To the west of the island, Ponta Delgada, seat of the regional government, the main town and port has preserved its historical beauty. It is a delight to explore the narrow cobbled streets bordered by very well preserved period houses. Within this municipality are the Sete Cidades, an extinct volcano crater of 40 sq. km, within which are two magnificent lakes, one deep blue colour and the other emerald green.
To the north of the island lies the agricultural town of Ribeira Grande, surrounded by fertile lands yielding crops which include potatoes, tobacco, sugar beet, passion fruit and tea (the only place in Europe where it is grown). Here, too, is the dramatic lake of fire “Lagoa do Fogo” and delightful beaches nestling under high cliffs.
The north-east coast is a very special and relatively undiscovered region with spectacular high cliffs plunging from high, flower covered plateaux, fields and wooded mountains into the sea. This is the home of the rare Azorean Bullfinch.
The municipality of Povoacao is in the south-east. Here are the most beautiful gardens in the Azores. The spa town of Furnas, one of the largest thermal water sources in the world, with its beautiful two kilometre square azalea bordered lake, is home to a 30 acre botanical garden of great international importance. Everywhere, from April to early summer, hedgerows of azaleas and hydrangeas abound.
To the south of Sao Miguel, the municipalities of Vila Franca do Campo (the town was the island’s first capital) and Lagoa are mountainous, agricultural and farming areas with black cliffs disappearing into the ocean. Here pineapples, bananas, oranges and vines are cultivated.
There's so much to do during your stay on Sao Miguel, choose from whale & dolphin watching, diving, deep sea game fishing, walking and much more.
Festivals on Sao Miguel
- Circo de Natal
International Circus including the award winning Bucharest Circus Ballet. 28-29 December 2008
- New Year’s Eve Ball
Traditional celebration held at the City Gates - Colisuem Michaelense’s dance floor with live music. Ball gown and Tuxedo’s are compulsory. 31 December 2008
- New Year’s Concert
The ‘Strauss Symphony Orchestra’ accompanied by waltz ball choir and 80 musicians on stage. 10 January 2009
- Singing to the Stars (Ribeira Grande)
A parade of bands from all over who come and sing to the stars
1 February 2009
- Grand Carnival Balls
Located at the Coliseum Michaelense - largest event of its type dating back to 1920’s with a formal ball, adult’s fancy dress ball and a children’s ball. 1-4 February 2009
- Festas Senhor doe Enfermos (Furnas)
The streets are covered with Azaleas and other seasonal flowers for the procession. First Sunday after Easter 2009.
- Festas Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres (Ponta Delgada)
This religious festival includes many cultural events and celebrations. Held the fifth Sunday after Easter 2009.
- Cavalhadas de S.Pedro (ribeira Grande)
Local residents dress up in period costume and parade through the village streets. 28 June 2009.
