What to do in Sao Miguel when it rains in the Azores?

Each of the Azores Islands enjoys a micro climate specific to each. Therefore, you should know, before going to this archipelago, that you are never safe from a small downpour.

Le weather can change very quickly and therefore, when you have planned an activity that is difficult to achieve in rainy weather, we are glad to have a plan b.

Therefore, I decided to write this article in order to help you get ideas for rainy activities in Sao Miguel.

I went to the island of Sao Miguel for about ten days and I obviously could not escape the famous showers of the island.

I therefore suggest some activities that can be done when it rains in Sao Miguel in the Azores.

Why visit Sao Miguel in the Azores?

Sao Miguel is the most popular island of the Azores because the majority of international flights or those from the Portuguese mainland arrive at Ponta Delgada airport.

This island is also full of possibilities because you will find many activities such as diving, surfing, hiking, canyoning etc. 

Sao Miguel is nicknamed the green island of the Azores because of its abundant vegetation and these fabulous natural landscapes. 

Choosing this island to spend a few days will not disappoint you, I can assure you. 

What to do in Sao Miguel when it rains?

By choosing this destination however, you may end up spending a few hours in the rain. However, don't panic, there are solutions rather than getting stuck in your hotel room.

Here is a list of things to do when it rains in Sao Miguel. 

Bathing in the natural pools in Sao Miguel when it rains

All around the island of Sao Miguel you will find many natural pools. Among them, we can find the Ponta da Ferraria natural swimming pool with its hot springs (60 ° C). There is therefore a mixture between ocean water and hot spring water. This allows you to be able to bathe at any time. 

However it is important to watch out for waves which can be dangerous. I found this place dangerous for children when the sea is rough. 

It is a very enjoyable activity to do when it is raining.

Relax in the thermal baths of Furnas in Sao Miguel when it rains

On a rainy day, the perfect activity to do to relax and warm up is the thermal baths of Furnas. 

There are mainly two good places for this activity.

• Boca da Dona Beija 
• Our land

You will find hot springs with smells of sulfur where you can swim. The temperature of baths vary between 28 ° C and 40 ° C. The setting is very nice.

I advise you to absolutely do this activity.

Be careful, think about take a swimsuit that you do not care too much because it is possible that you leave with orange / yellow marks on the swimsuit.

 

 

Visiting a tea plantation in Sao Miguel when it rains

 

The Azores archipelago is the only place in Europe where you can find tea plantations. It is therefore very interesting to visit one of the two plantations that can be found on the island of Sao Miguel in rainy weather. 

The two main plantations from Sao Miguel are:

• The Cha Gorreana plantation
• The Porto Formoso plantation

During the visit you will discover a short explanatory film, then a guide will explain how tea is made with traditional machines then you will have the possibility to go visit the tea plantations. Obviously, you will have the right to a small tea tasting to warm you up and wait for the rain to stop. 

Visit the Pineapple Plantation of Sao Miguel when it rains

In Ponta Delgada you will have the opportunity to visit the Centro è Interpretacao da Cultura dos Pineapple. You will learn a lot about the pineapple cultivation process and its history. 

There are mainly two pineapple plantations on the island of Sao Miguel that it is possible to visit:

• The Arruda plantation
• Santo Antonio plantation

It seems that the Santo Antonio plantation is less touristy and more interesting than that of Arruda. However, there is not a real unanimity on the subject.

Visit the churches of Ponta Delgada when it rains

The main and most beautiful churches are:

• holy Christ : located in Ponta Delgada, this church is a must-see in Sao Miguel with its magnificent azulejos.
• Igreja Matriz from São Sebastião: located in Ponta Delgada, it is a typical Azorean construction made in several stages. It is also the largest church in Sao Miguel which is located in Matriz Square.
• Sao Pedro: Ponta Delgada church with beautiful lights and decorations.

Visit a museum in Sao Miguel when it rains

The island of Sao Miguel in the Azores is full of small museums and centers that can be visited to better understand the Azores archipelago.

Here is a selection of museums and / or centers to visit when it rains during your stay in Sao Miguel:

• Center of Monitorização and Investigação : located on the shores of Lake Furnas, this Center was built to understand the ecology and geology of the region; there are explanations on saving the environment.
• Museu Militar dos Azores : museum located in Ponta Delgada which exhibits artillery, means of communication, surgical instruments, etc. used during the Second World War. 
• Observatorio Vulcanologico e Geotermico dos Azores : visit to explain the different volcanic landscapes and the formation of the Azores.   
• Carlos Machado Museum : it is an old church with a hotel carved in wood and beautiful mosaics on both sides. The place is spectacular in Ponta Delgada.
• Santana Astronomy Observatory: located near Rabo de Peixe, it explains astronomical phenomena, the history of astronomy etc.
• Museu de Emigração Açoriana : located in Ribeira Grande, this museum traces the history of the Azoreans who migrated to North America and Brazil.
• Ribeira Grande Municipal Museum : this museum located in Ribeira Grande exhibits old objects of different trades.