Stories from the island and the house

Blog

The Atlantic coastline off Mosteiros with the rocky islets offshore

Whales and dolphins: why September is a good month for it

Dolphins and sperm whales live off São Miguel all year round. How a trip works, what you can realistically expect to see and what to look for when booking.

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The long dining table at Casa de Sonho in front of the old volcanic stone wall

Ordering without Portuguese: a mini phrasebook for restaurants

Eight phrases will carry you through an evening — plus what turns up on Azorean menus and why you should ring ahead.

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Sunset over the Atlantic, with black lava rock and tidal pools in the foreground at Mosteiros

Sunset in Mosteiros: why everyone heads for the water in the evening

On São Miguel our village is famous for one thing: the view as the sun drops behind the rock needles. Where to stand — and when.

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View across Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde in the green caldera of Sete Cidades

Three volcanoes, one island: why São Miguel looks the way it does

Crater lakes, hot springs, black beaches — it's all connected. A short explanation that makes your day trips a great deal more interesting.

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The lounge terrace at Casa de Sonho with wooden furniture against the white house wall

Day one: from landing to your first sunset

Airport, hire car, forty minutes across the island — and why you shouldn't plan anything else for your arrival day.

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The bright living room at Casa de Sonho: sofa, rocking chair and TV against volcanic stone walls, with a glimpse of the sea through the window

Four seasons in one day: your plan B for São Miguel

Weather changes faster in the Azores than almost anywhere. Know that, and you never lose a day of your holiday — you get the island's quieter side instead.

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View over the houses of Mosteiros down to the black lava coast and the Atlantic

Swimming in Mosteiros: the beach, the harbour and the rock pools

Three places to swim, five minutes from the house — and one for every kind of weather. Where you can still get in when the swell is up.

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View across the turquoise Lagoa do Fogo with green crater walls

Lagoa do Fogo: down to the crater lake

The lake of fire in the heart of São Miguel — the view from the rim, the path down to the shore and when to go.

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Steaming fumaroles on São Miguel

Hot springs on São Miguel: Furnas, Caldeira Velha & Ferraria compared

The three most beautiful hot springs on São Miguel — Furnas, Caldeira Velha and Ponta da Ferraria. How they differ, when to go and our honest tips.

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View from Miradouro da Boca do Inferno across the emerald-green Lagoa de Santiago towards the Lagoa Azul of Sete Cidades

Our favourite viewpoint: Miradouro da Boca do Inferno

Perhaps the most beautiful view on São Miguel — across Lagoa de Santiago to the crater lakes of Sete Cidades. Here's how to get there.

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The Casa de Sonho sign made of azulejo tiles

Welcome to our new website

Why we built Casa de Sonho a new home on the web — and what you'll find here.

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