Would you like to know the best things to do and visit in Ribeira Grande? In this article, we bring you all the information about Ribeira Grande so you can plan your visit to this important town in São Miguel, with everything you can visit and do, as well as restaurant recommendations, essential nearby places to make the most of your visit, and a map to easily locate everything.
If you plan your trip with our São Miguel guide, you'll see that this city is the central hub of one of the areas into which we've divided the island: the northern zone of São Miguel. And it's for good reason! Ribeira Grande is one of the most important towns on the island of São Miguel, not only historically but also in terms of tourism. This town is often chosen as an alternative to Ponta Delgada for accommodation since, besides being less touristy, it has all the necessary amenities, such as supermarkets and restaurants.
Furthermore, Ribeira Grande boasts great historical interest. It was the home of São Miguel's first settlers, who established themselves in Ribeira Grande drawn by the stream that still runs through the main square, near the Town Hall. They built mills to grind grain, and later, thanks to immigrants from France, the textile industry also flourished.
To stay in Ribeira Grande, we recommend the Casa do Horizonte hotel, with incredible views of the beach; the Volcanic Charming House, super cozy and tranquil; and also the Hotel Verde Mar & SPA, for sunset lovers enjoying a pool with sea views.
Strolling through the streets of Ribeira Grande is like traveling back in time, and you can feel the history and culture of the island in its streets. Although it doesn't have grand monuments, its old charm makes it a place worth visiting. If you decide to do so, you can't miss this article with the best things to do and visit in Ribeira Grande.
Let's get started with this post about things to do in Ribeira Grande!
Things to Do in Ribeira Grande - Contents:
2. Santa Iria Viewpoint
3. São Miguel tea plantations
Getting to Ribeira Grande
As we've mentioned in other posts, when it comes to navigating the incredible island of São Miguel and reaching Ribeira Grande, your best bet is a car! It's the preferred option for most visitors as public transport can be a bit tricky, especially considering travel times and limited direct connections between towns.
We strongly encourage renting a car to explore the island with total comfort and freedom. Plus, the roads are in great condition, and the locals drive wonderfully—or at least it seems that way to us—so go ahead and embark on a road trip across São Miguel!
Arriving by Car and Parking in Ribeira Grande
Ribeira Grande boasts a prime location in the north-central area of São Miguel Island, making it an ideal base for exploring other must-visit towns like Ponta Delgada, Furnas, or Vila Franca do Campo. The driving distance from any of these three cities to Ribeira Grande is only about 25 minutes, so you can see it's quite a short distance.
Moreover, Ribeira Grande is just a 25-minute drive from Ponta Delgada Airport, so if you're staying in Ribeira Grande, you'll quickly reach your accommodation upon arriving on São Miguel Island.
Once you arrive in Ribeira Grande, you'll find parking isn't much of a hassle. There's ample space to park in the town center, and if you're visiting other tourist spots a bit farther from downtown, like Santa Bárbara Beach or the Termas das Caldeiras, you'll find fairly large parking lots nearby.
If you haven't booked your rental car yet, don't miss out on the best rental deals on the island, with full coverage to protect you from any issues!
Arriving in Ribeira Grande by Public Transport
You can also opt for public transport to reach Ribeira Grande, though keep in mind this alternative may take longer and may not be as convenient as driving.
From Ponta Delgada, there's a direct bus departing from the city's historic center, right in front of Portas da Cidade. The available buses are C102, C110, or C105, but their frequency is limited, with only about 5 direct buses per day. The journey takes approximately between 50 minutes and 1 hour and 10 minutes.
On the other hand, if you plan to explore areas farther from downtown Ribeira Grande, like the Termas das Caldeiras or the São Miguel Agricultural Association, we recommend avoiding public transport. These places, which are about a 10-minute drive from downtown Ribeira Grande, can take between 40 minutes and 1 hour by public transport.
If you don't want to rent a car, don't worry! Another way to get to Ribeira Grande is with this affordable transfer service. Don't waste time on transportation!
