled with cafés, shops, and churches, making it one of the liveliest and most scenic spots in Ponta Delgada.

Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon for beautiful lighting on the building and fewer crowds.
- Getting There: Located in the city center, within easy walking distance of the harbor, Portas da Cidade (City Gates), and major attractions.
- What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the historic core and a camera for panoramic shots from the bell tower.

Nearby Attractions:
- Portas da Cidade (City Gates) – Iconic triple-arched gates just across the square.
- Church of São Sebastião – A Gothic-Manueline church with intricate carvings.
- Carlos Machado Museum – Showcasing Azorean art, culture, and natural history.
- Avenida Infante Dom Henrique – A scenic seaside promenade.
- Photography Tip: Capture the City Hall framed by the square’s patterned cobblestones, with the volcanic stone details contrasting against the bright Azorean sky.

Ponta Delgada City Hall

Ponta da Ferraria is a geothermal hot spring located on the west coast of the island of São Miguel in the Azores. The site is characterized by its unique geological features and natural beauty.

The hot spring is situated on a small rocky beach and is made up of two pools that are fed by a natural underwater hot spring. The temperature of the water can vary between 35-40°C (95-104°F), and it is rich in minerals such as iron, magnesium, and sulfur. The site is open to visitors and is accessible via a path down to the beach.

Visitors can enjoy bathing in the natural pools, which offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The site is also a popular spot for surfers due to the strong waves in the area. Additionally, there are hiking trails in the area that provide stunning views of the coastline and the surrounding hills.

Ponta da Ferraria

Farol do Arnel is a lighthouse located on the eastern side of the São Miguel Island in the Azores archipelago of Portugal. The lighthouse was built in 1876 to help ships navigate the difficult waters around the island, and it remains in operation today. The lighthouse is situated on a high cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, offering visitors stunning views of the sea and the surrounding coastline.

Farol do Arnel stands at a height of 33 meters (108 feet), and its light can be seen from a distance of up to 22 nautical miles (41 kilometers). The lighthouse is made of brick and stone, with a cylindrical tower rising from the center of a rectangular building. The tower is painted white with a red lantern room on top, and the building is also painted white with green shutters.

Today, visitors can climb to the top of the tower to enjoy the views of the coastline and the ocean. The lighthouse is open to the public during certain hours, and guided tours are available. The surrounding area is also popular for hiking and outdoor activities, with several trails leading along the cliffs and through the nearby forests.

Farol do Arnel

Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego is a scenic viewpoint located on the northeastern coast of Sao Miguel island, in the Azores archipelago of Portugal. It is a popular tourist spot, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the green hills and cliffs that line the coast.

The viewpoint is located in the town of Nordeste, which is known for its natural beauty and tranquil way of life. From the viewpoint, visitors can see the jagged coastline and crashing waves, as well as the green fields and hills that stretch out to the horizon.

The Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego is surrounded by gardens and picnic areas, making it a great spot for a relaxing day out. There is also a small chapel nearby, dedicated to Our Lady of Peace, which adds to the peaceful and spiritual atmosphere of the area.

Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego in Portugal

Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego

Miradouro de Santa Iria is a popular viewpoint located in the eastern part of São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores archipelago of Portugal. The viewpoint is located in the small village of Santa Iria, in the municipality of Ribeira Grande, and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, the cliffs, and the surrounding hills.

The viewpoint is situated on a high promontory that overlooks the rocky coastline and the sea. From here, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the ocean, the cliffs, and the islets of the coast. The view is particularly impressive during the summer when the surrounding hills are covered in a carpet of greenery. Visitors can also see the white-washed houses of the village below and the lush gardens surrounding them.

In addition to the stunning views, the area around the viewpoint is also popular for hiking and exploring. There are several trails that lead from the viewpoint down to the coast and the surrounding hills, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore the region's natural beauty up close. The trails are well-maintained and offer a range of difficulty levels, from easy to challenging.

Miradouro de Santa Iria

Cascada Salto del Cabrito is a stunning waterfall located in the Azores, a group of nine Portuguese islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Specifically, it is situated in the São Miguel Island, near the village of Faial da Terra, in the eastern part of the island.

The waterfall is part of a river that flows from the surrounding mountains and cascades down a series of rocky steps, forming multiple tiers of falls. The largest cascade is the Salto do Cabrito, which is about 25 meters high and 10 meters wide. The water that flows from the falls feeds a small stream that runs through a lush forest of endemic vegetation, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

The area surrounding the waterfall is a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and swimming. There are several walking trails in the region that lead to other nearby waterfalls, viewpoints, and natural pools. Visitors can also explore the nearby village of Faial da Terra, which is known for its traditional architecture, cobbled streets, and friendly locals.

Cascada Salto del Cabrito

The Arruda Pineapple Plantation is located in the municipality of Ponta Delgada, on the island of Sao Miguel in the Azores, Portugal. It is a popular tourist attraction where visitors can learn about the cultivation and history of pineapples in the Azores.

The pineapple was first introduced to the Azores in the 16th century, and by the 19th century, the region had become known for producing some of the finest pineapples in the world. The Arruda Pineapple Plantation, which was founded in 1876, is one of the oldest and most traditional plantations in the Azores.

Visitors to the plantation can take a guided tour that takes them through the various stages of pineapple cultivation. They can see how the plants are grown in greenhouses, and learn about the unique growing techniques used in the Azores, such as using horse manure as fertilizer. Visitors can also see how the pineapples are hand-picked and learn about the different varieties of pineapple that are grown on the plantation.

