10/10 Excellent
Andrea J.
22 September 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Spot on Sao Miguel
This apartment was exactly as pictured and represented. It's located in a quiet area - Ponto Formoso - a short 20-25 minute drive from the airport and 5-10 minutes from the bigger town of Ribiera Grande. The view from the apartment is the best. We loved eating every meal on the balcony and ending our days laying out on the beach and going for a swim. There are two life guard towers and snack bar style restaurant on the beach. If you want to surf, head up to the bigger Santa Barbara beach where the waves are perfect for surfing.
The furnishings in the apartment are simple, but what more do you need in a beach rental? The parking lot up the hill from the apartment has plenty of spots. Both the owner and property manager are responsive to questions.
Two pieces of advice for those staying here: (1) Stop at Pingo-Doce grocery store on your way from the airport to the apartment. It's located on the way, in Ribiera Grande. We didn't know about it until later in the trip and the store closer to Porto Formoso (Spar) is very small/not well-stocked. Pingo-Doce is excellent.
(2) You must eat at the restaurant up the street from the apartment - Mare Cheia. Best food and preparation we ate on the island. We went twice. I wish I could replicate how they perfectly grill the fresh fish catches of the day.
If we get the chance to go back to Sao Miguel, we would stay here again and for longer!
Andrea J.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024