Things to Do in Ribeira Grande, the Second Most Important City in São Miguel, Azores
1. Explore the historic center of Ribeira Grande
Strolling through the historic center of Ribeira Grande is like stepping back in time. We recommend leisurely wandering through this charming town and visiting some essential spots like theses:
Nossa Senhora da Estrela Main Church
Nossa Senhora da Estrela Main Church is the most visited religious temple in Ribeira Grande and sits right across from Largo Gaspar Frutuoso, one of its main squares.
Like everything in Ribeira Grande, this church offers a journey to the past. Built in the 16th century, Nossa Senhora da Estrela Main Church has overcome significant monumental challenges, such as earthquakes and the relentless passage of time, yet it still stands intact thanks to the dedication of the island's inhabitants.
It's no wonder the church has been recognized as a 'tourist interest asset' as it attracts visitors interested in local culture every year. But even if you're not a fan of religious buildings, we encourage you to spend a few minutes exploring its three naves—you'll be enveloped in a sense of absolute peace.
Ribeira Grande Town Hall
You can visit Ribeira Grande Town Hall from the outside, and it stands out for its medieval structure. The clock tower attached to the building by an arch is truly beautiful and worth at least a visit to admire its exteriors.
Ribeira Grande Municipal Garden and the Bridge of Eight Arches
Very close to the two previous points is the Ribeira Grande Municipal Garden and the iconic Bridge of Eight Arches, a symbol of the city of Ribeira Grande. In our opinion, this municipal garden is one of the most beautiful we've seen, with the Bridge of Eight Arches and the Atlantic Ocean in the background—what more could you ask for?
Ribeira Grande Municipal Museum
If you have time and are interested in delving deeper into the local culture, you can't miss the Ribeira Grande Municipal Museum. In addition to offering ethnographic collections of great cultural value, you'll also find collections of tiles. But the highlight of this museum is the Senhor Prior's Nativity scene, featuring figures and decorations from 1930 to 1973.
And if you still have time to continue exploring downtown Ribeira Grande, be sure to visit the following places:
Ribeiragrandense Theater
Daniel de Sá Municipal Library
Ponta das Praias
Casa do Arcano Museum
Espírito Santo Church
Another unique way to discover Ribeira Grande is with this Bike Tour of Ribeira Grande, where a local guide will show you the city's most iconic spots over about 3 hours and 30 minutes. Additionally, this tour includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel. However, for now, it is only conducted in Portuguese and English.
2. Santa Bárbara Beach in Ribeira Grande, the most beautiful beach in São Miguel
We couldn't continue this section on things to do in Ribeira Grande without mentioning another place besides Santa Bárbara Beach, one of the must-sees in our São Miguel guide and in the northern area of the island. This beach is considered one of the most beautiful on São Miguel Island and is a major attraction in the town of Ribeira Grande.
This expansive beach with volcanic sand stretches along the north coast, spanning an impressive 1.2 km. But it's not just known for its beauty; it's also famous for its incredible sunsets and relaxed atmosphere.
Moreover, when you visit, you'll notice one thing: Santa Bárbara Beach is a paradise for surf enthusiasts. Its waves and strong winds in the area are renowned worldwide, and you'll likely find several people surfing (weather permitting). In fact, there's a surf school right on the beach. Are you brave enough to give it a try?
If you're up for trying this sport in São Miguel, a good option is booking this 2-hour Surf Class, suitable for both beginners and experienced individuals. (For beginners, classes could also be held at Praia das Milícias).
If water sports aren't your thing, don't worry. You can simply enjoy the ambiance of this beach and its spectacular scenery by sitting on the dark sand and relaxing. Additionally, one positive aspect of this beach is that, thanks to its expanse, even during peak season, there's always enough space.
Another positive point of this beach is that the water temperature isn't too cold (despite being in the Atlantic), making it the perfect beach for a refreshing swim. Just be cautious as the currents can be quite strong. Make sure to check the recommendations before entering the water.
By the way, if you can visit Santa Bárbara Beach during sunset, you won't regret it. We love TukáTulá, a bar located right on the beach where you can enjoy a drink while watching the sunset. Doesn't that sound like a great plan?
