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Versão Portuguesa
- Main Page
- Islands
of Azores
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Santa Maria
- São Miguel
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Terceira
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Graciosa
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São Jorge
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Pico
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Faial
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Flores
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Corvo
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Picture
lakes of breathtaking beauty
All
the hustle and bustle of a large city alongside ample quiet green open
spaces adorned with flowers, Museums, churches and palaces embellished
with treasures of art and history. Golf, walking and cycle paths,
horseback riding or
simply some time relaxing in the sun and sand. All this and more on an
island catering for those who love culture and sports... or who simply
delight in the contemplation of Nature.
Ponta
Delgada, a charming city
Set
within the confines of a wide inlet, Ponta Delgada is the tourist heart
of São Miguel. Museums and monuments abound, and historic streets
connect hotels, restaurants and shops. A marina harbours sailboats from
Europe and America. And for those who enjoy entertainment after hours,
the night brings with it a touch of colour and animation.
Ribeira Grande
The other side of the island the mother church in Ribeira Grande boasts the curious 'Arcano'. Island landmarks include Lagoa, Nordeste, Povoação, all landing spots of the first settlers. Vila Franca do Campo, was the island's very first capital.
Lakes
and so much more
São
Miguel´s lakes, the inspiration behind many a poem, are what first
captives the heart. Sete Cidades, where emerald green and sapphire blue
are the dominant colours is the source of the legend of sorrowful
princesses, of lost kingdoms. Fogo lake, a dramatic landscape of lava
and sea. Furnas lake, mirroring its surroundings like a fairy tale image
overlooked by a chapel´s gothic tower.
Vale
das Fumas
A
vivacious garden at the bottom of a vast crater where hot water springs
run free. Within you'll find the romantic Parque Terra Nostra [Park of
Our land), where exotic tropical species blend with varieties from
Nordic countries, The fervent vapour of Caldeiras is reminiscent of the
original volcano of the island.
Finally,
visit the only tea plantation in Europe whose vantage points allow you
to look out across the rolling pastures dotted with lazy Holstein cows,
the dense woodlands and the inevitable hot of flowers.
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Active
holidays to suit all tastes
There
are two flower bedecked golf courses to choose from bird-watching
hides, native greenery and phenomenal volcanoes. Diving centres to
observe fish and submarine terrain. Golden beaches beckon you to
bathe in an ocean warmed by Gulf currents or to take on the waves
on a surfboard. Tennis, horse riding, sailing and deep sea fishing
are among the other pleasures offered by São Miguel for an
invigorating and action packed holiday.
Shopping
and gastronomic delights
Take
in the blue tinged ceramics from Lagoa or the picturesque clay
pottery of Vila Franca do Campo. The delicate embroidery and the
decorative wicker work are craft which maintain secular traditions
and serve as delightful souvenirs of São Miguel.
Who
could ever forget the unique taste of the delicious cuisine of
Furnas, prepared on volcanic rocks? Or the fresh fish and
shellfish, the tender meat grilled simply or prepared according to
age old traditional recipes.
The
culinary feast continues with deserts flavoured with fresh
pineapples, traditional sweets, and the celebrated "passion
fruit liqueur". Turning your meal into an experience you'll
never forget.
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