10. Porto Formoso Tea Factory

Porto Formoso Tea Factory is a tea factory and plantation on São Miguel Island, located very close to the town of Ribeira Grande. The tea plantations on the island are of great importance as they are the only tea plantations in Europe for industrial purposes.

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Porto Formoso Tea Factory is one of these two unique plantations, along with the Gorreana Tea Plantations, separated by just a 3-minute drive. Due to their proximity, most people decide to visit both plantations on the same day. And we couldn't agree more; both offer an essential and different experience on São Miguel Island.

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But it's not just about the beautiful landscape of the tea fields. The experience is also cultural because in the factory, open to the public, you can see the memories of tea manufacturing from the beginning, around the 19th century. Doesn't that sound interesting? In fact, the factory is considered a museum space that offers free guided tours throughout the day. These tours, lasting between 15 and 20 minutes, do not require prior reservation. You can find more information on their website.

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After the visit, we recommend taking a leisurely stroll through their fields and enjoying their panoramic terrace while savoring one of their teas and some pastries. From their terrace, you can contemplate the tea fields and the picturesque village of Porto Formoso. We assure you that having tea with these views is priceless.

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By the way, if you're lucky enough to visit the factory in spring, you'll see a recreation of the tea harvest, where the people working there dress in period costumes.

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Useful information:

• Hours: 9:00-18:00, from May to September, and 9:00-17:00, from October to April.

• Price: Free.

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