SÃO MIGUEL ISLAND

São Miguel is the largest island in the Azores archipelago, being part of the Eastern Group, along with Santa Maria island, which is located 81 km away.
Ponta Delgada, the main city, is home to the 18th century “Portas da Cidade” (City Gates), the Gothic-style São Sebastião Church, and São Brás Fort. Sete Cidades Lake, one green and one blue, lie to the northwest. To the east, one can find Furnas area which has fumaroles and hot springs.
It is also in Ponta Delgada where the Azores Regional Government headquarters is located.

Bordered by a natural bay, Ponta Delgada city has a rich history and built heritage. “Portas da Cidade” is the perfect starting point to explore the city, quickly identified by its three arches.
The typical architecture stands out due to the contrast between the white of the walls and the basalt details, embellished with iron balconies.

With a walk by the sea in the Marina area we find "Portas do Mar", where besides the cruise ship dock, we can enjoy an ocean swimming pool, and an area with several bars to enjoy very pleasant moments of leisure.

But to discover the well-known "green island", one has to leave the city and encounter true nature. This mountainous island, has two volcanic massifs separated by a central mountain range of low altitude. It has its highest point in Pico da Vara at 1,105 m, which is located in the eastern massif.
There are several areas worth visiting, such as: the Furnas Valley, with its fumaroles; the exuberant Fogo Lake; the Nordeste area, rugged and craggy, but filled with lush vegetation; and many other breathtaking spots.
It is also worth mentioning the existing tea production in the Gorreana and Porto Formoso factories.