"You walk on the top of a crater with the volcano on your right (...) you'll be surrounded by trees, giving the illusion of being in a forest. Then, as you descend, you'll come across a stream of water leading to a stunning lagoon"

What is happening on the island in the middle of the Atlantic? A place surrounded by a riot of colours, a breath of life among lush greenery, alive with the rhythmic melodies from the forest.

Julio, as a native of São Miguel, you have spent an incredible amount of time exploring the different corners of this island. Tell me, what makes São Miguel different from other travel destinations?

- São Miguel offers an unique experience with its abundant nature, hiking trails, lakes, volcanic activity, and black sand beaches. The island has a humid subtropical climate, and you can experience all four seasons in one day here. With its lush green landscapes, fertile soil, and tea plantations, São Miguel is often called the "Ilha Verde" or the Green Island. It's the largest island in the Azores, which is an archipelago situated midway between Portugal and North America. The Azores consist of nine islands, and this little paradise was the second to be discovered in the 15th century. São Miguel is known for its beautiful hydrangeas, and there are always flowers in bloom. These distinctive features set São Miguel apart from other travel destinations. I've traveled to many countries around the world (i.a.: the United States, Mexico, Nicaragua), yet every time I return, the island surprises me with something new, and I am incredibly grateful to call this place my home.

Do you have many travelers going through your agency, Atlantimagia? Based on the photos and stories, it seems that people love your tours.

- Yes. We have many visitors. Atlantimagia is a travel agency where I organize and conduct tours. I've been learning on my own and adapting the way to do it. While there are now many tour companies on the island, each offering slightly different routes, I strive to make my tours unique. Some of them include visiting a pineapple plantation, going to the beach, and trying sweet liquor at a local store. I suggest people can explore the forest, where they will witness volcanic activity without needing any special equipment. Furnas, Caldeira Velha, and Lagoa do Fogo are must-visit places in the island. I usually use this expression - "Not visiting these places is the same as going to Rome and not seeing the Pope".

Are there any lesser-known places you would recommend that tourists visit if they want to see something off the beaten path?

- Nordeste is a nice place as well. It's the oldest part of the island, so I would recommend visiting it. What's unexpected, this area is also the home of a bird called Priolo, which only exists here in the world. 

Besides that, there're several hikes around the island where you can find hidden gems. For example, in Lagoa do Fogo are a couple of unofficial hiking trails with amazing scenery. You walk on the top of a crater with the volcano on your right, which is currently a lagoon, and the north coast on your left. As you continue, you'll be surrounded by trees, giving the illusion of being in a forest. Then, as you descend, you'll come across a stream of water leading to a stunning lagoon. Sao Miguel is full of enchanting places. If you love nature and enjoy hiking, you will love the island and probably want to come back here. Sao Miguel has a lot of diversity. When you drive, you can see the vast majority of the island, and it's surprising how the landscapes change. You can go from an open space to a forest-like area, then to a big waterfall, and further on to a beautiful viewpoint of a lagoon. There's a lot to explore and discover on the island.

Overall, São Miguel offers a diverse range of experiences, from its natural beauty and marine life to its cultural events and delicious cuisine. Whether you're interested in diving, hiking, or immersing yourself in the local culture, São Miguel has something to offer for everyone.

Are the prices of tours very high or are they available for everyone?

- Yes, I think the prices are affordable for everyone. At the moment, a full-day tour costs 75 euros per person. This includes lunch and pick-up and drop-off at the hotel or a central location in the city. The tour starts at 9 am and usually finishes around 5 pm. There's also an option for a half-day tour, which lasts for 3-4 hours from 9 am.

What are the most beautiful beaches in São Miguel, and which ones would you recommend for families with children?

- The most beautiful beaches are Praia do Porto Formoso and Praia das Milicias. Both are very nice for families, but for dogs, it's more complicated. The beaches usually have strict regulations and don't allow them. However, around 90% of Praia das Milicias is watched by lifeguards, and the remaining 10% is designated for dogs. Besides summertime, you can bring the dog everywhere. It's worth noting that all the beaches on Sao Miguel have black sand because of the volcanic nature of the island. The only exception of the Azores is Santa Maria Island, which has a bit more whitish sand due to its geological history.

While Santa Maria may have relatively lighter sand, the beaches on the other Azores islands still offer stunning natural beauty and unique characteristics, albeit with a different color palette.

What is the best time of year to visit São Miguel and why?

- The best time, I would say is between May and October. So, you can experience the end of spring, the whole summer and the beginning of autumn. The average temperature in Summer is 22ºC and in Winter 15ºC, but always take into consideration the humidity since it’s usually high. 

Julio is giving a graph for reference

Is there any outdoor activity that you would recommend to tourists who want to experience some adventure in São Miguel? Is scuba diving a popular activity?

