Povoação is an airy town surrounded by seven hills in the south-eastern corner of São Miguel.
I
n the 15th century the island’s earliest inhabitants came to settle here, following in the footsteps of Portugal’s pioneering explorers.
Today, with its new harbour and modern tourist infrastructure, it is a popular stopover point for visitors en route between Furnas Valley and the eastern part of the island. What to see. Dating from the 15th century, the chapel of Santa Bárbara is considered to be the oldest church on São Miguel.
Close by in a picturesque ocean-side setting, the town’s parish church was built at the point where the island’s first settlers disembarked. Nearby. To the northeast of Povoação lies Pico da Vara, the highest point on São Miguel. The 1,105-metre climb takes about two hours and promises unparalleled views from the top.
