In this Blog you will discover the Island of San Miguel, Azores, Portugal.
Many people are unaware of this destination, which is considered the hidden gem of Portugal. I like to refer to it as the 'Small Costa Rica' due to its clean air, untamed ocean, and abundant nature found across the 9 islands that make up the Azores archipelago, a part of Portugal. Located in the Atlantic Ocean, it remains completely natural with sparse population. A European paradise. My friend and I spent 12 days exploring 3 islands - Sao Miguel, Terceira Island, and Pico Island.
What can we do and see in Sao Miguel Island?
It is advisable to choose the most suitable time to visit the Azores. In my view, the optimal period falls between May and September / October, before the onset of rainy weather. Keep in mind that during mid-August, the climate is excellent, albeit occasionally unpredictable, featuring gentle cool breezes in the morning and evening, sporadic rain showers in the mornings, and pleasant temperatures. This creates the ideal setting for engaging in activities like hiking, swimming, or relaxing by the natural ocean pools. Additionally, remember to pack a waterproof jacket and bag, as they will come in handy for boat trips as well.
The weather in the Azores can vary greatly throughout the year, offering a mix of rainy, humid, sunny, foggy, and windy conditions, without being excessively cold or hot, making it quite the drama queen :)
Reserve your flight ticket and plan your activities at unique places, where you can experience excellent service and scenery. I flew directly from London to Ponta Delgada (Sao Miguel) with Rayan Airlines. In under 4 hours, you'll find yourself in Paradise!
The entire island is encircled by lava formations, so don't anticipate encountering any beaches. You may come across a beach with black or grey sand in certain secluded spots, but for the most part, rocky cliffs dominate the landscape..
When planning a trip to the Azores Islands, it's important to arrange car rental in advance as public transportation options are extremely limited. Taxis are costly, and the few available bus routes are not convenient for exploring the island. You can rent a car from the airport rental services or book online for your convenience.
The island is compact, so you can reach any point of interest within an hour at most. We took a drive to the volcanoes and lakes of Sete Cidades, a must-visit spot in Sao Miguel, and then proceeded to Lagoa de Canario to enjoy the view of this initial lake. Following this, we followed a narrow path to Miradouro da Boca Do Inferno, just a 10-minute walk away. This brief stroll passes through the forest, where I was amazed by the abundant vegetation.
The Sete Cidades Caldera, one of Portugal's 7 natural wonders, can be viewed from the Mirador. It features the stunning Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul. This caldera is among the most breathtaking landscapes I have ever witnessed, existing for over 20,000 years!
Descending from the viewpoints above to the village of Sete Cidades, you will encounter the Azores' most renowned road adorned with hydrangeas. These flowers, in shades of blue, violet, or white, line the roads across all the Azorean islands, providing a breathtaking and exclusive spectacle that should not be overlooked.
The typical cost of a one-week trip is approximately 1200 euros per person, varying based on the level of accommodation chosen. Upon our arrival in a nearby town, we stayed at a charming yellow villa with picturesque views of the mountains and the sea. The well-maintained garden added to the property's appeal. The rooms were inviting, and the staff was exceptionally friendly.
They provided us with the choice to order takeaway food after 9pm, since we had nowhere to go in the area and were already exhausted from the excitement of traveling and a day spent driving. It proved to be the ideal solution. The country house is named Villa Várzea - I suggest staying in the Garden Suite and the Charming Suite, as they are very comfortable and equipped with numerous amenities for your enjoyment.
Engaging in yoga and being greeted by the birds' song upon waking up felt like a full rejuvenation of the senses, a sense of freshness, and an embrace of a new day.
The following day, we explored the must-see attraction in Sao Miguel, which is the Terra Nostra Park located in Furnas Valley. This garden holds a history of over 200 years, offering a rich heritage, natural thermal baths, beautiful camellia flower gardens, charming zoomorphic sculptures, and a diverse plant collection that is not only visually stunning but also emits a delightful natural earthy fragrance. This location truly brings a sense of wonder and delight.
If you want to learn more about this amazing park, please visit https://www.parqueterranostra.com/.
If you enjoy watching sunsets and sunrises like I do, you will be delighted by the stunning coastal views and sparkling ocean stretching as far as the eye can see.
Our time in Sao Miguel over the past few days has been one of the most rewarding and extraordinary experiences we have ever had in Europe.
Yorumlar