The Azores is one of the two autonomous regions of Portugal and it is composed of nine volcanic islands.  Last February I went to São Miguel island which is the most populated and largest island in the archipelago and where the capital of Azores - Ponta Delgada - is located.  The island is easy to reach by plane in about 2 hours from Lisbon and Porto with low-cost companies such as Ryanair or TAP-Portugal. 

This type of holiday is all about nature. Here you can fully connect with the environment, take a hike choosing from different paths from climbing a mountain to have a walk on the cliffs watching the sea.  As a matter of fact,  the territory around the island is really diverse there are mountains, lakes,volcano craters, beaches and cliffs and few small villages. You will enjoy amazing sunrise and sunsets and stunning landscapes.







Lagoa do Fogo
This lake is located in a natural reserve and it is set in the crater of a volcano. This hiking path is one of the most famous in Sao Miguel and here you can admire the real beauty of nature because it is the lagoon with the least human intervention on the island. 


Caldeira das Sete Cidades
It is a twin lake located in the crater of a volcano. It really unique because a part is green and the other is blue. A tale tells that once upon a time a shepherd and a princess fell in love but they were forbidden to see each other. when they see each other for the last time they cried so much to create the lake. one part is blue due to the eyes of the shepherd and the another part is green for the princess green eyes. 
There is a nice hiking path here as well around the lake, so just put a pair of hiking shoes, comfy clothes and take something to eat with you and explore the area. 





Ponta Delgada City

Gruta do Carvão
The cave is a National monument and it lies beneath the streets of Ponta Delgada. It is said to be the longest and largest cave on the island and it is possible to have a guided tour in this ancient lava tube and admire the speleological structures in it. 


Caldeiras da Furnas and Furnas village
This area is one of the most active with volcanic phenomena. There are a lot of steam holes called Calderias which give the area a really bad smell of sulphur. We climb on the top of the mountain from where you can enjoy a beautiful view on the Furnas Lake and the surroundings.  

Caldeiras da Furnas

Furnas lake

Furnas lake

Furnas village is quite small but it is nice to have a walk around and nearby there are natural hot springs where you can go to relax after an entire day spent hiking around. It is a really nice experience and a must do in Sao Miguel.  I went to the hot springs in Poça Dona Beija and I really enjoyed except for the sulphur smell. An alternative is going to the pool inside Parque Terra Nostra.

Furnas village

Furnas village

Furnas village Parque Terra Nostra Hot springs in  Parque Terra Nostra