Top Things to do in Sao Miguel
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10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Sao Miguel That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Sao Miguel, Portugal including Azorean Active Blueberry, Priolo Environmental Center, Observatorio Vulcanologico e Geotermico dos Acores, Santana Astronomical Observatory, Plantacao de Ananas dos Acores, Poca Da Dona Beija, Museu Casa do Arcano, Museu Carlos Machado, Igreja Matriz de Sao Sebastiao, Igreja de Sao Jose.
Restaurants in Sao Miguel
1. Azorean Active Blueberry
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 810 reviews
After a decade of experience in adventure tourism, Azorean Active Blueberry was created to bring another level of service for outdoor sports travellers. Our mission is to share with quality the Azores background and provide the perfect balance between fun and safety. Join us and feel the elements...with Canyoning, Coasteering and Climbing!
2. Priolo Environmental Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
The Interpretation Centre of Priolo was developed by SPEA in partnership with SRAM (Regional Secretariat of Environment and Sea) and DRRF (Regional Direction of Forestry Resources) during LIFE Priolo Project. Its mission is to raise awareness for the "Priolo" and its habitat, the Laurel Forest. "Priolo" is one of most threatened birds in Europe, existing only in the east part of the Island of São Miguel, where several actions to preserve and guarantee its survival have been carried, since 2003. Objectives: 1. Reception and information center for all visitors to the SPA ZPE Pico da Vara/Ribeira do Guilherme. 2. Create an activity program, aimed to the local population, that can contribute to improve their knowledge and awareness about native species in the Açores. 3. Offer an interesting educational program for schools all over the Azores. 4. Encourage sustaintable development in the region by selling local handcraft and alimentar products, and by developing Eco-tourism. 5. Develop a group of partners and volunteers, that can contribute to the conservation of the Priolo and its habitat. 6. Develop a structure to encourage research on the SPA Pico da Vara/Ribeira do Guilherme. The centre has many activities for the visitors all year round. Visitors will have access to an interactive exhibition that will help to have a better understanding of the flora, fauna and conservation actions present in the SPA Pico da Vara /Ribeira do Guilherme. The center also has a specially designed children area in which they can do activities related to Priolo and Azorean Laurel Forest.
3. Observatorio Vulcanologico e Geotermico dos Acores
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 41 reviews
Come and visit the Observatorio Vulcanologico e Geotermico dos Acores (OVGA, a place were you can understand the geology of Azores. We have different exhibits that are related to rocks, minerals and fossil. We have rare and unique exemplars!
Reviewed By madmarionuk
This modest looking building houses an excellent centre of information about the forces that created the Azores over millenia, presented in a very detailed way by an expert guide through organised tours taking one hour. Covering inter-related subjects such as volcanic activity, minerals and geology of the islands this was an excellent introduction for the first-time visitor to the Azores. There is also a modest library with books and other educational materials for both adults and children whilst waiting for the tour to begin. Great value for money and highly recommended to visit before exploring all the natural delights that San Miguel has to offer.
4. Santana Astronomical Observatory
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
The Observatório Astronómico de Santana (Santana's Astronomical Observatory) is a Science Center in the Azores, part of the Azores' Region Science Center Network, that has science and educational outreach as its main goal, always focusing in the themes of astronomy and space exploration. Our activities are focused on the schools' science educational programs, providing adequate learning bases to all students. We too work for the community, giving our region the access to astronomical material and continued formation to all ages and social backgrounds. More than being a science center, our work is supported on outreach activities, bringing astronomy to people, whoever and wherever they are.
5. Plantacao de Ananas dos Acores
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 50 reviews
Immerse yourself in the magical journey of the azorean pineapple. Free tours, pineapple for sale, fresh pineapple juice, cocktails, ice cream and a lot more! Visit us!
Reviewed By I820ZEannag
The tour through the plantation is well organized and the staff is very friendly. Rodrigo was super kind and gave a lot of extra information. Try the chocolate fondue - so good!
