Surfers’ paradise in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, Ribeira Grande is an ode to a tranquil life by the sea. Time slows down and people seem happier with the sun warming up the black sand beach of Santa Barbara. In Ribeira Grande, it is always time to cool down in the transparent waters.
What is Ribeira Grande
Ribeira Grande, the surf capital, is a beautiful coastal city on the North coast of São Miguel island. It is also the second-biggest city on the island after Ponta Delgada. Among its treasures are several churches, beautiful squares where locals and tourists meet, a farmers’ market, the river, waterfalls, and an interesting museum about the Azorean emigration.
Geology & Volcanology
The city of Ribeira Grande is also rich in wonderful lakes, such as the famous Lagoa do Fogo or the remote Lagoa de São Brás. Due to the last eruption in the area of Lagoa do Fogo (1563) there’s still a lot of secondary volcanic activity. That same activity can be used for leisure (Caldeira Velha, Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande) or the production of energy.
Since 1994, some areas around the crater of Lagoa do Fogo have been explored for the use of geothermal energy. Geothermal power plants and wells were created, producing around 24% of renewable energy.
History & Geography
After settling and populating the South Coast from Povoação to Vila Franca do Campo, the new locals moved to the North Shore. The area had good, fertile soils and freshwaters, including a big river, which gave it the name Ribeira Grande. After the big eruption of Pico do Sapateiro in 1563 destroyed the surroundings, many mills were built, turning Ribeira Grande into a great agricultural power.
Several museums around Ribeira Grande offer opportunities to learn more about the history of this region. For instance, you can visit the Tobacco Museum or the Azorean Migration Museum.
Culture & Festivities
- Igreja do Espírito Santo: the Church of Espírito Santo is located in the city centre of Ribeira Grande, it was built in the 18th century and is an example of Baroque religious architecture in the Azores. The church is dedicated to the Holy Spirit and is an important centre of devotion and popular Azorean tradition.
- Feira Quinhentista: the Feira Quinhentista is an annual historical re-enactment festival held in Ribeira Grande. The festival takes place over many days and celebrates the city’s history and cultural heritage, particularly from the 16th century. Visitors can expect to see costumed performers, traditional food and drink, artisanal crafts, music, and dance. The event is designed to transport attendees back in time and give them a sense of what life was like in Ribeira Grande during the Renaissance era.
- Cavalhadas de São Pedro: the Cavalhadas of Ribeira Grande is a traditional festival in the Azores, Portugal. It takes place every June and involves a re-enactment of the battle between the Christian and Muslim armies during the Middle Ages. The festival includes a procession, horse-riding demonstrations, and performances by actors dressed as knights and soldiers. The Cavalhadas of Ribeira Grande is a significant cultural event in the Azores and attracts many visitors each year.
- Museu da Emigração Açoriana: housed in the historic 19th-century fish market, this museum shares the compelling stories of Azorean emigrants who left their homeland searching for better living conditions, mainly to Brazil, the United States of America, and Canada. The museum’s collection consists largely of objects donated by Azorean emigrants living in North America, including notable items such as the Flag and Crown of Espírito Santo, suitcases, and travel chests. It serves as a valuable repository of memories and a testament to the adventures of the Azorean people.
Fauna & Flora
Ribeira Grande is a big county full of natural wonders, including unique tea plantations, tobacco, and sugar cane fields. On the roads, driving or just hiking, you will be surprised by the beautiful hydrangeas (macrophylla) and azaleas (Rhododendron).
What to Do at Ribeira Grande?
Ribeira Grande has a wide variety of trails that offer a great cultural and historical journey and amazing nature. Among them, Pico Queimado offers incredible views over the Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo.
There are two hot springs in Ribeira Grande: Caldeira Velha and Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande. There, you can feel the power of the volcanic activity on the island. The waters are naturally warm all year long, providing a relaxing experience. Below you can find more detailed info about all the places you should visit and the experiences you must have.
Top Places & Activities at Ribeira Grande
Fábrica de Licores Mulher de Capote
Eduardo Ferreira established its liquor factory in 1993 to produce various regional products, including liqueurs, jams, gin, and rum, using locally sourced fruits. Their passion fruit liqueur is particularly popular. They offer both free and guided tours that include a tasting of their products.
