Places to Go in Saint Michael, Azores

My parents were born and raised in Saint Michael - the Azores largest island. Sao Miguel, as the Portuguese call it, boasts a multitude of natural wonders from hot springs to calderas. Going there is like journeying to the past - people aren't in a hurry, culture thrives and horse and carriage is a common mode of transportation. Having most of my relatives still there, I find myself in Saint Michael every few

years. Through these trips, I have garnered some intel on where to go...

- Furnas - This town, located in the Povaoçao region of the island, is known for its caldera volcanoes. You'll know you're close when you can smell the sulfur in the air. These calderas are even used to cook food - form poultry to vegetables. You can spend a whole day here - touring the several active volcanoes, soaking your feet in the iron-rich waters from the hot springs and picnicking on the grounds of the Lagao das Furnas (Furnas Lagoon).

One of the Several Caldera in Furnas

- Ponta Delgada - The Azorean capital, Ponta Delgada, is the most urban and metropolitan area in the archipelago. Right on the coast is the three archways landmark called As Portas da Cidade (The Doors of the City). Here is the city square where stores and restaurants abound. Ponta Delgada is home to the famous Portuguese icon of Santo Cristo dos Milagres ("Holy Christ of the Miracles"). The sixteenth century bust is housed in a chamber on exhibit at the monastery of Our Lady of Hope ("Monasteria da Nossa Senhora de Esperança"). This miraculous statue is lovingly cared for by the monastery's nuns. The people's devotion to Santo Cristo is stirring and inspiring. 

Santo Cristo dos Milagres

-Also a must-see in Ponta Delgada are the old buildings strewn about the city including the nearly five hundred year-old St. Sebastian's Church ("Igreja do S. Sebastião"), St. Peter's Church ("Igreja do S. Pedro") and St. Joseph's Church ("Igreja do S. José").

Igreja do S. José 

Igreja do S. José - Main Altar

- Sete Cidades - The "Seven Cities" is known for its two lakes of water separated only by a corridor-like isthmus of water. Despite being one entity, one body appears blue while the other appears green. A summit caldera lies underneath this natural wonder. The town is very quaint, quiet and old world.

Lagoa das Sete Cidades

- Caldeira Velha - The "Old Caldera" is a natural hot spring where many go to take relaxing and mineral-rich swims. Its beautiful waterfall enhances the restful ambiance. The pool is around
75-80º F. 

Caldeira Velha

- Lagoa de Fogo - The Lagoon of Fire is a short distance from Caldeira Velha. The "lagoon" is actually a crater lake with a caldera that is partially submerged under it. Lagoa de Fogo is located in the central of the island and makes for a beautiful sight when spotted atop the surrounding mountains.

Lagoa de Fogo