Secretplaces – a unique guide to romantic hotels in São Miguel, Azores

Sao Miguel Hotels

Charming and romantic São Miguel hotels, rural retreats, boutique hotels, luxury hotels, romantic getaways, small hotels, bed & breakfasts

Choose from our romantic and charming São Miguel hotels and accommodation by clicking on the map or list on the right. These will highlight a wide selection of São Miguel hotels, including romantic hotels in Hangra do Heroismo, bed & breakfasts, amongst others. Whatever your taste, we’ll help you find that perfect getaway.

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Highlights

II	List of Hotels

Sao Miguel

»	Casa da Gloria ao Carmo
»	Convento S. Francisco
»	Furnas Lake Villas

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE LIST OF ALL OUR Sao Miguel HOTELS

Type of Hotels

Bed & Breakfast

City Break Hotel

Cottage/Apartment

Countryside Hotel

Luxury Hotel

Manor House

Mountain Hotel

Pousada/Parador

Resort Hotel

Riad/Dar Hotel

Rural Hotel

Seaside Hotel

Spa Hotel

Village Hotel

All hotels have been personally visited by a member of our management. ask our advice

ll	Sao Miguel

São Miguel is the largest island of the Azores and famed for its impressive twin lakes, one blue, one green, Santa Maria, sandy beaches, grottos, impressive cliffs and fortresses.
Indeed, S. Miguel boasts lakes and countryside of great beauty, along with the hustle and bustle of a large city, together with ample quiet green open spaces adorned with flowers. Museums, churches and palaces embellished with treasures of art and history. Golf, walking and cycle paths, horseback riding. All this and more on an island catering for those who love culture and sports... or for those who simply delight in the contemplation of Nature at its finest.

History

Settlement in São Miguel began in 1444, after Prince Henry the Navigator introduced cattle to the island. The first inhabitants, from the Portuguese provinces of Estremadura, Upper Alentejo and Algarve, were later joined by Madeirans, Jews, Moors and possibly Frenchmen (a tradition recalled by the name of the parish of Bretanha - Brittany).The export of oranges to England brought São Miguel great prosperity at the end of the 18th century. The orange groves, however, were destroyed by a blight starting in 1860 but the introduction of new crops - tobacco, tea, flax, chicory, sugar-beet and pineapples – helped guarantee economic survival. With the passing of the years, these crops were joined by several industries and a growth in fisheries and livestock raising.Today São Miguel is one of the political and administrative centres of the Region, and an island with a relatively diversified economy that is experiencing marked progress.

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Culture

Fiestas
The majority of the Festivals are of religious origin. The festival of the Holy Spirit takes place every Sunday between April and June. From May to October, in Terceira, there are bullfights with ropes. A high point in the calendar of events is the sea festival at Horta (Faial) starting in January and going on through the year until December. Musicians play all kinds of simple instruments: the “viola de arame” (wire viola), crymbals, steel triangles and drums accompany their characteristic dances that express the joy and the solitude of everyday life in the past.

Handicrafts
Wicker baskets and furniture, miniatures of fig tree pith, embroideries and lace, blankets and bedspreads, artificial flowers made with fish scales and, blue and white ceramics, are all charming souvenirs and handicrafts provided for in São Miguel.

Monuments
With its palaces and forts dating back to the 16th century, the city of Angra do Heroismo has been classified as a world heritage site by UNESCO – a testament to its beauty and history. But there are many other charming towns to visit. Santa Graciosa is full of ancient streets and manor houses. Horta has the famous yacht harbour and the 17th century churches of São Salvador, Nossa Senhora do Carmo and São Francisco, with their beautiful tiles and gilded carvings

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ll	Gastronomy

The famous limpet is served in a variety of ways, but is delicious when grilled. The “cavaco” (lobster family) is well known and very tasty, as well as spider crab, music shell, octopus, and calamari. Cozido das Furnas (meat and vegetable stew cooked in sealed pots in the hot springs) is an incredibly tasty dish. These delicacies are abundant throughout the islands. The best local wine is the Verdelho Pico and is served as an aperitif or digestive. You must also try the traditional “vinho de cheiro” (American grape wine) found in most islands.

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ll	Activities

The Azores are a paradise for lovers of nature. It is an excellent destination for whale and dolphin watching, for example, where over 25 species have been identified in the region. The best time to view them is between the months of June and September when they feed off the coastal waters. Deep-sea fishing is also well catered for. Boats can be chartered at the coastal times for this purpose, whilst a licence is required to for fresh water fishing in the rivers and lakes. As for flora and fauna the islands are home to over 50 native species of plants and it is also an excellent destination for bird watching. For lovers of fine architecture, visiting the World Heritage town of Angra do Heroismo is a must.

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