3. Termas das Caldeiras in Ribeira Grande
Next up is another essential place to visit in Ribeira Grande, the Termas das Caldeiras. Although they may not be the most visited hot springs by tourists, locals say they're the best on São Miguel, so you'll likely share them with local residents.
Foto: @azoreangreenbean on Instagram | Pool at the Termas das Caldeiras in Ribeira Grande
The waters of the hot springs, at around 39°C (102.2°F), contain minerals beneficial for the skin and health, making them a true oasis of well-being. In fact, they're known for their therapeutic properties for the skin and relaxation.
But that's not all. Something that's quite striking and leaves you awestruck is the structure of the hot springs themselves. Their white facades date back to the 19th century and are capable of transporting you to the past. Can you imagine all this, surrounded by Laurisilva forests? The experience is truly unique.
Useful Information about the Hot Springs:
Opening Hours: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm.
Price: €4 for adults and €2 for children aged 6 to 12.
4. Salto do Cabrito waterfall, one of São Miguel's must-see attractions
Salto do Cabrito waterfall is one of the most visited places and another must-see in our São Miguel guide. At this waterfall, water drops from 40 meters and forms a natural pool that tends to be quite crowded with people taking a dip, especially in good weather.
But something we really love about Salto do Cabrito is the viewpoint at the top of the waterfall—it offers breathtaking views of the entire surroundings! However, we have to warn you, climbing up there isn't suitable for those with vertigo.
If you visit our section on Salto do Cabrito, you'll find the exact location of the nearest parking lot, but as always, we recommend leaving your car aside and opting to explore one of the top 10 hiking trails on São Miguel.
This trail, PRC29 SMI, starts at the Termas das Caldeiras parking lot and leads to Salto do Cabrito. It's a circular route with a distance of 8.5 km, taking about 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete. Truly, for us, this is one of the essential trails to explore on São Miguel Island, and we believe it's worth it to experience the entire waterfall area and have a great time along the way.
And why do we find it so much fun? Well, because you'll feel like you're in the middle of the jungle, you'll see small fumaroles emerging from the side of the path, and you'll encounter several rather thrilling walkways and stairs (not suitable for those with vertigo). Are you up for it? We're sure you won't regret it.
If you're an adventurous person, you can't miss the opportunity to go canyoning at Salto do Cabrito. In this guided activity, you'll descend a canyon and navigate several waterfalls surrounded by lush nature. And don't worry if you've never been canyoning before! It's an activity suitable for most ages and all levels of canyoning experience.
There's just one catch: it's very popular and, since it's done in small groups (8 people), it tends to sell out quickly. So don't wait to book if you don't want to miss out on this experience!
5. The Restaurant of the São Miguel Agricultural Association
Although in this section we're not talking about restaurants, we believe it's important to highlight the Restaurant of the São Miguel Agricultural Association as one of the must-visit places on the island, and we highly recommend you dine here (whether or not you visit the town of Ribeira Grande).
The São Miguel Agricultural Association is an agricultural organization that plays a fundamental role in the development and promotion of the agricultural sector on São Miguel Island. Its main objective is to support local farmers, promote sustainable practices, and ensure the quality of agricultural products. Doesn't that already sound like a good reason to visit their restaurant?
For us, it's undoubtedly one of the best gastronomic experiences on the island. The restaurant's specialty is beef steak, although there's plenty of variety in meat choices. The portions are quite generous, and we can assure you won't regret it. And, by the way, if you're a cheese lover like us, you mustn't miss ordering their own cheese as an appetizer—it's a real delight.
The prices at the restaurant may be slightly higher compared to other restaurants on the island (in São Miguel, meals typically cost around €10-€15 per person), but we assure you it's worth it for the quality of the food and service. To give you an idea, ordering some appetizers, a main meat dish (each), and some coffees, the approximate price is around €30 per person, a price entirely in line with the experience.
6. Ribeira Grande Municipal Pools
The Ribeira Grande Municipal Pools complex is located next to the sea, so it also offers incredible ocean views. It's truly a perfect place to relax and have fun, especially if you're traveling with children.
The complex features outdoor saltwater pools and a freshwater pool (for babies), ample space for sunbathing, and all necessary facilities such as showers, changing rooms, and restrooms.