At the end of the tour, visitors have the opportunity to taste the freshly harvested pineapples and purchase them from the plantation store. The plantation also offers other pineapple-based products, such as jams and liqueurs.

Arruda Pineapple Plantation

Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro is one of the most breathtaking natural attractions on Flores Island, which is part of the Azores archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. Often nicknamed "Alagoinha", this spot is a true hidden gem that looks like it's straight out of a fantasy movie.

Waterfalls: The area is famous for its dozens of thin waterfalls that cascade down steep, lush green cliffs into a serene lagoon below. These waterfalls are especially dramatic after rainfall.
Lush Landscape: Surrounded by thick vegetation, moss-covered rocks, and vibrant greenery, the setting is peaceful and untouched—perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
Hiking Access: It's accessible via a short hike (about 10–15 minutes from the nearest parking area). The trail is easy to moderate and passes through beautiful landscapes

Best Time to Visit:
The waterfalls are most impressive during or after rainy days.
Late spring to early autumn offers lush greenery and better trail conditions.


Poco da Ribeira do Ferreiro

Algar do Carvão is a volcanic vent located on the island of Terceira, in the Azores archipelago of Portugal. The name "Algar" means a natural well or hole in the ground, while "Carvão" refers to the carbon deposits found inside the cave.

The cave was formed by a volcanic eruption around 2,000 years ago, and it is one of the few places in the world where visitors can see the inside of a volcano. The Algar do Carvão cave is approximately 100 meters deep and 15 meters wide, with a lake at the bottom of the cave that is approximately 15 meters deep. The lake is fed by rainwater, and the water is so clear that visitors can see all the way to the bottom.

Inside the cave, visitors can see the various layers of rock and lava that were formed during the volcanic eruption. There are also various stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over time due to water dripping down from the ceiling. The cave is well-lit and has a well-constructed wooden walkway, making it easy for visitors to explore the cave and take in its unique beauty.

Algar do Carvao

Vila Franca Islet is a small volcanic island located off the coast of the island of São Miguel in the Azores, Portugal. It is a nature reserve and protected landscape, managed by the Regional Government of the Azores. The islet is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors for its unique natural beauty and recreational activities.

The Vila Franca Islet is an almost circular island, about 1 km in diameter, with a diameter of its caldera that measures around 500 meters wide. It was formed by the crater of a dormant volcano, and is completely surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. Its beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life make it a popular destination for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The island's only beach is situated in the small bay formed by the caldera.

Access to the islet is limited and regulated, with a maximum number of daily visitors allowed in order to preserve its fragile ecosystem. Visitors can reach the islet by boat, and there are several tour operators that offer excursions from São Miguel. Once on the islet, visitors can take a guided tour or explore on their own. There are several hiking trails that lead to different viewpoints and parts of the island, providing panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and São Miguel Island.

Vila Franca Islet

Dominating the main square of Ribeira Grande, a charming town on the north coast of São Miguel Island, the Ribeira Grande City Hall (Paços do Concelho da Ribeira Grande) is one of the most beautiful examples of Azorean civic architecture. With its whitewashed walls, dark basalt stone trim, and graceful bell tower, it perfectly embodies the island’s traditional architectural style.

Overlooking the main square (Praça do Município) and the picturesque Ribeira Grande River, this 17th-century building is not just an administrative center—it’s a symbol of the town’s historical and cultural identity, surrounded by gardens, churches, and lively streets filled with Azorean charm.

The City Hall of Ribeira Grande was originally constructed in the 17th century, during a period when the town was becoming an important regional center for agriculture and trade. Over the centuries, it has been restored several times but retains much of its original baroque character.

The building has long been a focal point of local governance and civic pride. Its prominent location near the river and its elegant design reflect the prosperity of Ribeira Grande, which historically thrived due to its fertile volcanic lands and close ties with Ponta Delgada.

Interesting Facts
- The bell tower, with its clock and arched openings, offers a beautiful contrast between white plaster and dark volcanic stone—a hallmark of Azorean architecture.
- The building sits at the edge of a small cliff, offering panoramic views of the Ribeira Grande River and the lush green valley that gives the town its name (“Great River”).
- The stairway leading to the entrance is a popular photo spot, especially when framed by the town’s charming cobblestone streets.
- In front of the City Hall, the main square often hosts local festivals, concerts, and community events, especially during summer.
- At night, the building is illuminated beautifully, highlighting its architectural details against the backdrop of the Atlantic sky.

Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Visit during the daytime for the best views of the valley, or in the evening to enjoy the illuminated façade.
- Getting There: Ribeira Grande is about a 25-minute drive from Ponta Delgada, making it an easy day trip on São Miguel Island.
- What to Bring: Comfortable shoes to explore the old town’s cobblestone streets and a camera for panoramic shots.
- Nearby Attractions:
Church of Nossa Senhora da Estrela – Located right beside the City Hall, featuring ornate interiors and a stunning façade.
Museu da Emigração Açoriana – A museum dedicated to the Azorean diaspora.
Caldeira Velha – A nearby natural park with thermal springs and waterfalls.
Santa Bárbara Beach – A popular surfing destination just minutes away.
- Photography Tip: Capture the City Hall from across the river to frame it with the stone bridge and the mountains beyond—it’s one of the most scenic views in northern São Miguel.

Azores

Cities in Azores