Located on São Miguel Island in the Azores, the Gorreana Tea Factory is the oldest operational tea factory in Europe, founded in 1883. The region’s humid, rainy climate, mild temperatures, and acidic volcanic soil create ideal conditions for producing high-quality green and black tea.
Visiting the plantation is a must when exploring São Miguel Island.
Organic Production
- Sustainable Cultivation: Gorreana tea is grown hundreds of kilometers away from industrial pollution. Harvested between April and October, it is 100% organic—free from herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, artificial coloring, and preservatives.
- Plantation Area: Today, the plantations cover about 32 hectares and produce around 40 tons of tea per year. Known for its delicate aroma, Gorreana tea is chemical-free, thanks to the absence of pests and plant diseases in the area.
Health Benefits of Tea
Numerous studies highlight the many health benefits of tea:
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Acts as a natural diuretic, supporting healthy weight loss
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Fights premature cellular aging
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Supports skin regeneration
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Promotes healthy longevity
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Lowers total cholesterol and LDL (bad cholesterol) levels
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Increases HDL (good cholesterol) levels
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Strengthens the immune system
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Helps prevent gallstones and kidney stones
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Supports normal thyroid function
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Prevents tooth decay and gum disease
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And much more…
International Recognition
Gorreana tea has been gaining growing international attention, with exports reaching countries such as Germany, France, the United States, and Canada. The exceptional quality of the tea has drawn the interest of importers who value its purity and distinctive flavor.
History: Tea in the Azores
There are indications of tea being present in the Azores since the second half of the 18th century. However, tea cultivation only began in earnest in the 19th century, when local farmers needed alternative crops to replace the declining orange industry. The first tea seeds arrived from Brazil in the early 1800s. By 1848, tea was already being grown on estates owned by several families on São Miguel Island.
By the end of the 19th century, tea was expected to become a major source of income for the island, and several tea factories were established. However, due to events throughout the 20th century—such as waves of emigration and changes in labor laws—only Gorreana Tea Factory managed to maintain continuous production since its founding in 1883.
Visiting the Factory
The Gorreana Tea Factory is open to visitors every day of the week, from 9 AM to 6 PM, and no reservation is required.
Visitors can freely explore the plantations and observe the entire tea-making process—from harvest to packaging. You’ll even get to see the original 19th-century British machines still in use for processing the tea.
Inside the facility, you’ll also find a shop and a café bar.
Hiking Trails
Two official hiking trails (PRC28 SMI and TM05) run through the plantations, offering a unique experience for nature lovers.
If you’re passionate about tea history and culture, don’t miss the chance to visit the Gorreana Tea Factory during your stay on São Miguel Island.
And if you enjoyed this tip, you might also like to explore the Cerâmica Vieira factory in São Miguel: azoresgps.com/pottery-factory
Tip: Full-day tours to Furnas usually include a visit to the tea factory.
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