11. Gorreana Tea Plantations

The Gorreana Tea Plantations are a tea plantation and factory on São Miguel Island, located very close to the town of Ribeira Grande. It's a unique and special corner of the island's north because, along with the Porto Formoso Tea Factory, they are the only tea plantations in Europe for industrial purposes.

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The Gorreana Tea Plantations were founded in 1883 by the Gago de Cámara family. This plantation covers 32 hectares and produces around 33 tons of tea per year. But the history of tea on the island dates back to the 17th century, thanks to the trade routes opened by Vasco da Gama. São Miguel Island is indeed the perfect place for this cultivation, being in the middle of the Atlantic. Doesn't that sound intriguing?

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The specialty of the Gorreana Tea Factory is black tea, although they also cultivate green tea. You can't leave here without visiting the factory, which is open to the public for free, and tasting one of their delicious teas. Gorreana teas are truly delightful and full of flavor. You can find more information on their website.

 

But the Gorreana Tea Plantations also have a space for hiking enthusiasts. The PRC28 SMI trail is an excellent option for exploring the Gorreana tea fields up close. It's a circular trail that winds through the tea fields. It's an easy hike accessible to anyone, and its starting point is right across from the factory, on the other side of the road. Don't worry, you can't miss it.

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If you decide to take the trail, which is 3.4 km long, you'll be surrounded by intense greenery and the aroma of tea. For about 1 hour and 30 minutes, you'll enjoy a tranquil and serene walk, perfect for a relaxing hike.

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Useful information:

• Hours: 8:00am - 18:00pm.

• Price: Free.

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