OUR INSIDER TIPS on what to do, eat and see during your stay at Quinta Minuvida and São Miguel.
WELCOME GUIDE
bem-vindos aos Açores Welcome to São Miguel and to Quinta Minuvida. We are honored to host you in the Azores. We aim to make your Azores travel experience as enjoyable as possible. Besides the basic information about Quinta Minuvida, the following pages provide insider tips about some of our favorite restaurants, hikes, beaches and even how to drive around the island. Please feel free to carry this guide with you during your stay. The attractions described in these pages are tagged in our exclusive interactive map, which includes descriptions and driving directions. All these resources can be found online, along with our guest guides at www.minuvida.com/guides. Enjoy your stay!
AZORES. TRAVEL. EXPERIENCE.
THE BASICS
FOOD BASICS Azorean food is fresh and wholesome, using simple ingredients and techniques where the ingredients shine. However, Azorean moms have a heavy hand with salt and our famous pimenta moída or pepper sauce, so be prepared to adjust your palate. Other things to take in consideration: Ask for what's fresh and in season. Shrimp, while popular, is not a local ingredient, for example. Adjust your expectations. An Azorean steak is not a Filet Mignon. It's tenderized, thin cut piece of meat served with an a fried egg on top, fries and rice! What shines is garlic chilly the sauce that goes on it. Vegetarian options are ever-increasing, but it's not New York City. People love their sweets. Dessert is always expected... And so it espresso coffee after lunch and, yes, dinner. If you must have a filter style coffee ask for an "Americano" or "Meia-de-leite" for a latte style coffee. driving BASICS Azoreans are Latin drivers by nature, so they drive fast. But they also follow the road rules, so make sure you know the basics before venturing out: Passing is common. Don't be alarmed but watch out for the local drivers coming around on a narrow lane. Study road signs before venturing out. Most follow international convention, but some are specifically local, such less common passing signs and parking signs. Roundabouts are common. In short, drivers inside the circle have the right of way, so wait your turn. Lanes are lined up with exits from the roundabout – right lane, first exit; center lane, second exit; left lane, third exit, etc. Use your blinker. Cars normally park on the side of the road, often blocking your travel lane. If you must drive onto oncoming traffic lane to maneuver around parked car, wait your turn and use your blinker. Oncoming cars have the right of way. Don't park in spots marked with yellow lines. They are for specific use. Never cross the solid center line. That includes crossing the solid line turning left out of the driveway. Find the dotted center line to cross or pass another vehicle. Violations can lead to a hefty fine.
OUR NEIGHBORHOOD Quinta dos Sabores Rabo de Peixe (about half-a-mile/less than 1km away) Rua Caminho da Selada, 10 Organic farm-to-table restaurant just up the street from quinta minuvida. Intimate and friendly setting offering innovative Azorean, Portuguese and international cuisine. Tasting menu dinner is 35 euros per person. Dinner only, by reservation only, 24 hours in advance. Make sure you tell them you’re a friend of ours! $$$ Tel 917 003 020 / 926 333 114 Botequim Açoriano Rabo de Peixe (about a mile/1.6km away) Estrada Regional Traditional Azorean cuisine served with care plus a rotating schedule of cultural happenings make this restaurant a local favorite. This being Rabo de Peixe, fresh fish is always a highlight, as well as other creative takes on Azorean classics.. Reservation reccomended. $$ Tel 296 708 401 O Silva Ribeira Seca (about 3 miles/5.5km away) Rua Direita de Cima, 41 The decor may be brand new at this local institution, but the food is as traditional and wholesome as always! Besides their delicious thin-cut Azorean style steak, O Silva carries a wide selection of fresh fish as well as the famous Azorean giant barnacles and limpets. Not recommended for persons with strict diets. Reservation generally not needed. $$ Tel 917 725 881 Tuká Tulá Praia de Santa Bárbara (about 3 miles/5km away) Areal de Santa Bárbara Outdoor snack bar/restaurant on Santa Bárbara beach. Great food with outstanding views. This is our go-to neighborhood spot; everything from a glass of wine or coffee to a delicious meal. Grilled fish dish is a bit more expensive (around 30 euros for 2-3 people) but one of the best preparations on the island. Prices vary based on the item but are quite affordable and offer tremendous value for the location and views. Make sure to walk on the