Lagoa

The ethereal beauty of the Azores archipelago features eerily shaped outcrops and vibrantly coloured cliffs set against the Atlantic's turquoise waves. Long sandy beaches and hidden coves reachable only by boat, combined with the island's long history, are two of the reasons people flock to the quiet paradise of Lagoa on São Miguel Island.

The town's white houses with Manueline doorways open onto winding streets lined with gorgeous examples of 16th to 18th century architecture. Both the Igreja de Misericórdia church and the Convento do São José, built in 1713, survived the earthquake of 1755.

Close to Lagoa is the town of Estombar, once home of 11th century Arab poet Ibn Ammar. Here you will find the Sítio de Fontes where two freshwater springs create a small lagoon - a popular swimming spot. To the south lies the holiday village of Carvoeiro with its expensive villas and golf courses, and to the east, the grassy mountain forests of Povoação.

Portuguese cuisine is superb, and the fresh seafood of Lagoa can easily be sampled with a glass of local wine at any of the island's restaurants. For a night out, visitors can try the small town of Ferragudo, along the banks of the Rio Arade, where the party in the town square is said to last all night.

Flights to the Azores are serviced by the regional airline SATA from Lisbon and run between the islands, with ferry routes to most of the other islands in the archipelago. The town is easily traversed on foot, although a hire car is recommended when exploring the area around Lagoa. We can arrange car hire for you in Lagoa, with great savings to be made by those who book online.