The landscape is, for the lack of a better word, breathtaking. The island's small size allows you to experience both the mountains and the oceanfront in a matter of minutes. It takes less than 20 minutes to travel from North to South of the island and less than 2 hours to travel across it, but the sheer number of experiences packed into such a small space is absolutely staggering. You can spend a month on São Miguel Island alone and still not take it all in. The sights are something to behold. In all my travels, I have never seen a more beautiful landscape. As a volcanic island rich in minerals, the island is home to the most variety of plant species giving the landscape a lush, colorful look.
You need a strong will and all your wits to drive around the island. A manual transmission is an absolute must due the terrain. Many roads are incredibly narrow and treacherous which requires maximum focus, especially for a tourist. A two-way road will often be too narrow for two cars to safely pass each other and also very steep. We once had trouble getting wheels to get traction going uphill in our dinky and light Renault Clio, which I admit I absolutely loved driving on the curvy mountain roads, it reminded me a lot of racing on the Nurburgring, with endless blind turns and hairpins. Elena was a trooper letting me toss the car around the bends while she called out the upcoming corners just like a rally navigator.
The cities, if you can call them that, are spotless and well manicured, with tons of places to grab a snack, a coffee or a drink, you'll definitely have a problem choosing a spot, as each one has something interesting to offer. With a colorful history dating back to the 1400s, you're surrounded by fascinating architecture and even more fascinating stories. The people are, for the most part, pleasant and very relaxed; they really open up when you show interest in their language or culture.
If you're a seafood enthusiast, this place is for you. There is so much variety when it comes to fish, squid, and octopus; it's nearly impossible to try everything. Try the Limpets; skip the Chicken and Pork. Steak is hit or miss depending on how you like it done. Be sure to check out the wineries, and you must try the Portugese Green Wine.
