Ribeira Grande offers you a variety of dynamic and very significant in- and out-door of leisure activities. In a first trip through the municipality, one finds an exuberant piece of nature that covers both smooth plains and deep valleys. Discover them through our trails ranging from the coastline, to passages in landscapes that are unique in Europe, such as the ones on our tea plantations, to descending paths leading you to the inner side of the volcano occupied by the majestic Lagoa do Fogo, or immerse yourself in a hot water bath in the natural monument of the Caldeira Velha. The ever-present Sea, with its warm water, invites us to dive in at many volcanic sand beaches scattered along the coast, or to engage in watersports.
Its unique city, not only for its location, but above all for its historical architecture full of specificities, offers the possibility of embarking on a unique trip of knowledge and experience through its museums and religious monuments, representing a very unique style of the Azores Baroque.
Ribeira Grande is a blend of unique experiences.
The municipality offers a vast network of hiking trails, ranging from authorized trails to municipal trails. Both networks provide genuine knowledge, not only of natural areas through interpretive trails, such as Pico Queimado and Caldeira Velha, but also of rural areas, such as the tea plantations and footpaths that once made the connection between primitive locations.
Known as the Surfing capital, for its prime location in the northern coast of Ribeira Grande, offering you several ideal areas to practice this sport, the beaches of Monte Verde and Areal de Santa Barbara, the latter being equipped with good access routes and excellent facilities. Here, one can find schools that provide lessons and rent surfing and bodyboarding equipment. The good waves and mild temperature of the seawater (20.5º / 23.88º) make these beaches the hotspot for regional surfing.
The more adventurous can find in Ribeira Grande some of the best canyoning paths of the island. In the river which gave its name to the city it is possible to make routes with different levels of difficulty and unique beauty. In Lombadas it is possible to enjoy an impressive waterfall along with small springs of mineral waters. In Salto do Cabrito, more suitable for beginners, one can enjoy rappells and varied small waterfalls in a route that is done side by side with the walking trail of the same name. Is is importante to know the route of the Ribeira dos Limes for its great beauty ending in the beautiful village of Porto Formoso.
Given its location, Ribeira Grande offers the possibility of enjoying the two existing golf courses on the island. One located on the western edge of the municipality - the 27-hole Batalha Golf Course, located about 15 km away from the historic city center, and, the 18-hole Golf Course of Furnas, located about 21 km away. There are also local accommodation venues that offer the possibility of engaging in rustic golf, a sport that has gained many supporters.
Ribeira Grande provides some of the best take-off and landing spots for those that like this sport. The experience leaves one amazed, with landscapes ranging from mountains, lakes, small towns, cliffs and beaches. To engage in this activity, you can contact the São Miguel Wings Club
Ribeira Grande provides some of the best take-off and landing spots for those that like this sport. The experience leaves one amazed, with landscapes ranging from mountains, lakes, small towns, cliffs and beaches. To engage in this activity, you can contact the São Miguel Wings Club
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