Pedro Miguel can be explored through several clearly distinct themes: hiking trails pass through protected landscapes, the Jardim Botânico do Faial focuses on plants and habitats, and the church and ethnographic sites offer insights into local history. There are also the Charcos de Pedro Miguel and a bathing area at Porto de Pedro Miguel. To help with your planning, consider a simple question: is your main focus trails and scenery, plants, the coast or culture?
Hiking trails through protected landscapes
The Caminhos Velhos PR07FAI hiking trail crosses the Área Protegida para a Gestão de Habitats ou Espécies Lomba Grande and the Área de Paisagem Protegida da Zona Central. It ends in the Reserva Natural da Caldeira do Faial. Much of the route follows the Pedro Miguel Graben, one of the archipelago’s most important geosites. The Ribeirinha PRC09FAI circular trail runs partly through the Área Protegida para a Gestão de Habitats ou Espécies da Lomba Grande and the Pedro Miguel Graben. The two trails differ clearly in their routes: Caminhos Velhos ends at the Caldeira; Ribeirinha is a circular trail with sections through Lomba Grande and the Graben. Conditions on the Ribeirinha trail may vary; check them before setting out.
Plants and habitats
At the Jardim Botânico do Faial, you can learn about rare Azorean plants, historic cultivated plants, an orchid house, and medicinal and aromatic plants. The main invasive plants are also among the topics presented. Which specific collections are on display may change. The second site of the Jardim Botânico do Faial is in Pedro Miguel, at an elevation of 400 m, and covers 60,000 m². It is dedicated to restoring habitats and species of the humid and very humid Laurissilva. The botanical scope thus ranges from learning about individual plant groups to habitat restoration.
Ponds and bathing area
The Charcos de Pedro Miguel are located at the southern foot of Lomba Grande in the municipality of Pedro Miguel. Praia de Pedro Miguel is a bathing area at Porto de Pedro Miguel. Among the local nature and coastal attractions, you will therefore find both ponds and a specifically designated bathing area.
Local history, church and tradition
The Grupo Folclórico e Etnográfico de Pedro Miguel was founded in 1991. The Casa Etnográfica in the municipality of Pedro Miguel opened on 21 June 2014. The Igreja de Pedro Miguel was inaugurated in 2023, 25 years after the 1998 earthquake destroyed the previous church. Its oval interior has acoustic properties intended to make cultural events possible as well as religious celebrations. The Império da Arramada de Pedro Miguel is associated with the tradition of the Espírito Santo. A 2025 report about preparations for an Espírito Santo celebration at the Império mentions meat for making soups.
Discover more destinations: Feteira, Cedros, Capelo, Faial Da Terra, Granja, Portela, Ribeira Funda, Praia Do Norte
For the main travel overview: Faial.
