Have you heard of the tea factories in the Azores? If you love a good cup of tea, São Miguel is the perfect destination for your next trip!
The island has the only two tea plantations in Europe that produce tea on an industrial scale. Both are in the municipality of Ribeira Grande: Porto Formoso and Gorreana. In addition, the humid climate and rich soil give the tea perfect growing conditions.
Porto Formoso tea factory
Amâncio Machado Faria e Maia founded the factory, which ran from the 1920s to the 1980s. Then it closed and only reopened in 2001. Today, it is part of the region’s industrial heritage.
This is where Europe’s first organic tea is made, without fertilisers, herbicides or pesticides. In 2018, it became the first factory on the island to earn an organic label.
In addition, the factory recreates the traditional tea harvest, with workers in typical costumes. That way, it keeps alive a time when tea was very important in the Azores.
Museum and tours
The factory also has a small museum. There, you can watch a short film about the history of Porto Formoso tea.
There are also guided tours of the factory and the plantation. At the end, you get a cup of tea!
Gorreana tea factory
Gorreana is the oldest tea factory in Europe. Its teas are also known all over the world. It has been running since 1883, and the same family has managed it for six generations.
Today, it makes about 40 tonnes of tea a year. A small part stays in the Azores. However, most of it goes to mainland Portugal, Germany, the USA, Canada, Austria and other countries.
The plantation covers 32 hectares. In 2011, Gorreana also took over the old Canto factory, which is now a museum. So visitors can learn how tea is made on a guided tour. You can also taste the tea and walk a trail of about 3 km through the plantation.
Would you rather enjoy these teas at your own pace? Then buy a box and make a cup in the comfort of your holiday home.
Where to stay in São Miguel
We have houses and apartments in Ponta Delgada, in the centre and close to the sea, and in Ribeira Grande, with room for families and groups. So see the houses and prices and book direct with us.