Poça da Beija: A Thermal Paradise in São Miguel, Azores

Hidden in the lush green valley of Furnas, on São Miguel Island, Poça da Beija is one of those places that feels almost unreal. Surrounded by dense vegetation, warm steam rising from the earth, and mineral-rich thermal waters, it offers a truly unique and relaxing experience in the heart of the Azores.

From the moment you arrive, the atmosphere invites you to slow down. The gentle sound of flowing water blends with the silence of nature, occasionally interrupted by birdsong. Poça da Beija is made up of several natural and man-made pools, all fed by geothermal springs that maintain a soothing temperature throughout the year.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this place is its authenticity. Unlike more commercialized thermal spas, Poça da Beija preserves a strong connection with nature. The iron-rich waters, naturally heated by volcanic activity beneath the island, are known for their relaxing and therapeutic properties, making them ideal for relieving stress and tension.

The experience becomes even more magical in the evening. As soft lighting illuminates the pools and steam slowly rises into the cool air, the setting transforms into something truly special. It’s the perfect moment to disconnect from the outside world and fully embrace the present.

Despite its popularity, Poça da Beija is well-organized and equipped with facilities that ensure comfort and safety for visitors. Still, visiting during quieter hours is recommended if you want to fully enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

For anyone traveling to São Miguel, Poça da Beija is an essential stop. More than just a thermal bath, it is a sensory experience that blends nature, wellness, and authenticity—an unforgettable highlight of the Azores.

Casa do Monte - Rural Turism

The green of the tree-lined avenue of plane-trees with its blue hydrangeas are the best invitation to enter and visit the Casa do Monte (House of the Mountain).You'll be able to usufruct the beautiful garden's nock, explore walking trails through a beautiful countryside, bicycle riding, horse back riding, to play croquet, swimming in the crystal clear waters of Baía das Capelas, to visit interesting tourist places around and playing golf in the Campo da Batalha (Batalha's golf course).

The Casa do Monte is situated in an agricultural property, a family property for three centuries, with unusual typical features, offering a variety of agricultural activities. If you like to be in contact with the nature and animals, it's a goog place to visit.

The Casa do Monte is decorated in a tipical azorean style and has five bedrooms with private bathroom, a cozy living-room with fire place and a solarium terrace with a break taking panoramic view of the moutains and the island's north coast sea.The brekfast (homemade) is served in a traditional Azorian kitchen, in a calm and relaxed environment that brings the nostalgy of the past.

It also has a beautiful XVII century style dining-room.

Casa da Madrinha - Godmothers House - Rural Tourism

The Godmother's house is a "treat" right at the Vila do Nordeste. Two cosy houses to choose from right at the entrance of one the most beautifull villages in the Azores and a third house in the centre of the vila give a warm welcome to thoso who decide to stay around for a few days. It is the ideal place for those who want far and close to everything.

Northeast offers to its visitants landscapes, crystal clear waters and an absolute sense of peace to who ever intends to rest. Everybody who visit this village is suprised and amazed with its exuberant beauty promissing to come back.

Godmothers House enterprise, is located in the extreme north of the island of S. Miguel, in the vilige of Nordeste, one of the most flowery places of Portugal. This village, iss bessed with pretty sight spots and leisure zones in touch with nature, where people are used to enjoy meals in the fresh air, mainly barbecues. It is in this part of the island, that it is possible to enjoy the beauty of sunrise.

Situated in the heart of the village of Nordeste, our houses are 2 minutes walk from every main building: health center, restaurants, mini-markets, shops, church, City Hall, post office and pharmacy. Five minutes by car to get to the natural swimming pool of the "Boca da Ribeira" and ten minutos by car to the beach of "Lombo Gordo" as well to the viewspots of "Ponta do Sossego" and "Ponta da Madrugada".

The Sea and Fishing - Sao Miguel - Sporting Holidays

The indented coast of the island and the wealth and variety of fish make São Miguel a paradise for those who are keen on rock fishing.
The main species caught are barracuda, red bream, bluefish bream, conger eel, garfish, trigger fish, jack grevalle, mackeral, moray eel and common sea bream. Many fishing grounds are famous, the most interesting being those located at Ponta Deigada, Ponta das Freiras, Ferraria, Mosteiros, Ponta da Bretanha, Porto das Capelas, Poços de São Vicente, Rabo de Peixe, Ponta and Porto da Ribeira do Nordeste, Agua Retorta and Faial da Terra.


