Top 6 Visitor Centers in Azores, Portugal

The Interpretation Centre of Priolo was developed by SPEA in partnership with SRAM (Regional Secretariat of Environment and Sea) and DRRF (Regional Direction of Forestry Resources) during LIFE Priolo Project. Its mission is to raise awareness for the "Priolo" and its habitat, the Laurel Forest. "Priolo" is one of most threatened birds in Europe, existing only in the east part of the Island of São Miguel, where several actions to preserve and guarantee its survival have been carried, since 2003. Objectives: 1. Reception and information center for all visitors to the SPA ZPE Pico da Vara/Ribeira do Guilherme. 2. Create an activity program, aimed to the local population, that can contribute to improve their knowledge and awareness about native species in the Açores. 3. Offer an interesting educational program for schools all over the Azores. 4. Encourage sustaintable development in the region by selling local handcraft and alimentar products, and by developing Eco-tourism. 5. Develop a group of partners and volunteers, that can contribute to the conservation of the Priolo and its habitat. 6. Develop a structure to encourage research on the SPA Pico da Vara/Ribeira do Guilherme. The centre has many activities for the visitors all year round. Visitors will have access to an interactive exhibition that will help to have a better understanding of the flora, fauna and conservation actions present in the SPA Pico da Vara /Ribeira do Guilherme. The center also has a specially designed children area in which they can do activities related to Priolo and Azorean Laurel Forest.

Tourist and visitor welcome center. Tourist information about the village and the Azores. Promotion of handicrafts, events and tourist and cultural activities.

The Mountain's House is an obligatory stop at Pico Mountain. Its main goal is to support those who want to make the climb to the mountain and to make the registration and control in accordance with the regulation. The Centre is complemented by a bar with panoramic views, where you can listen to the stillness of nature and enjoy the magnificent scenery that embraces the entire west coast of Pico and Faial islands. It provides information on the geology, biology, history, climate and legal framework of the Nature Reserve of Pico Mountain, both in information panels, or in movie format, which can be viewed in the auditorium.

The Park’s Shop is a focal point for the promotion of Sao Miguel Nature Park, in particular for the Lagoas das Sete Cidades (lagoon), classified as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal. You can collect several information about the Nature Park’s protected areas, including walking trails, geology, flora, fauna, water resources, classified heritage, among others. Inserted in the redevelopment project of the margins of the Lagoa das Sete Cidades, this visitor support House aims to be both a knowledge and tourism promotion space as well as interpretation of the surrounding area, conducting educational activities within the Nature Park education service.