beach after! $$ Tel 296 477 647 Boteco do Miguel + D'Quina Ribeira Grande (about 4 miles/7km away) Mercado Municipal Boteco do Miguel and D'Quina feature covered outdoor seating in the municipal farmer's market. Boteco do Miguel is known for it's delicious pizzas, and D'Quina features Tex-Mex and local dishes. It's popular so make sure to call ahead. $ Tel Boteco 910 079 854 D'Quina 910 658 567 PONTA DELGADA AREA Tasquinha Vieira Ponta Delgada Rua António Joaquim Nunes da Silva, 21 (near Matriz) This newcomer as stormed into the local food scene and stole the thunder from other trendy spots. The open kitchen gives you a peak into the mastery behind the counter as you savor innovative local faire and dishes with international appeal. Reservations a must. $$$ Tel 296 286 181 Cervejaria Sardinha - Mané Cigano Ponta Delgada Rua Eng Jose Cordeiro, 1 This is a neighborhood hangout in Calheta, a fishing port in Ponta Delgada. We want to keep this one a secret as it’s special. Chicharros, or fried jack mackerel, is the house specialty. You sit in communal tables and ambiance is casual and laid back. Huge portions and friendly prices. $Tel 296 285 765 Alcides Ponta Delgada Rua Hintze Ribeiro, 67 A local institution known for its take on the local steak, a think cut of meat in a garlic and cayenne pepper sauce served with a fried egg, fries and rice! But that's not the only thing on the menu. $$ Tel 296 629 884 Beach Bar + Grill Ponta Delgada Estr. Regional do Pópulo 21 This is a fantastic casual restaurant in Livramento across the street from the beach. Great Philly Cheese-steak! Seriously;-) $$ Tel 296 381 783 Louvre Michaelense Ponta Delgada Rua António José de Almeida, 1 This is an adorable café near the Matriz (main church) in the center of town. You can have lunch, coffee, pastry and read the paper or browse their eclectic mix of artisan trinkets for sale. They also sell spices and gourmet groceries like chocolate and wine. $ Tel 938 346 886 Casa da Rosa Ponta Delgada Rua Hintze Ribeiro, 55 If you're looking for a trendy place in Ponta Delgada with an in-house mixologist, long tables and common seating, and creative local and international interpretations, this is your place. Makes you feel like you're in the big city. $$ Tel 296 285 465 Anfiteatro Ponta Delgada Portas do Mar cruise terminal. The culinary school restaurant elevates Azorean food to gourmet heights. Try the bluejack mackerel burger for a cheap eat in the bistro section or ascend the price list onto fresh twists on Azorean traditions, such as a humble steak and fries. Restaurant $$$ Bistro $$ Tel 296 206 150 CAPELAS + STO ANTÓNIO Canto do Cais Capelas Rua S. Pedro, 3 Near the fishing port on this north shore town, Canto do Cais serves traditional Azorean food in huge portions. Communal tables by the grill outdoors or indoors. Entertainment on weekend nights. $$ Tel 914 785 292 4 Plátanos Sto António Estrada Regional, 34A This bar/restaurant sits atop a cliff overlooking the north shore. Sit at the front and order coffee or a drink, or sit in the restaurant for a delicious meal. $$ Tel 296 918 241 FURNAS + RIBEIRA QUENTE Caldeiras & Vulcões Furnas Rua das Caldeiras, 36 A great restaurant in the town of Furnas serving more upscale creative foods inspired by the volcanic setting. You can certainly order the traditional cozido here but it requires a reservation in advance. $$ Tel 296 584 312 Restaurante Ponta do Garajau Ribeira Quente Rua Dr. Fredrico Moniz Pereira This is just off the main street from the beach, a truly gorgeous atmosphere with dropped lantern and mood lighting. A more upscale dining experience with creative touches throughout their traditional fare. Definitely try the lapas grelhadas here or polvo! $$$ Tel 296 584 678 MOSTEIROS AREA Restaurante Gazcidla Mosteiros Rua da Ponte, 16 While it wouldn’t win awards for service, this peculiarly named restaurant serves excellent grilled fish, grilled limpets and cracas (giant Azorean barnacles), as well as the town’s fave: grilled octopus. At sunset it can be awesome. $$ Tel 296 915 583 PORTO FORMOSO Maré Cheia Porto Formoso Rua dos Moínhos Just up the road from Praia dos Moinhos is this gem, awesome for fresh seafood. The name means “high tide.” They usually come by with a plate of fresh fish to explain the menu. They also have a nice selection of Azorean wines. $$ Tel 296 446 625 O Amaral Porto Formoso Rua José do Canto, 28 Local/casual joint, this is an outdoor patio restaurant overlooking the main street in town. Full of character! Highlights include the local wine, vinho cheiro and fresh grilled fish. Chicharros here are excellent! Not to miss for authenticity. $/$$ Tel 296 442 258 Cantinho do Cais São Brás