The existence of depths of 300 to 800 meters a short distance off the roast (2 to 3 km) makes it possible, with the use of a boat, to fish for barracuda, oceanic bonito, bluefish bream, dolphin, amberjack and several species of tuna.
Of course it is the large and combative sword fish, oceanic bream, pecos, several kinds of tuna and shark, etc. that supply opportunity for thrilling struggles to keen sports fishermen Several record catches have already been made. Ponta Delgada has specially equipped boats for this purpose and they cruise as far as the Formigas islets.

Underwater Life - Sporting Holidays - Sao Miguel

Warm, transparent water. Spectacular cliffs, valleys and craters. The twisted shapes and colour of volcanic rocks. The iridescent grottoes. A rich and varied flora and fauna, in which the dusky perch swims past the dolphin and the tortoise past the ray, while unending shoals of fish pass by. Attractions for those who are keen on diving and underwater observation. Who will find thousands of tiny paradises along the coast where they can appreciate all the charms of the sea, by day or by night.
Privileged areas for underwater observation are Ponta da Galera, the coast in the Feteiras area and the islets of Vile Franca and Mosteiros. A ship called the Dori is sunk next to the port of Ponta Delgada at a depth that allows it to be visited.

Lakes and Streams, Trout and Carp - Sporting Holidays - Sao Miguel

Streams that flow between densely forested ravines. Lakes with transparent water that reflects the verdant banks. The chance to catch combative trout and carp, red gurnards and achigãs. Tempting invitations that São Miguel extends to sports fishermen. Offering them at the same time healthy contact with an exuberant and flowery nature, and hours of quiet and thrills.

The streams of Praia, Alegria, Bispos, Faial da Terra, Guilherme, Machado, Caideirões, Coelhas, Salga, Carneiros, Limos and Grande offer trout that challenge the skill of any fisherman. The lake called Lagoa das Sate Cidades is rich in perch, carp and pike. In Lagoa do Fogo, trout and carp abound, while Lagoa Rasa and São Bras have achigã. In Lagoa das Furnas it is possible to catch trout, perch, carp, red gurnards and sandre.

Discovering Nature - Sporting Holidays - Sao Miguel

A golf course on the gentle hills of Furnas, bordered by hydrangeas. Tennis courts. The practice of sailing, rowing and windsurfing in the Ponta Delgada area, off the beaches and also on the lakes. Climbing steep slopes. Activities that Sao Miguel affords to those who want sporting holidays. Complemented by the opportunity to take reinvigorating walks in verdant and flower-covered areas, breathing pure air, discovering the many hues of blue of the sea and sky and the green of a landscape that is always attractive, charming and refreshing.

The thrill of discovering new horizons and panoramas. The pleasure of having direct contact with Nature, breathing bracing air filled with the scent of flowers. We suggest for walks that will enable you to discover the most intimate charms of São Miguel.

Pineapples, Tea and Tobacco - Traditional Food Specialities - Sao Miguel

The traditional old recipes remain alive in succulent dishes such as caldo azedo (a kind of soup), couves solteiras (prepared with cabbages). fervedouros, polvo guisado em vinho de cheiro (octopus stewed in local wine), torresmos em molho de figado (rashers of bacon with liver sauce), caldeiradas de peixe (fish stews), arroz de lapas (limpets with rice), ensopado de trutas (trout stew) and lapas de molho Afonso (limpets with a tasty sauce). To these must be added the curious cozido prepared at Furnas, where the pot containing meat and vegetables is buried in the soil wrapped in a cloth bag so that the volcanic heat can do its work... and several hours later it is ready to delight the palate with its flavour.

