São Miguel road trip: Ponta Delgada to Furnas, 7 stops
The route around the island of São Miguel in the Azores covers the main attractions: the city of Ponta Delgada, the volcanic valley of Furnaça, Lake do Fogo, the historic tea factory of Chá Gorreana, the Terra Nostra thermal complex and the chapel of Capelo do Spirito Santo. The length of the route is 57.5 km, the travel time is about an hour and a half.
- Distance
- 57.5 km
- Mode
- route
- Start
- Ponta Delgada — Main City of Azores
- End
- Terra Nostra Park — Thermal Springs Complex
- Stops
- 6
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Ponta Delgada — Main City of Azores — Capital and largest city of the Azores archipelago with population over 50,000; main entry point for visitors.
- Lago do Fogo — Fire Lake — Highest and one of the largest lakes on São Miguel island, surrounded by highland terrain reminiscent of Scandinavian landscapes.
- Chá Gorreana — Historic Tea Factory — Operating tea plantation and factory since 1883; one of two remaining tea factories on the Azores with specialists from former Portuguese colony Macau.
- Furnas — Volcanic Valley Village — Small village in a picturesque valley within a dormant volcanic crater on southeastern São Miguel; center of geothermal activity.
- Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias — Neo-Gothic chapel built in late 19th century as a family crypt; notable architectural landmark.
- Terra Nostra Park — Thermal Springs Complex — Popular geothermal park in Furnas village featuring hot and cold mineral spring pools blended together.
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Fly via Lisbon or Porto – it's cheaper. Kraków Port will cost less than €300 in both directions
- Transport
- Rent a car on the island – an average of 15€/day. Essential for sightseeing
- Save money
- Most of the archipelago's parks have free admission. The exception is the Terra Nostra Park with thermal springs
- Food
- Visit the local market of Ponta Delgada for cheap fish, shrimp, octopus and local vegetables with fruit
- Tip
- For whale watching in spring and summer, the likelihood of encountering is higher. In autumn and winter, it is extremely low
- Tip
- The Botanical Garden in Ponta Delgada has free entry, volcanic caves and exotic plants
- Tip
- Set aside at least half a day for a hiking route through the island's volcanoes - trails connect viewpoints
- Timing
- In winter, the temperature rarely drops below 15°C, in summer it is not hot. The climate is humid and suitable for plants
- Tip
- In the vicinity of Ponta Delgada, there are pineapple plantations, where you can walk for free
- Avoid
- The old town of Ponta Delgada has narrow streets – parking is difficult. It is better to move on foot