The Azores: São Miguel Island
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The Azores: São Miguel Island
Nally
São Miguel Island is the largest--in both size and population--of the Azores. The Green Island was discovered and claimed by the Portuguese in the early 15th century. Mild climate and fertile volcanic soil made the island appealing for settlers. It quickly became an export hub for in-demand sugar. A fishing industry eventually followed. Now it's tourists who are flocking to the island. They're lured by black-sand beaches, hidden hot springs, lake-filled craters, Europe's only tea plantations, quiet hiking trails, volcanic hills, and whale-watching tours. Be sure to spend some time in Ponta Delgada, the easy-to-navigate capital, as well.
This detailed guide includes:
Places: cities, neighborhoods, towns, hidden villages
Stay: hotels
Eat: coffee shops, ice cream stands, restaurants, teahouses
Drink: beach bars, rooftop bars
Do: abandoned hotels, aqueducts, bamboo groves, beaches, botanical gardens, bridges, chapels, churches, fountains, fumaroles, gardens, gates, hikes, lakes, marinas, nature preserves, public parks, roads, sculptures, squares, statues, tourist offices, viewpoints
Transportation: airports, car rentals, parking lots
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São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island
@nally
São Miguel Island is the largest--in both size and population--of the Azores. The Green Island was discovered and claimed by the Portuguese in the early 15th century. Mild climate and fertile volcanic soil made the island appealing for settlers. It quickly became an export hub for in-demand sugar. A fishing industry eventually followed. Now it's tourists who are flocking to the island. They're lured by black-sand beaches, hidden hot springs, lake-filled craters, Europe's only tea plantations, quiet hiking trails, thundering waterfalls, volcanic hills, and whale-watching tours. Be sure to spend some time in Ponta Delgada, the easy-to-navigate capital, as well.
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Relva
Relva
@nally
Most people, unless they travel by sea, first arrive in Relva when visiting Ponta Delgada. The suburb, just west of the city, is home to Ponta Delgada - João Paulo II Airport. It's just a quick bus, rental car, or taxi ride into the city from here. Or, if you're ready to get your adventure started, the coastal trails to hidden villages begin just up the road.
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Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL)
@nally
The fastest customs and immigration lines entering Europe might just be in the Azores. Ponta Delgada - João Paulo II Airport (PDL) is a small international airport that's just outside the center of the city in Relva. The airport opened in 1969 for European flights and inter-island connections. Regular flights to Lisbon quickly followed. A new terminal was added in 1995. You can now fly directly from Boston, New York, and Montreal, as well. Connections will then get you just about anywhere in Europe.
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Cockpit
@nally
The only place where you can sit down for a meal at the Ponta Delgada Airport is Cockpit. The casual spot offers salads, sandwiches, and burgers, as well as beer and wine. After ordering at the counter, you'll be given a pager that will buzz when your food is ready. Don't expect anything fancy or for all of the items on the menu to be available (sorry, cocktail lovers). But if you're lucky enough to spot an empty table, Cockpit will help you waste some time and refuel before a long flight.
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Guerin Aeroporto Ponta Delgada
@nally
For such a small airport, Ponta Delgada has a surprising number of car rental companies from which to choose. Guerin, a Portuguese company, has high reviews (not a given by any means with rental cars). Its online booking process is easy with multiple insurance options to select. Upon arrival in Ponta Delgada, the electronic check-in process is quick (someone is standing by to help with any questions). Then you head outside to a booth, where another person will bring you to your car and point you in the right direction. At the end of your trip, you return to the car to the same spot.
Recommended for their friendly staff and fast service.
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Miradouro do Caminho Novo
@nally
You can't miss the Miradouro do Caminho Novo (Caminho Novo Viewpoint), with its huge RELVA sign, as you drive along the southwest coast of São Miguel. This easy pull-off spot has bathrooms and picnic tables. The view extend over tile-roofed houses, small farms, coastal cliffs, and the vast ocean. Sunset is the best time to stop.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nally
Big destinations. Little details.
I travel—a lot. I’m always taking notes, organizing quick getaways, plotting big holidays, and dreaming. I’ve been to six continents (I’ll get to Antarctica eventually), nearly 40 countries, and too many cities and islands to count.
Tons of planning, way more than is actually necessary, goes into each adventure. Your trips can benefit from my little addiction.
No two people are exactly alike. No two vacations should be the same either. These guides are designed to help you follow your passions, satisfy your cravings, and spark new whims. Think of them as starting points as you create your own exciting itineraries.
What's included
Digital Map
Fully interactive, digital map for finding places nearby
65 places
65 hand-picked places with notes from the creator
1 link
1 link from the creator to go even deeper with more info
DESTINATION(S) COVERED
São Miguel, Azores, Portugal
Ponta Delgada, Portugal
Europe
Portugal
Azores, Portugal
Sete Cidades, Azores, Portugal
Furnas, Azores, Portugal
FOCUSES AND THEMES
Adventure
Architecture
Boutique
Foodie
Luxury
Outdoors
People & Culture
Relaxation
Road Trip
Coffee
Faith
History
Format
Guide
Guides typically include detailed information and how-to’s about a destination as well as suggested places to try.
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