Portugal

Santa Maria Airport

Viana do Castelo

João Paulo II Airport

Vila Franca Islet is a small volcanic island located off the coast of the island of São Miguel in the Azores, Portugal. It is a nature reserve and protected landscape, managed by the Regional Government of the Azores. The islet is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors for its unique natural beauty and recreational activities.

The Vila Franca Islet is an almost circular island, about 1 km in diameter, with a diameter of its caldera that measures around 500 meters wide. It was formed by the crater of a dormant volcano, and is completely surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. Its beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life make it a popular destination for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The island's only beach is situated in the small bay formed by the caldera.

Access to the islet is limited and regulated, with a maximum number of daily visitors allowed in order to preserve its fragile ecosystem. Visitors can reach the islet by boat, and there are several tour operators that offer excursions from São Miguel. Once on the islet, visitors can take a guided tour or explore on their own. There are several hiking trails that lead to different viewpoints and parts of the island, providing panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and São Miguel Island.

Vila Franca Islet

Parque Terra Nostra is a botanical garden located in Furnas, São Miguel, Azores, Portugal. It was created in the 1930s by a wealthy American businessman, Thomas H. Hooper, who imported numerous species of plants from all over the world to create a lush and exotic garden. The park covers an area of about 30 hectares and features a large thermal pool fed by the hot springs in the area. The garden is a popular tourist destination and is known for its collection of exotic and native plants, as well as its scenic beauty. It is surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, making it a great place for a picnic, a walk, or a soak in the hot springs.

Parque Terra Nostra

Caldeira das Furnas is a volcanic crater located in the eastern part of São Miguel Island, one of the islands in the Azores archipelago of Portugal. The caldera is about 1.5 kilometers wide and is known for its bubbling mud pools, geysers, and hot springs.

The area around Caldeira das Furnas is an important part of the Azores' geothermal activity, and the hot springs and thermal waters are used for medicinal and therapeutic purposes. Visitors can observe the bubbling mud pools and hot springs and even see local chefs cook the famous cozido das Furnas, a traditional Portuguese stew, by burying it in the hot ground.

In addition to the geothermal activity, Caldeira das Furnas is surrounded by lush green vegetation, including the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, which features a variety of exotic and endemic plants from the Azores and other parts of the world. The garden is home to a large thermal pool that is popular for swimming and relaxing.

Caldeira das Furnas

Lagoa do Fogo is a beautiful crater lake located in the center of São Miguel island, which is part of the Azores archipelago in Portugal. The lake, which is surrounded by mountains and lush vegetation, is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the Azores, with a depth of around 30 meters.

The lake's name, which means "lake of fire" in Portuguese, comes from a volcanic eruption that took place about 15,000 years ago. The eruption created a large caldera that eventually filled with water from rainfall and underground springs, forming the Lagoa do Fogo.

The area surrounding the lake is a protected nature reserve, and it is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including several species of birds and rare plants. The lake is also a popular destination for swimming, hiking, and bird watching. There are several hiking trails around the lake, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

To reach the Lagoa do Fogo, visitors can take a 30-minute drive from the capital city of Ponta Delgada, or take a guided tour that includes transportation and a visit to other attractions on the island. The lake is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and anyone seeking a peaceful and beautiful setting in the Azores.

Lagoa do Fogo

Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego is a scenic viewpoint located on the northeastern coast of Sao Miguel island, in the Azores archipelago of Portugal. It is a popular tourist spot, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the green hills and cliffs that line the coast.

The viewpoint is located in the town of Nordeste, which is known for its natural beauty and tranquil way of life. From the viewpoint, visitors can see the jagged coastline and crashing waves, as well as the green fields and hills that stretch out to the horizon.

The Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego is surrounded by gardens and picnic areas, making it a great spot for a relaxing day out. There is also a small chapel nearby, dedicated to Our Lady of Peace, which adds to the peaceful and spiritual atmosphere of the area.

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