Ribeira Grande: Discover the north side

On São Miguel Island, set off on the Ribeira Grande adventure. The north side has a lot to offer its visitors. Know what you can't miss.

Lagoa do Fogo

In Ribeira Grande, the landscape that stands out the most is, without a doubt, Lagoa do Fogo. It is one of the best-known places on the island of São Miguel, but also on the entire Archipelago. It could be said that it is one of the Ribeira Grande Municipality’s calling cards.

Lagoa do Fogo is the second largest lagoon on the island and is classified as a Special Conservation Zone. This caldera of a dormant volcano enchants with its truly superb landscape. The contrast of the green vegetation on the lagoon walls with the blue water of the lagoon leaves anyone enchanted! This is one of the places not to be missed in Ribeira Grande and one of the most beautiful in the Azores.

Termas

In Ribeira Grande you will find authentic thermal paradises, where you can rest as you prefer, alone, with your family, couple or with friends. We start at the Natural Monument of Caldeira Velha. The space is a true oasis. Here you can bathe in iron hot springs and enjoy a relaxing experience amidst exotic and lush vegetation, which feels more like being in a forest. In the space you will find several swimming pools, whose water temperature is around 25ºC and 30ºC. To visit the site, it is recommended that you make a reservation in advance. Note that entry is free for residents of the island of São Miguel only.

Still in Ribeira Grande you will find the Termas das Caldeiras. These are found in a valley surrounded by species from the Laurissilva forests. The place dates back to the 17th century and, therefore, the island is of historical importance. The space has a blue thermal water pool, whose water temperature is around 30ºC. On site you can also enjoy a SPA that offers relaxation massages and other relaxing treatments using volcanic mud. Entry is not free.

Tea Factories

In Ribeira Grande you will find two unmissable tea factories! One of them is the Gorreana Tea Factory. This is located in the parish of Maia and is the oldest tea plantation in Europe. Tea has been cultivated in this space since 1883. Teas of various flavors are produced, mostly manually. On your visit to the factory you can learn more about tea cultivation and production. You can also try tea, a wonder that can be enjoyed at any time of year!

The Porto Formoso Tea Factory, located in the parish of Porto Formoso, is a museum space where you can take guided tours. In this place you can enjoy tea in two spots: in a fantastic room that depicts typical São Miguel cuisines or on a terrace that has superb views over the tea plantations and the village of Porto Formoso.

Places to dive

If you're looking to take a dip, in Ribeira Grande you'll find some perfect places for that! We highlight Praia do Areal de Santa Bárbara. This is located in the parish of Ribeira Seca and is one of the most famous beaches on the island of São Miguel. The beach has a long sandy area, approximately 1 kilometer long. It is a beach with fantastic natural beauty, with steep cliffs and black volcanic sand, as is typical of the beaches of the Archipelago. There is good support infrastructure on site, such as bars, changing rooms and car parks. The beach is known nationally and internationally for presenting favorable conditions for water sports, such as surfing and bodyboarding.

We also highlight Praia dos Moinhos. This is one of the beaches not to be missed on the north coast of São Miguel. It is known as Porto Formoso Beach, as it is located in the parish that gives it its name, in Porto Formoso. Its sand is gray in color, due to its volcanic origin. The waters on this beach are distinguished by their emerald green color. The beach has great support infrastructure and even a beach bar.

Another place to dive in Ribeira Grande is the Poças Municipal Swimming Pools. These are excellent especially for those with children. There are two options on site, beach or swimming pools. The complex attached to the beach has 3 swimming pools of different depths, one large and with salt water, one with fresh water and intended for children and the other with a jumping tank. On site you can make use of changing rooms, sun loungers and parasols and fresh water showers.

Activity in nature

In Ribeira Grande you can go whale watching with us, departing from Vila de Rabo de Peixe. This activity celebrates the memory of the first whale watching trips in our archipelago, starting from the fishing village. The North Sea presents differentiating and challenging characteristics, a nature known for being wild, which make this activity an exciting adventure. Through this activity you can observe the cetaceans that pass by and live in our sea. What do we promise? Lots of fun, adventure and excitement!

Book your experience with us here.