Ribeira Quente, considered by many to be the little pearl of São Miguel, is a fishing parish set on mountain slopes and close to sea level. This place is one of the main tourist destinations in the region and on the island of São Miguel.
This parish has a lot to offer and its beauty begins to be realised even before you reach your destination. On the road linking Furnas to Ribeira Quente, you can see waterfalls and a huge diversity of botanical species.
Here you can also enjoy Praia do Fogo, a special destination much sought after by tourists, and many other activities at the region’s various points of interest.
What is Ribeira Quente?
Ribeira Quente is a small parish in the municipality of Povoação. It is home to approximately 770 inhabitants, mainly in agriculture and fishing.
The parish of Ribeira Quente is divided into two very distinct residential areas with different characteristics and interests:
- The “Fogo”: where the inhabitants live off family subsistence farming and exploit the wasteland in the area. From here you can also access the Church of São Paulo and the emblematic Praia do Fogo (warm water beach);
- The “Ribeira”: here you’ll find the Ribeira Quente harbour, where a large part of the community fishes.
Ribeira Quente is a town full of charms ready to delight tourists visiting the island of São Miguel. Here, you’re sure to enjoy unique moments framed by the blue and green landscape.
History & Geography of Ribeira Quente
Located in the municipality of Povoação, the parish of Ribeira Quente arose when the first inhabitants began to settle the region in the 16th century.
This town began to be populated a few years after the settlement of Furnas.
In 1936, construction began on the two tunnels that facilitated access to the parish. However, the development of Ribeira Quente took place in 1943, when it was elevated to a parish.
The landscape and geographical area of Ribeira Quente has undergone several changes over the centuries due to the eruption of the Furnas Volcano in 1630 and the landslides from the Furnas Valley in 1997.
The History of Fort São Paulo
The São Paulo Fort was built to guard and protect Ribeira Quente from the frequent pirate and privateer attacks that occurred in this part of the Atlantic Ocean.
The fort had a privileged location and was fully equipped to defend the little pearl of São Miguel. However, nothing remains of this imposing building.
The construction did not reach the present day and has been in ruins since 1817.
Culture & Festivities — Festa do Chicharro
The Festa do Chicharro is held annually in the parish of Ribeira Quente.
The event, which combines musical entertainment with São Miguel cuisine, promotes cultural traditions and the local economy and its first edition was held in 1998 — remains one of São Miguel’s most emblematic festivals to this day.
The Chicharro Festival takes place in the summer, specifically in July or August, and attracts thousands of locals and tourists.
Quick Info
Chicharro is a typical São Miguel dish and can be prepared in various ways to suit the taste of each visitor.
What To Do In Ribeira Quente?
Passing through the municipality of Povoação? After Furnas, Ribeira Quente is one of the charms that São Miguel has to offer! Don’t miss the opportunity to visit some of the places we consider to be unmissable points of interest in the region.
Enjoy Praia do Fogo
Praia do Fogo, also known as Praia da Ribeira Quente, is located in the parish of Ribeira Quente, in the municipality of Povoação. This bathing area is trendy and attracts many tourists and locals alike.
With its indescribable natural beauty, Praia do Fogo is located in a bay with several underwater hydrothermal springs that give the seawater an excellent temperature (warm water), making it very inviting for swimming.
Note: the beach is equipped with all the infrastructure to support bathers, with car parks, toilets, and access for people with reduced mobility.
Explore the Ribeira Quente Waterfall
The Ribeira Quente Waterfall, located in the municipality of Povoação, is approximately 25 metres high. The waterfall can be seen through the tunnel opening on the access road to the parish of Ribeira Quente.
Surrounded by vegetation of enormous botanical variety that gives the site a very particular scenic value, the Ribeira Quente Waterfall is one of the region’s points of interest where you can relax and enjoy nature.
The Ribeira Quente Waterfall is of thermal origin and has drinking water from springs located in the interior of the island of São Miguel.
Visit the Church of São Paulo
The Church of São Paulo, also known as the Parish Church of Ribeira Quente, is located in the parish of Ribeira Quente, in São Miguel.
This Christian temple, built at the beginning of the 20th century, was the third church to be erected in the region after the sea and storms considerably damaged the old 17th-century buildings.
The current Church of São Paulo, built in the revivalist style, was completed in September 1917 and inaugurated with great festivities for the blessing of Bishop Manuel Damasceno da Costa.
