The Azores Region in Portugal is definitely worth a visit

São Miguel

This is the biggest island of the archipelago, and as part of the Eastern group, São Miguel Island is also in my opinion the most famous and the one you definitely have to add to your bucket-list. 

The Island has the nickname “Ilha Verde” – ‘Green Island’, because of its lush vegetation.  Here you will find huge craters, beautiful lakes and gardens and much more. 

Let’s start with a list of things you must do and see on the  São Miguel Island:

• If you are looking for those Instagram beautiful photo spots, you have to visit Sete Cidades.  Thee is a beautiful trail to a view point on top of a hill which will give you stunning 360 views over the volcanic lakes (Caldeira das Sete Cidades).
• Visit the Hot Springs –São Miquel Furnas and thermal baths.
• Beautiful Lagoa das Empadadas with flowering azaleas is a very tranquil destination.
• Hiking in the Azores is breathtakingly beautiful.  Hike up to the top to get a view on Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde.
• Now everyone is talking about the view from the top of the abandoned Hotel Monte Palace.  This was a bit creepy for me, but for photographers it is a dream spot.
• Actually anywhere high up on the São Miguel Island will reward you with awesome views:  Miradouro do Cerrado das Freiras / Miradouro do Monte Santo / Miradouro do Nossa Senhora da Paz / Miradouro da Bela Vista (as its name give away:  Beautiful View).
• Visit Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Paz
• Ribeira Grande
• The tea plantations at Cha Gorreana with a sea view is beautiful.
• The city Nordeste speaks of history
• Miradouro da Ponta do Arnel with its cute Lighthouse.
• The UNESCO World Heritage site “Angra do Heroisme” is a beautiful, almost undiscovered, town with amazing architecture.
• Another must see is the main city Ponta Delgada.
• Go to the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden – Furnas
• Lagoa do Fogo / Lake or Lagoon of Fire 
• Jardim Jose do Canto Garden  in Ponta Delgada