- There are various outdoor activities available for adventurous tourists in São Miguel. For example, scuba diving and snorkeling. And here’s one notable spot the Islet of Villa Franca, which is great for both. Another exciting activity gaining popularity is canyoning, where you can discover the island in a totally different way, even locals enjoy it. You can go to waterfalls and also experience the untouched beauty of nature. It’s 100% real virgin nature, I think most of the people are really satisfied by that. There’s also surfing of course, and I can recommend i.a. Praia de Santa Barbara for that.

Are there any corals around São Miguel? Is it a good place for scuba diving?

- There's scuba diving here, as well as fish diving. One of the unique things about São Miguel is whale watching. The Azores, including São Miguel, is home to approximately 28 species of whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals. Here’s not an extensive coral reef like in tropical destinations, but you can find fascinating underwater ecosystems and caves, rock formations, and yea, the waters around São Miguel offer excellent conditions for scuba diving, with clear visibility and diverse marine life. 

Are there any festivals or events that take place on the island that are worth seeing?

What are the most important regional cuisines, and where should visitors go to try them?

- The regional cuisine of the Azores is diverse and delicious. To truly experience it, I recommend visiting the Farmer's Market, which is a very typical place to try local food. You can also explore local restaurants that are less touristy and frequented by the locals. As for specific dishes, be sure to try dishes like Cozido das Furnas, which is a traditional meat and vegetable stew cooked using volcanic heat, and Queijadas da Vila, which are sweet pastries made with local cheese. These are just a few examples of the many delightful culinary experiences you can have in São Miguel.

What kind of people live on the island? What is the social life like? Are people open to new visitors, and would you describe them as positive or neutral?

- In my opinion, most of the people here are open-minded. If they have had contact with foreigners, they usually speak English. There's also a significant immigrant population, particularly those who have returned from countries like the USA or Canada, so many people here know how to speak English. While not all locals speak English, they are very open and always willing to help. They are generally friendly, and it's often easier for tourists to get a ride from them while hitchhiking than from locals.

Are there bars open late at night, or is it more quiet?

- There are areas on the island where not much is happening, but if you want to go to a bar or experience nightlife, you should head to the cities of Ponto Delgada and Ribeira Grande. These are the two main cities on the island, and that's where you'll find more options for bars and nightlife. Typically, Fridays and Saturdays are popular nights for going out, but there are also occasional parties during the week, such as student events and ladies' nights. Additionally, there's a small casino available for those who enjoy that kind of entertainment.

Are the majority of people visiting São Miguel young or older? Can you see any difference in the statistics?

- That's a good question. I would say that the majority of visitors here are on the younger side, such as couples in their 30s. However, people of all ages come to São Miguel. During my hikes, I have seen older couples hiking, and even today at the beach, I saw a group of tourists in their 30s with children, as well as younger individuals and older couples. So, people of all age groups come here to experience the island.

Is there any outdoor activity that you would recommend to tourists who want to experience some adventure in São Miguel?

- There are various outdoor activities available for adventurous tourists in São Miguel. Scuba diving and snorkeling are popular activities, and one notable spot for that is the Islet of Villa Franca, which is very nice. Another exciting activity gaining popularity is canyoning, where you can discover the island in a different way, even locals enjoy it. You can explore waterfalls and reach places you couldn't reach otherwise. It's a 100% natural and untouched experience that can satisfy the adventurous spirit of most people.

What about transportation on the island? Are there buses or bikes for rent, or is it better to have a car?

- Transportation options on the island are somewhat limited. The best situation is to live close to the city center, within a 15-20 minute drive, as public transport is more accessible in those areas. However, going further into the island can be challenging. Renting a car is usually the best option for getting around, as it provides more freedom and flexibility. Another option is to join tours offered by companies like Atlantimagia, where you can enjoy the tour without worrying about driving. I can provide valuable insights and a unique experience. As your tour guide, I can provide some beautiful insights and a unique experience. Usually, if someone rents a car and go similar places, he has no idea about history or anything. We can go to the place where is a sweet local liqueur and travelers can drink as much as they want because I'm driving. 

What are the best ways to experience the culture of the Azores and the people of São Miguel during a visit?

- Experiencing the culture of a place usually takes time and living like a local. However, to get a taste of the culture during your visit, I recommend visiting typical places like the Farmer's Market and trying local restaurants that are less touristy. It's also worth exploring areas where locals gather, such as the city center or popular beaches. By interacting with locals and immersing yourself in these places, you can get a better understanding of the culture of the Azores.

This was Julio Furtado. If you want to find him, just write to @atlantmagia22 on Instagram. If you mention me, you might get a discount:)

Anna Chajda