After fantasizing about the Azores during the passage, the approach to the port of Ponta Delgada offered a puzzling view: urban city line with an ungracious high-rise building, military vessels, shipping boats and a cruise ship busy in the harbor while airplanes were taking off or arriving to the nearby airport. Fortunately, we stayed long enough to go past this first impression and discovered some of the many treasures this beautiful green island possesses.
Volcanic energy
The islands are the result of volcanic activity, creating landscapes with craters and waterfalls. The vista del Rey of Sete Cidades is breathtaking.
Fertile soil developed over the centuries, favorable to agriculture and livestock breeding. Sao Miguel is very green (with the drawback of high humidity and frequent drizzle and rain).
In Furnas, we enjoyed walking amongst the hot springs. Geothermal energy represents 21% of the Azorean electricity production and is the main renewable energy in the region (before wind farms (8.5%) and other less important sources like hydraulic and solar).
The water temperature in the Azores is much warmer than on the Atlantic coast of Portugal, thanks to the Gulf stream.
In addition, warm water sources exit directly into the sea, creating nicely warm swimming places. On of them is located to the East of the island, in Ferraria.
A town proud of traditions
A growing pedestrian area is paved in the typical Portuguese style. The black paving stones are made of local volcanic lava though.
The festival Divino Espirito Santo was happening during our stay, which includes a procession of chariots pulled by oxen, representing the various municipalities around Ponta Delgada.
When the Azorians decided to close convents and monasteries, historical buildings became available to be turned into museums and hotels.
There are many beautiful walks through the city, including to visit the botanical gardens.
Unexpected treats
On our first day walking around the town, we witnessed the filming of a Netflix series which takes place in Sao Miguel. The plot starts with a real event: a sailboat full of cocaine washed up near a fishing village…
Anoter suprise was the fact that a Pineaple and a Tea plantation can be visited freely.
Of course, a tasting at the adjoining café was a must.
What’s next?
Our daughter Romaine took the plane back home, the airport of Ponta Delgada offering direct flights to Montreal. We will miss her a lot! But the adventure must go on and our next destination will be the island of Tercera.
