Experience the wilder side of the Azores with a road trip along Sao Miguel’s northern edge. From the grand architecture of Ribeira Grande to the emerald slopes of the Gorreana Tea Plantation and the spectacular waterfalls at Ribeira dos Caldeirões, we’ve curated the must-see coastal viewpoints and hidden gems that define this stunning region.
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North Coast Road Trip – 1 to 2-Day Itinerary
The road trip stretches along the north coast from east to west, centred on the municipality and city of Ribeira Grande. The main attractions are:
- See thundering waterfalls and restored watermills at the Ribeira dos Caldeiroes Natural Park.
- Tour the historic machinery at Gorreana Tea Plantation and enjoy fresh black and green teas.
- Photograph the hillside church above Porto Formoso‘s picture-perfect fishing harbour.
- Marvel at the 3,900-figure Arcano Místico inside Ribeira Grande‘s Arcane House Museum.
- Explore the abandoned whaling factory beside Capelas‘s Poços de São Vicente tidal pool.
- Admire the azulejo-tiled facade of the 16th-century church in Santo Antonio‘s pretty town square.
- Snap a photo of the striking red windmill in Bretanha.
The drive along the main highway from the Natural Park to Bretanha is about 60 kilometres, easily covered in a day. We recommend a more leisurely visit. Stay in Ribeira Grande and explore the route over 2 days.
Attractions Map – Sao Miguel North Coast
The best spot to start exploring the north coast is the Ribeira dos Caldeiroes Natural Park.
Ribeira dos Caldeiroes Natural Park
This beautiful park is a must-see when visiting the Azores. The Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões features a stunning, large waterfall just outside the gate and several other smaller cascades along its trails.
Walking paths lead visitors through gardens, past another waterfall and a working 16th-century water mill. A café and small museum are inside a second watermill.
Canyoning Adventure at Ribeira dos Caldeirões
Get your adrenaline pumping at WaterPark Canyon, within Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park. On the WaterPark Canyoning Tour you’ll rappel down waterfalls, slide through natural rock chutes, and leap into pools in one of the island’s most scenic ravines. It’s a hands-on way to experience São Miguel’s wild side, with experienced guides making sure you’re safe every step of the way.
After your visit to Ribeira dos Caldeiroes, drive the main highway (EN1-1A) about 15 kilometres west to the oldest tea plantation in Europe.
Gorreana Tea Factory and Plantation
The family-run Chá Gorreana has been in operation, producing tea, since 1883.
Learn about the tea-making process and machinery used on a self-guided tour through the factory. Enjoy free samples of their black and green teas, both on the tour and in the gift shop.
Outside, wander leisurely through rows of tea plants. With the Atlantic coast in the background, these green fields provide an excellent backdrop for stunning photography. For a longer walk, cross the highway and walk the PRC28SMI Cha Gorreana hiking trail. It is a 3.4-kilometre easy loop for a nice hike under 2 hours long.
Gorreana Tea is one of only two tea plantations in all of Europe. Both are located on Sao Miguel. The smaller Porto Formoso Tea Factory is less than 5 minutes further west on the main highway. Porto Formosa sits on the north coast, off the main highway and is worth a detour..
Porto Formoso
This is a picture-perfect village on the ocean with a beautiful harbour. The lovely Our Lady of Grace Church (Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Graça) sits high on the hill above.
Some visitors may also recognize this town from the 2023 TV series Turn of the Tide. The opening scenes of the series take place at the harbour and inside the Port Formoso church.
To the west, Moinhos Beach (also known as Port Formoso beach) is one of the most popular beaches in the area. Parking, a cafe and a restaurant are all located nearby.
The beach is the home of the Azores Burning Summer Festival, held annually in late August or early September since 2015. The festival promotes ecological awareness and has several musical acts.
For a nice hike along the coast to a waterfall, enjoy the nearby municipal trail.
Miradouro de Santa Iria
This is one of my favourite viewpoints on the entire island. From this clifftop, admire the long coastline, Santa Iria Bay and the village of Porto Formoso below.
Continue west to Sao Miguel’s second largest city.
Ribeira Grande
The city makes an excellent base to explore the north coast and the interior of the island.
The centre of town is perfect for a wander. A lovely town park is in front of the Church of Our Lady of the Star (Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Estrela) consecrated in 1517. If the church is open, look inside to see the 3 Kings Chapel and the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.
Down the street toward the river channel, on Rua do Espirito Santo, is the Church of the Holy Spirit (Igreja do Espírito Santo). This church, built in the 17th or 18th century, has one of the most impressive Baroque facades in the Azores. Look for the statue of Christ used in processions during Lent.
Continue across the river to the Ribeira Grande Theatre (Teatro Ribeiragrandense). This theatre and concert hall, built in the 1920s, was expanded and upgraded in the 1990s.
There are a number of interesting museums and beautiful beaches in this small town.
Ribeira Grande Museums and Galleries
The city’s museums and galleries showcase its rich cultural heritage, from religious art to contemporary works.
