What to Do in São Miguel When It Rains

Are you on São Miguel Island and it’s raining? See what you can do in São Miguel when it rains. Rain does not have to be synonymous with ruined vacations or a spoiled day; there are plenty of activities and places to visit on a rainy day.

When talking about the Azores and their tropical and unpredictable climate, you can expect sunshine in the morning and rain in the afternoon. But that’s no reason to stop enjoying your stay on the Green Island.

See also: Real-time Weather in the Azores

To ensure you don’t feel down on a rainy day, we hope that reading this article brightens and fills your day with activities. Shall we?

Ferraria
Fotografia de Teresa Rodrigues

What to Do in São Miguel When It Rains

You are probably thinking that a rainy day spoils everything, and even if there are activities to do, they will all be in closed places or of little interest. Not at all! In São Miguel, whether it rains or shines, there are numerous places, both outdoors and indoors, to explore, from museums, thermal hot water pools, trails, churches, interpretive centers, and more.

See the list below for some solutions for a rainy day.

Soak in the Hot Thermal Waters of Poça da Dona Beija

Photo: pocadonabeija.com

The Poça da Dona Beija needs no introduction; however, in brief, it consists of 5 fantastic thermal hot water tanks, with an average temperature of 39ºC. There’s nothing like a rainy day to enjoy hot waters. The contrast between the rain and the hot thermal waters is sensational; you certainly won’t regret it.

Poça da Dona Beija: hours, prices, and useful information >

Visit Terra Nostra Park and Enjoy the Hot Thermal Water Pool

Still enjoying the thermal waters, Terra Nostra Park, in addition to its several hectares of flora and fauna, has a fantastic hot thermal water pool and also small “jacuzzis” with warm waters. In this option, imagine that between the rain there is a bit of sunshine; you can always take the opportunity to explore the park.

Terra Nostra Park: hours, prices, and useful information >

Thermal Hot Waters of Caldeira Velha

Caldeira Velha
Fotografia de Monica Falcon

As there’s no two without three, here’s another fantastic place to enjoy a great rainy day in thermal hot waters. It’s here that you will find one of the most popular waterfalls on the island, which you have surely seen in various promotional materials for the Azores destination.

Caldeira Velha: hours, prices, and useful information >

Explore the Gruta do Carvão

(C) Amigos dos Açores

This Natural Monument is the largest known lava tunnel on São Miguel Island, measuring 1912 meters in height and consisting of 4 sections. You can visit and walk through the cave, making it an excellent option for a rainy day.

Gruta do Carvão: hours, prices, and useful information >

See Up Close How the Queijadas da Vila do Morgado Are Made

If you haven’t tried or don’t know the fantastic Queijadas da Vila, this could be an excellent option. You can see up close the entire process of making this typical and unique sweet from São Miguel.

Queijadas da Vila do Morgado: information >

Visit the Mercearia Popular 1936

This was one of the most popular grocery stores in the Municipality of Ribeira Grande and São Miguel Island. Inaugurated in 1936 by António Rebelo, it supported the community by selling oil, kerosene, sugar, etc. See up close the interior of the grocery store, customs, handmade crafts, and an exhibition of items produced in Lomba da Maia.

Mercearia Popular 1936: history, reopening, where it is, and information >