The municipality of Povoação is one of the most beautiful on the island of São Miguel. It is rich in natural beauty, but also in historical-cultural heritage. Get to know it.
The Village of Povoação
Vila da Povoação was the first village on the island of São Miguel, founded in 1444. It was here that the portuguese colonizers first landed on the island. This historical past is revealed in the town's picturesque squares and narrow streets. The traditional architecture and old churches tell the story of Povoação.
One of the highlights is the Church of Our Lady of the Mother of God, built in the 15th century. You can visit the place and admire the sacred art, the traditional tiles and all the architectural details. This church is a place of great religious and historical significance.
In addition to its historical heritage, the town of Povoação has places of great natural beauty. One of these places is the Miradouro da Lomba do Cavaleiro where you can enjoy panoramic views of the coast and the ocean. The village is surrounded by hills and green fields.
The mythical Valley of Furnas
In the municipality of Povoação you also cannot miss the mythical Vale das Furnas, known for its sublime natural beauty and its thermal waters.
One of the must-see places is Lagoa das Furnas, surrounded by a lush landscape and dominated by green hills. The unique atmosphere of Lagoa das Furnas is highlighted by the presence of fumaroles and volcanic calderas on its banks, contributing to the uniqueness of the area.
In Furnas you will find thermal paradises to relax your body and mind. One of the most visited places to bathe in hot thermal waters is Poça da Dona Beija. The space is surrounded by nature and endemic vegetation, where you can enjoy several thermal pools. Its iron waters are around 39ºC. Entrance to the space is not free, so you must purchase your ticket at the local box office. You can count on various infrastructures and services on site, such as a souvenir shop that sells various regional products, locker rental, changing rooms and bathrooms.
Another fantastic thermal space that you shouldn’t miss is Parque Terra Nostra. This has a large outdoor thermal pool and two outdoor jacuzzis. Parque Terra Nostra is a large bicentennial park. The waters of the iron thermal pools are between 35ºC and 40ºC. Entrance to the park is not free, so you must purchase your ticket at the local ticket office.
Ribeira Quente and its beach
Ribeira Quente is a parish belonging to the municipality of Povoação. This is located at sea level. Its name comes from the hot water stream in the area. In the parish you can find a fantastic waterfall of thermal origin, the Cascata da Ribeira Quente.
One of the most beautiful beaches on the island of São Miguel is located in the parish, Praia do Fogo. Its name is due to the temperature of the sea water, which is warm, because the beach is located in a place where there are several underwater hydrothermal springs. The beach is approximately 7 kilometers long and is located between the sea and the mountains, contributing to a beautiful natural landscape.
The most unforgettable experiences
In the municipality of Povoação you can carry out fantastic activities with us and enjoy the best of the Azores' nature. One of them is the Sanguinho trail that begins and ends in the parish of Faial da Terra. It lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. Initially we went up to Sanguinho, a place thought to have this name due to the strong presence of the endemic Sanguinho plant (Frangula azorica).
Then, the trail continues to the Salto do Prego waterfall, one of the most beautiful corners of the island. This is the perfect stopping point for a lunchbox lunch or also to take a bath in the crystal clear waters of the waterfall. The return is made along the trail parallel to the river that flows from the waterfall to the parish of Faial da Terra. The return to Ponta Delgada includes a stop at Vila da Povoação. Book your experience here.
Another activity is Mystic Furnas Nature Tour, which takes place in Furnas. We have 3 different packages of combined activities at your disposal: canoeing and mountain biking tour, canoeing and Terra Nostra Park or mountain biking tour and Terra Nostra Park. What we propose during this adventure is to visit, explore, discover and marvel at the volcanic phenomena on the surface, present throughout the enchanted valley of Furnas.
Cycle along the dirt trails, feel the grandeur of being in the middle of a lagoon flanked by green hills, venture out to discover the boulevards and paths of romantic 17th-century gardens. XVIII and bathe in thermal water pools. Wherever you are, the smell of the fumaroles, the colors of the gardens and the throb of this dormant volcano will always be present. Book your experience with us here. here.
