Made it to Portugal! - São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal

A 5 hours flight from Toronto and I landed in Sao Miguel Island. One of the 9 islands in the Azores, off the coast of Portugal.

I’m speechless, the natural beauty of this island is breathtaking.

You could easily spend a month here, going up and down every trail, visiting each village, taking in the culture and enjoying local food.

Walking through the town of Ponta Delgada you’ll feel the rich history, spot some colourful buildings and be surrounded by many different plants.

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Arranging a tour with the Pure Azores team has to be a highlight forsure! Starting in the morning we headed east, stopping at some remarkable hidden gems.

Beach - there are many beaches along the southern coast, this one is tucked away between the town of Agua de Pau and Villa Franco do Campo.

Villa Franco do Campo - heading east, the town is located along the southern coast. A beautiful view can be found at the top of the hill, next to the chapel - Mirandouro Nossa Senhora da Paz.

The Furnas Valley - this area is located on a dormant volcanic crater. The geothermal activity can be seen and smelt all around, in the form of thermal pools, natural mineral springs and steaming fumaroles.

*from left to right - steaming fumaroles, look out point onto town of Furnas and Lake Furnas

Poca da Dona Beija - these hot springs include 5 thermal pools and are surrounded by luscious greenery.

Lunch - “Cozido das Furnas” (meat stew), this has to be the coolest cooking method I’ve ever experienced - volcano cooked stew. Starting off by Lake Furnas locals fill pots with a variety of meat and vegetables and burry them underground, near the fumaroles. The stew is then cooked for 7-8hours at 100C using the natural heat from the volcano. The process is lengthy but the

result is delicious!

Ribeira dos Caldeiroes Natural Park - near the town of Achada lies a beautiful park with a waterfall and trails

Miradouro do Despe-te que Suas - This lookout point speaks for itself. After making my way up, I was surrounded by tons of greenery and the ocean waves crashing into the cliffs.

I'll have to go back and explore the other 8 islands of the Azores! I'm off to the mainland - Porto.