Estrada Regional de S. Brás, 1 This restaurant has become an institution over the years, attracting visitors from near and far. The molho de peixe (Azorean fish stew) is the house specialty and a must. The chef-owner is very proud of this creation and will tell you there’s only one way to eat it. Do as he says. $$. Tel 296 442 631 Restaurante-Bar o Cordeiro Maia Rua Augusto Nogueira da Silva We stopped here after hiking the moderate 3-hour trail of Ribeira Funda and this was the perfect lunch! They have outdoor and indoor seating and we opted for their prato do dia, grilled meats and pineapple. Very nice! $ Tel 224 963 363 VILA FRANCA Mercado da Vila Vila Franca Rua Vasco Silveira Mercado da Vila blends several cuisine concepts in one place with menus designed by celebrity chefs. From Azorean to Italian to Asian, it's a trip around the world without leaving Vila Franca. It's a trendy establishment in in a beautiful location and thus can be busy. We recommend booking ahead of time. $$$ Tel 296 102 057 Atlântico Azorean Vila Franca Rua Vasco Silveira. 10 If you're not in the mood for Azorean fare, no problem. Excellent ushi is on offering with mostly local fish. But of course there's also most of the Azorean favorites, such as fried jack mackerel. $$. Tel 296 965 094 Bar Caloura Água de Pau Rua da Caloura, 20 The setting is the stunningly picturesque port of Caloura. Bar Caloura offers covered outdoor service right on the water. It’s amazing for fresh seafood and sitting by the ocean, with the soothing sound of the waves crashing nearby. Can’t beat during a warm summer evening. $$$ Tel 296 913 283 PRICE GUIDE $ < 10 euros/entree $$ > 10 euros/entree $$ > 15 euros/entree GRATUITIES While locals generally don't tip, tourists are commonly expected to leave a small gratuity, generally about 5 to 10 percent of the meal cost.
TAKEOUT Tá Pront 296 010 250 + Alô Pizza 296 492 330 DELIVERY Pizzeria Estrela da Noite 296 491 025
Restaurants, quick bites, cafes... so many choices. What follows is a brief list of our favorites, by section of the island. Ask us directly about other hidden spots. Note that some establishments close on Sundays or Mondays.
RESTAURANTS
HIKING
Ladeira da Velha Medium 7.5 km trail huggint the north shore around Porto Formoso with a challenging alternative climb going through some spectacular scenery. Includes waterfall, beach and amazing views. Highly recommended. Salto do Prego - Faial da Terra 6 km medium difficulty circular hike over steep climb to spectacular waterfall in one of the most scenic areas of the island. This trail connects to the Ribeira do Faial da Terra trail, a linear trail that is about 3 miles each way. Mata do Canário + Serra devassa Easy 5 km hike over mountain ridges in the Sete Cidades range with views of lakes and the ocean. Great for seeing native vegetation. From there, visit the Lagoa do Canário forest reserve, which features a non-advertised and absolutely breathtaking mountaintop viewpoint over the Sete Cidades lakes. From there, you can also connect to 6-mile trail over the ridge of the Sete Cidades volcano, which offers amazing views but can also be busy. Make sure the mountains are clear of fog or low clouds if you want to see the amazing views. Praia – Lagoa do Fogo Thrilling medium level linear hike follows a levada (water channel) to Fogo volcano. It’s about 6 km one way and it's a turnaround trail because you'll be inside the lake crated with no other viable exit point to a main road. But it's worth the up and back! Praia da Viola + Moinhos da Ribeira Funda + other Maia trails The Maia region includes a network of four distinct trails, all connected. If you have a full day and want a more intense hike, we recommend completing the Moinhos da Ribeira Funda plus the nearby Trilho da Barquinha, which can be completed in a circular fashion. If you want a more leisurly hike, complete Praia da Viola, which follows the coastline, starting at a small sandy beach and ending at another, wilder sandy beach. Along the way you will learn about the town’s old occupations and how women led the local economy. About 3 miles one way. Pico da vara This is the ultimate moutain trail in S. Miguel, climbing to the summit of the tallest peak on the island, at 1105 meters. The hike is in-and-out, and is only about 8 km total, but its difficult, steep terrain highly dependent on weather conditions. Also note that because this is a protected area, you need to fill a form online before you set on your adventure. Please follow weather conditions closely before setting off and carry raingear with you, as weather conditions can deteriorate rapidly. You will be rewarded for your effort with spectacular views.