Take the Agrião Hiking Trail
The Agrião Hiking Trail is a linear route, starting at Porto da Ribeira Quente and heading towards the mountains, taking an average of 4 hours to complete.
During the walk, you’ll be able to observe the various endemic species of the surrounding forest and contemplate the view over Tronqueira and Graminhais from the viewpoints you’ll find along the way.
This is an activity that shouldn’t be missing from your itinerary if you want to go on an adventure in nature. The Agrião Trail has a lot to see and appreciate and is of medium difficulty, so be prepared for a good walk.
Note: bring comfortable clothes, comfortable footwear suitable for the trail and a rucksack with some essentials such as extra clothes, sun cream, snacks, and water.
Best Time To Visit Ribeira Quente
Due to its location, temperatures in São Miguel are mild all year round. However, in the winter months, periods of rain and lower temperatures become more frequent.
In this sense, the best time to visit Ribeira Quente is usually between May and September, when the days are sunny and more inviting for nature walks. Remember that this town is situated on a beautiful hillside.
However, it’s important to note that cloudy skies are a common feature of all the islands in the archipelago, so you may sometimes find it difficult to appreciate the true splendour of some of the region’s viewpoints.
Plan Your Visit To Ribeira Quente
Ribeira Quente, located just a few kilometres from Furnas, is a town well worth a visit. The small parish offers various activities and tourist attractions for all tastes and age groups.
That’s why we suggest you plan an itinerary with all the places you want to visit in and around Ribeira Quente. Don’t forget to decide which activities and experiences you don’t want to miss out on during your stay in São Miguel.
How To Get To Ribeira Quente?
You can get to the parish of Ribeira Quente by car. You’ll have to drive along the road that links Furnas to this village. Along this route, you can see several waterfalls, between tunnels, in the middle of the vegetation.
In addition to the enormous amount of scenery that can be enjoyed from the viewpoints, along the way you’ll find many picnic areas where you can enjoy an al fresco meal.
What To Do Around Ribeira Quente?
After exploring the parish of Ribeira Quente, it’s time to explore the surrounding area – the municipality of Povoação still has a lot to offer. In this regard, we’d like to highlight other points of tourist interest that shouldn’t be left out of your itinerary.
Visit the Town of Povoação
The town of Povoação has been a municipality since 1839. It is divided into six civil parishes on the island of São Miguel. The settlement of the island began in this area, and several monuments commemorate this historical period.
Since its establishment in the 20th century, the town has primarily relied on producing cereals, particularly wheat. The Wheat Museum offers visitors an opportunity to explore the history of Povoação and the importance of this specific resource to the local community.
Additionally, the Povoação region boasts an array of beautiful natural landscapes, and each parish in the town has something unique to offer visitors. These include hiking trails, thermal baths, parks abundant in flora, and an unexplainable connection with nature.
Points of interest in Povoação
- Faial da Terra;
- Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Graça;
- Miradouro da Lomba do Cavaleiro;
- Miradouro do Pico dos Bodes;
- Museu do Trigo (Wheat Museum);
- Porta dos Primeiros Povoadores;
- Agrião Hiking Trail;
- Aldeia do Sanguinho;
- Parque de Merendas do Porto Novo;
- Portinho do Faial da Terra;
- Praia do Fogo;
- Praia do Morro;
- Salto do Prego;
- Serra da Tronqueira.
Explore Mata-Jardim José do Canto
Mata-Jardim José do Canto is on the south side of Furnas Lake and was planted by the man who gave it its name in 1861, in an arid area affected by the Lagoa Seca volcano, silent since 1630.
Did you know
The project was designed by Barrillet-Deschamps, a “pop star” of French landscaping who had already signed such hits as the gardens of the Champs-Elysées in Paris (co-author).
This ten-hectare woodland garden includes centuries-old camellias, sequoias, and the Salto do Rosal trail — a 2-kilometre path that takes you to a crystal-clear waterfall. The site has been open to the public since August 2014.
The flora at Mata-Jardim is exceptional. Here you can see a vast collection of camellias, planted along the property’s extensive boulevards and in the new “camalieto”, coexisting with lots of remarkable trees and endemic plants, some indigenous and others from temperate and subtropical regions.
Discover the Caldeiras das Furnas
Thousands of Portuguese and international visitors explore the Caldeiras das Furnas in Furnas every year. They are drawn by its unique geothermal activity and remarkable volcanic phenomena.
