With a vast area of 32 acres, the Gorreana tea plantation is the oldest tea plantation in Europe, dating back to 1883, as a family business. It is grown in an entirely organic way, since the pests that commonly affect the tea plant do not survive in the island's climate, so there is no need to use chemicals.
In addition to the tea plantation, you can visit the museum and the factory in the same place. All the tea leaves, which are picked by hand, are still handcrafted with machines dating back to 1840, and 3 types of tea are produced here: green, black and Oolong. If you have never seen the manufacturing process, here you can see it. You can find more information on the Gorreana Tea website.
In the middle of the plantation, there is a small marked pedestrian trail, ideally designed to get to know the tea plant and to see the picking of the leaves, which has a specific moment and form of picking. It is very peaceful to be surrounded by rows and rows of plants all lined up of a vibrant green and overlooking the sea. The perfect time to take a deep breath. It is an easy, circular trail with 3.4km and it is easily done. It starts in the factory car park and the plantation is on the other side of the road.
Of the whole visit, what I liked the most was the trail, if you don’t have much time I would advise you to start by doing it.
Recommendations:
• Check the weather before you go. Spotazores has always been my choice, with direct cameras covering most of the island.
• Try to go during hours with less people, to enjoy it for yourself.
• Go prepared with comfortable shoes for the plantation trail.
• Always take an extra piece of warmer clothing and a raincoat or windbreaker. What is said about the Azores’ weather is very real, 4 seasons of the year in one day and real suddenly.
Click here to check the post with my location suggestions to visit at S. Miguel.
