PLACES AND CLIMATE: 
S. Miguel, the biggest island of the Azorean archipelago is 746,76 km2 surface. Its length, according to the axel, is 81 km and the maximum width is 15,5 km. The island's highest point is at Pico da Vara, at 1.103 m. It is situated between 25º 8' and 25º 52' longitude west and between 37º 43' and 37º 55' latitude north.
The climate is mild, with temperatures raging between de 16º C (61º F) in the spring, 21º C (70º F) in the summer, 18º C (64º F) in the fall and 14º C (57º F) in the winter, which contributes to the exuberant vegetation, like hydrangeas, azaleas, etc as well as to the economic value and for the beautiful sights. São Miguel is known for the production of pineapple, tea and tobacco.
BRIEF ISLAND STORIES:
Twelve years after the island of Santa Maria was discovered, in the first quarter of the XV century, the crew of the ship commanded by Gonçalo Velho – horseman and fryer of the Order or Christ and Lord of Almourol - arrived at the beach of Povoação, to listen to the first catholic mass on the island of São Miguel.
The king, D. Afonso V, had it colonized in 1439, giving it, along with Santa Maria to Fryer Gonçalo Velho. Going to the west, departing from Povoação, allowed choosing Vila Franca do Campo as the islands' capital, because it had a better port and was surrounded by fertile land. Because people settled by the coast, looking for adequate fields for agriculture, two more villages were founded: Ponta Delgada and Ribeira Grande.
The first people coming from the Mainland Portugal came from Estremadura , Alto Alentejo and Algarve . Later on, people from Madeira , Jews and Mores arrived on the island, attracted by the land offers and commerce opportunities.
The soils' fertility, and the geographic position between Europe, Africa and America contributed to a quick economic expansion, centered on wheat (which was exported to the Mainland Portugal as well the northern African markets) and “pastel” (plant used as dye), utilized by the textile industries in northern Europe.
The difficulties of XVI and XVII centuries:
The almost total destruction of Vila Franca do Campo, by an earthquake in 1522, is a warning for hard times coming ahead to the people of S. Miguel. The volcanic eruption in 1563 also had catastrophic consequences in the Ribeira Grande area.
In 1582 S. Miguel, as it had happened in Mainland Portugal in 1580, changes to Spanish influence, a consequence of the crisis in the dynasty started by the death of D. Sebastião at the Alcácer Quibir battle and the rising to the throne of Felipe II of Spain.
In that year, a French squadron supporting D. Antonio, a candidate to the throne, is defeated facing Vila Franca do Campo. To the Algerian pirate attacks, which devastated the Azores looking for loots, join the English pirate attacks and the reduction of commercial activities created by the conflicts between Spain and other European forces.
In 1640, when Portugal recovered its independence, new horizons opened up to S. Miguel. Unfortunately, by this time textile companies were using indigo instead of “pastel” to dye their fabrics, because of its more intense color. This forced farmers to gradually quit growing the plant.
The substitution cultures, mainly wheat and linen, to fiber and cloth, do not compensate the loss of revenue of the “pastel”, making it difficult living on the island, economically speaking.
The orange prosperity cycle:
Set aside, due to its geographic position, from the main Atlantic routes of Terceira and Faial , S. Miguel only recovered its economic importance by exporting oranges.
It is unknown the exact date when the orange was introduced in the Azores, even though it is though to have happened at the end of the XVI century, along with other species brought from South America and Asia by Portuguese navigators.
The first known orange export – only 3 cases – dates of 1751, going to United Kingdom . It is though, after 1774 that the export business assumes a regular aspect, with a continuous growth, reaching between 1790/99 an annual average of 17400 cases and in 1860/69 – the highest point in the orange sale by several countries – the fabulous average of 185.000 cases a year. Initially dominated by foreign business men, the orange export business gradually changed to local business man, quickly gaining from the profits of the activity. Between 1840 and 1875, the lords and aristocrats live a very wealthy life. This is noticeable by the many palaces and mansions throughout the island.
The importance of the orange on the islands' prosperity has an abrupt end. Diseases destroy the oranges, reducing production drastically.
Simultaneously new producers appear ( Lisbon and Setúbal in the mainland Portugal , Valência and Sevilha in Spain , etc.) which take the English and other European markets.
The consequences of this crisis are felt mainly in emigration to the American continent ( Brazil , United States , etc) where important Azorean communities are settled.
