Charlotte’s Expat Roadmap: Portugal

Today, we are picking up a rental car to tour the island of São Miguel. 

For those who don’t know where São Miguel is, it’s the largest island in the Portuguese Azores archipelago, located 1,509 kilometres (938 miles) from Portugal. Yep, we are out in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. 

Anyway, I have been itching to get out and explore “The Green Island” since we arrived. We’ve settled into the Manor House and are now ready for new experiences. 

Good thing my husband and I are world travellers and have some experience driving around Europe…

This week, we will see Ponta Delgada with its monuments and active, varied shopping scene. Then we will get to know the island. A trip along the coast will reveal long, sandy beaches and the infinite ocean horizon.

We will stop off at Lagoa, with its blue decorated ceramics; Villa Franco do Campo with its many historical buildings; and Furnas with its parks, lakes, and the volcanic activity of the calderas.

The landscape will become more rugged as we travel. We will visit Povoaҫão and Nordeste. The flowers are not in full bloom now because we are in the off-season of winter. Don’t picture snow, though. The hills are still alive with greenery. Visit any country you are interested in moving to in the off-season to see if you like it. If you can handle the weather during the offseason, you’ll love it in high season.

Before arriving in Ribeira Grande, the second largest city on the island, we will visit the dramatic Lagoa do Fogo (lake). Our trip may continue along the shore or head inland towards the “Lagoa das Sete Cidades (lake), which transforms the scenery into a graceful paradise. I have been waiting to see this site since my eyes first saw pictures of the Azores. You can bet we will head inland…

There will be many things to do and visit this week. We will pack in as much as possible yet still remain relaxed, island style. São Miguel has many attractions awaiting discovery.

At least, that’s what the map says… (We know travel never goes as planned though, does it.)

Here is one of the sights we’ve seen so far:

Town of Maia, Sao Miguel

I’m SO excited to see this island and report back to you!

Why am I telling you this?

Because this week, I’m bringing you a new destination completely different from the others I’ve written about here before. 

São Miguel is new to me, so I’ll be reporting it to you with fresh, unbiased eyes. 

With the coming intel, you’ll be able to decide if São Miguel is the right place for you to start your Plan B Escape Route. 

Are you ready to take your Plan B to the next level?

If so, good news for you… As long as I don’t end up in a ditch somewhere (knock on wood), I’m bringing you commentary from the Azores, Portugal, this week. 

If you’re ready to take your Plan B to the next level and create a lifestyle providing you the time and freedom to do what you love, then let’s get begin and figure out how we can work together. 

Sound good? If so, then you can find out more about the Portugal Golden Visa program here by contacting our seasoned professionals us for a consultation.

Another great resource for information is Joel Nagel’s article in the September edition of Escape Artist Insiders magazine:

PORTUGAL, EUROPE’S BEST KEPT SECRET FOR YOUR “PLAN B” AS WELL AS AN EXCELLENT “PLAN A”

If you are looking for a “get out of jail free” card, this isn’t it. 

If you are looking for a “focus and build a remarkable life” plan, then I’m your lady!

Well, we are off to catch the bus and pick up the car. 

Wish us pleasant travels and excellent adventures!

Chat soon,

Charlotte

P.S. If you love Joel’s article and want to learn more from our incredible writing line-up, subscribe to the monthly Escape Artist Insiders magazine today!

All photos by Charlotte Tweed

Charlotte Tweed is an adventurous soul with a goal to take you on a journey where you don’t just visit—you live it. Graduating with a Travel and Tourism Honours diploma, Charlotte began her expat journey on June 15, 2021. After travelling through multiple countries, Charlotte now calls Mexico home. Reading, writing, and researching the best expat destinations in the world are how she fills her days. As a published author, her mission is to transform your life with expat travel—one destination, one adventure, one story at a time.

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