Caloura – Lagoa, São Miguel Island

The Caloura is situated in the Vale de Cabaços, Vila de Água de Pau, municipality of Lagoa on the São Miguel Island, Azores archipelago.

The origin of the name Caloura comes from the hermit friars who fled from Furnas after the 1630 volcano eruption and settled in the small convent of Vale de Cabaços. As they were known as “calouros,” the name gradually became associated with the place.

In the summer, Caloura attracts tourists from all over the world, especially due to its magnificent blue coast and natural pools, which draw attention for their lush nature, making it a place for relaxation and tranquility.

Piscina e costa da Caloura
Fotografia de ByAçores

Another highlight is the Porto da Caloura, perched on a high basalt cliff and near the Convent, used by recreational boats and local fishermen. Surrounding the port, the vineyards thrive in the shelter of volcanic black stone terrain.

When visiting São Miguel Island, be sure to stroll through Caloura, one of the most beautiful tourist spots on the island and an excellent option for swimming. An unmissable opportunity!

History of Caloura

Caloura has significant historical value for the Azores, as it is home to one of the oldest convents on São Miguel Island, the Convento da Caloura, recognized as a Property of Public Interest by the Government of the Azores, with buildings dating back to the 16th century. The complete ensemble includes the Convent, the Hermitage, the Enclosure, and the surrounding garden.

Another historical point is the Bateria de Nossa Senhora da Conceição de Caloura, or simply the Fort of the Convent, located in the village of Caloura. Its main characteristic was to defend the port of Caloura and the Convent of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, preventing attacks from pirates and privateers, which were quite frequent in the area.

Currently, the remnants of the fortification and the convent are in private hands, directed towards viticulture and protected by a stone wall. It is worth checking out a bit more of this history by visiting Caloura.

Caloura
Fotografia de Cristina Aires

Caloura Cultural Center

The site features a Cultural Center, inaugurated to the public on June 4, 2005, offering visitors a collection of artworks by artists who were influential in the history of 20th-century Portuguese art, while also promoting regional artists from the Azores.

Porto da Caloura & Pools

One of the main attractions is the bathing area at Porto da Caloura, on the southern side of São Miguel Island. The place is ideal for visitors wishing to swim in the refreshing sea waters with their families in a safe environment. Best of all, the surrounding landscape is spectacular and makes for beautiful photographs!

Piscina da Caloura
Fotografia de Rodrigo Pereira Aguiar

Besides the sea, another excellent option for visitors is to swim in the natural pools with clear, calm waters. A recommendation for lunch or dinner is the fresh fish caught daily by local fishermen and served at one of the local restaurants.

Another attention-grabbing attraction in this area is wine production, known for the “Vinho de Cheiro,” a type of wine unique to the Azores and still very appreciated by all lovers of this alcoholic beverage.

A curiosity: In Caloura is the most expensive square meter on São Miguel Island, comparable to the valued parish of Estoril, sometimes referred to by some as the Azorean Estoril.

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