The slow economic recovery
S. Miguel farmers didn't just sit around when they lost the oranges. They started the “Sociedade Promotora de Agricultura Micaelense” (an institution that promoted their agriculture), founded in 1843, allowing the most enlightened to search for replacement cultures – tobacco, pineapple, sweet potato (for alcohol), tea, passionfuit, etc – trying to make use of their farms and finding alternative markets.
The creation of an artificial harbor in Ponta Delgada , the introduction of several industries, the increase of fishing and agriculture are development factors until mid XX century. Today, the island of S. Miguel , one of centers of political and administrative decision making of the Archipelago, has a growing and diversified economy, in which tourism is one of its dynamic vectors.
PLACES TO VISIT:
Lagoas das Sete Cidades, Fogo and Furnas . Situated at the volcanic craters which formed the island there is the Archipelago's most incredible sight. Sete Cidades, to the west, a Cleary of 12 km in perimeter where there are two attached lagoons, Lagoa Verde (Green Lagoon) and Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon). In the interior of the Cleary there is the picturesque village of Sete Cidades , with a typical architecture, green pastures and a picturesque garden.
Vale das Furnas . Situated to the east; an enormous Cleary and luscious garden. At the picturesque villages of Furnas, Parque Terra Nostra , based on the plantations started in the XVIII century by Thomas Hickling, and continued in the XIX century by the family Praia and Monforte, it is a romantic sight of lakes, trails, exotic flowers and centennial trees and thermal lake-swimming pool. Caldeiras das Furnas are an area of volcanic manifestations, where geysers spray their medicinal waters and mud. One of the most spectacular is the Pero Botelho Cleary. The valley, ran by two big streams , one of hot water and one of cold water, constitutes one of Europe's richest hydrologic regions, with its twenty two thermal fountains. This village is an important thermal center where the waters of the streams and sulfuric mud are used in helping with many different diseases.
Lagoa das Furnas, with the gothic profile of the Ermida de Nossa Senhora das Vitórias (small church) projected on its clear waters, presents on one of the margins, volcanic solfataras , authentic “natural kitchens” where you can get the famous “cozido das Caldeiras”, the most typical dish of the island. It is berried in the soil, in hermetically closed containers.
Tea Plantations . Situated on the north coast, These are unique in Europe .
Pineapple Greehouses. A delicately grown fruit that has been part of the islands' typical gastronomy for centuries.
Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande and Vila Franca do Campo. The two cities and the islands' former capital are the centers of great religious, civilian and military architecture since the XV century. In Ponta Delgada, there are several monuments with interest, like Igreja de São Sebastião, the Convento and Capela de Nossa Senhora da Esperança, Igreja de São José, Igreja de Todos-os-Santos, Igreja de São Pedro, Forte de São Brás, Portas da Cidade, Palácio de Sant´Ana, Paços do Concelho. In Ribeira Grande there is Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Estrela, Convento and Igreja de São Francisco, Igreja do Espirito Santo, Igreja de São Pedro, Paços do Concelho. In Vila Franca Do Campo you can see the Igreja de São Miguel, Ermida da Senhora da Paz, Igreja de São Pedro, Igreja de Santo André and Convento de São Francisco.
Pico do Carvão with ample views over the sea and the center of the island, dominating the northern and southern coasts. Near by there are the lagoons of Carvão, Canário and Rasa, as well as others which are smaller, surrounded by the green of the trees and the fields.
Ponta do Escalvado, where the belvedere is, offers a view of the west coast and the entire region of Mosteiros. In Ribeira Grande, Caldeiras , small sulphur pitts surrounded by trees, with a typical house, an antique thermal establishment and also Vale das Lombadas, with a mineral water creek, situated in an area considered Natural Reservation. To the East, you will find Praia dos Moinhos, in the villages Porto Formoso, big beach with calm waters and curious water mills.
Lagoa do Fogo , in the center of the island, it occupies the center of an extinct volcano. Surrounded by some original vegetation, the huge lagoon with its transparent waters, peninsula and white sand beaches, in an environment of great beauty and tranquility, is classified as Natural Reservation
Caldeira Velha , situated half way through the volcano of Lagoa do Fogo. It has a warm water creek, with a small lake inviting you to a relaxing swim, and sulphur pitts, under thick vegetation, like ferns.
