Attractions

The Natural Monument of Caldeira Velha presents a set of manifestations of secondary volcanism, such as an iron thermal spring that springs from a fracture, with temperatures around 32 °C, while in the dam, next to the waterfall, the water reaches temperatures of 25 ° C to 28 °C. Further downstream, there are thermal pools whose water is heated by the fumarole and where it is possible to enjoy a relaxing thermal bath, with temperatures around 38 °C.

In addition, here you can visit the Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Center, which provides information about the natural heritage of the Azores and thermal and geothermal phenomena on the island of São Miguel.

You can purchase your ticket through the monument's official website, click here.

This Natural Reserve consists of a small paradise located around the island of São Miguel, more specifically facing the municipality of Vila Franca do Campo. This islet, classified as a Natural Reserve, has the walls of its crater covered by endemic vegetation, while inside you can count on a natural swimming pool, connected to the sea by a narrow passage.

In the months of June to September, from the Tagarete pier, there is a regular boat service that connects Vila Franca do Campo and the islet.

Check the ticket office online or get more information here.

Barreiro da Faneca, known as the “Red Desert of the Azores”, has an area of 835 hectares and fascinates visitors with its arid and clayey landscape with a reddish color, unique in the archipelago.

This area, previously intended for the extraction of aggregates, draws attention for its peculiar reddish color and the vertical formation of its walls.

The accumulated water forms this well, which has a viewpoint for a privileged observation of this place.

Ribeira do Maloás is located in the parish of Santo Espírito, consisting of a geosite with a very imposing and interesting columnar disjunction. The place is of great scenic beauty, where the large prisms together with the waterfall are responsible for the special landscape of the region, drawing the attention of those who pass by.

Pico Mountain is the highest point in Portugal, standing at an impressive height of 2,351 meters.

It is possible to climb this majestic mountain, where halfway through the climb you can easily become captivated by the peculiar landscapes and panoramic views that stretch across the entire island. There are two trails you can choose, one being shorter and the other more challenging. The most daring trail is to climb to Piquinho, also known as Topo da Montanha. This route is around 3.8 km long and the average journey time is between three and four hours, including ascent and descent.

The Pico Wine Museum is located in the Casa Conventual dos Carmelitas, in Madalena. Winemaking is identified as the main economic activity carried out by the local community, since the time of settlement.

The Wine Museum comprises the following areas:

1. Conventual House of the Carmelites

2. Alambiques Building/Reception

3. Lagar Building

4. Viewpoint and Vine

5. Dragon Forest

Furna do Frei Matias consists of a lava tunnel about 650 meters long. Located on the western slope of the Pico Mountain Natural Reserve, it stands out for being a mythical space, linked to the legend of a hermit who took refuge in this place and lived in absolute solitude (in this case, Frei Matias).

Fajã dos Cubres is one of the main detrital attractions on the north coast of the São Jorge island. Its name comes from the plant called “cubres”, whose scientific name corresponds to “solidago sempervirens”.

This attraction was awarded the 7 Wonders of Portugal - Aldeias de Mar Award.

Fajã dos Cubres is located about 3 km from Fajã da Caldeira do Santo Cristo. Access to the latter is conditioned by pedestrian trails made from Fajã dos Cubres or Serra do Topo.

Did you know that there are 74 fajãs on São Jorge Island?

This natural arch, made of basalt lava, is located in Fajã da Ribeira da Areia. This arouses curiosity among visitors, due to its natural grandeur combined with the crystal clear waters characteristic of this fajã.