Trail resources online All of the trailheads for the trails on this guide are identified in our interactive map. A link to the map has been sent in your welcome email. You can also visit the site http://trails.visitazores.com/en. A mobile app is also available. Search for Visit Azores in the app store.
Our favorite trails We’ve been scouting the island for our favorite hiking and walking trails. Below is our top choices for both variety and difficulty. Each recommendation includes a map link to the trailhead (we use Here Maps, which are the most complete of the island), as well as general trail info from the Visit Azores website.
precautions + Emergency response If you are hiking by yourself (outside an organized hike), always tell someone which trail you are doing and how to contact you. Please wear appropriate clothing and shoes as conditions on trail can change quickly. Check the weather before you leave. Weather in the Azores can be very changeable. If you hare joining a minuvida azores hike, staff hiking leaders are trained in first aid. In case of emergency, the protocol response occurs through the national emergency number 112. Additionally, minuvida will notify local authorities as required before taking to the trail. minuvida is also registered with the Azorean Tourism Board with the ability to request for emergency services directly from its mobile app.
What gear to pack Hiking boots Non-cotton moisture-wicking hiking pants with zip-out shorts Non-cotton moisture-wicking T-shirt Non-cotton intermediate layer Light rain/wind jacket Bandanas/sun hats Hiking socks Headlamp Water bottle (optional) Water shoes (optional for some hikes) Wool heat in winter if mountain hiking Gloves only in winter, if very sensitive chilly weather Don’t need to pack Hiking poles Compass Maps Longjohns Pocket knives and other tools
HOT SPRINGS
Poça da Dona Beija, furnas This is the most manicured of the island’s hot springs, beautifully maintaining the authenticity of this natural wonder. There are five pools (of course you have to try them all!) varying between 33 and 40 degrees celsius (90 to 104 F) There are changing rooms and toilets, and one refreshingly cold shower after the soaks. You can pay to get hot water if you’d like. They also have a great gift shop with volcanic stone jewelry and Azorean crafts. Entrance 10 euros. Open until 11 p.m. daily. caldeira velha, ribeira grande These hot springs are in the Lagoa do Fogo volcano complex and very close to the Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande. You enter through a short path in a lush forest that leads to the visitor center, which has great information on the volcanic history. A short walk up the hill takes you to the larger (and cooler) hot spring, with a beautiful warm waterfall. Definitely need to stop here first before heading down the hill to the hotter (and smaller) springs. There are changing and bathrooms and also (cold) showers. Water shoes are recommended here if you have sensitive feet. Entrance available for 7 euros through our Azores Natural Park partnership. Please book aat recpetion 24 hrs in advance. CALDEIRAS DA RIBEIRA GRANDE The old termas das Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande are back after many years of closure. Enjoy one outdoor hot spring with water at 39c (104F) or schedule a volcanic mud massage and bath in one of the indoor water tanks. Entrance 3 euros. Ferraria, mosteiros These are the most unique and unforgettable hot springs but highly dependent on tides and weather. The drive and trek along the lava fields alone are worth the trip. Located on the western tip of the island, the lava formations create a natural swimming hole right where a vent is located. So you have a hot spring in the ocean! Water shoes are definitely recommended as you’ll need to walk along the sharp lava rock and climb down the ladder to get in. There are ropes to hold on to, which is a must if the water is choppy. Truly magical. Check the tide schedules with us. If the seas are too rough we do not recommend you go in. Free.
Our favorite hot springs São Miguel is chock-full of volcanic vents that feed beautiful thermal pools. Don’t skip the opportunity to soak in one of these mineral-rich hot springs around the island.
Our favorite beaches São Miguel has an incredible diversity of coastline, from dark sand beaches to craggy volcanic rock cliffs with natural swimming pools. Here are some of our favorite spots you won’t want to miss.
Azores beach weather While it may be raining or cloudy on one part of the island it can be sunny in another. Check these live webcams on different spots of the island.
