The Green Island
The largest and most populous island of the Azores, known for its hot springs, tea plantations and the iconic Sete Cidades crater lake.
Population
69,038
Area
233 km²
Parishes
24
Purchasing power 103.61% of the Azores average (2013)
Services, Commerce, Tourism, Industry, Agriculture (Dairy)
Portas da Cidade, Forte de São Brás, Igreja de São Sebastião, António Borges Botanical Garden, Lagoa das Sete Cidades, Whale watching
Ponta Delgada was elevated to city status in 1546, after the original capital Vila Franca do Campo was destroyed by an earthquake. The 19th century was the 'golden age' thanks to prosperity from the orange trade with the United Kingdom.
Largest municipality and executive capital of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. The main economic center and gateway through the international airport and port.
Population
15,130
Area
46 km²
Parishes
5
€14,090 per inhabitant (2022)
Services (76.8%), Industry and Construction (17.0%), Agriculture, Fishing and Livestock (6.1%)
Municipal Swimming Complex, Caloura (fishing village and natural pools), Cerâmica Vieira (traditional ceramics), Porto dos Carneiros, Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário
Lagoa was settled shortly after the discovery of São Miguel in 1427 and received 'vila' status in 1522. It was an important agricultural center and exported oranges in the 19th century. In 2012, Lagoa was elevated to 'cidade'.
Strong industrial vocation with factories for ceramics, alcohol, vegetable oil, soap and animal feed. Growing tourist and residential center on the south coast.
Population
32,397
Area
180 km²
Parishes
14
Agriculture (livestock and dairy farming), Tourism (surfing, hot springs), Industry
Chá Gorreana Tea Plantations, Caldeira Velha (hot springs), Praia do Areal de Santa Bárbara (beach), Salto do Cabrito (waterfall)
Ribeira Grande officially received city rights in 1507. The city was severely affected in 1563 by a volcanic eruption of Pico do Sapateiro. In 1981, Ribeira Grande officially received city status.
Surf capital of the Azores due to the excellent waves at Praia do Areal de Santa Bárbara. Home to the oldest and currently only tea plantation in Europe, Chá Gorreana.
Population
10,368
Area
78 km²
Parishes
6
$23,200 (PPP) per capita (2013)
Tourism (whale watching, diving, water sports), Agriculture (pineapples, oranges, dairy), Fishing, Commerce
Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo (nature reserve and volcanic crater), Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Paz (chapel with panoramic view), Marina, Praia da Vinha da Areia
Vila Franca do Campo was the first capital of São Miguel until the devastating earthquake of 1522. After the earthquake, the capital was moved to Ponta Delgada. The city later recovered through the cultivation of oranges and pineapples.
Birthplace of explorer Bento de Góis. First municipality on São Miguel with electricity (1900). The name means 'Free City of the Field'.
Population
5,883
Area
108 km²
Parishes
6
Agriculture (historically 'Granary of the Earth'), Fishing, Tourism
Furnas Valley (fumaroles, hot springs and Lagoa das Furnas), Parque Terra Nostra, Poça da Dona Beija, Miradouro do Salto do Cavalo, Wheat Museum
Povoação is the location where the first settlers of São Miguel island landed in 1444, under the leadership of Gonçalo Velho Cabral. The municipality was founded in 1839 and was known as the 'Granary of the Earth' until the 20th century.
Known for the 'Seven Lombas' (hills): Cavaleiro, Carro, Botão, Pomar, Pós, Alcaide and Loução. The local culinary specialty is the 'Fofa de Povoação', a type of filled éclair.
Population
4,439
Area
100 km²
Parishes
9
Agriculture, Livestock (cattle, pigs, poultry), Forestry, Tourism, Crafts
Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada, Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego, Farol do Arnel (oldest lighthouse in the Azores), Pico do Bartolomeu, Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões
The municipality of Nordeste was settled in 1444, shortly after the discovery of São Miguel island in 1427. The economy was historically based on the cultivation of wheat, sugarcane, woad and later oranges.
Known as the most flowery municipality in the Azores. Location of the Priolo Environmental Center, dedicated to the protection of the rare Azores bullfinch (Priolo). Best place to see the sunrise.