The Azores – São Miguel

São Miguel is the largest island in the Azores and renowned for its remarkable variety of landscapes, where volcanic activity continues to shape nature. The island offers a rare interplay of lush vegetation, deep craters, and hot springs. In Furnas, the geothermal power is experienced up close: steam rises from the ground, hot springs bubble, and the local specialty cozido is slowly cooked underground using natural heat. One of the island's most iconic sites is Sete Cidades, where two crater lakes, one green and one blue, lie side by side in a massive volcanic crater, surrounded by steep green slopes and viewpoints with vast panoramas. Along the coast, dramatic cliffs and natural sea arches reveal the island's raw character, best experienced from the ocean on boat tours that also provide opportunities to see dolphins and whales in the open Atlantic. São Miguel also features tea plantations, small villages, and a tranquil atmosphere, where Portuguese culture and the rhythm of nature set the pace for a journey filled with both exploration and relaxation.