São Miguel: The Green Island

São Miguel is the Azores' largest and most developed island, home to half the archipelago's population and the capital Ponta Delgada. Known as Ilha Verde (Green Island) for its lush vegetation, São Miguel packs incredible natural diversity: twin crater lakes, volcanic hot springs, tea plantations, coastal cliffs, and botanical gardens—all within 65km length.

Sete Cidades: The Postcard View

Sete Cidades crater contains two lakes—one blue (Lagoa Azul), one green (Lagoa Verde)—separated by a narrow bridge. Local legend says they're tears of a princess and shepherd forbidden to marry. Reality: different algae and light reflection create color variation. Vista do Rei viewpoint offers iconic panorama. Hike crater rim (12km loop, 4 hours) or kayak the lakes. Village of Sete Cidades sits inside crater—surreal location.

**Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake):** Another stunning crater lake, more pristine than Sete Cidades. Steep hike down to lake shore and beach (45 min descent, harder ascent). Swimming in crater lake is magical but cold (15-18°C). Protected nature reserve—no development allowed.

Furnas: Volcanic Wonderland

Furnas valley is geothermal active zone: boiling mud pots, fumaroles, hot springs, and the famous cozido das Furnas—stew cooked underground by volcanic heat. **Caldeiras (fumaroles):** Walk among bubbling, sulfurous vents. **Terra Nostra Park:** Botanical garden with thermal pool (38°C, iron-rich, turns swimwear orange—bring old clothes!). €8 entry. **Poça da Dona Beija:** Modern thermal baths with 5 pools (€6 entry).

**Cozido das Furnas:** Traditional stew (meat, vegetables, sausage) buried in volcanic soil 6-7 hours. Restaurants serve it for lunch (€15-€25). Watch locals retrieve pots from ground holes—unique culinary tradition. Taste slightly sulfurous but delicious.

Ponta Delgada: Island Capital

Ponta Delgada (pop. 70,000) is the Azores' economic and cultural heart. Historic center: Portas da Cidade (City Gates), Igreja Matriz church, cobbled streets, azulejo-covered buildings. Marina promenade perfect for sunset walks. Good restaurants, cafes, nightlife (by Azorean standards). Weekly market. Base for São Miguel exploration—wide accommodation options (€40-€200/night).

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São Miguel is the Azores for beginners—infrastructure, variety, and accessibility without sacrificing natural beauty. It's a perfect introduction to island life.

**Other highlights:** Nordeste (remote, green, waterfalls), Ribeira dos Caldeirões (waterfall park), Gorreana and Porto Formoso tea plantations (Europe's only tea production, free tours), Mosteiros (black sand beach, rocky pools), pineapple greenhouses (unique Azorean pineapples grown in greenhouses—sweet, expensive, delicious).