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Municipal Museum of Ribeira Grande (Museu Municipal) | 17th-century manor house filled with collections of local tiles, pottery and cultural artifacts from the 16th century to present. |
| Arcane House Museum (Casa do Arcano) | Dedicated to Madre Margarida Isabel’s 19th-century masterpiece, the Arcano Místico. This intricate 2m x 2m ‘Regional Treasure’ features over 3,900 handmade miniatures depicting 92 biblical scenes, crafted from a unique rice-flour paste. |
| Living Museum of Franciscanism (Museu Vivo do Franciscanismo) | Learn about the life of St. Francis of Assisi. Displays include altarpieces, statues and more. Located in the church of the Convent of Our Lady of Guadeloupe. |
| Arquipelago – Contemporary Arts Centre (Arquipélago – Centro de Artes Contemporaneas) | Displays art of many different styles and formats. |
Ribeira Grande Beaches
Find a variety of beaches and ocean pools, from convenient in-town swimming spots to dramatic surf beaches framed by volcanic cliffs.
| Beach | Description |
|---|---|
| Ribeira Grande Municial pools and beach (Piscina Municipais das Pocas) | 2 salt water pools, a smaller freshwater pool and a natural, sand beach; fully serviced with change rooms, toilets, outdoor showers, a bar and a restaurant. |
| Monte Verde Beach (Praia do Monte Verde) | Long beach with powerful waves, loved by surfers and body-boarders; toilets, changing rooms and showers available. |
| Santa Bárbara Beach (Praia do Areal de Santa Bárbara) | 1-kilometre-long stretch of sand bordered by volcanic cliffs. Popular with surfers and body-boarders. Good beach accessibility and parking with toilets, change rooms and showers available. |
If you spend more time in the Ribeira Grande, consider a trip to these nearby sites in the interior of the island. They are definitely worth visiting:
Caldeira Velha Hot Springs
For some welcome relaxation time, head inland to Caldeira Velha. Enjoy a soak in the hot, tranquil thermal pools at this beautiful natural area.
For complete details, see our Caldeira Velha Hot Springs guide.
Lagoa do Fogo
Beautiful Fogo Lagoon, surrounded by dense vegetation, sits in the crater of the Fogo Volcano. Viewpoints, along the road south of Caldeira Velha, provide panoramic views of the lagoon and the surrounding countryside. For a closer look, hike down to beach.
For details about visiting, see our Lagoa do Fogo travel guide.
Salto do Cabrito Waterfall
The Salto do Cabrito Waterfall is a hidden gem in the Azores. This beautiful waterfall doesn’t get many visitors. When Andy visited, he had the entire place to himself and enjoyed a swim in the lagoon at the base of the waterfall.
After a swim, enjoy a short hike. Climb the large metal staircase up the hill and walk along a metal walkway, eventually reaching the power plant of Salto do Cabrito. This short walk is part of the longer PRC29SMI Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande – Salto do Cabrito hiking trail. It is a 7.5-kilometre loop that is easily accomplished in an afternoon.
Continue west from Ribeira Grande to the lovely seaside parish of Capelas.
Capelas
In the village of Sao Vicente Ferreira, the natural tidal pool Poços de São Vicente is surrounded by volcanic rocks. Experienced local swimmers enjoy the ocean waters here. There is also a sun deck, snack bar and showers. Parking is available nearby.
Just across the parking lot is the Old Pocos Whaling Factory (Antiga Fabrica dos Pocos). See the smokestack and remains of the factory. It opened in 1945, producing whale oil and meat. The factory closed in the 1970s.
The coast at Capelas has several great viewpoints (miradouros). Climb the hill at Miradouro do Navio for a stunning view. Miradouro das Capelas is a beautiful stone-walled viewing platform. Miradouro das Pedras Negras is probably the best place to see the nearby elephant rock.
For a longer walk, continue east along the coast to Miradouro do Barreiro. The local public beach, Alto da Pedreira, is just down the hill. Walk a bit further to see the Pic du Manchot. This rock is in the shape of a shoe, which was said to be the lost shoe of St. Peter. This is part of the longer PR1SMI Vigia de Sao Pedro hiking trail. From the Poços de São Vicente natural pool to its end in Calhetas, the hike is 6.5-kilometres and among the Best Sao Miguel Hikes.
Continue driving west along the main highway.
Santo António
The centre of town has a pretty town square and the Santo Antonio Church (Igreja de Santo António) which dates back to the early 16th-century. Its exterior has beautiful, azulejos-tiled scenes. The front doors are framed with lava-stones. Inside find beautiful woodcarvings in the high altar and chapel areas.
From Santo Antonio Church, the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Rosario is less than half a kilometre to the northeast on the coast. The view from the parking lot is impressive. Walk down the hill to a natural swimming pool and an old fishing harbour.
Further north, the Miradouro da Fonte Grande is a quiet viewpoint with a picnic area. Continue to the historic communal sinks where locals used to wash their clothes.
For another visual treat, drive to the village of Bretanha.
Bretanha
At the Miradouro do Pico Vermelho, enjoy the coastline and see the big red windmill in the distance. Drive into town to the Red Peak Mill (Moinho do Pico Vermelho). This beautiful, red windmill is also a museum. The windmill is used to make flour for a local festival held every September. A cute little chapel, Ermida Santo Antonio, sits beside the windmill.
Explore All of our São Miguel Island Travel Guides
Discover our complete series of detailed São Miguel guides to help you plan your perfect 5 to 7-day adventure on the largest island in the Azores.
Main Article: São Miguel Island
Part 1: Ponta Delgada – Cobblestone streets, beautiful gardens and harbour promenade
Part 2: Sete Cidades – Twin crater lakes, with blue and green waters
Part 3: The Abandoned Monte Palace Hotel – Ghostly luxury hotel and panoramic crater views
Part 4: Furnas – Steaming fumaroles, relaxing mineral hot springs
Part 5: Lagoa do Fogo – Hidden crater lake and dramatic viewpoints
Part 6: Caldeira Velha – Forest hot springs and thermal bathing pools
Part 7: Ribeira and the North Coast – Tea plantations, waterfalls, and rugged coastline (You’re reading this guide now!)
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