Observatório Astronómico de Santana
The Santana Astronomical Observatory is a Science Center in the Azores, part of the Azores Region Science Center Network. Its primary mission is to promote science and education through outreach activities, with a particular focus on astronomy and space exploration.
Termas da Ribeira Grande
The picturesque spa complex Termas das Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande is located in the municipality of Ribeira Grande on the island of São Miguel. The complex features white-painted buildings dating back to the 19th century, nestled within a valley surrounded by vegetation typical of the Laurissilva forests and intersected by a stream.
Since the 17th century, people have used the site for therapeutic purposes to treat a range of medical conditions. In the 18th century, the popularity of the spa grew due to the perceived healing properties of the volcanic waters. The hot spring in the central area of the complex produces boiling water with light blue tones and typically maintains temperatures around 30º C.
Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande
The site comprises a picturesque landscape surrounded by trees, featuring a small cluster of fumaroles and many mineral springs. The central building, constructed in 1811, was once a spa establishment and boasts the region’s first stone bath. According to local lore, King Carlos visited the site in 1901 during his visit to the Azores, steeped in history. The lush vegetation, often used to demarcate public areas, creates a pleasant and distinctive atmosphere, with intimate spaces nestled throughout the site.
Portuguese style stew in the Caldeiras of Ribeira Grande
Since August 2014, nine traditional cooking pits have been in use near the Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande area. Utilizing the heat from the volcanic earth, it conducts warmth to the pot through the soil during the cooking process. To prepare traditional Azorean stews, this slow process takes around six hours.
Salto do Cabrito
Salto do Cabrito is a waterfall about 20 meters high. Lush green vegetation surrounds it, making it a popular spot for nature lovers and hikers. Visitors can access the waterfall by following a hiking trail that leads to a viewing platform overlooking the falls.
Caldeira Velha
This is a great option if you want to relax after a good day of exploring the island. The hot springs of Caldeira Velha are the ideal place if it is cold or windy. Its hot waterfall is famous across the islands and provides a great back massage. In the summer, it is better to book in advance. Alternatively, go early because crowds can form, and there is a limit on entries.
Ponta do Cintrão
Constructed in 1943 by União das Armações Baleeiras de São Miguel, this structure served as a lookout point for whaling companies. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, people used it. The building provides a panoramic view of the north coast, including the Ponta do Cintrão lighthouse. The lighthouse began operating on May 28, 1957. It is 14 meters tall and was equipped with a 3rd-order fixed drum dioptric lenticular apparatus. This is a large model with a 500 mm focal length and an eclipsed acetylene gas incandescence as its light source. An oil lamp served as a backup light.
Extreme Sports
For adrenaline seekers, Ribeira Grande has it all. The Azorean capital of surf also earns recognition as a good paragliding spot. There are also many aquatic sports to discover. Not to mention canyoning!
Miradouro de Santa Iria
At the Miradouro de Santa Iria, located on the North shore of São Miguel Island, you can have a great panoramic view over the coast. This is where the green cliffs meet the wild Atlantic Ocean. Don’t forget your camera to capture beautiful pictures.
Miradouro do Pico da Barrosa
Being one of the highest points of the island with 947m, you can enjoy stunning views of the interior of Lagoa do Fogo crater, as well as panoramic views of the surrounding areas to the north, south, and west. It must be a breathtaking experience to see the beauty of nature from such a high vantage point.
Tea Production
Tea production in the Azores is a significant agricultural industry and has been a part of the islands’ economy for over a century. The Azores, particularly the island of São Miguel, have ideal conditions for tea cultivation, including mild temperatures, abundant rainfall, and fertile volcanic soil. The tea plants grown in the Azores are of the Camellia Sinensis variety, the same species used for producing most teas around the world.
The tea plantations in the Azores are often located in the central highlands of the islands, where the climate and soil are most conducive to tea growth. Some of the most popular tea plantations in the Azores include the Gorreana Tea and the Porto Formoso Tea Factory, both of which offer tours and tastings to visitors. The tea produced in the Azores is not only enjoyed locally but is also exported to other countries, particularly to Europe and North America.
Praia do Areal de Santa Bárbara
If you want to relax on the beach, Ribeira Grande has some of the most beautiful. Santa Barbara, or the surfers’ paradise in the Azores, hosts international surf competitions every year. Take a surf lesson with a professional and defy the Atlantic waves. It is also ideal to have a meal with the sound of the ocean at the cafe right next to this long beach.
