Porto Formoso Spring, São Miguel, Azores

## Overview Porto Formoso Spring is a public drinking spring located on the north coast of São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores archipelago, Portugal. Situated near the charming village of Porto Formoso — a settlement historically known for its tea plantations and dramatic coastal scenery — this spring has long been a favored water source among locals. The GPS coordinates place it at approximately 37.8144°N, 25.4546°W, along the scenic coastal road that connects the towns of Ribeira Grande and Porto Formoso. The Azores are renowned for their volcanic geology, and the islands' abundant freshwater springs are a direct result of rainfall filtering through layers of porous basalt and volcanic rock. This natural filtration process is what gives many Azorean springs their reputation for clean, mineral-rich water. Porto Formoso Spring has historically been used as a drinking water source by residents of the surrounding area, and visitors have reported the water tastes fresh and clean. ## Directions 1. From the town of **Ribeira Grande**, head east along the main coastal road (the regional road that follows the north shore of São Miguel toward Porto Formoso). 2. Continue along this road as it hugs the coastline, passing through lush green hillsides typical of the island's north side. 3. The spring is located along this main road, before or near the village of **Porto Formoso**, and is easily visible from the roadside. 4. If you are traveling **eastbound**, parking is straightforward — there is space to pull over on the side of the road near the spring. 5. Look for the spring's spout or fountain structure on the roadside. Locals frequently stop here, so you may spot parked cars as a helpful indicator. **GPS Coordinates:** 37.814446, -25.45461 ## What to Expect Porto Formoso Spring is a convenient, roadside public spring — the kind of traditional water source that dots villages across the Azores. Expect a simple, accessible setup right off the main coastal road, making it an easy stop whether you're driving between Ribeira Grande and Porto Formoso or exploring the north coast of São Miguel. The spring is popular with locals, which is often a good sign of consistent water flow and quality. Because it sits along the main road, there is no hiking or difficult terrain involved — you can walk right up to it from your vehicle. Parking is easiest if you are heading east, as there is room to pull over on that side of the road. The surrounding area offers stunning views of the Azorean coastline and the lush, green volcanic landscape that São Miguel is famous for. If you're in the area, consider combining a visit to the spring with a stop at the nearby **Gorreana Tea Factory** or the **Porto Formoso Tea Plantation**, both of which are among the only tea producers in Europe and are just a short drive away. As with any natural spring, water conditions can vary with weather and season. While locals have historically used this spring as a drinking water source, visitors should use their own discretion regarding consumption.