The north coast of the Green Island of the Azores
The north coast of São Miguel Island has a special magic due to its unique characteristics both on land, its culture, and its people, and at sea, the so rich and wild northern sea.
Rabo de Peixe is one of the places on the north coast that deserves a visit for its uniqueness. It is a fishing village located in the municipality of Ribeira Grande. It is one of the largest fishing ports in the Azores Archipelago and is also the most populous village in the Municipality.
The name of the village is due to the fact that one of its points of land looks like a fish's tail. And so it stayed. During the Second World War, the place of Santana, an extensive plain, was converted into a military airfield and in 1946, it was in this place that the first airport of the Island of São Miguel existed. The village reveals strong roots in the micaelense tradition. In this way, its culture is also based on traditional religious festivals, folklore and music.
Religious festivals such as the Feast of Senhor Bom Jesus, the Divino Espírito Santo with processions and floats, coronations and the Feasts of Nossa Senhora do Rosário, are moments of joy for the local population and highly valued by all.
The village has a vast cultural, architectural and religious heritage. Of its architectural heritage, its Parish Church, in honor of Bom Jesus, stands out. This church celebrates the Feast and Procession of São Pedro Gonçalves, who is the Patron of Fishermen, on the 6th Sunday after Easter. Other monuments are the Ermida de São Sebastião, an example of the religious architecture of São Miguel from the 18th century, whose interior is covered with tiles from the period.
The Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Rosário, built in the 16th century and located in Alto do Rosário. From this point, it is possible to have a panoramic view of the coast of the Village and of the Parish of Capelas. The Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, from the 18th century, with an altar covered in tiles and an image of the patron saint. The Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Perpétuo Socorro and the Chapel of Santa Ana.
Alongside this, it is important to highlight its maritime legacy. Being a fishing village, it naturally has a strong connection to the sea. Here you will find the biggest fishing community and the biggest canning factory in the Azores. Once upon a time, when the first boat trips to observe cetaceans began, these activities were carried out from the north coast of São Miguel. observação de cetáceos, estas atividades eram feitas a partir da costa norte de São Miguel.
Since April, Picos de Aventura started an operation based on an Expedition to see whales with boat departures from the port of Rabo de Peixe Village. Thus, the activity, strongly rooted in the Azorean culture, began to have expression again on the north coast of the Green Island. It was a bet on the decentralization of the activity and on the diversification of our offer, in order to also contribute to its sustainability.
With this activity we promise the guaranteed sighting of whales or the refund of the value, in the event that it does not happen. We have boats with ideal characteristics to explore the sea in the north of the island. This sea, due to its unique characteristics, is a great promise of adventure and discovery in its purest form.
Are you curious to discover the sea on the north coast of São Miguel Island? Book your experience with us here.