Lobster, cavaco, crabs and the strange goose barnacles, hidden in the holes they carve in the rocks, satisfy the needs of shellfish lovers. As regards cheese, São Miguel can offer a smooth white fresh variety made from goat's milk and the famous queijo da ilha, made from cow's milk and with a piquant flavour when dry. The old conventual recipes for desserts are the delight of people with a sweet-tooth. Examples are the queijadas (cheese-cakes) of Vila Franca do Campo, the concertos of Ribeira Grande, the bolo levedo of Furnas as well as the barriga-de-freira, massa sovada, bichos de amendoa and compota de capucho (a jam made from the small fruit of a herbaceous plant). The Caloura region produces a wine called vinho de cheiro or morangueiro, which is light and has a characteristic flavour. The liqueurs made from passion-fruit and pineapples are agreeable ways of concluding a meal.


Pineapples, tea... and tobacco. One of the curious things about São Miguel is the hot-houses for pineapples, which produce flavoursome, sweet fruits all year round for markets in many European countries. The main concentrations of hot-houses are situated in the areas of Faja de Cima, Lagoa and Vila Franca do Campo. Tea, that delicious beverage brought from China, is also produced on plantations that attract attention because of the unusual and charming sight of the green tea bushes covering hills and dales, divided into fields by hedges of araucarias and Japanese cedars.
Tea growing got under way in the late l9th century and in 1878 two Chinese came to São Miguel to teach the islanders the complex tasks involved in its preparation. The main plantations are located at Gorreana, next to the old Chapel of Senhora do Resgate. Another plant that finds optimum conditions for its development in the sub-tropical climate of the Azores is tobacco, which is grown almost everywhere in the land and is manufactured locally.

Music and Dancing - Sao Miguel

The nostalgia produced by the sea and isolation seems to exert a soothing influence on the tunes of the Azores. The dances take the form of bodies whirling about in time and beautiful gestures marked by the weight of tradition, with the colorful clothes of the women contrasting with the sober colours of the men.

To listen to and watch the Azoreans dance the sapateia, manjerico, pezinho, pezinho-da-vila, balho furado and cana-verde are to lift the veil a little on the soul of the islanders, marked for centuries by their isolation in the middle of the Atlantic. About thirty bands, spread all over the island, demonstrate the love the inhabitants of São Miguel have for music. They are always present at all the festivals and processions, and they usually perform from the graceful bandstands that exist in the gardens and public squares.

Folk Art - The Pottery Tradition - Sao Miguel

The repetition of old patterns' shapes and the use of raw materials from the island itself characterises the handicrafts of São Miguel. Mats made from leaves of maize and flag, colourful dolls of maize husks representing picturesque figures in their regional costumes, artificial flowers made from fish scales, paper, cloth and feathers and wickerwork are examples of the works of art that come from practised and skilful hands. To which must be added the linen embroideries, the hand woven counterpanes with squares, lozenges and colourful fluting and the woollen caps worn by the shepherds.

The first inhabitants brought with them the art of clay modelling. Pottery making already has a centuries-old tradition at Vila Franca do Campo, which once had dozens of potteries in operation, using clay brought by sailing boats from the island of Santa Maria. Today only a few potters reproduce on its wheels the traditional shapes of bowes, trays, pots, pitchers, fanciful and elegant jars and the excellent miniatures that attract collectors.

Lagoa, a pottery centre that was born in the middle of the l9th century, soon gained great fame beyond the horizons of the Azores for the decoration shapes and glazing of its pieces, The skill and art of its potters goes far beyond the utilitarian and includes statuettes and figurines, decorative vases and glazed tiles.

Festival of Born Jesus da Pedra - Vila Franca do Campo - Sao Miguel

The religious spirit of the Azorean is made keen by natural catastrophes and the isolation to which they were subjected for centuries, during which visits by ships were few and far between and inter-island relations were very weak, is expressed in forms that testify to the past and to a way of life that still persists.

The image of the Born Jesus (literally, Good Jesus) is carried Saturday evening to the church of São Miguel. It is returned in procession to the church of the Misericórdia on Sunday On the last week-end in August.

St. Michael's or Labour Procession - Vila Franca do Campo - Sao Miguel

The religious spirit of the Azorean is made keen by natural catastrophes and the isolation to which they were subjected for centuries, during which visits by ships were few and far between and inter-island relations were very weak, is expressed in forms that testify to the past and to a way of life that still persists.

A throw-back to the Middle Ages and the corporations of craftsmen in a procession in which the various professions gather round the litter bearing their patron saint. The colours of the surplices worn by the participants define their profession. A splendid and long procession. Take's place on the Sunday following the 8th May.