BEACHES
Santa Bárbara Beach, ribeira grande Just 3 miles (5 km) from our quinta, this is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. It is almost 1 mile of dark sand for a perfect beach day. This is a popular spot for surfers and includes one restaurant, Tuká Tulá. Baixa da Areia and swimming pools, Caloura Located on the south side of the island, where the coastline boasts jaw-dropping vistas of dark volcanic rock and cliffs. This sandy beach has a nice shallow cove great for swimming and jumping into waves. Up the hill there is a dirt path (there are some narrow passes over cliff edges, so novices beware), to the swimming holes below. Beach and swimming pools Mosteiros Located on the western side of the island there is an awesome black sandy beach where you can see some of the most spectacular sunsets on the island. Across the isthmus one can find the famous Poças dos Mosteiros, natural swimming pools shaped by lava rock. Praia dos Moinhos, Porto Formoso Praia dos Moinhos is one of the favorites with the island’s residents, who populate the hillside around this scenic spot with summer homes. The dark sand beach is crossed by a creek that provides a safe haven for children to play in its pond. Named for the watermills surrounding the area, this is a great swimming beach when the waters are on the calmer side during summer months. Praia do Fogo Ribeira Quente This is one of the most unique beaches on the island. Located at the bottom of high cliffs dropping straight into the ocean at the edge of the Furnas volcano complex, Praia do Fogo (Fire Beach) is aptly named for the thermal vents that sprout from its sandy bottom, creating “pools” of very warm water right in the ocean. Not to miss. maia lava rock pool One of our favorites for a large expanse of quiet ocean inside a lava pool. You need water shoes to walk on piercing hot lava stone.
minuvida
Rimi’s story I always aim for success. I am Indian after all. To my parents the only career options were “doctor, lawyer, or engineer.” So, I graduated magna cum laude in engineering from an ivy-league university, worked on Wall Street, and at age 26 became a manager for a multi-billion-dollar company. I earned an MBA at one of the top three business schools in the country. It was during the business school application process that I did some serious soul-searching to answer a simple essay question: "What is most important to you and why?" After writing and rewriting this essay about a dozen times I realized: Most important to me is helping people foster deeper connections with themselves and their world. I obtained my yoga teaching certification and started teaching Forrest Yoga. I was helping people connect. A seed had been planted. And then I met João. “You’re from where?” I realized that for me, being successful wasn’t just about status or wealth, or things I could acquire. To feel truly successful, I needed to be living my purpose, every day, and not just through my hobbies. I often look back on that essay question, especially during those “holy @!!?” moments when things are hard and I think about what I gave up. But here, in the middle of the Atlantic, I am helping people connect. And what I’ve gained? Well, it’s simply priceless. João’s story Until I was 17, my world was 400 square miles of Atlantic paradise. Then I met snow in Boston. Today, I'm at ease with my Azorean and American identities. I feel truly bilingual and bicultural. For the past 20 odd years I've been a writer and editor for newspapers and magazines. But, deep inside, I longed for home. What would bring me back? During my travels, I always enjoyed myself the most when I connected to a place. Having a friend in Rio certainly helped me gain a better perspective and appreciation. When I stayed with a mother and son in Ireland, I got to find about their "secret" after-hours local pub. Wouldn't it be awesome if I always had a friend waiting everywhere I went? Well, with minuvida that's what we intend to do. We want to be your friendly local expert in the Azores and give you the insider's view of my wonderful homeland.
elevate consciousness throught travel.
Vision
WILL YOU COMMIT TO SUSTAINABILITY? We ask you to care about our environment while staying at Minuvida, an award-winning sustainable lodge. We emphasize local and in-season products in our breakfasts. Throughout our property and during our experiences, you will find subtle messages asking you to drink tap water, hold on to your towels a little longer, shut lights and other electric appliances when not in use, and take shorter showers. We provide you with organic toiletries made from local materials, with minimal packaging. Along with our behind the scenes initiatives such as composting, non-abrasive detergents, high efficiency water heaters and heating panels, for example, we hope we can all contribute to a sustainable Azores and bring these initiatives home with you.
MINUVIDA (mee-nu-vida) The name results from a play on the Portuguese word 'vida' (life) and 'Minu', Rimi's brilliant and inspiring aunt whose bequest helped fund our dream. It is in her honor and in celebration of our 'vidas' that we now embark on this journey!
Nurture the journey of discovery inside Quinta Minuvida. Offer intentional, sustainable accommodation in a natural setting. Offer immersive programs incorporating life skills, mindfulness and nutrition. Encourage the journey inside for a more conscious and sustainable world.
Mission
minuvida azores, lda RRAL nº 475 | nº 1/2019/RAA Rua de São João, 48 Rabo de Peixe, São Miguel, Açores www.minuvida.com