This historic town on São Miguel Island dates to 1507, with baroque churches and stone bridges crossing the Ribeira Grande river. Local mineral springs add to its character.
On the northern coast of São Miguel in the Azores, Ribeira Grande welcomes visitors with its elegant main square, black sand beaches, and natural wonders. You can walk across the Eight Arches Bridge, surf at Santa Bárbara Beach, swim in waterfall pools at Salto do Cabrito, or relax in volcanic hot springs at Caldeira Velha. The city's surrounding area includes working tea plantations and coastal hiking trails with Atlantic views.
Getting to Ribeira Grande
You can reach Ribeira Grande from Ponta Delgada by car in 20 minutes along the EN4-2A highway. The Caetano, Raposo and Pereiras bus service runs between the two cities every two hours from 7:00 to 19:00.
Exploring Matriz Square
Matriz Square sits at the center of Ribeira Grande, where a small river flows beneath the 19th-century Bridge of Eight Arches (Ponte de Oito Arcos). Tall plane trees shade the stone-paved plaza. You'll find several 17th and 18th-century buildings around the square, including the Igreja Matriz church with its baroque facade. Local cafes set up tables outside during warm weather.
Beaches and Surfing Spots
Santa Bárbara Beach extends for 1.2 kilometers, its black volcanic sand contrasting with the blue Atlantic waters. The beach has consistent waves throughout the year, making it São Miguel's primary surf location. At the Azores Surf Center, you can take beginner lessons or rent boards and wetsuits. Monte Verde Beach, a shorter stretch of coast, works well for both swimming and intermediate surfing.
Thermal Waters and Swimming
At Termas das Caldeiras, you can soak in iron-rich thermal pools at 30°C (86°F). The Municipal Pools complex includes three saltwater pools and a 10-meter diving platform overlooking the ocean. A 10-minute drive takes you to Caldeira Velha, where hot springs at different temperatures (38-40°C) sit surrounded by ferns and cedar trees.
Natural Attractions
You can swim at the base of Salto do Cabrito waterfall, which drops 40 meters into a clear pool. A 5-minute walking trail leads from the parking area to the waterfall. From Santa Iria viewpoint, you can see the volcanic cliffs and coastline stretching east and west. The viewpoint has a small parking area and safety railings.
Art and Culture
The Arquipelago Contemporary Arts Center occupies a restored 19th-century industrial building. Inside, you'll find rotating exhibitions of contemporary art, a specialized library, and workshop spaces. The center opens Tuesday to Sunday, with free admission to the main exhibition areas.
Tea Plantations
Visit Europe's oldest operating tea factories near Ribeira Grande. At Porto Formoso Tea Factory and Gorreana Tea Plantations, you can walk through rows of tea plants and see the original processing machines from the 1880s still in use. Both factories offer free guided tours where you can learn about tea production and taste different varieties.
