Our most recommended things to do in Povoacao

Furnas: East São Miguel Island Nature Tour

1. Furnas: East São Miguel Island Nature Tour

After being collected from your accommodation, begin your tour of the beautiful natural landmarks of São Miguel. Discover a region abundant with beautiful scenery, lush landscapes, and fantastic viewpoints. Take a tour of Plantações de Chá Gorreana, the oldest tea plantations in Europe. See the only fields of tea in Europe, and whilst at the plantation, you can sample the tea for free and roam around the fields. After that, head to Furnas to explore the valley and take a dip in the hot springs to relax a bit and connect with nature. After visiting the hot springs, stop for lunch in Furnas. Try the famous cozido mixed meats or many of the other options on the menu. After lunch, visit the lagoon and roam around a bit to enjoy the surroundings. When the visit to the lagoon is finished it's time to head to Vila Franca to have a look at the world-famous islet. Finish the tour in Ponta Delgada with a visit to the pineapple plantations.

Nordeste Tour from Ponta Delgada

2. Nordeste Tour from Ponta Delgada

Start the tour by leaving Ponta Delgada and traveling towards the north coast. Make the first stop at Ribeira dos Caldeirões in the municipality of Nordeste. See the beautiful waterfall, known as Véu da Noiva, and the surrounding watermills and gardens. Pass through picturesque villages as you travel on towards the wonderful viewpoints of Ponta do Sossego and Ponta da Madrugada, on the eastern tip of the island. View the beautiful lighthouse from the top of the cliff. Stop for lunch which will be served in the village of Povoação, the oldest settlement on the island. In the afternoon, relax near the sea or explore the historic center of Povoação. Return to Ponta Delgada along the south coast, passing by Furnas Lake and Vila Franca do Campo.

Full-Day 4x4 Nordeste Azores Tour from Ponta Delgada

3. Full-Day 4x4 Nordeste Azores Tour from Ponta Delgada

The Nordeste is one of the lesser-known destinations of Portugal, yet it remains one of the most beautiful areas of São Miguel Island. Spend a day exploring the area in a 4x4, traveling along the coast to Ribeira Grande and Porto Formoso, among others. The the 4x4 will climb to one of the highest peaks on the island: the Pico Bartolomeu. From here, you can see the highest mountain on the island, the Pico da Vara. After marveling at the sight, drive along the famous Tronqueira Mountain Trail to one of the oldest parts of the island, ending in Povoação Village.

Ponta Delgada: Full-Day Nordeste & Waterfall Tour with Lunch

4. Ponta Delgada: Full-Day Nordeste & Waterfall Tour with Lunch

Taking the road that travels along the North coast reach Nordeste, usually referred as the 10th island for its remoteness, and the oldest geological part of São Miguel. Mountains, woods, waterfalls, belvederes that rise over the sea, beautiful villages, and a multitude of flowers mark this area. It is possible to find genuine handicrafts and delicious gastronomy here which you can see and taste at your stop in Nordeste village. After lunch continue the tour around the east part of the island until you reach the village of Povoação, the place where the first settlers set foot on the island. Finish the day with a stop at Salto do Cavalo belvedere.

Full-Day Faial da Terra + Nordeste from Ponta Delgada

5. Full-Day Faial da Terra + Nordeste from Ponta Delgada

Faial da Terra is a small village belonging to Povoação, located in the South East of São Miguel Island. Your walking tour will start with a casual stroll down a steep, narrow road that will you lead to Sanguinho. Sanguinho is a village abandoned since the early 70s and is now undergoing a restoration process. You can walk through this place and see the relics of a time gone by, plus the new modern development that is taking place.  Continue your trail through the dense and lush woods, with much short up and downhill stretches between picturesque vegetation. Proceeding along the walk you will finally reach Salto Do Prego waterfall. Amidst the secluded area and near the cascading water you can have a dip before enjoying a delicious picnic lunch. On the way back to your original starting point you will take an alternative route full of picturesque views amongst dense vegetation. Once you have reached your final destination you will have time for a snack in town and can mingle with the locals.  You can combine the adventure of one of the most beautiful hikes in São Miguel Island with a comfortable van tour to Nordeste, all in one experience.

