With so many mountainous roads and nooks and crannies, exploring the island of São Miguel is best done with a local guide. One guide in particular, who speaks excellent English (a rarity in these parts) is Ricardo Amorim and he runs a

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With so many mountainous roads and nooks and crannies, exploring the island of São Miguel is best done with a local guide. One guide in particular, who speaks excellent English (a rarity in these parts) is Ricardo Amorim and he runs a professional tour guide service aimed at Brits and Americans. From the comfort of a vintage Mercedes (maximum four passengers), Ricardo can customize a tour to your own personal interests, but his most popular day tour takes in all the wonders of this volcanic island. Driving northwest to the village of Sete Cidades, you'll see the forested volcano crater where the spectacular Twin Lakes are located. From there, you'll explore traditional fishing villages and the rugged coastline of Ferraria, where you can swim in naturally heated seawater pools. Then onward to dip in toasty 80-degree waterfalls. Also included are visits to pineapple plantations, ceramic centers, and even a local liqueur factory.

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