Procession of Our Lord of the Sick - Furnas - Sao Miguel

The religious spirit of the Azorean is made keen by natural catastrophes and the isolation to which they were subjected for centuries, during which visits by ships were few and far between and inter-island relations were very weak, is expressed in forms that testify to the past and to a way of life that still persists.

The streets, covered with petals lay out in artistic designs, are the scene of the procession. The carpets of petals display all the hues of the flowers of the Azores. Held on the first Sunday after Easter.

St. Peter's Cavalcades - Ribeira Seca - Sao Miguel

The religious spirit of the Azorean is made keen by natural catastrophes and the isolation to which they were subjected for centuries, during which visits by ships were few and far between and inter-island relations were very weak, is expressed in forms that testify to the past and to a way of life that still persists.

A "king" or headman, knights, lance's, stewards and trumpeters dressed in white, with red capes and sashes, mounted on splendid horses, ride through the streets in the morning of St. Peter's day (29th June), repeating ceremonies whose origin is lost in time and which recall the tournaments of knighthood. A colourful spectacle which heads toward the centre of the town of Ribeira Seca and has its culminating point at the church of São Pedro when the "king" greets the saint in verse and makes his horse place its front hoofs on the door of the church.

The Lenten Pilgrims - Sao Miguel - All Over the Island

The religious spirit of the Azorean is made keen by natural catastrophes and the isolation to which they were subjected for centuries, during which visits by ships were few and far between and inter-island relations were very weak, is expressed in forms that testify to the past and to a way of life that still persists.

During the seven weeks of Lent, groups of men walk round São Miguel, led by a "master" and pray next to the churches and chapels dedicated to Our Lady. Eight days after they return to their home villages, there is a festival in which all the inhabitants of the parish take part.

Holy Ghost Festivals - Sao Miguel - All Over the Island

The religious spirit of the Azorean is made keen by natural catastrophes and the isolation to which they were subjected for centuries, during which visits by ships were few and far between and inter-island relations were very weak, is expressed in forms that testify to the past and to a way of life that still persists.

Of Medieval origin (13th c.) they are one of the most traditional expressions of devotion. They are held on Sundays from April to June. Presenting different characteristics from island to island and from village to village, their common features are the coronation of the "emperor", the feast day on which the offerings of bread, meat and wine - called "pensions" - are distributed among the needy and the "brothers" of the "Empire" and the "jesters" who, with their musical instruments and songs recall age-old customs.

The most colourful festivals of the Holy Ghost take place at Rabo de Peixe, with ox-carts decorated with fanciful ornaments made of coloured paper, and at Ribeira Grande, where girls march in a procession carrying trays on their head with the "pensions" of the "brothers" of the Holy Ghost.

Senhor Santo Cristo Festival at Ponta Delgada - Sao Miguel

The religious spirit of the Azorean is made keen by natural catastrophes and the isolation to which they were subjected for centuries, during which visits by ships were few and far between and inter-island relations were very weak, is expressed in forms that testify to the past and to a way of life that still persists.

The most important religious festivities in the Azores are held on the fifth Sunday after Easter.
Everything started at the end of the 17th century with the fame of the miracles obtained through the intercessors of the Senhor Santo Cristo (literally Lord Holy Christ), whose image is venerated in the Convent of Nossa Senhora da Esperança. The procession dates from that period, and even nowadays follows the same itinerary and covers a large part of Ponta Delgada The procession comprises tens of thousands of the faithful who come from every island in the Azores, the Azorean communities spread over the world and other origins.

At festival time the town is decorate with arches and fascinating illuminations. The streets where the procession passes are covered with carpets of artistically laid out flowers. The blessing of the bread and meat, distributed among the needy, marks the start of the festivities. This is followed on Sunday by the procession with the image under its famous baldachin decorated with flowers.

To the devotion shown by the faithful must be added the conviviality and joy of the profane part of the festivities, complete with fireworks and music played by dozens of bands. Ponta Delgada is transformed into a town full of colour and animation during the six days the festival lasts.

