Things to do in Sao Miguel, Azores: The Best Science Museums

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.

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!

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.

Expolab - Centro Ciência Viva is a Science Center and its mission is the promotion of scientific knowledge in the many fields of Natural Sciences and Technology, focusing on experimentation and laboratory activities.

The Azores Microbial Observatory - OMIC - is an entity responsible for the promotion and dissemination of the importance of microbial life on Earth emphasizing existing Microbial biodiversity in the Azores hot springs.