👉 Post related Best Beaches in the Azores Islands. Read more
Praia dos Moinhos: Porto Formoso’s Jewell
Located on the north shore of São Miguel island, Praia dos Moinhos is a beautiful black sand beach with clear waters and a submarine islet, perfect for snorkelling in good weather conditions. So, take your mask and snorkel and go on an adventure, or have a drink at the bar listening to the ocean.
Rabo de Peixe
Located in the Azores, Rabo de Peixe is the largest fishing port in the region and a part of the municipality of Ribeira Grande. Its name is derived from its unique strip of land that resembles a fishtail, which was named by the 16th-century Azorean chronicler Gaspar Frutuoso after the discovery of a large fishtail in the area.
One of its most prominent architectural features is the parish church of Senhor Bom Jesus, which hosts the annual religious festival day and procession in honour of São Pedro Gonçalves, the patron saint of fishermen, on the sixth Sunday after Easter.
Lagoa de São Brás
A beautiful natural lake isolated and surrounded by farmlands and vegetation. It is located at an altitude of 610 meters above sea level, is 330 meters long, and 200 meters wide, and has a maximum depth of 2.3 meters. It occupies an area of 0.06 km².
Nearby Places
Furnas
This is one of the biggest hydropolis in Europe. It combines a considerable diversity of thermal spring waters and boiling water spots. You’ll also be invited to drink these volcanic waters. It was an extraordinary experience!
The valley of Furnas is situated inside a huge volcanic crater, one of the most active on the island. Due to its unlimited beauty, Furnas’s main wealth sources are agriculture and tourism.
This quiet place is well known by travelers and locals who choose to visit for the weekend or holidays.
Points of interest in Furnas
- Caldeiras das Furnas;
- Capela da Nossa Senhora das Vitórias;
- Casa dos Barcos and Casa da Lagoa;
- Castelo Branco’s viewpoint;
- Furnas Monitoring and Research Centre;
- Lagoa das Furnas;
- Mata-Jardim José do Canto;
- Microbial Observatory of the Azores;
- Salto do Cavalo viewpoint;
- Parque da Grená;
- Terra Nostra Botanical Garden;
- Parque Terra Nostra Iron-rich Thermal Pools;
- Pico do Ferro viewpoint;
- Poça da Dona Beija;
- Poça da Tia Silvina “Lava-pés”;
- Ribeira Quente beach;
- Salto do Rosal;
- Salto do Cavalo viewpoint;
- Vila das Furnas.
Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo
The islet of Vila Franca do Campo is probably the best beach on São Miguel island. It is an old submarine volcano with crystal-clear waters in its crater, where you can swim and snorkel. However, this wonder of nature is only open from June to October for preservation purposes.
If you visit the island outside the high season, you can still visit Vinha da Areia beach in Vila Franca do Campo. The black-sand beach is ideal for relaxing when the sun is shining.
Points of interest in Vila Franca do Campo
- Miradouro da Nossa Senhora da Paz
- Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Paz
- Museu de Vila Franca
- Praia da Amora
- Praia da Vinha da Areia
- Praia de Água D’Alto
- Quatro Fábricas da Luz Hiking Trail
Lagoa
Lagoa is where nature meets urban life and creates the perfect balance. A few minutes away from the town, hidden trails abound with waterfalls, mystical volcanic lakes, and idyllic beaches. Culture and history seekers will also be satisfied thanks to various museums and traditional events.
Points of interest in Lagoa
- Núcleo Museológico do Cabouco
- Caloura
- Água de Pau
- Casa do Pescador
- Cerâmica Vieira
- Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário
- Igreja de Santa Cruz
- Expolab
- Piscinas da Lagoa
- Observatório Vulcanológico e Geotérmico dos Açores
Lagoa do Fogo
Lagoa do Fogo is located in the crater of a dormant volcano that formed about 15,000 years ago. It offers exceptional natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes. This awe-inspiring turquoise lake is a pure testimony to nature’s pace. Many stories can be told, and yours might start here.
This least humanized and preserved area even has a pumice beach on the lagoon margins, which was awarded the best wild beach in Portugal in the “7 Wonders—Beaches of Portugal Contest”. From the central part of São Miguel island was born the Serra da Água de Pau Volcanic Massif, where Lagoa do Fogo is nested. It is of great value in landscapes and untouched, pure nature.
