Small Island Fetish Part Two

 Day 3

 Once again we woke to a cloudy threatening kind of day. Our plan is to visit the west part of Sao Miguel island with an 8 hour van tour. I went on to a website that has live video streaming of site around the island and it was not looking promising. Website link below.  

https://spotazores.com/en/webcams/sao-miguel/

I will be using the itinerary as advertised by Pure Azores Tour . I chose them as they covered everything that was on our To Do list on western Sao Miguel. Please enjoy. 

 Discover the dramatic landscapes of western São Miguel on this full-day eco-friendly van tour, combining volcanic viewpoints, lush nature, coastal scenery, and iconic crater lakes. Traveling in a comfortable electric van, you’ll explore some of the island’s most breathtaking spots at a relaxed pace, with time for photos and short walks.

The tour begins at Pico do Carvão, where sweeping views stretch across São Miguel. 

What we had hoped to see from the view at Pico do Carvao.  

Photo: Traveladvisor Pico do Carvao

From there, we visit Lagoa do Canário, a peaceful and lesser-known crater lake, 

What we had hoped to see from the view of Lagoa do Canario. The trail to the caldera lake was flooded from the recent rain storms. 

Photo: Traveladvisor Lago do Canario

followed by a walk

to the spectacular Boca do Inferno viewpoint, offering one of the best panoramic views in the Azores.

The updraft wind was turning our umbrellas inside out. 

What we had hoped to see of the view from the Boca do Inferno viewpoint. A view of Lagoa do Canario and the lake of the Sete Cidades volcanic crater in the background. 

Photo: Traveladvisor Boca do Inferno view

Continuing around the Sete Cidades volcanic crater, we stop at Vista do Rei and Cerrado das Freiras, two iconic viewpoints with different perspectives over the famous twin lakes.

What we had hoped to see of the view from the Vista do Rei was a view of the the Sete Cidades crater. one half blue and the other half green. 

Photo: Traveladvisor Boca do Inferno view

We didn't bother stopping at the Cerrado das Freiras viewpoint which would provide an even closer view of Sete Cidades town and crater. 

Photo: Traveladvisor Boca do Inferno view

We made a quick stop not mentioned in the itinerary but it was just behind the Vista do Rei viewpoint.  It was large 5 story building that was once a 5 star hotel. It is in the middle of no where but built there to capture the view of Sete Cidades.  

Built in the mountains that are subject to cloud cover on a regular basis may not have been a wise decision.

Just 18 months after it opened in late 1989  the owners declared bankruptcy. The hotel featured two restaurants, a bar, a nightclub,  a hair salon, a bank and 88 rooms. It was rated as a 5 star resort with a  sadly occasional view. I have attached a link below with more of the story. 

https://www.neverendingfootsteps.com/monte-palace-abandoned-hotel-azores/

Photo: https://www.reddit.com/r/abandoned/comments/fckpoz/the_abandoned_monte_palace_hotel_facing_the/

Midday, enjoy a traditional buffet lunch included in the tour, served at a local restaurant and consisting of a main meal, drink, dessert, and coffee.

The restaurant was call the Lago Azul, the Blue Lake. It came with a giant buffet filled with 3 different kinds of meat all kinds of fresh fish, octopus and eel. I sampled everything, sometimes twice. Don't get me started on the desserts. 

Things seemed to be clearing up so our guide made a slight detour to another viewpoint where we might get a got better view of Sete Cidades crater. 

You be the judge. 

In the afternoon, the tour follows the rugged west coast, stopping at Miradouro do Escalvado for impressive ocean views. 

In Mosteiros, admire the striking lava rock pools

 

and volcanic formations during 

a short walk along the coastline.

The journey continues with stops at Miradouro das Pedras Negras 

and Ponta do Cintrão, two lesser-known viewpoints overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and São Miguel’s northern coastline. 

Check out the sun. Things are starting to lookup. 

Along the way, we pass through Rabo de Peixe and Ribeira Grande, with insights into local life and history.

We all took a vote and decided to see the church  and the town of Ribera in a drive by as it was drizzling a little. We won't melt but the other two guest were not as sure. 

The day ends at Lagoa do Fogo, one of São Miguel’s most beautiful crater lakes, located in the island’s protected central highlands.

 Was the day a success. Perhaps not, but it was still pretty amazing. Kudos to Pure Azores and our guide Daniel.