WELCOME TO PORTO FORMOSO
The Handmade House is nestled in the heart of Porto Formoso's historic center, just a stone's throw away from the colonial-style church and the island's most picturesque and vibrant port. Situated amidst the enchanting backdrop between Lagoa do Fogo and Furnas, Porto Formoso offers an ideal base for exploring these wonders, with Lagoa do Fogo only 20 minutes away and Furnas a mere 10/15-minute drive.
Notably, Porto Formoso's stunning natural setting has attracted attention beyond its shores, serving as the backdrop for the Netflix series "Turn of the Tide."
Perched atop a cliff overlooking a protected marine area lies this charming village. Behind it, a lush, evergreen mountain valley unfolds, home to Europe's sole organic tea plantation: Porto Formoso Tea Plantation.
The village takes its name from its stunning harbor, where crystal-clear waters mirror an array of vibrant flowers and colorful fishermen's cottages. At an elevation of 35 meters above sea level, the colonial-style church stands as a crown jewel against the landscape. Its basalt architectural elements juxtapose with the iridescent white facade, leaving onlookers in awe, particularly those gazing from the port.
Additionally, from the harbor, guests have the opportunity to embark on fishing excursions, adding another dimension to their experience in this idyllic setting.
moinhos beach
Only 3 minutes drive from the guest house, Praia dos Moinhos is a captivating cove nestled within a protected area. Its sandy shores are caressed by the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean, fed by the pure and clear streams of two nearby rivers. One of these rivers meanders its way to the beach, altering its course daily and forming crystalline pools on the sands. Completing this idyllic natural panorama is a picturesque valley, the starting point of the Ladeira Velha trail.
Along this trail, you'll encounter cascading waterfalls, glistening natural mineral springs, babbling brooks, and even a charming, abandoned seaside thermal bath.
PORTO FORMOSO TEA FACTORY
The Fábrica de Chá Porto Formoso is a tea plantation located in the Porto Formoso parish, Ribeira Grande municipality, on the north coast of São Miguel Island in the Azores. It’s one of the only two tea plantations in Europe that process the leaves of the “Camellia sinensis” for tea production.
This plantation is famous for preserving the memory of the arrival of tea in Azorean territories, dating back to the last quarter of the 19th century. From the factory, you can observe the wonderful tea plantation and the beautiful and picturesque parish of Porto Formoso.
The factory also houses a museum, which provides visitors with a brief film about the history of Porto Formoso Tea Factory. The visit is guided and at the end, the visitor will taste a cup of tea in a special room, depicting a typical Micaelense kitchen.
The Porto Formoso Tea Factory was founded in the 1920s and operated until the 1980s. It was reopened in 2001 and currently produces the first organic tea in Europe, without fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides.
AUTHENTIC FISHING EXPERIENCE
Embark on unforgettable sea adventures aboard a traditional fishing boat along the dramatic north coast of São Miguel island with HàMar. From Porto Formoso's charming harbor, local experts Paulo Jorge and Bruno offer artisanal fishing experiences and support for diving activities. Their tours capture the essence of this stunning area, providing a truly authentic Azorean experience.
Paulo Jorge, a skilled skipper, comes from a long line of local fishermen, deeply rooted in the fishing traditions of Porto Formoso, while Bruno is a knowledgeable guide who has explored the northern shores of São Miguel since childhood, always drawn back to his picturesque home.
Enjoy the breathtaking views of the island's green landscapes and blue seas as you reel in a variety of fish species, including barracuda, bluefish, amberjack, and more.
Eco Festival Azores Burning Summer
The Eco Festival Azores Burning Summer, held since 2015 at Praia dos Moinhos in Porto Formoso, is a special event that combines unique natural beauty with a legacy of unforgettable moments experienced by generations.
Recognized for its sustainability and organizational quality, the Azores Burning Summer offers a diverse program including music, cinema, debates, ecodesign, electric vehicles, land art, and community actions. This balanced event provides a high-quality experience for the audience, standing out as a distinctive cultural proposal in the Azores and beyond.
The Azores Burning Summer aims not to be a mass event, but rather a festival with balanced access, focused on the quality of the audience's experience and the harmonious relationship with the surrounding nature.
CLICK HERE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT AZORES BURNING SUMMER AND THIS YEAR'S ARTISTS