São Miguel is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, and the best way to enjoy them is at the numerous viewpoints scattered throughout the island. One of the most beautiful, though still relatively unknown, is the Miradouro da Boca do Inferno. This spot offers incredible panoramas of volcanic landscapes, dense forests and picturesque valleys, creating a unique wild landscape. The vantage point offers a view that is sure to be memorable for any visitor. However, it is worth remembering that due to its location, the point is often shrouded in fog, especially in the colder months. It's best to plan a visit in the morning or wait for the right time when the clouds subside.

Another hidden treasure of São Miguel is the Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego. This vantage point, actually a viewing garden, offers not only panoramic views of the green cliffs and ocean, but also beautifully maintained gardens full of flowers. It's the perfect place for a leisurely stroll and contemplation of nature's beauty. There is free parking on site, and the entire tour should not take more than an hour. It is worth planning a visit here at sunrise, when the views are most spectacular.

For those looking for a less frequented spot, we recommend Miradouro do Ilhéu de Rosto de Cão. This vantage point offers beautiful views of the ocean and the city, yet is relatively unknown to tourists. You can reach it by walking along the promenade that leaves the port of Ponta Delgada. This is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset over the Atlantic.

As for natural wonders, don't miss the Cascata do Salto do Prego. Tucked away in a lush forest, this waterfall offers not only spectacular views, but also a chance to cool off in the crystal clear water. The trail leading to the waterfall is full of charm and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility in a picturesque setting. Be sure to wear proper footwear, as the path can be slippery, especially after rain.

Last but not least in this category is Cascata do Salto do Cabrito. This impressive waterfall is accessible after a short but scenic walk. It's worth viewing both from below and from above, using the metal stairs and walkway (though these are not recommended for those with a fear of heights). The water temperature is surprisingly pleasant, which encourages you to take a dip under the waterfall - an experience that is sure to be remembered for a long time.

Each of these places offers unique experiences and views that highlight the extraordinary beauty of São Miguel. It's well worth scheduling time to leisurely explore and savor each of these hidden treasures of the island.

São Miguel, often referred to as the 'Green Island,' is famous for its lush vegetation and picturesque parks. One of the most beautiful, though still relatively unknown to tourists, is Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park. This national park impresses with its wildlife and extraordinary landscapes. Known for its lush vegetation, crystal clear streams and impressive waterfalls, the park offers a series of hiking trails that lead through dense forests, volcanic formations and picturesque valleys. Note the traditional water mills, which add to the charm of the place and introduce visitors to its cultural heritage. The park is accessible free of charge, and there is a large parking lot, a small cafe and a store selling souvenirs and Azorean wines. This is an ideal place for families - it offers not only beautiful views, but also picnic and play areas for children.

Another hidden treasure of São Miguel is the Jardim Botânico José do Canto. Located almost in the center of Ponta Delgada, this botanical garden offers a peaceful stroll among exotic plants. Although there is a fee to enter, it is a place worth visiting for its unusual atmosphere and abundance of plant species. The park was established in the 19th century and still impresses today with its diversity and careful maintenance. It's the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city - you can spend an hour or two here, strolling through the alleys and admiring the rare flora specimens. At the end of the garden there is a charming cafe where you can relax and enjoy the tranquility of the place.

For those who want an even deeper immersion in nature, we recommend a visit to Mata Jardim José do Canto. This place, located on the southern shore of Lake Furnas, offers a magical experience. Many visitors compare it to scenes from Jurassic Park, a testament to its unusual, somewhat wild character. Within the park is a hermitage with a neo-Gothic church from 1886, which has beautiful pointed-arch windows with stained glass windows. This is the perfect place to take unique photos and experience the true spirit of the Azores. There is a fee to enter the park (3 euros per person, as of February 2024), but the experience of your visit will certainly make up for this small fee.

Last, but equally fascinating, is Antigo Pomar das Caldeiras da Lagoa das Furnas. This place combines the beauty of nature with the fascinating cultural heritage of the Azores. Here you can see the traditional way of preparing the famous Azorean stew, which is cooked in the ground using natural geothermal heat. The park itself offers pleasant walking trails with beautiful views of Lake Furnas. It's a great place to combine contact with nature with learning about local culinary traditions.

Each of these parks and gardens offers unique experiences that provide a deeper understanding of São Miguel's natural wealth. These places are ideal for families with children, couples or solo travelers seeking peace and natural beauty. It's worth planning visits to these places at different times of the day to fully appreciate the changing light and atmosphere of these unique corners of the Azores.

São Miguel, in addition to its breathtaking views and lush vegetation, also offers unique opportunities to relax and explore lesser-known attractions. One such place is Termas da Ferraria, an extraordinary hot springs located on the western tip of the island. This place combines wild, rugged scenery with the luxury of bathing in natural hot waters. The thermal pools are guarded by a lifeguard, ensuring the safety of bathers. It's worth remembering to bring swimming shoes, as the bottom is rocky. Although the infrastructure itself may seem a bit neglected, and admission is charged (5 euros for 3 hours, as of 2024), the experience of bathing in the hot springs overlooking the ocean is truly unique. It's best to plan your visit for sunset, when the scenery becomes even more magical.

For those looking for more hidden gems, lesser-known sites such as the abandoned Monte Palace Hotel are worth mentioning. Although not a typical tourist attraction, the place attracts attention with its mysterious atmosphere and unusual history. Located on a hill overlooking the Sete Cidades lakes, the hotel offers incredible views, often better than from official vantage points. However, it's worth remembering that entering the hotel is at your own risk, as the building is in a state of disrepair.

Another fascinating place to explore is the Quatro Fabricas da Luz trail. This trail leads through scenic countryside to old, abandoned hydroelectric plants. Although the trail can be challenging in places, it offers unforgettable views and the opportunity to explore unique industrial ruins blending in with the lush vegetation. It's an ideal destination for those seeking unusual experiences and fascinating photographic frames.

For lovers of horticulture and history, an interesting attraction may be the Plantação Ananases A Arruda - a pineapple plantation that is the only one of its kind in Europe. Here you can see the process of growing these fruits, which takes as long as two years. There is also a souvenir store and a bar where you can sample local specialties, including sangria based on pineapple liqueur. Admission to the plantation is free, making it an attractive option for families with children.

Also worth mentioning are lesser-known viewpoints, such as Pico da Vela. While it may take some effort to get there, the views are worth every step. This spot offers a panorama that will take your breath away and allow you to fully appreciate the island's beauty.

Finally, for those who want to explore the island's cultural heritage, a visit to the Museu Carlos Machado is recommended. This museum, while not as popular with tourists, offers a fascinating journey through the history and nature of the Azores. With a collection that includes religious artifacts and fauna exhibits, mainly birds and fish, this museum provides an excellent introduction to the island's culture and ecosystem.

Each of these sites offers unique experiences to discover a lesser-known face of São Miguel. From relaxing baths in hot springs, to exploring abandoned buildings, to learning about local culture and nature, these hidden treasures of São Miguel are sure to enrich any trip to the Azores with unforgettable memories.