City break in Sao Miguel Island. Active leisure ideas for Sao Miguel Island - attractions, recreation and nightlife

There are several quite interesting natural objects on the territory of Sao Miguel. For example, you can swim in the incredibly hot ocean on the volcanic thermal beach Plata da Ferraria at any time of the year. There is a small swimming pool heated by hot springs. At low tide, the ocean water is mixed with the boiling water of the spring, and the temperature is maintained throughout the lagoon at 35-40 degrees. It is incredibly interesting to swim in such a place in the middle of winter at sunset. Besides, there are usually no waves in the bay.

If you are tired of swimming in salt water, you can take a bath in the lake Lagoa das Sete Cidades near the settlement Sete Sidades. The lake is well-known because it consists of two reservoirs, where the colour of the water is different. The legend says that Lagoa das Sete Cidades was formed from the tears of two separated lovers. The difference in the colour of the water is explained by the difference in the colour of the eyes of boys and girls. Anyway, here you can not only swim during a hot day but also admire amazing nature. Flowering hydrangea, relict forests, the moss-covered old aqueduct in the distance and grazing horses and cows in nearby meadows.

Do you want to climb the mountain? Then you should climb Pico da Vara. It is the highest mountain of volcanic origin on the island, the top of which is 1103 meters above the sea level. It provides a magnificent view of Sao Miguel and the surrounding Islands. You can walk up from the foot of the mountain, and you can do half the way by car. After passing the geothermal station, you should stop at the beginning of the trail Salto do Cabrito, which leads to the top of the Pico da Vara after half a kilometre. It is worth visiting the old crater of the lake Lagoa do Fogo, located at an altitude of 947 meters. There are hot springs in its North-Western part. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Do not miss the chance to visit the plateau of Caldeira Velha geysers, where everything is literally covered with steam, the air is filled with the aroma of sulfur. Boiling water constantly splashes into the air from the ground. It is an unforgettable phenomenal. there is a waterfall with very warm water, just above the trail from the plateau, where you can swim at any time of the day or night. Do you want to escape from the volcanoes and go to a more peaceful place? Then go to the pineapple plantations Arruda Pineapple Plantation or Quinta das Tres Cruzes, where you can learn a lot of facts about pineapple growing and taste this exotic fruit. If you are interested in water entertainments, you will definitely enjoy diving, surfing and snorkelling in the waters of the island.

Do you like underground depths? Then you should explore lava caves, which total length on the island reaches 27 kilometres, most of them are accessible for tourists. One of the largest and the most beautiful grottoes is Gruta do Carvao. It is located right under the capital of Sao Miguel. Entrance to the cave is located on the street Rua do Paim. Do you want to feel the spirit of adventure? Then go on any of the many hiking trails. One of the easiest is the circular path near the Povoacao settlement, which length is 5 kilometres. Jungle, streams, Salto do Prego waterfall – everything you need to explore the nature of the island. In Parque Terra Nostra natural park you can not only enjoy the scenery but also swim in the healing water. Poca Da Dona Beija is also famous for its healing water.

Do you want to enjoy Sao Miguel nightlife? There is philharmonic, cinema, and music halls in Ponto Delgada which regularly host concerts of various artists. Many local exhibitions do not close after 9-10 PM. Here are concentrated almost all the nightclubs of the island. In addition, most of the restaurants and bars have performances by local musicians and actors several times a week. In high season, many tourists can be found on such beaches as Praia do Areal de Santa Bárbara, famous for its waves and volcanic Fogo. The calm Aqua d'alto and the remote Praia do Pópulo are almost always empty. You should definitely visit the beaches located on Ilheu da Vila Franca island, located near Sao Miguel. You can relax by signing up for a SPA program at any of the hotels or local SPA centres.