Nicknamed ‘the Green Island’, São Miguel in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores enjoys a wonderfully temperate climate and a glorious mid-Atlantic location. This volcanic land is surrounded by rugged coastline and turquoise waters, providing you with a vast range of exciting ways to spend your visit.
19th January 2019 | 62 Nights
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines: Balmoral
Dolphins, São Miguel, Azores
Caldeira Velha, São Miguel, Azores
Chapel of Mae de Deus, Ponta Delgada, Azores
Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Azores
Mountain trail, Azores
Ponta Delgada, Azores
One of São Miguel’s most enduring attractions has got to be the Lagoa das Sete Cidades, a staggeringly beautiful pair of lakes set in a dormant volcanic crater. These twin bodies of water are connected by a strait with a bridge above, offering breath-taking views which will definitely be something to write home about. Around 15 minutes’ drive to the west of the lakes is Ponta da Ferraria, another perennial favourite with tourists and locals alike. This natural phenomenon is an organic swimming pool heated by two springs of volcanic thermal water; these are said to have therapeutic benefits. Be careful before you take a dip, though, as it does get rather hot at certain times of the day!
Whale watching is simply a must when you visit São Miguel, and is sure to be an Azorean experience you’ll never forget. On half- or full-day tours, you will learn all about these colossal creatures, as well as the other marine life to be found close to the island including dolphins, turtles and seabirds. You’ll then head out on a boat or catamaran to spot them for yourselves – there are no guarantees, of course, given the unpredictability of nature!
São Miguel’s bustling capital, Ponta Delgada, boasts plenty of fascinating attractions. Take a look at some of its fine churches, including the sixteenth century Igreja de São Sebastião, famous for its exquisite architecture, ornate décor and imposing tower. Elsewhere, the António Borges Park is a verdant and welcoming botanical garden, creating an oasis of calm in this lively municipality. Of course, a trip to São Miguel wouldn’t be complete without trying out some mouth-watering Azorean delicacies. You’ll find a host of restaurants specialising in tasty petiscos, or tapas, dotted around the charming streets of Ponta Delgada.
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