Visitors witness nature’s raw power at the Campo Fumarólico da Vila das Furnas and the Campo Fumarólico da Lagoa das Furnas. These sites captivate tourists and locals alike with their striking displays of volcanic energy.
Lagoons now occupy the craters of a volcano that has remained dormant since 1630. The volcano’s cone collapsed during its last eruption, forming deep depressions that hold rainwater.
Magma near the surface interacts with rainwater, heating it to extreme temperatures. This process creates fumaroles, hot springs, and boiling water springs. Fumaroles emit steam and sulfurous gases, filling the air with their distinctive smell and offering visitors an unforgettable geothermal experience.
Discover Terra Nostra Park: A Botanical and Thermal Paradise
Terra Nostra Park, nestled behind Hotel Spa Terra Nostra on São Miguel Island, is a haven of relaxation and natural beauty. This unforgettable destination combines the tranquility of its famous thermal pool with the vibrant diversity of its botanical garden.
With its distinctive orange-brown waters, the thermal pool is rich in iron and maintained at 35 °C to 40 °C. Perfect for relaxation, it also offers medicinal benefits. To enjoy the experience fully, avoid wearing light-colored swimsuits or towels, as the mineral-rich waters can leave stains.
Quick Info
The park welcomes visitors daily from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for €5 per person. Guests staying at the hotel enjoy complimentary 24-hour access, making it an even more appealing choice for accommodation.
The botanical garden is equally captivating. It features over 2,000 tree species, 600 camellia varieties, and an incredible array of flowers. Every corner of this lush paradise showcases nature’s beauty and diversity.
Whether strolling through the gardens or soaking in the thermal pool, Terra Nostra Park offers an unparalleled experience of serenity and wonder.
Where To Eat Near Ribeira Quente
If you need somewhere to eat near Ribeira Quente, click here. In this link, you’ll find the 10 best restaurants on Tripadvisor.
Where To Stay Near Ribeira Quente
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Complementary Information
Useful Tools & Apps
The weather in the Azores can be variable, so it’s helpful to use some apps before visiting the islands. Spotazores offers live camera feeds from the main tourist attractions, letting you check the weather and plan your visit. For accurate weather predictions, use Windy or Windguru — they provide the most reliable predictions.
How to Get to São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island is easily accessible with numerous flight routes. Lisbon and Porto are the main entry points to the continent, with direct flights to Ponta Delgada available. To find the best flight, use search engines like eDreams or Skyscanner.
These platforms allow you to compare prices and schedules from different airlines in one place. For more details on how to get to the Azores, look at our guide. Once you find the perfect flight, book it! You’ll reach one of the world’s most beautiful island groups in a few hours.
Best Season to Visit São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island, part of the Eastern Group of the Azores Archipelago, has a unique climate shaped by various factors. This climate fosters the island’s lush vegetation and stunning landscapes. Temperatures stay mild year-round, with only slight variations.
In spring, temperatures average 16 °C, summer peaks at 21 °C, autumn cools to 18 °C, and winter hovers around 14 °C. For more details on the weather in the Azores, take a look at the following links:
- The weather in the Azores in January
- The weather in the Azores in February
- The weather in the Azores in March
- The weather in the Azores in April
- The weather in the Azores in May
- The weather in the Azores in July
- The weather in the Azores in August
Cultural Agenda of São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island hosts a wide range of cultural events throughout the year. The complete list of events is on the cultural agenda!
Video of Ribeira Quente (São Miguel Island, Azores)
Conclusion
Ribeira Quente is a parish in the municipality of Povoação and one of the most popular holiday destinations for visitors in the summer.
Marked by geothermal activity, the bathing area of Praia do Fogo, in the little pearl of São Miguel, presents bathers with warm seawater. It is one of the region’s most emblematic sites.
The municipality of Povoação has a lot to offer, so plan an itinerary with all the tourist attractions you want to visit. In addition to the itinerary, it’s important to define the activities you want to do in the area.
References
- Mendonça, L. (2017). Questions and Answers on the History of the Azores. 2nd Edition, Letras Lavadas. Ponta Delgada;
- Forjaz, V., Ribeiro, L., Almeida, L., Pereira, N. and Rodrigues, J. (2019). Volcanoes of the Azores (4th Edition). Letras Lavadas. Ponta Delgada.
