3. Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park

Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park is a gorgeous park on São Miguel Island. It's located in Achada, in the county of Nordeste, and is a highly popular destination among tourists and locals alike.

​

The park is renowned for its impressive waterfall, one of its main attractions. Additionally, it boasts five 16th-century watermills that have been declared a "Public Interest Asset." Some of these mills are still operational, and you can witness the millers at work. Pretty fascinating, isn't it?

​

Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park stretches along the Guilherme River, the longest river in the Azores, where canyoning is a highly recommended activity on São Miguel.

​

This environment is perfect for both adventurous souls and those seeking a peaceful nature stroll. In the park, you'll encounter Macaronesian flora and Laurisilva forests. This ecosystem, also characteristic of the Madeira archipelago and the Canary Islands, formed 20 million years ago. To give you an idea, a walk through the park can last approximately 2 hours, more than enough time to discover its wonders, like the mills and the waterfall.

​

The park is also a sanctuary for endemic birds of São Miguel, such as the Azores bullfinch and the chaffinch, which inhabit the Laurisilva forests. Preserving these species is one of the park's top priorities, so keep your eyes peeled! But if you don't manage to spot any, don't worry. Nearby, you'll find the Priolo Environmental Center, another recommended spot in this guide.

​

Like any popular tourist destination, the park features a cafeteria, a souvenir shop, and a picnic area for grabbing a bite.

​

Useful Information:

• Opening Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm for the serviced area. The rest of the park is open all day.

• Price: Free.

​