Geographic and Administrative Organization of the Island of São Miguel

São Miguel Island, the largest and most populated of the Azores islands, is a significant tourist and cultural destination. The geographic and administrative organization of the island reflects its rich history, diverse landscapes, and economic importance within the archipelago. If you want to learn more about the island, this article will explain in detail how São Miguel is organized and how this may influence your local experience.

Geographical Division of São Miguel

With approximately 746.8 km², São Miguel Island stretches over a strip about 65 km long and 15 km at its widest point. Known for its volcanic landscapes and lush green areas, the island is geographically divided into three major volcanic complexes:

• Sete Cidades, in the west, famous for the Lagoa das Sete Cidades.
• Lagoa do Fogo, located in the central part of the island.
• Furnas, in the east, known for its calderas and thermal waters.

Each of these volcanic areas is surrounded by a combination of coastal landscapes, agricultural fields, and forests, making São Miguel an ideal destination for nature and adventure lovers.

Administrative Division of São Miguel

Administratively, São Miguel Island is divided into six municipalities, which are further subdivided into 64 parishes. This organization follows the Portuguese administrative model and facilitates local management in various areas, such as public services and tourism. Below is an overview of each of the island's municipalities.

- Municipality of Ponta Delgada

• Area: The largest and most populated municipality on the island.
• Seat: Ponta Delgada, the capital of the island.
• Parishes: Composed of 24 parishes.
• Main attractions: Portas da Cidade, Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião, Mercado da Graça, Sete Cidades Volcanic Complex.
• Importance: The island's economic and administrative center, and also the main entry point to the region, with the João Paulo II Airport.

- Municipality of Ribeira Grande

• Area: The second-largest municipality, located in the north.
• Seat: Ribeira Grande.
• Parishes: 14 parishes.
• Main attractions: Historic Center of Ribeira Grande, Praia de Santa Bárbara, Lagoa do Fogo, Environmental Interpretation Center of Caldeira Velha, Gorreana Tea Factory.
• Importance: A growing cultural center with a strong presence in the agricultural sector.

- Municipality of Lagoa

• Area: Located between Ponta Delgada and Vila Franca do Campo.
• Seat: Lagoa.
• Parishes: 5 parishes.
• Main attractions: Municipal Pool Complex, Franciscan Convent, Caloura.
• Importance: Continuously developing industrial and residential areas.

- Municipality of Vila Franca do Campo

• Area: Located in the south, it was the first capital of São Miguel.
• Seat: Vila Franca do Campo.
• Parishes: 6 parishes.
• Main attractions: Ilhéu de Vila Franca, Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Paz, Lagoa do Congro.
• Importance: Agriculture and tourism are the main economic activities, with pineapple production being a highlight.

- Municipality of Nordeste

• Area: The least populated and most isolated municipality, located in the northeastern tip.
• Seat: Nordeste.
• Parishes: 9 parishes.
• Main attractions: Ponta do Sossego and Ponta da Madrugada Viewpoints, Caldeira dos Ribeirões.
• Importance: Known for its untouched landscapes and hiking trails, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.

- Municipality of Povoação

• Area: Located in the southeast, it is the birthplace of the island's settlement.
• Seat: Povoação.
• Parishes: 6 parishes.
• Main attractions: Furnas Calderas, Terra Nostra Garden, Poça da Dona Beija, Lagoa das Furnas, Granã Park.
• Importance: Furnas is one of the island's main tourist attractions, known for its thermal waters and the famous Cozido das Furnas, cooked using geothermal heat.

Regional Autonomy and Local Governance

São Miguel, like the other islands of the Azores, benefits from a regional autonomy statute. The Regional Government of the Azores, headquartered in Ponta Delgada, is responsible for areas such as education, health, environment, and transportation, adapting national policies to the island's reality. Each municipality is governed by a Municipal Chamber, which manages local matters such as urban planning, tourism, and public services. The Parish Councils are the smallest division and handle more local issues, such as public space maintenance and community support.

Population and Economy of São Miguel

The population of São Miguel is mainly concentrated in the municipalities of Ponta Delgada and Ribeira Grande, which together form the island's largest economic and cultural center. The economy is diverse, focusing on agriculture (milk, pineapple, and tea production), fishing, services, and, more recently, tourism, which has grown exponentially.

With its stunning landscapes and modern infrastructure, São Miguel has become one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the Autonomous Region of the Azores.