Located between Ribeira Grande and the city of Lagoa, this volcanic lake looks like a postcard from paradise. The green of the volcanic walls filled with lush vegetation contrasts with the clear blue water of the lake, undoubtedly making it one of the most beautiful places in the Azores. This is one of the main tourist highlights of São Miguel, but there are still some secrets inside to be unveiled in this post. Follow this complete guide of all you need to know about Lagoa do Fogo.
Points of interest in Lagoa do Fogo
Ponta Delgada
The Ponta Delgada city is officially one of the best counties in Portugal to live in. The modern city is the biggest and most populated of the Azores. There, the ocean breeze, mountain views and delicious local food are part of everyday life. Despite being an energetic city, there is no rush in Ponta Delgada, nor annoying traffic jams.
In the beginning, Ponta Delgada was only a small fishing village. But quickly, thanks to its safe bays, it became the most important harbor for trades on the island. Ponta Delgada was declared a city in 1546 and considered as the capital of the island. This happened after the first capital – Vila Franca do Campo – was destroyed in 1522 by a terrible earthquake. Nowadays, Ponta Delgada with its almost 70,000 inhabitants is a cosmopolitan city attracting visitors from all over the world.
Points of interest in Ponta Delgada
- Carlos Machado Museum
- Igreja de Todos os Santos, Portas da Cidade
- Forte de São Brás
- Gruta do Carvão
- Jardim José do Canto
- Jardim António Borges
- Mercado da Graça / Farmers Market
- Parque Atlântico
- Pineapple Plantations
- Piscina do “Pesqueiro”
- Portas do Mar
- Praia das Milícias
- Biblioteca Pública e Arquivo Regional
- Rocha da Relva
- Santuário da Esperança
- Sinagoga
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 and Apps
The weather in the Azores is quite unpredictable. For this reason, there is a handy App that you can install on your mobile phone before visiting any of the 9 islands: Spotazores. Thanks to the cameras installed in many of the biggest points of tourist interest, you can see the weather in real-time and decide where to go.
To check the weather forecast for the next few days, use Windy or Windguru, they are the most accurate.
How to Get to São Miguel Island
There are many routes to the island of São Miguel by plane. The main entry points are via Lisbon, Porto (on the mainland) and Ponta Delgada (São Miguel island), but there are already many direct routes.
The best way to find a flight that works for you is to use a flight search engine like eDreams or Skyscanner. As you may already know, these sites allow you to compare the prices and schedules of various airlines in one place.
Once you find a flight you like, all you need to do is book! And in a few hours, you’ll be on your way to one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the world.
Cultural Agenda on The Island of São Miguel
The island of São Miguel has many cultural events to offer all year round. You can see the full list of events at the following link.
Video of Ribeira Grande
FAQs
Where are the Ribeira Grande Hot Springs?
The Ribeira Grande Hot Springs are located on the island of São Miguel in the Azores, Portugal. To find them, head northeast from Ponta Delgada along the northern coast. They sit near the town of Ribeira Grande, easily accessible by following signs from the main coastal road.
Are there Beaches in Ribeira Grande?
Yes, Ribeira Grande, situated on São Miguel Island in the Azores, features stunning beaches like Praia do Monte Verde and Praia do Areal de Santa Bárbara. These beaches have earned renown for their natural beauty, providing picturesque settings ideal for relaxation and outdoor activities.
What to Visit in Ribeira Grande?
In Ribeira Grande, explore the historic city center, Santa Bárbara Beach, Moinhos Beach, and the Ribeira Grande Municipal Museum. Engage in surfing along scenic coastlines and relax in natural hot springs for a truly immersive experience in this picturesque Azorean town.
Conclusion
Ribeira Grande is the second largest city on the island of Sao Miguel and the only city in the north. This municipality offers a unique variety of landscapes, including the stunning beauty of Lagoa do Fogo, which was elected one of the seven wonders of Portugal in the category of wild beaches.
With thermal baths, several trails and cultural museums the city also boasts fantastic beaches dedicated to surfing. It’s a natural reserve with high environmental, scenic, and touristic value, and is considered one of the highlights of the Azores.
