Saturday, December 22, 2007

Beaches - Sao Miguel - The Magic of the Sea

The indented coast of São Miguel provides sea-lovers with charming beaches nestling among cliffs, and also natural swimming-pools formed among the rocks.

São Pedro
Natural pool integrated in Ponta Delgada.

São Roque
The calm and family-type "beaches of Milicias or Areal Grande, and Areal Pequeno. Supporting facilities. Nearby lies Fort São Caetano.
Pópulo. Stretch of sand on a cosy bay, surrounded by verdant countryside. Pine grove on the slope of a dune. In the vicinity, the Chapel of Madonna del Popolo (17th c.), part of an old noble manor-house.

Lagoa (Baixa da Areia)
Welcoming natural swimming-pool. Close to it lies the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Cabo de Finisterra.

Caloura
Picturesque fishing port. Natural pool. Diving and underwater observation centre.

Agua d'Alto
Long stretch of sand between two promontories.

Ribeira Chã
Quiet cosy beach.

Islet of Vila Franca do Campo
A natural shell with a small but charming beach. Can be reached only by boat. Nature reserve.

Ribeira Quente
Typical fishermen's village. Close by lies a quiet, lonely shell-like beach called Praia do Fogo. Along the access road, torrents of ferrous water and luxurious vegetation.

Porto Formoso
Typical parish. In the surroundings, there is a small isolated beach. Ruins of a former coastal defence fortress. To the west, Praia dos Moinhos, a broad stretch of sand with calm waters. Mouth of a stream with crystal-clear water.

Capelas
Village hanging over the sea. Natural swimming-pool. Broad views of the northern coast of the island from the hill called Morro das Capelas.

Mosteiros
Picturesque parish. Coast cut by inlets and rocks. Natural pool. In the vicinity, the islets of Mosteiros and Pico das Camarinhas, with curious vestiges of the island's original vegetation.

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Açores - Azores - São Miguel - Furnas

Açores - Azores - São Miguel - Furnas , originally uploaded by Luis Miguens .