🍵Exploring Gorreana Tea Factory: A Hidden Gem in the Azores

When planning a trip to São Miguel in the Azores, put Gorreana Tea Factory at the top of your list. Trust me, even if you’re not a big tea drinker, this place is worth a visit. It’s got everything: history, stunning views, and endless rows of vibrant green tea fields that look straight out of a postcard. Plus, free tea samples—need I say more?

A Little History (Because It’s Actually Interesting)

Gorreana isn’t just any tea factory. It’s the oldest tea plantation in Europe, running since 1883. Back in the day, the Azores had a booming orange trade, but when that collapsed, the island needed a new cash crop. Enter tea. With a little help from some Chinese tea experts, São Miguel became the unexpected home of European-grown tea.

Fast forward to today, and Gorreana is still family-run, still producing tea the old-school way, and still totally worth visiting.

🚗 How to Get There

Gorreana Tea Factory is on the north coast of São Miguel, about 30 minutes from Ponta Delgada by car. There’s plenty of parking, and the drive along the coast is beautiful, so take your time and enjoy the ride.

What to Expect When You Visit

First off, no entrance fee. You can just walk in and explore at your own pace. Inside, you’ll see the original tea-processing machines—some over 100 years old—still chugging along. There’s no flashy, high-tech setup here, just a fascinating look at how tea is made, from drying to rolling to packaging.

And then, of course, there’s the best part: the free tea. Gorreana produces a few varieties, but the stars of the show are their black tea (Pekoe, Orange Pekoe, and Broken Leaf) and green tea (Encosta de Bruma). Grab a cup, sip it while looking out at the endless green fields, and tell me that isn’t pure relaxation.

Walking Through the Tea Fields

After you’ve had your fill of tea, take a walk through the plantation. The trails are open to visitors, and wandering between the perfectly lined rows of tea plants is just as peaceful as you’d imagine. Plus, the views over the Atlantic? Unreal. If you’re into photography, you’ll be in heaven.

Don’t Leave Without…

Buying some tea: It’s reasonably priced, and you’ll be supporting a family-run business that’s been doing this for generations.

Trying their green tea ice cream: Yes, it’s a thing. Yes, it’s delicious.

Snapping a photo from the top of the hill: The best view of the plantation is just a short uphill walk behind the factory. Worth the leg workout.

Even if you’re usually more of a coffee person, Gorreana Tea Factory is one of those places that just feels special. It’s got history, it’s got charm, and it’s got some of the best tea you’ll ever taste. So go, explore, sip, and soak in the views—you won’t regret it.