Private Tour Northeast and Povoação

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Villa Franca do Campo is one of the most historic locations of São Miguel, having been the first capital of the island until the devastating earthquake of 1522. Today, it enchants visitors with its iconic Ilhéu, a natural Reservation in a submerged volcanic crater, and with the iconic Hermitage of Our Lady of Peace, which offers one of the most famous views of the archipelago. Inseparable from the Villa are the Queijadas da Villa, a relic of conventual sweets created more than 500 years ago by the nuns of the former Convent of Santo André. Made from milk, sugar and many egg yolks, these cheesecakes are famous for their juicy texture and generous finish in powdered sugar. At the Morgado Factory, you can still observe the handmade manufacturing process as the proofs just come out of the oven.

   1 h

2. The Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada, located in the Northeast, is world famous for being the best place on the island to watch the sunrise. It is a space that combines large gardens full of flowers with vertigous views over the cliffs and the sea.

   30 min

3. The Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego, located in the county of Nordeste, is widely considered one of the most beautiful places in the Azores. Faithful to its name, it offers an atmosphere of absolute serenity with superb views over the cliffs that dive into the Atlantic Ocean.

   30 min

4. The center of the Villa do Nordeste is known as the "most prosperous municipality" of São Miguel. It is an impeccably clean historical center, where the imposing Matriz Church of St. George stands out, with its characteristic basalt stone facade, and the municipal gardens that seem hand-painted. The walk through the center is complete with the passage through the historic Seven Arcs Bridge, a 19th-century engineering work that is the Villa's postcard. For those who love culture, the Nordeste Municipal Museum offers a look at the local traditions. It is a quiet place, where the silence and care with the public spaces invite to a relaxed walk. Stop for lunch.

   2 h

5. The Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park is an authentic fairy-tale setting in the Nordeste county. This refuge stands out for its stunning waterfalls, centuries-old water mills and a lush vegetation made up of giant fetuses and hortensias. It is the ideal place for those looking to relax in impeccable gardens, explore the Azorian ethnographic heritage or venture in the canyoning. With free entrance and excellent leisure areas, it is a must stop to feel the green soul of São Miguel.

   1 h

6. The Villa da Povoação is the historic cradle of São Miguel, where the first settlers landed. The tour begins at the monument Porta do Povoamento, following the picturesque streets to the Hermitage of Santa Barbara (one of the oldest on the island) and to the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary. Alongside the sea, you can relax in the beach and harbor area, but the mandatory stop is at a local pastry store to taste the famous Fofas da Povoação, the typical candy filled with cream. It is a serene Villa, encased between mountains, which perfectly combines the cultural heritage with the Azorian serenity.

   1 h

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 1 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Ponta Delgada

• Its from-price is 37% above the median of the 75 day trips we list in Ponta Delgada.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 60 of 75.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Ponta Delgada

Ponta Delgada is the main town of the Azores, on São Miguel island, with black-and-white streets, a harbour, and volcanic lakes and hot springs inland.

Ponta Delgada stands on the south coast of São Miguel, the largest island of the Azores, a Portuguese archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic. Its old centre is built of black volcanic stone and whitewashed walls, with the three-arched Portas da Cidade at the waterfront, the Church of São Sebastião and the Forte de São Brás. The Carlos Machado Museum holds natural history and art.

Top-ranked sights in Ponta Delgada: Sete Cidades, Arruda Pineapple Plantation, Pico do Carvão Viewpoint (Miradouro do Pico do Carvão).

See all 198 experiences in Ponta Delgada