When Rabo de Peixe premiered on Netflix, it introduced a small fishing village in the Azores to audiences around the world. Suddenly, São Miguel became known for more than volcanic lakes and scenic landscapes — it became the setting for a raw, intense and visually striking story.
But what does the series actually reveal about the Azores?
And how much of it reflects reality?
If you’re planning to visit São Miguel after watching Rabo de Peixe on Netflix, this guide will help you understand the real historical background, the filming locations and the impact the series has had on tourism in the Azores.
Yes — although heavily dramatized.
The series was inspired by real events that took place in the early 2000s, when large quantities of drugs washed ashore on São Miguel island, deeply affecting the local community of Rabo de Peixe.
Netflix used this event as the foundation for the story, while creating fictional characters, conflicts and dramatic elements for the series itself.
Still, several aspects portrayed in the show are rooted in reality:
The series portrays a specific and dramatized context — not a complete representation of modern-day Azorean life.
Most of the series was filmed on São Miguel island, particularly along the north coast.
The cinematography highlights:
For many travellers, the landscapes shown in the series sparked curiosity about visiting the Azores for the first time.
But once they arrive, many discover that São Miguel offers far more diversity than the atmosphere portrayed on screen.
After the release of the series, searches related to:
increased significantly.
This phenomenon is often called screen tourism — when films and TV series influence travel decisions.
In the case of the Azores, the series brought international visibility to São Miguel, especially among audiences unfamiliar with the islands.
However, it’s important to keep perspective: São Miguel is far more diverse than the reality shown in the series.
Beyond the north coast, the island also offers:
Only partially.
The series focuses on a specific historical moment and uses dramatic storytelling to explore social tension and conflict.
Today, São Miguel is better known for:
Rabo de Peixe itself remains a real and active fishing community with a strong local identity and deep cultural roots.
Visiting the area helps travellers understand nuances and contrasts that fiction naturally simplifies.
Yes — as long as it’s approached with respect and context.
Rabo de Peixe is not a Netflix theme park. It’s a real village with its own rhythm, routines and community.
If you decide to visit:
Having a car makes it much easier to explore this part of the island and include the north coast in a broader São Miguel itinerary.
Discover São Miguel beyond the Netflix scenes with the flexibility of Amazing Island Rent-a-Car.
Rabo de Peixe is located on the north coast of São Miguel island, in the municipality of Ribeira Grande.
It’s around a 15-minute drive from Ponta Delgada and can easily be included in a north coast road trip itinerary.
Some travellers come to the Azores because of a TV series. Others fall in love with the islands once they begin exploring beyond the screen.
Between coastal roads, volcanic lakes and quiet villages, São Miguel reveals a much deeper story than fiction alone can tell.
More than a car — it’s your way of experiencing São Miguel.