LAGOA (SÃO MIGUEL)

Crystal-clear sea with colourful boats

The council of Lagoa is situated in the south coast of the Azorean island of S. Miguel. Its name derives from a lagoon (buried in the meantime) that existed in front of current Santa Cruz Church. One of the most beautiful spots of the council is Caloura with its picturesque traditional fishing port, surrounded by typical vineyards protected by black stone walls. This beautiful scenery, where the famous Fisherman’s Feast is held every year, can be observed from Pisão viewpoint, offering extraordinary views over part of the island. There is a complex of natural pools in the town that stand out for crystal-clear pure waters, as well as an interesting sacred art and ethnography museum. Nature’s generosity can be also seen in the Forest Reserve of Chã de Macela, where numerous trees and plants grow, some of them brought by the first settlers. Local economy is based on construction sector, even though agriculture still plays an important role, for these are among the most fertile lands in the Azores. It is worth highlighting the plantation of fruit trees, mostly pineapple. As far as handicraft is concerned, a special reference to handpainted ceramics, while the main gastronomic specialities are fish stews and bean soup.