Top Things to do in Ribeira Grande
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Top 9 Things to do in Ribeira Grande, Portugal
Discover the best top things to do in Ribeira Grande, Portugal including Miradouro de Santa Iria, Salto do Cabrito, Praia de Santa Barbara, Environmental Interpretation Centre of Caldeira Velha, Caldeira Velha, Ribeira Grande's Bridge, Museu Casa do Arcano, Igreja Matriz Ribeira Grande, Tabaco da Maia Museum.
Restaurants in Ribeira Grande
1. Miradouro de Santa Iria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 168 reviews
Reviewed By duhoz - Prague
On of the best viewing point I was during the touring San Miguel. The view of the Northern coasts, cliffs and countryside is stunning. I was happy to stop here on the way from the nearby tea plantations. There is a small car park where many wild cats hanging around. Despite the fact it is just nearly next to the road the place is full of tranquility.
2. Salto do Cabrito
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 301 reviews
Reviewed By lindawojcik - North Stonington, Connecticut
I read so many reviews that made us think twice before about driving the car down to the waterfall. Don't listen to them. The road is tight; however, it is very safe to drive right down to the waterfall and back up. Make sure you bring a bathing suit no matter what the weather. Water shoes are helpful as the rocks to the waterfall can be a bit tricky. We did it anyway and what a joy to swim in this crystal clean water. Its not hot; yet its not cold either. Jump in and get used to it. Then take the walk up the hillside behind the waterfall on metal walkways that will take you over the top of the waterfall. If you have a fear of heights, you may want to skip it. Its quite intense. I wouldn't miss it. Its quite amazing and takes you to places you would not see otherwise. If you do it, you'll be able to say "I did it." Or you will think.. "I wish I had.."
3. Praia de Santa Barbara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 190 reviews
Reviewed By cmchilds - Herne Bay, United Kingdom
Great place to swim or surf when waves are not too big, but sometimes the swell is too much for the inexperienced so best to check surf report first if you are not staying nearby.
There is a place to hire out equipment like body boards etc and the guy there was really helpful and friendly. Open 9am - 7pm most days.
Also the on the boardwalk there were a few places to eat and showers. There was a DJ spinning on some evenings and a small bar, really good atmosphere.
4. Environmental Interpretation Centre of Caldeira Velha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 736 reviews
Caldeira Velha is a protected area classified as a Natural Monument of Sao Miguel Natural Park and a geosite of Azores UNESCO Global Geopark. This natural area is a place of secondary volcanism of the Fogo Volcano. It is possible to observe a fumarola and a hot spring that through a stream feeds two natural pools: one with a waterfall, whose water is about 26ºC and the small pool with water at 38ºC. As a protected area and a geosite, exists an Environmental Interpretation Centre with information about the volcanic origin of the Islands, the geodiversity and biodiversity of the Azores, with emphasis on Caldeira Velha, and geothermal powerplant. You may ask for your tour at the Environmental Interpretation Centre of Caldeira Velha and enjoy a relaxing bath in the natural pools.
Reviewed By Barills - Montreal, Canada
Visited while touring the Island. Simply peaceful, gorgeous! Changing rooms on site as well as bathrooms. So serene! 2 Euro entrance fee! If your doing a guided tour of the Island and this is a spot you plan on visiting, set aside 30 minutes so you can take a dip in the spring!
5. Caldeira Velha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 538 reviews
Reviewed By Jerry L - Sherbrooke, Canada
Very nice Springs. Easy walk. Bring your swimming suit. Bathroom and shower available. The water is great.
6. Ribeira Grande's Bridge
Overall Ratings
4 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By mikeedeedee - Darlington
We called in to see the modern eight arch bridge over a river, easy to find particularly when leaving the town for the south. The Eight arches are particularly attractive and one can sit in the Seating area below and admire the eight arch bridge one way and a much smaller traditional bridge the other. Not one for going out of your way to see but if you're in the area worth a quick photo snap at least.
7. Museu Casa do Arcano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By Globetrotter045 - Haacht, Belgium
This astonishing collection of biblical scenes is something I have never seen before. On the wall hangs a list of all the materials madre Margarida used. With simple things like wood, cotton, glass she was able to create fascinating figurines, which all wear different clothes and have individual faces.
The photos I've taken don't do justice to her work. It is really difficult to take pictures because all the scenes are displayed in one big glass case. Very much worth a visit. Entrance price is € 2.
8. Igreja Matriz Ribeira Grande
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By Hannelore H - United Kingdom
This little spot in the Ribeira Grande town centre is one of them moments when you don't expect much, but then you reach the point, look around and just want to cry - so beautiful, picture-perfect and unbelievably gorgeous it is!... I've taken some of the best pictures of my entire photographical life there which can't even compare to anything else, despite the long list of places I've been to...
9. Tabaco da Maia Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By Valter P - Lisbon, Portugal
For a very small fee the guided visit begins by reinforcing that the museum is not trying to promote smoking, it just intends to show a part of the culture of the villagers. It sits on an old factory that doesn't produce tobacco anymore, just enough to show how everything worked in the past and along the years.
The guides are funny and communicative.
In the end of the visit they offered us some coffee liqueur.
Worth visiting.
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