São Miguel Island is the largest and most populous island in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores. It is also the greenest and most fertile of the nine islands, with a landscape of volcanic cones, hot springs, and lush vegetation. The island's capital and largest city is Ponta Delgada.
São Miguel has been inhabited since the early 15th century, and was settled by Portuguese colonists. The island prospered as a center of trans-Atlantic trade, and its sugar plantations were some of the most productive in the Azores. The island's economy declined in the 19th century, however, as a result of a series of natural disasters.
Today, São Miguel is a popular tourist destination, with its temperate climate, picturesque villages, and volcanic scenery. The island is also known for its cuisine, which features local specialties such as "cozido" (a stew of meat, potatoes, and vegetables), "