Side by Side Tour - Sete Cidades from North Coast (Half Day)

6. Side by Side Tour - Sete Cidades from North Coast (Half Day)

Get ready to drive or be a passenger on the brand new Wolverine® RMAX™4 1000(one of the best UTV's available on the market). This activity is ideal for families or couples looking for adventure and fun. This tour will take you to the highest points that surround Sete Cidades Volcano. The itinerary is On and Offroad and If the weather is good, you can count on awesome views to the lakes and the ocean. Our team of expert guides will ensure your safety and provide brief explanations at each stop. Driver`s license is mandatory for drivers and remember that this is a tour to enjoy the landscapes, not a rally competition.

São Miguel: Full Day Tour to Nordeste

7. São Miguel: Full Day Tour to Nordeste

Travel from Ponta Delgada to one of Sao Miguel’s northern coast’s highlights: The Ribeira dos Caldeirões natural park, where waterfalls and windmills nestle amongst the lush vegetation. From here, you’ll continue on to Nordeste village, known for its beautiful gardens and well-preserved streets. From here you’ll travel along the North-East side of the island, taking in the views over colorful gardens and the sea from Ponta do Arnel, Ponta do Sossego and Ponta da Madrugada. Your next stop will be Povoação Village, situated in the most South-Eastern part of the island. Povoação means settlement in Portuguese, and was where the first Portuguese navigators arrived on the island. A picnic for lunch will be served, before traveling, to Salto do Cavalo to the Graminhais plateau for views of both Furnas and Povoação villages. From here you’ll return to Ponta Delgada along the North coast of the island.

From Ponta Delgada: Nordeste Full Day Jeep Tour

8. From Ponta Delgada: Nordeste Full Day Jeep Tour

Be picked up in Ponta Delgada and head towards Nordeste for a full-day jeep tour of the region. Stop at Sallto do Cavalo viewing point. The lookout point provides views of the north-eastern side of the island, the Furnas Valley, and the coastline. After your stop at Sallto do Cavalo viewpoint, you’ll head to the Park of Ribeira dos Caldeirões. Located on the the slopes of Serra da Tronqueira, Park of Ribeira dos Caldeirões follows the Ribeira dos Caldeirões water stream. Here you’ll see an abundance of local flora, including ferns and cedar trees. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant located in a Nordeste village. After lunch, you’ll stop at Serra da Tronqueira, where you’ll have panoramic views of the island. Visit Povoação, which was the first populated village on the island. After your visit, stop at Vila Franca do Campo, which is known for its beach inlets.

São Miguel Island: Guided Hiking Tour via Salto do Prego

9. São Miguel Island: Guided Hiking Tour via Salto do Prego

SALTO DO PREGO – SANGUINHO: In this tour, which begins in the parish of Faial da Terra, we will walk side by side with a beautiful river that will guide us through sensational orchards, wooden bridges, forests, and typical houses/roads, until we reach the magical waterfall of Salto do Prego – whose crystal waters you will have the opportunity to try. On the way back, we will cross the old abandoned village of Sanguinho, which has been gradually recovering its charm and liveliness. Then, we will make a brief stop at the formidable viewpoint of Pico dos Bodes, after which we invite you to: enjoy a refreshing dive in Povoação / Ribeira Quente, OR take a cozy bath in the Thermal Springs of Furnas, OR enjoy the rest of the time to wander. NOTE: The trail can be quite steep and slippery in some areas.

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What people are saying about Povoacao

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 86 reviews

Jose was fantastic, very knowledgable without hesitation, not as much walking as we expected but was brilliant regardless. Jose stopped wherever we wanted and wherever he wanted, to show us some hidden gems, he went above and beyond to make our experience as amazing as possible. The lunch was lovely and the local beer and liquor was even better! Thank you Jose, we would highly recommend.

Our tour to Nordeste and the waterfalls of the eastern areas of Sao Miguel Island was absolutely wonderful !! Our guide, Hugo M, was great. Friendly and fun, full of information. Makes sure his travelers are taken good care of! The scenery everywhere was spectacular and the lunch of fresh, local foods was delicious! Totally recommend…you will not be disappointed.

It was an amaaaazing ride with Jose! He is incredibly knowledgable and it was a pleasure to get to know so much about Sao Miguel and Azores in general. Highly recommended! Will definitely join another tour with this firm next time again. Oh and by the way, the lunch was excellent!

A fun filled adventure with Hugo . He was very informative and helpful with the tour Love the hike to the Crater lake and the waterfall A must when you come to the Azores the best.

Joao was the best tour guide we have had so far! This tour was beautiful with amazing views and great culture. Also the food was delicious :). Highly recommend!