Pink Houses’s Field Notes on Sao Miguel Island, Portugal
Courtesy of The Filomena
Field Notes are firsthand travel recommendations for and by our ECT Clubhouse members. Get the lowdown on destinations across the globe from travelers and locals alike. This week, Joana from the Pink House shares her insider tips for Sao Miguel Island, Portugal.
I'm Pink House's director and architect, my name is Joana Oliveira and I'll introduce you to some gems in São Miguel's Island.
Pink House is located about 10 minutes by car from Ponta Delgada's center where you can visit museums, botanical gardens, get on a boat to go whale watching, fishing, and have great dining experiences. The Island is small but big enough to offer extremely different experiences in places so close to each other. You can spend the morning hiking between lakes, waterfalls and exuberant vegetation and go catch waves in the afternoon or relax at the beach! Take your time to travel here as the Atlantic climate changes and shifts constantly, so be ready for all 4 seasons in one day!
Do
Lagoa do Fogo: Lagoa do Fogo is my favourite lake here. It’s in a preserved area and the nature is still untouched. The hike going down the lagoon might be tiring but it's completely worth it when you feel how peaceful and powerful it is.
Other recommendations shared: Must-visit hot springs, the part of the island with the best sunsets, a lagoon where you can spend the day hiking and paddling, and a village with thermal waters for bathing. Head to the Clubhouse for the details.
Eat
Tukátulá Beach Bar: Finish the day with some drinks and snacks at Tukátula at Santa Bárbara Beach where surfers hang out.
Other recommendations shared: The dish cooked by volcano that you need to try when you’re visiting, plus an old village where you can try its famous sweet bread and natural waters. Head to the Clubhouse for the details.
Pro tips:
1. Don't leave without checking the weather around the island using webcams.
2. Bring a black or old swimsuit to the thermal pools as the orange water and iron stains everything!
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