6. Poca Da Dona Beija
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,139 reviews
Poça da Dona Beija's ferruginous muds are indicated for cutaneous invigoration, and it's hot waters are therapeutic. All the pools have running water which ensures it's constant renewal. We receive tourists from all over the world looking for some time of relaxation and well-being. You can visit us anytime of the year. Our hot waters are revitalizing both in the Summer and Winter!
Reviewed By 693kerrys - Hampshire, United Kingdom
Pay at entrance, scan barcode to go through Barrier, go to shop- pay for locker with waterproof electric key and leave 20 euro deposit. Explored the five pools- with various waterfalls and overflows dropping into the red river- all slightly different and all 39oC Favourite spot was in the mystic pool where you could lay flat on the smooth black stone and have the hot water flow gently under you dropping into the river. Entrance into the river itself was shut when I visited. Great place to relieve aching muscles from hiking. Accommodation had given us dark towels for using at the spas- Worth having to ensure you don’t wreck white towels! Tip: if you do not pay for the shower in the changing rooms afterwards it is very cold, you have to go to the shop after you have finished in the spa to pay for it, and they wouldn't let us pay before so ended up having the cold shower as couldn’t be bothered to go back as it was late - in hindsight a hot shower would have been a nicer end to the visit! You need to keep hold of your ticket to leave through the barriers
7. Museu Casa do Arcano
8. Museu Carlos Machado
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By Candonjan - St. Catharines, Canada
Although the Museu itself is housed in the ancient convent of Santo Andre, for just a bit more you get access to three separate museums located near each other in one of oldest parts of the city, an outstanding bargain. For some reason these magnificent museums are largely missing from guidebooks and tourist recommendations. Our first stop was the convent (where we purchased admission to all three sites), which provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of cloistered nuns on this already remote island. The convent itself has been beautifully restored and dates back to the 16th c. (It also houses a rather odd – and old -- collection of stuffed animals and dried insects.) Second stop was the museum housing the work of Sao Miguel's greatest contemporary artist, Ernesto Canto da Maya. While you might find the display itself a bit underwhelming, if you’re lucky you’ll meet gallery docent Daniel Fernandez, who took the time to give us insight into the life and work of this sculptor and the intellectual and cultural community he helped found in mid-20th c Porta Delgada. He also insisted we not miss the Museum of Sacred Art nearby, which, given the rather dry title, we might have otherwise overlooked. But because of Daniel's enthusiasm, we made a point of visiting the next day, and that was one of the high points of our entire stay. While there is indeed a small display of sacred art, we were totally unprepared for the spectacular Igreja do Colegio where the collection is housed and its magnificent carved altar, truly one of the most awe-inspiring works of art I've ever seen. Here museum director Pedro generously explained the church and its Jesuit origins as well as help us put this masterpiece into its historical and cultural context. The name of Grinling Gibbons, the great carver that oversaw the friezes in St Paul's, is world famous, but you will leave marveling at the work of the nameless Azorean master carvers who completed this astonishing piece of work on a small island in the middle of the Atlantic at about the same time Gibbons was working in London. Don't miss it.
9. Igreja Matriz de Sao Sebastiao
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 298 reviews
Reviewed By Nanette132 - Brisbane, Australia
An easy walk to this lovely old church from the port. We were to go on a free walking tour from near here but they didn't show up so we visited the church. The outside was plain but lovely inside, in the distinctive Portuguese style. You can walk up to the Botanic Gardens E1 for seniors and the Sant Ana Palace in the Park from here and also the very interesting Fort Sao Bras and Military Museum. Pick up a map as you leave the ship, ask them to mark the highlights and walk the narrow streets of lovely Ponta Delgada. The Sol Mar supermarket is across the street from the port, cheap water, beer and wine in Litre cartons, easy to carry back on the ship.
10. Igreja de Sao Jose
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
Reviewed By AkoSiAys - Bonn, Germany
It is a big church in front of a square. I love its facade although it the architecture is just typical to the islands. The main altar is golden and majestic! The side altars with all its design are also very pretty. The ceilings with its paintings are worth a look. Some side chapel also got azulejos on the walls. I went there in the morning and I was alone in the church. It is very peaceful!