Ilhéu de Vila Franca , across from the village of Vila Franca , it is one of the biggest attractions of the coast of S. Miguel . It forms a natural swimming pool, shaped in a perfect circle. From its rocks, curiously shaped by the sea and the winds, arises a formation shaped as an ancient column. Due to the interest of preserving its environment, it is considered a Natural Reservation. From June to September there are boat rides to the islet, departing from Cais Tagarete.
Lagoa do Congro, also in the middle of the island, a few kilometers from the village Vila Franca do Campo, although smaller than the other lagoons, it is worthy of a visit.
Pico do Ferro, surrounded by luscious vegetation and waterfalls, offers an amazing view over Vale das Furnas.
Salto do Cavalo, high mountain which offers a different perspective of the rare beauty of this Valley and of Vila da Povoação.
Ribeira Quente, typical fisherman's village, where a quiet and lonely sandy shell forms Praia do Fogo. On the access road you can see waterfalls and luscious vegetation.
Nordeste region, named this due to its geographic position. Here you will find high mountains, deep gorges where large creeks run through, pieces of land that go into the sea, breathtaking view points and white villages that stand out in the middle of the vegetation. The exuberant and rough beauty of Nordeste, invites you to stay a couple of days to visit Serra da Tronqueira and Pico da Vara (the highest point on the island of 1105 m high); view points like Salto da Farinha, Ponta da Madrugada (amazing sun rise) or Pico Bartolomeu; the lighthouse in Ponta do Arnel and the Vila de Nordeste port; Praia do Lombo Gordo and the several Natural Parks. In Foz da Ribeira do Guilherme there is a pleasant camping sight, with access through Vila de Nordeste or Fazenda.
Recreation Reservation of Pinhal da Paz, also known as Mata das Criações, with an approximate area of 49 acres, during flower season offers a breathtaking an unforgettable show of color, like the beautiful azaleas, which are on the sides of the roads, reaching a total of 15 km
MUSEUMS AND LIBRARIES:
Museu Carlos Machado in Ponta Delgada.Biblioteca Pública e Arquivo de Ponta Delgada – in the old Colégio dos Jesuítas. Because of its funds and collections this Public Library and Archive is considered to be one of the most important libraries in Portugal . It holds the funds of José do Canto, Ernesto do Canto, Eugénio do Canto, Antero de Quental's library, etc..
FESTIVALS:
Santo Cristo - May
SPORTS AND LEASURE:
- Beaches : the most popular beaches in S. Miguel are Pópulo and Milícias, near Ponta Delgada. These beaches are long, are surrounded by vegetation and have support infrastructures. There are also other beaches to choose from, like the beautiful beach of Mosteiros , with its islet on the horizon, the cozy beach of Vinha de Areia , the long beaches of Água de Alto and many others. The water temperature, heated by the Golf current, is a pleasant surprise.
- Natural Swimming pools – created by volcanic activity and the movements of the sea, with clean and clear waters. There are dozens of these in S. Miguel. The most beautiful and thrilling one is the islet of Vila Franca, formed by the crater of a volcano, followed by Mosteiros and Ferraria, with the curiosity of a hot water fountain in the water.
- Ponta Delgada Marina – yacht center
- Whale and dolphin watching (daily trips between May and October)
- Fishing
-Big Game Fishing (big fish – tuna, wahoo, swordfish, shark, mako, etc). Appropriate boats with an experienced crew are available for rent.
- Scuba Diving: for diving lovers, there are numerous paradises throughout the coast. Transparent waters, spectacular cliffs, caves and rocks of volcanic coloring and strange shapes, offer moments of enchantment. There are priveleged zones like the coast of Feteiras, Ponta Galera and Vila Franca islet.
Snorkeling
-Fishing sites, São Miguel is true paradise for this kind of fishing due to its coast and also the great variety of fish. The several fishing sites allow the capture of big fish: red porgy, conger, barracuda, anchovy, sea bream, mackerel, etc. The best fishing areas are in Ponta Delgada, Ponta das Feteiras, Ferraria, Mosteiros, Ponta da Bretanha, Porto das Capelas, Poços de São Vicente, Rabo de Peixe, Ponta and Porto da Ribeira de Nordeste, Água Retorta and Faial da Terra.
-Fishing on the different creeks and lakes, an abundance of fish offers not only a healthy contact with Nature but also a few hours of thrill and tranquility. The creeks of Praia , Alegria, Bispos, Faial da Terra, Guilherme, Machado, Caldeirões, Salga, Carneiros, Limos and Grande are fertile in trout, defying the talented fisherman. At Lagoa das Furnas, Lagoa do Fogo, Lagoa Rasa, Lagoa de São Brás and Lagoa das Sete Cidades you can fish a large variety of fish like: trout, carp, etc.