7. Micaelense Ceramic Factory
Finally, if you're into ceramic pieces, don't miss the shop at the Micaelense Ceramic Factory. This shop is important because currently, there are only two operating factories producing and creating clay ceramics, and one of them is located in Ribeira Grande!
Unless we're mistaken, the factory hasn't allowed visits in a while, so you'll have to settle for the shop, where you can find high-quality ceramic items. By the way, if you fall in love with any piece and decide to purchase, remember to bring cash as they don't accept card payments.
THE BEST ACTIVITIES IN SÃO MIGUEL!
Other Essential Visits near Ribeira Grande
As we mentioned at the beginning of the post, Ribeira Grande enjoys a privileged location in the north-central area of the island, making it very close to several essential places in São Miguel.
Some of these destinations are so close that it's common to explore them in the same day. So, don't think twice and make the most of your visit by exploring these island essentials, all detailed in our São Miguel guide:
1. Caldeira Velha
Caldeira Velha, the most famous hot springs on the island of São Miguel, are only a 10-minute drive from Ribeira Grande. In fact, it's very common to visit Caldeira Velha and Salto do Cabrito (in Ribeira Grande) on the same day, due to their short distance and because both are water activities in nature.
This paradise with thermal pools is located on the slope of an inactive volcano that still emits intense internal energy, heating the waters of its thermal pools.
Visits to Caldeira Velha are made in 1 hour and 30-minute shifts, with a maximum capacity. Our recommendation is to visit Caldeira Velha early in the morning, during the shift from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., to avoid crowds and be part of the first group to access the natural reserve that day, meaning you'll find it empty when you enter. Can you imagine enjoying some of its pools alone for a while?
To plan your visit to this essential in São Miguel, don't miss any details in our Caldeira Velha section in our São Miguel guide.
2. Santa Iria Viewpoint
Located just 7 minutes from Ribeira Grande, the Santa Iria viewpoint is one of our favorites on the island of São Miguel. From there, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged northern coast of the island.
This viewpoint is one of the most visited in São Miguel as it's very accessible by car. It's located at an exit from the main road of the island's north and is halfway between two must-visit places in the area: the Porto Formoso Factory and the Gorreana Tea Plantations, places we'll talk about next.
3. São Miguel tea plantations
Following the road that runs along the north of the island, about 10-15 minutes from Ribeira Grande, you'll reach the tea plantations of São Miguel, where the main attractions are the Porto Formoso Tea Factory and the Gorreana Tea Plantations. These tea plantations are of great importance as they are the only tea plantations in Europe for industrial purposes.
Both factories are open to the public and can be visited for free. There, you'll learn about this unique activity and taste their own teas, enjoying incredible views, especially from the terrace of the Porto Formoso Factory.
Also, if you want to take an easy hiking trail in São Miguel through the tea fields, the Gorreana Plantations offer a magnificent experience, with one of the best hiking trails in São Miguel.
If you want to know how to organize your visit to these two factories, don't miss our sections on the Porto Formoso Tea Factory and the Gorreana Tea Plantations in our São Miguel guide.
Where to Eat in Ribeira Grande
If you've made it this far, I suppose you've already realized that the restaurant of the São Miguel Agricultural Association is our favorite on the whole island, so we can't help but mention it as the first choice among places to eat in Ribeira Grande.
However, if you're staying in Ribeira Grande or will be in the area for several days, you're in luck because we have other recommendations that you'll also love.
We consider Ribeira Grande to be a good place to enjoy local gastronomy and typical Azorean and Portuguese dishes. Among the local food restaurants that we like the most, we highlight Restaurante o Silva, perfect for eating meat or fish, and Restaurante Faria, where the sardines and cod are incredible.
If you're looking for a good and quite affordable option, we recommend Casa de Pasto Flor, a simple restaurant with traditional food, where we recommend the roast chicken and other meat dishes with sauce.
Map of Places to Visit in Ribeira Grande
Important! If you can't open or enlarge the data on this map correctly, access this link: Map of Ribeira Grande
Don't miss the best activities near Ribeira Grande!