Beaches - Sao Miguel - The Magic of the Sea

The indented coast of São Miguel provides sea-lovers with charming beaches nestling among cliffs, and also natural swimming-pools formed among the rocks.

São Pedro
Natural pool integrated in Ponta Delgada.

São Roque
The calm and family-type "beaches of Milicias or Areal Grande, and Areal Pequeno. Supporting facilities. Nearby lies Fort São Caetano.
Pópulo. Stretch of sand on a cosy bay, surrounded by verdant countryside. Pine grove on the slope of a dune. In the vicinity, the Chapel of Madonna del Popolo (17th c.), part of an old noble manor-house.

Lagoa (Baixa da Areia)
Welcoming natural swimming-pool. Close to it lies the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Cabo de Finisterra.

Caloura
Picturesque fishing port. Natural pool. Diving and underwater observation centre.

Agua d'Alto
Long stretch of sand between two promontories.

Ribeira Chã
Quiet cosy beach.

Islet of Vila Franca do Campo
A natural shell with a small but charming beach. Can be reached only by boat. Nature reserve.

Ribeira Quente
Typical fishermen's village. Close by lies a quiet, lonely shell-like beach called Praia do Fogo. Along the access road, torrents of ferrous water and luxurious vegetation.

Porto Formoso
Typical parish. In the surroundings, there is a small isolated beach. Ruins of a former coastal defence fortress. To the west, Praia dos Moinhos, a broad stretch of sand with calm waters. Mouth of a stream with crystal-clear water.

Capelas
Village hanging over the sea. Natural swimming-pool. Broad views of the northern coast of the island from the hill called Morro das Capelas.

Mosteiros
Picturesque parish. Coast cut by inlets and rocks. Natural pool. In the vicinity, the islets of Mosteiros and Pico das Camarinhas, with curious vestiges of the island's original vegetation.

Furnas Valley - Sao Miguel - The Charm of the Landscape

Huge hollow and luxurious garden in which the colour of the flowers is mixed with the bright green of the Japanese cedars and araucarias. Leafy vegetation from cold and tropical countries, with some species that are hard to find in their lands of origin, Calm and romantic Lake Furnas, with the Gothic profile of José do Canto's chapel - dedicated to Our Lady of Victories - reflected on its clear waters, invites the visitor to rest for a few minutes. On its banks are volcanic solfataras and the "natural kitchens" in which the famous dish called cozido is cooked by burying in the soil hermetically closed pots containing meat and vegetables.


The Caldeiras or craters are an area with diverse forms of volcanic activity, one the most spectacular being Caldeira de Pero Botelho with its boiling mud. Next to the Caldeiras are springs of thermal water at various temperatures. A full-fledged spa, with Pavilions and a hospital (19th c.), is integrated in this complex.
Based on plantations started by Thomas Hickling in the 18th century and continued in the 19th century, Terra Nostra Park, in the picturesque parish of Furnas, is a romantic vision of ponds, winding paths, flowers, centuries-old exotic trees and silence, Two streams converge in the park and there is a pond of warm thermal water that is used as a swimming-pool. A golf course and tennis courts are also part of the tourist complex of Furnas Valley.

The valley is crossed by two fast-flowing streams, one with cold water and the other with warm water coloured by iron in suspension. Typical water-mills exist.
Nearby lies the height called Pico de Ferro, a belvedere affording an expansive view of Furnas Valley. There are also a lot of small waterfalls.

Pico do Carvao - Lagoa do Fogo -Tronqueira - Sao Miguel - The Charm of the Landscape

Pico do Carvão
A peak that provides broad views of the sea and the centre of the island, dominating the northern and southern coasts. Nearby lay Lakes Carvão, Canário and Rasa, besides other, smaller ones, surrounded by the cool green of the trees and pastures.

Lagoa do Fogo
The crater of an extinct volcano. An enormous lake with transparent waters Peninsula with beach. Atmosphere of great calm and beauty. Splendid vistas of the sea and mountains. Nearby lies Lakes Congro and Nenúfares, of small size but great beauty.

Tronqueira
Grandiose scenery made up of ridges and passes, with magnificent vistas of greenery and the sea. Forestry park, The culminating point is Pico de Vara that, with an altitude of 1,080 metres, is the highest in the island. Excellent view of the eastern part of the island.