Sao Miguel is the largest of the Azores and their economic and cultural centre. Most of the population is concentrated on the southern part of the island where Ponta Delgada, its capital city is also located. Named the green island because of the fertility of its territory, it is rather mountainous in the centre with large craters and lakes, which are one of the Sao Miguel’s main attractions. The most spectacular is Caldera das Setes Cidades, a crater with a 7 kilometer long diameter housing 2 volcanic lakes and 3 ponds. The best views over the islands can be enjoyed from Pico da Barrosa at 949m above sea level.
On the northern coast the town of Ribeira Grande sitting on a lava highland deserves a visit as well as Vila Franca do Campo, which was the island’s first capital destroyed by the 1522 earthquake. Finally Furnas is interesting for its warm spring sources of mineral waters.
On the island you can visit the tea plantations and the laboratory where to assist at the preparation of the different blends as well as tasting and purchasing of the teas. Tea has been planted on the island since the 19th century and till today is the only place in the European Community to produce it.