--- title: Azores url: https://solardoscantos-hotel.guestcentric.net/en/azores language: en is_homepage: false hotel: Solar dos Cantos city: Ponta Delgada country: Portugal phone: "+351 296 102 330" email: reservations@solardoscantos.com --- [Hotel Logo](/en/) - [History](/en/the-house) - [Rooms](/en/hotel-roomshtml) - [Experiences](/en/experiences) - [Gastronomy](/en/gastronomy) - [Azores](/en/azores) - [Gallery](/en/hotel-gallery.html) Scroll # Azores ##### Guided by locals Immerse yourself in the heart of São Miguel with excursions and tours chosen and led by those who know it best: our inhabitants. Each adventure is designed to showcase the best our island has to offer, from its most iconic attractions to precious secrets known only to a few. An inspiring journey through the eyes of our community. --- #### Whale watching Planned by biologists and guides, this is not just a tourist excursion, but a journey into the life of the ocean. It is an educational and exciting experience, capturing timeless moments that reflect the true freedom of the natural world. #### Furnas Explore one of the world's largest thermal hydropolises. Its sulphurous waters, rich in iron, invite you to taste, feel, and immerse yourself in their rejuvenating properties. A Gothic chapel, a lagoon, and botanical gardens enrich the sensory experience, complemented by the exotic flavor of meals cooked underground. #### Seven Cities Surrounded by the lush vegetation of the volcanic caldera, the blue and green lagoons create a unique landscape, ideal for exploring via the viewpoints, trails, and small roads that crisscross this area of the island. A place where Azorean nature reveals itself in all its glory. #### Fire Lagoon Nestled within the green slopes of the volcanic caldera, Lagoa do Fogo stands out for its intensely colored waters and the preserved landscape that surrounds it. The viewpoints and trails in the area offer different perspectives on this unique place in the heart of the island. #### Cultural heritage São Miguel boasts a rich heritage, visible in the City Gates and the São Brás Fort in Ponta Delgada, in the historic centers of Ribeira Grande and Vila Franca do Campo, and in numerous manor houses and buildings constructed of volcanic stone. Museums, historical gardens, and local traditions complete a legacy that helps to understand the history and identity of São Miguel. #### Religious Heritage The religious heritage of São Miguel is revealed in emblematic places such as the Chapel of Our Lady of Victories (pictured), next to Furnas Lagoon. The chapel has a history intrinsically linked to the Solar dos Cantos, since it was precisely José do Canto who commissioned its construction. It was inaugurated in 1886 and its founder was buried inside in 1898. Integrated into an area that includes the José do Canto wooded garden, another legacy of this botanist who is also responsible for the botanical garden surrounding our house, it overlooks the fumaroles, which contribute to the aura of mystery of this setting, one of the most emblematic on the island. The Sanctuary of Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres and the Parish Church of São Sebastião, in Ponta Delgada, or the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Paz, in Vila Franca do Campo, are other examples, along with the centuries-old festivities, of how an essential dimension of the island's culture is kept alive. #### Northeastern Gardens Well-maintained gardens, lush vegetation, and tranquil spots showcase one of São Miguel's greenest sides. #### Surfing in the North Zone Atlantic waves, dark sand beaches and surf spots make the north coast a landmark for those seeking the sea. #### Jeep tour Traveling along secluded roads known only to farmers and local residents. As the day unfolds, they reveal secrets of the land amidst the captivating aromas of azaleas, hydrangeas, and yellow ginger lilies. --- ##### Exploring São Miguel alone Prefer to go your own way? If you're the adventurous type and like to explore the island alone, we have the ideal solution for you. Our list of must-see places is perfect for those who want to discover São Miguel at their own pace. --- --- --- --- #### Pineapples For us, a visit to the pineapple greenhouses is not just recommended, it's a family tradition. Why? Because our José do Canto played an important role in introducing pineapple cultivation to São Miguel, at the time as a solution to the orange crisis. Exploring these greenhouses is not just about seeing the plants; it's about tasting the unique ice creams, cocktails, and liqueurs made from these exotic fruits. It's a complete sensory experience that connects us to the innovative spirit of our island. #### Tea plantations Gorreana or Porto Formoso? Visit both. Tea was first planted on São Miguel in 1878 as part of a strategy to diversify the island's agriculture beyond a single export crop. This innovative initiative, quite progressive for its time, included bringing in experts from Macau to help establish and develop these plantations. Today, both Gorreana and Porto Formoso offer a glimpse into the rich history and lush landscapes of tea cultivation on the island. #### Islet of Vila Franca This picturesque islet, formed by an ancient volcanic crater, boasts a calm lagoon that's perfect for a relaxing swim or snorkeling in its clear waters. We keep visitor numbers low to ensure tranquility. It has also been the setting for the thrilling Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series – a testament to its dramatic beauty. [Footer Logo](/en/) Address [Rua Calço da Má Cara 41 Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel 9500-038 Portugal](https://maps.google.com?q=Rua+Cal%C3%A7o+da+M%C3%A1+Cara+41,Ponta+Delgada,9500-038) Contacts [+351 296 102 330](tel:+351296102330) [reservations@solardoscantos.com](mailto:reservations@solardoscantos.com) [![Powered by GuestCentric — Hotel Website & Booking Technology](https://static.guestcentric.net/cdn/wsbdev/wsbdev_bin/powered-gc.svg)](https://www.guestcentric.com/) --- ## Solar dos Cantos **Address:** Rua Calço da Má Cara 41, Ponta Delgada, 9500-038, Portugal **Phone:** +351 296 102 330 **Email:** [reservations@solardoscantos.com](mailto:reservations@solardoscantos.com)