Ribeira Grande is São Miguel’s second town and the gateway to its north coast: a handsome old centre on a river gorge, a contemporary arts centre in an old factory, the island’s best surf beaches, and, a short drive east, the only tea plantations in Europe. This guide covers the town, the beaches and pools, the tea factories and the rest of the north coast, with tips on how to fit it all into a day.
- Where
- North coast of São Miguel, 20 minutes from Ponta Delgada
- Known for
- Surf beaches, tea plantations, the Arquipélago arts centre
- Time needed
- Half a day for the town; a full day with the tea
- Weather
- Cooler and cloudier than the south coast
- Getting there
- Car, or frequent buses from Ponta Delgada
- Don’t miss
- Gorreana tea factory, Santa Bárbara beach
At a glance
Highlights of Ribeira Grande and the north coast
Tap any photo to see the place on the interactive map, with directions from where you are.
In town
Things to do in Ribeira Grande
- The old centre: a compact grid of whitewashed and grey-stone buildings around the town hall and the main church, with a riverside garden running down the gorge to the sea.
- The bridge of eight arches: the stone Ponte dos Oito Arcos spans the river in the middle of town, the most photographed sight in the centre.
- Arquipélago – Contemporary Arts Centre: a striking arts centre in a former factory by the sea, with changing exhibitions and black volcanic-stone buildings.
- Azorean Emigration Museum: the story of the islanders who left for the Americas, set in the old fish market.
- Ribeira Grande Municipal Museum: local history, crafts and traditions.
- Local liqueurs: the town is known for its passion-fruit and other fruit liqueurs, which you can taste at local producers.
For a view over the town and the coast, stop at the Ribeira Grande Viewpoint on the way in.
Waves
Beaches, surf and pools
- Areal de Santa Bárbara: the long black-sand beach just west of town is the island’s surf centre, with surf schools, board rental, lifeguards in summer and a beach restaurant.
- Monte Verde Beach: the town beach, also popular with surfers.
- Poças da Ribeira Grande: sea pools in the lava along the town’s waterfront, for calmer swims.
The north coast has bigger waves and stronger currents than the south: swim at lifeguarded beaches and follow the flags. More in our São Miguel beaches guide.
Europe’s only tea
The tea plantations
About 15 minutes east of Ribeira Grande, green rows of tea bushes run down the hills towards the sea, the only commercial tea plantations in Europe.
- Gorreana Tea Factory: a family-run plantation producing tea since 1883. Watch the old machines at work, taste green and black teas for free, and walk a trail between the bushes with sea views.
- Porto Formoso Tea Factory: a smaller factory with a short film on tea production, a tea room with a terrace and a view over the plantation.
East and west
Along the north coast
- Porto Formoso: a fishing village between the tea plantations, with the small sandy cove of Moinhos Beach.
- Lombadas: a deep valley inland where naturally fizzy mineral water was once bottled, with a waterfall and the ruins of the old factory.
- Rabo de Peixe: the island’s biggest fishing town, west of Ribeira Grande, with a busy harbour.
- Capelas: a village on the cliffs with the Capelas Viewpoint and the lava pools of São Vicente Ferreira.
Warm water
Hot springs near Ribeira Grande
- Caldeira Velha: warm pools under a waterfall in a fern forest, about 10 minutes up the mountain road towards Lagoa do Fogo. Book ahead in summer.
- Termas das Caldeiras: a small, old-fashioned spa in a valley of steaming fumaroles just south of town.
Compare them with Furnas and Ferraria in our Azores hot springs guide.
Access
How to get to Ribeira Grande
- By car: about 20 minutes from Ponta Delgada on the expressway across the island.
- By bus: Ribeira Grande is one of the best-connected towns, with regular buses from Ponta Delgada.
- Staying here: a good, central base for surfers and for exploring the north coast, Lagoa do Fogo and Furnas.
Planning
A day on the north coast
- Morning: Lagoa do Fogo from the south, then over the mountain to Caldeira Velha.
- Lunch: in Ribeira Grande, then a walk through the old centre and the Arquipélago arts centre.
- Afternoon: the Gorreana and Porto Formoso tea factories, and a swim at Moinhos Beach.
- Sunset: back at Santa Bárbara beach to watch the surfers.
More ideas in the full São Miguel guide and on the São Miguel map.
Questions
Ribeira Grande FAQ
Is Ribeira Grande worth visiting?
Yes. It has a pretty old centre, the Arquipélago arts centre and the best surf beaches on São Miguel, and it is the gateway to the tea plantations and Caldeira Velha.
How far is Ribeira Grande from Ponta Delgada?
About 20 minutes by car across the island, with regular buses.
Can you visit the tea plantations for free?
Gorreana offers free entry and free tastings of its teas; Porto Formoso has a small museum and a tea room.
Where can you surf near Ribeira Grande?
At Santa Bárbara and Monte Verde beaches, where surf schools rent boards and give lessons.
Is Ribeira Grande a good base on São Miguel?
Yes, especially for surfers and for exploring the north coast, Lagoa do Fogo and Furnas. Expect cooler, cloudier weather than on the south coast.