Wandering around São Miguel island ( Azores archipelago)
After more than a year without any adventures outside my home country (you know , COVID pandemic times) , me and my husband choose the “The Green Island” (Ilha Verde) of Azores for our first trip abroad.
I present to you, the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in the middle of the Atlantic ocean. As you can see from all my tiny flags, there are plenty of options of what to do in a week.
Let me start with the COVID rules for entering Azores at this time (June 2021). You first need to fill up this online Questionnaire and for that you need a 72hrs negative PCR test. You can fill it up on the flight of course , but then you wouldn’t be able just to show the QR code and walk past all the check points once you get there. A bonus for us was that we got a nice surprise of 35 euros to spend at restaurants/cafes/ tourist venues per person. So all wins!
The second important current Covid rule is that if you stay for one week or 2 weeks on the 6 day or 13 day you will need another PCR test. Good news , it is on them this time around so free for you. And probably you will need it when you go back home. If you are like me and like to know things in advanced you can call them (+351 296 470 500 Ribeira Grande, +351 296 249 250 Ponta Delgada) or email them (sres-drsg@azores.gov.pt, sres-dspd@azores.gov.pt). Or wait for them to call you closer to the day you have to do the test. In maximum 24hrs you will have the result.
Now , with that out of the way let’s discuss what you can actually do there.
First thing , set up base camp in a center point of the island because it is not such a big island so I don’t think it is worth the hassle to change locations . We picked Ribeira Grande ( Casa do Pico Arde you can also find it on booking) , it is a maximum 30 min drive from the airport. They do have awesome infrastructure. And it is incredibly close to the best (from my opinion) paradise with hot springs on the island Caldeira Velha.
Second thing rent a car from the airport (you can of course book it in advance) because you need one to explore the island on your own schedule. Good news is that you have to pay for parking only in Ponta Delgada. Some spots require you to have euro coins others can work with card so bring some coins with you in the trip. Also , the streets in the cities are kind of narrow so keep that in mind when you rent a car.
As far as adventure time goes , you could:
- Swim with the dolphins in their natural environment . We picked Futurismo Azores Adventures from Ponta Delgada . Amazing experience and the staff was incredibly nice and supportive ( I panicked the first time I went in to the ocean in the wet suit and snorkeling equipment but the second time I was more confident and got to see and hear the majestic dolphins in the big blue ocean). We did this in and out of the water a couple of times.
- Whale watching tour . We picked Whale Watching & Islet Boat Tour with TerraAzul from Vila Franca do Campo. I loved the part that the tour was done in a very respectful way for the animals as not to bother them (we were so fortunate to see a baby whale and we stayed far from it as not to scare it and just admire it from a distance). They have 2 lookouts that guide the crew to locations were you have good odds to see these wonderful animals in their natural habitat. Not an aquarium so no guarantees of what you get to see but pretty good odds and you get a lot of extra information along the way.
- Hikes , hikes and did I mention hikes! Here you can find all the information you need . Easy , medium , hard pick your poison.
- Lagoa das Furnas Hotspring . You get to see the caldera
- Caldeirões Natural Park
For glorious relaxation :
- Caldeira Velha in the middle of the jungle 3 hot spring with around 37 degrees Celsius and one at 24 with a waterfall. Sounds like a slice of heaven? It sure is! The cost of admission 8 euros . They open at 09:30 but if you are a morning person get there before the opening hours and you will already find a line but you will good odds to enter with the first group. If not , wait 2 hours for the next group to enter. I honestly , did not mind to wait for people to come out of the thermal pools to enter because it was not so crowded inside and you could really relax, unwind and enjoy! Free parking near , if you are coming from Ribeira Grande you will see the parking sign before reaching the entrance and go up the stairs.
- In Furnas you have two options . Parque Terra Nostra opening hours 10:30 am and the price of admission 8 euros for both swimming and walking around the incredible botanical garden (follow the path and be amazed by nature). For the jacuzzi part you will have to queue for 15 min.
- The second one in Furnas is Poça da Dona Beija it is open until late at night. 5 pools waiting for you. The time limit is 1h:30 min and the price of admission is 6 euros.
- Ponta da Ferraria natural thermal pool along the ocean . So take a dip in the Atlantic ocean and not get to cold while doing it. Bonus free to enter, parking , changing rooms and toilets.
One of a kind in Europe :
- Pineapple plantation free tour of how the pineapple is made and after you can buy some pineapple juice (extremely good, I already miss it) and even pineapple ( it tastes way better than I expected)
- Tea plantation , get the opportunity to walk around the factory and fields of future tea.
And do your self a favor and stop at all the Miradouro ( view point) signs you will see along the way!
Some of my favorites :
Lagoa do Fogo (also a trail starts here)
I did not provide lots of pictures because it will take away some of the WOW factor when you get there and see it with your own eyes for the first time. This island really offers breathtaking views!
Hope I sparked your interest to give this little island in the middle of the Atlantic ocean a chance. The locals are very nice and speak good English so no problem there.
