10 Outdoor Sites in São Miguel to Embrace after the Pandemic
After so much time at home, there's nothing better than going out with the family and recovering energy with the fresh air and nature. Certainly, there is no better place to reconnect with nature than the Azores archipelago.
And as the hardest part is always choosing where to start, we present several places and outdoor activities that you can do on the largest island in the archipelago: São Miguel.
LOSE YOUR COURSE IN THE COLORS OF LAGOA DAS SETE CIDADES
Who hasn't missed the green and blue of the ex-libris of São Miguel Island?
This Traditional Pepper called "Pimenta da Terra" Sete Cidades Lagoon (1) it is the ideal place to celebrate the end of this period of isolation. You can choose to admire its beauty through the Vista do Rei viewpoint or, to feel closer, go canoeing in its calm waters, surrounded by the escarpments of the most famous crater of São Miguel. There's no better way to get back abroad than paddling one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal.
HAVE A PICNIC IN PINHAL DA PAZ
After so many meals inside four walls, what better way than sharing a picnic with the family in an outdoor setting? What if even the very name of this place conveys peace?
This Traditional Pepper called "Pimenta da Terra" Pinhal da Paz Forest Reserve (2), in Fajã de Cima, is a large forest, where there will be plenty of activities to do. The forest includes a space with animals, a children's playground and a great diversity of plants that make green the predominant color. The most special part of this reserve is that it really lives up to its name!
RELAX IN THE WATERS OF TERRA NOSTRA PARK
Whoever talks about relaxing, talks about Terra Nostra Park (3).
The Park's tank is powered by thermal water at a temperature of 35 degrees, enough to drive away all the negative energies that may have accumulated during this period! After a bath, it is mandatory to be dazzled by the botanical heritage of this park. There are several plants, flowers and trees that, because of their beauty, make us feel in paradise. Here you can find, for example, one of the most remarkable camellia collections in the world.
APPRECIATE THE COAST AT THE PONTA DO SOSSEGO VIEWPOINT
For those looking for peace after troubled days like those that have passed, the Ponta do Sossego (4) is the answer!
As its name indicates, in this viewpoint, the peace and quiet felt are capable of astonishing anyone. Take the opportunity to relax in the midst of so much beauty, observe the Atlantic and stroll through the wonderful and colorful garden of this viewpoint. No wonder they say that the municipality of Nordeste is the most flowery in Europe!
BE AWESOME WITH THE RIBEIRA DOS CALDEIRÕES WATERFALL
He missed the magnificent waterfall of the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park (5), in the Northeast?
The truth is that this park offers a little of everything, making it the perfect place to have fun with the family, have a barbecue, visit the old watermills or just contemplate nature in its maximum splendor.
NAIL JUMP: EFFORT PAYS
The routine of physical activity during the time of isolation can now be replaced by the magnificent trails that São Miguel offers. And this is a totally worthwhile replacement!
Through the Sanguinho trail, one of the best known trails on the island, in Faial da Terra, you reach the waterfall of Nail Jump, a stunning waterfall where you can bathe. If you don't choose to cool off in the waterfall's water, just sitting down to admire its beauty is enough to make up for the walk made to the place.
SMELL THE FURNAS SULFUR AGAIN
back to Furnas village and its incredible fumaroles is to feel the force of nature right in front of our eyes. From the famous Bolo Lêvedo to the corncob, all these delicacies can be accompanied by a pleasant stroll through the town centre. Furnas offer unique experiences that involve our 5 senses, mainly our smell.
WALKING ON THE MARGINS OF LAGOA DAS FURNAS
At the Furnas Lagoon (6) don't just stop by the boilers, take the opportunity to remember the beauty of the lake itself.
A walk around it is the perfect experience for those who missed the greenery and nature that surround the lagoon. Take the opportunity to appreciate everything, from the wooden sculptures to the beautiful Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias. Don't forget to take lots of photos with your family in this dream pond!
DIVING AT FOGO BEACH
Praia do Fogo, or Ribeira Quente beach, is the place for the first salty dive after quarantine. The green of the mountains and the black sand, so characteristic of our beaches, make diving even more desirable. On this beach, everything is pleasant, including the temperature of the sea water, due to the existence of underwater hydrothermal springs.
SEE THE SUNSET FROM THE CASTELO BRANCO VIEWPOINT
go up to Castelo Branco viewpoint, in Vila Franca do Campo, and watching the sunset is the perfect end to the day that will make you recover all the necessary energy. From this point you can see Lagoa das Furnas, Vale das Furnas, Vila Franca do Campo and its islet. A breathtaking view, without a doubt.
You will feel like you are the owner of the world, or at least the owner of the island!
Therefore, the Azores are still here to welcome you, always with the beauty and charm that characterize this archipelago. In any of these places on the island of São Miguel, feel free, take a deep breath and remember that everything is fine!
