Tourist Attractions & Monuments The Azores

In the heart of the Cancela do Cinzeiro forest reserve, 6 km from Nordeste, this environmental center is dedicated to the protection of the priolo and the preservation of its habitat, the laurel forest. This rare bird is found only in the mountainous northeast of São Miguel. Visits to the forest allow you to go in search of it - and maybe catch a glimpse! - with excellent guides. Book in advance.

This superb lookout is a must-see if you're visiting the island's east coast. It's probably one of the most beautiful miradouros on São Miguel, not only for its panoramic view of the ocean and the steep coastline, but above all for the magnificent garden in which it's nestled. In spring, it's in full bloom - sublime! On site, you'll also find a picnic area with tables, barbecue and sanitary facilities, and stray cats begging to be petted by visitors.

It's the highest waterfall in Portugal! At a height of 110 metres, it is truly impressive. The waterfall tumbles down in the middle of a natural basalt amphitheatre formed by lava flows, amid lush vegetation. A protected area, it is part of the Santa Maria Island Natural Park and the Azores Geopark. In summer, it's possible to swim here, but the waterfall sometimes dries up. At the foot of the cliff, where the water falls, you'll see the Lagar de Diogo Santos Faleiro, an old wine press built at the end of the ^16th century. Idyllic.

Right in the center of town, this small, modern museum is the result of the renovation of two historic residences: the house of the third captain-donor of the island of Santa Maria, João Soares de Sousa (1493-1571), and the house where Manuel Monteiro Velho Arruda (1873-1950), a famous doctor and historian, was born. Inside, temporary exhibitions take place one after the other; check the website to find out what they're all about. To make the most of them, the best option is to ask for a guided tour; the museum staff will be delighted to accompany you!

This park is a hidden gem, just 3.5 km from Furnas, just north of the lake. Abandoned by the Portuguese state for 22 years, it was finally bought back in 2018 by a private individual who has rehabilitated it. Here, you'll discover an enchanting natural setting, with wooden paths and fittings, waterfalls and streams, all bathed in lush vegetation. The viewpoints overlooking the lake and waterfalls are well worth the effort: expect to climb more than 500 steps! Allow at least 2 hours for your visit. Swimming possible!

This is the Azores Tourist Information Office. The website is very comprehensive, and includes tips, leisure ideas, experiences, events, brochures, videos, photos... You'll find useful contacts: tourist offices, but also town halls, pharmacies, hospitals, consulates... and even a weather report thanks to webcams placed on tourist sites showing the weather live. To help you discover the archipelago.

Just ten kilometers south-west of Praia da Vitória, this miradouro is reached via a pretty cobbled road. From the top of the viewpoint, a breathtaking panorama of the entire interior of the island of Terceira. As far as the eye can see, green landscapes and a patchwork of fields criss-crossed by the distinctive volcanic stone walls. To be admired only in fine weather, when the sky is clear. Worth the detour.

From the time they settled on Graciosa in the ^16th century, Portuguese settlers used donkeys for agriculture, travel and transporting goods. Because of their importance to the island's development, these equines were numerous, before their population dwindled over the decades. The association founded by Franco and Sandra in 2013, Associação de Criadores do Burro Anão da Ilha da Graciosa (ACABAIG), aims to protect and conserve these animals, whose species was recognized as indigenous in 2015. When they began in 2013, only 45 of these equines remained. Today, thanks to their work, there are now around 100 donkeys on the island, 28 of which are spread across the plots on their property.

During the visit, the couple will explain the work carried out with Professor Arthur Machado, an expert in genetics, to have the species recognized, its characteristics and the reasons why it is important to preserve it. You'll also find out more about the role these animals have played in the history of the Azores, with period photos to prove it! To illustrate this point, you will of course be allowed to approach the donkeys and, if you feel like it, feed them or pose with them to take home a nice souvenir; they are very friendly and love to be stroked. Don't forget to let us know when you're coming, so we don't find the door closed.

An activity that's sure to please young and old alike!

Made of red clay, this superb beach is unique in the region. Its impressive color contrasts with the electric blue of the ocean that washes ashore. A pure marvel! The picnic area and swimming area are ideal for relaxation, with a platform and ladder leading directly into the natural pools. One of the island's campsites is also located here, and is completely free of charge. The beach is definitely worth a visit, even if you don't stay to enjoy the facilities.

Named literally "Christmas grotto" after the mass celebrated there on December 25, 1969, gruta do Natal is just 6 km from Algar do Carvão. It's a 697-metre-long lava tube. You won't be able to go all the way down, as part of it is reserved for experienced cavers, but the two routes inside will enable you to observe all kinds of volcanic formations. A helmet is provided, as some passages are narrow and require you to bend down to move forward. A great underground expedition!