Sao Miguel Azores - Information about the IslandSao Miguel Azores, also known as San Miguel is the largest and most populous of the Azores Islands. It has a certain old world charm thanks to its quaint villages with cobblestone streets. The island is 80 km long and 16 km wide and every where you go the ocean is right there. It has many great spots to enjoy. Every time I go I tour the Island with my eyes wide open and gain a new perspective.
I want to share some of the landmarks, towns, and lookouts that make this Acorean Island such an enchanting place to visit. I'll start with the capital of San Miguel, Ponta Delgada Ponta Delgada Azores
Ponta Delgada is the main city of the Acores. The city has a rich heritage with a town charter dating back to 1499. The Azores were a hub of activity for transatlantic travel and trade. Ponta Delgada became San Miguel's main port and there are many reminders in the city of its early roots. The city has evolved over the past 500 years and has the amenities that you would look for in any city of its size (about 100,000 residents). Even though there are modern comforts the architecture harkens back to the old days including the cobblestone roads! There is so much to see and do in Ponta Delgada. If you vacation in Sao Miguel, I recommend spending a day and evening walking through the city, visiting its shops and cafes, taking in the gardens, exploring the boardwalk, and enjoying the overall atmosphere. I have made a point of spending a day there every time I have been to the Island Once you have soaked up the capital city there is much more to do on the island. A must visit spot on the Island is Sete Cidades. More pictures and information on Ponta Delgada Sete Cidades (Seven Cities) - a must see in Sao Miguel AzoresThis might just be the most photographed spot in all of the Azores Islands. Long before I first visited the island I was familiar with "Seven Cities" because there was a beautiful picture of it at my grandparents house. The picture showed a view from up high of two lakes, one green and one blue, down in a crater. The picture showed a small village near the two lakes and an abundance of hydrangeas in the foreground. About 20 years ago I saw Sete Cidades with my own eyes and it was even more beautiful in person. This is essentially a crater of a volcano that is filled with two lakes, wooded areas, flowers, a small village, and farmers fields. I recall driving with my parents around the crater of Seven Cities. On one side of the car I looked down over farmers fields and rows of hydrangeas to see the ocean. On the other side of the car I looked down over the green and blue lakes anticipating driving down into the crater. A crater that was formed by volcanic eruption no less! Here is one view of Sete Cidades (not the famous one mind you)
There are several small restaurants in the village that make a great place to stop for lunch while exploring the area. Would you like to receive regular updates on the "Magical-Azores-Islands"? Click here to subscribe to our news about the Azores. Other spots of interest on Sao Miguel AzoresFurnas, one of the best spots to see Hot Springs These are just a few samples of the many places to see in Sao Miguel Azores. Maybe you'd like to see some beaches? Try visiting San Miguel Beaches San Miguel Azores InformationSao Miguel Azores Directory - a listing of businesses of interest to tourists visiting the Azores Sao Miguel Azores Weather - Find the current weather in Sao Miguel Sao Miguel Azores Map Return to Magical Azores Islands home.
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