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The Azores (Açores), Portugal
March 2001

Ribeira Grande, Island of São Miguel

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Ribeira Grande, translates to "Large Stream" in English. It is the main town on São Miguel’s northern coast. A large stream runs through town as the name implies. In the early days of settlement it provided power for grain mills, and a town flourished along its banks. Want to borrow this image for your website or blog? Please read Terms & Conditions Bridge Over Ribeira Grande An arched bride allows Rua do Estrela to traverse the ribeira grande. Here the stream completes its swift mountainous descent to the sea. If you look closely between the middle arches you can see the ocean at the mouth of ribeira grande. Want to borrow this image for your website or blog? Please read Terms & Conditions Ribeira Grande Waterfall While this powerful stream still races downhill from the mountain, it has been tamed as it drops into the coastal plain and runs through the center of town. Here a portion has been restrained by terracing to form a waterfall through landscaped parkland. Readers who have an interest in waterfalls might also want to check my Waterfall Index page. Want to borrow this image for your website or blog? Please read Terms & Conditions Ribeira Grande from Above The road leading out of town climbed the central highlands and provided a panoramic view of Ribeira Grande below. This gave us an excellent perspective and appreciation of the relatively flat coastal plains where a town logically grew. More Options Previous Travel Adventure: São Miguel - Ponta Delgada Streets Next Travel Adventure: São Miguel - Caldiera Velha Azores Menu