-Water Sports: windsurf, canoe, sailing, jet ski, etc
-Boat rides along the coast of S. Miguel-for those who like to sail, there are boats available to rent for a ride along the shore of S. Miguel and sometimes to the island of Santa Maria .
-Golf: There are two golf courses on the island: one at Achada das Furnas (18 holes), another one at Batalha. Fenais da Luz ( 27 holes ).
-Tennis, there are tennis courts at Fajã de Cima.
- Shooting Range, at Santana and Rabo de Peixe, where you can do some target shooting, skeet and archery.
-Nature Trails – hiking all over the island
-Horseback riding – horseback riding is possible on the island.
-Helicopter rides also available on the island.
-GoKarts
-Extreme Sports - there is a vast variety of extreme sports available on the island, like: mountain climbing, rappel/slide, all terrain bicycling, waveski, sky gliding and paintball.
ARTES AND CRAFTS:
-Linen embroidery
Weaving (wool, linen and patchwork)
-Hand painted ceramics
-Ivory and whale bone work
-Corn leaves and fish scale work
-Wicker
-Flowers (made out of fish scales, paper and cloth)
-Embroideries
-Miniatures
-Nativity Scene made out of muscle shells
GASTRONOMY:
Typical dishes – The old traditional recipes are still prepared, like “caldo azedo”, “couves solteiras”, “fervedouros”, octopus cooked in red wine, pork in liver sauce, sausage, Ribeira Grande canaries, fish stews, muscle rice, muscles in Afonso sauce, and last but not least the famous “cozido das furnas”, where the meats and vegetables are cooked under ground, in the sulphur pitts.
Seafood – Lobster, “cavaco”, mussels, crab and “cracas” will make the delights of all seafood lovers.
Pastry –The traditional pastry is the icing on the cake for all sweets lovers. “ Queijadas de Vila Franca”, “Confeitos da Ribeira Grande”, “Bolos Lêvedos das Furnas”, “Bichos de Amêndoa”, “Barriga de Freira”, “Malassadas” e and sweet bread, are some examples.
Cheeses – When it comes to cheeses, S. Miguel offers the white and soft goat cheese and the island cheese, of a spicy taste when dry.
Wines – of local production, the best known wine is from the region of Caloura. For liqueur lovers, we recommend the liqueurs of pineapple and passionfruit.
Pineapple and tea are a constant presence at tables in S. Miguel. The pineapple – sweet and with a nice perfume and produced throughout the year in greenhouses – is an unforgettable experience as a side dish or dessert. The tea, grown in S. Miguel, is a pleasant drink when accompanied by local pastry.
RESTAURANTS:
Bar Restaurante Marisqueira Talisman - specialties: typical cuisine, large variety of fresh fish – Ponta Delgada
Restaurante Açores Marisqueira - specialties: King size shrimp a la Marisqueira, king size shrimp a la Moçambique, the typical Terceira island “Alcatra” - Ponta Delgada
Restaurante São Pedro - specialties: fish in the “cataplana”, high quality meats, live shell fish, fresh fish - Ponta Delgada
Restaurante Pimenta da Terra - specialties: typical São Miguel food - Ponta Delgada
Mimo Café Restaurante - specialties: Beans a la Transmontana, duck rice - Ponta Delgada
Lizarran - specialties: Spanish cuisine - Ponta Delgada
Restaurante Silva - specialties: fresh fish, shell fish - Ribeira Grande
Restaurante Ildeberto – specialtiels: typical cuisine, fresh fish - Ribeira Grande
Restaurante Bar “ Lagoa do Fogo “ - specialties: typical cuisine - Ribeira Grande
Restaurante Monte Verde – specialties: large variety of fresh fish - Ribeira Grande
Restaurante Miroma – specialties: typical “cozido nas caldeiras”, barbequed chicken - Furnas
Bar Restaurante Águas Quentes - specialties: codfish, typical “cozido nas caldeiras” - Furnas
Restaurante Tronqueira - specialties: typical cuisine - Vila do Nordeste
BARS AND DISCOTEQUES:
Jonh´s Pub - Piano Bar – live muisc - Ponta Delgada
Restaurante Pub Escala – live music - Ponta Delgada
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