6. Ribeira Grande Village
Ribeira Grande is one of the most important towns on São Miguel Island, located on the north coast. This city stands out for its rich history. It was home to the island's first settlers, who were drawn to Ribeira Grande by the stream that still crosses 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.
Strolling through the streets of Ribeira Grande is like traveling back in time, where you can feel the history and culture of the island in its streets. Although it doesn't boast grand monuments, its old-world charm makes it a place worth visiting. If you decide to explore, you can't miss these points of interest:
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The promenade, which passes by Praia do Monte Verde
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The Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Estrela (Main Church of Our Lady of the Star)
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The Municipal Swimming Pools of Ribeira Grande
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The Municipal Garden of Ribeira Grande
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The Igreja do Espírito Santo (Church of the Holy Spirit)
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Ponta das Praias
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.
>> You can book the bike tour here.
Touristically, this town is an alternative to Ponta Delgada as a preferred accommodation choice for many people. In fact, apart from being less touristy, it has all the necessary amenities, such as supermarkets and restaurants.
Additionally, Ribeira Grande is home to many must-visit places on São Miguel Island, such as the Salto do Cabrito Waterfall, Santa Bárbara Beach, and the Restaurant of the Associação Agrícola of São Miguel. The Termas das Caldeiras are also located within this town, and the island's most famous hot springs, Caldeira Velha, are just a 10-minute drive away. Therefore, many people often combine visits to these places with a visit to Ribeira Grande.
By the way, it's also a favorite spot for surf enthusiasts! Santa Bárbara Beach is famous for its waves and has a surf school right there. 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).