It's no surprise to anyone that São Miguel's viewpoints offer some of the best views of the largest island in the Azores. There are close to 60 viewpoints, but when time is limited - as it always is on holidays and trips - it helps to have a list of the best viewpoints in São Miguel to hand.
Obviously, this is a subjective list, based on my point of view and experiences on the island of São Miguel. From Lagoa do Fogo to Lagoa das Sete Cidades, from Ponta Delgada to the Northeast, there are many points of view and perspectives from which to appreciate the fantastic natural landscapes of the Azores and of São Miguel in particular.
These are strategically located points where you can also observe the sea, the whales or the towns in this region of Portugal. Some were created for reasons quite different from those for which they are used today. One of the most obvious examples is one that lives up to its name: Miradouro da Vigia das Baleias. Finally, I'll mention one of São Miguel's lesser-known viewpoints, but with a very peculiar name.
At all the viewpoints I stopped at, all the facilities were well-kept, well-groomed and clean. Given the influx of tourists to these areas, the level of maintenance and cleanliness is to be commended.
List of the best viewpoints in São Miguel
Boca do Inferno Viewpoint
Located in the parish of Santo António, in the Serra Devassa, the Grota do Inferno (or Boca do Inferno) viewpoint is one of the most popular spots and also one of the most fantastic views in São Miguel.
To get there, you have to walk for about 15 minutes, through the picnic area and along the Mata do Canário Forest Park (where you can visit the Lagoa do Canário). Then you'll have to face a slightly steep climb on dirt. This is one of the best viewpoints in São Miguel because it offers a panoramic view of Lagoa Rasa, Lagoa de Santiago... and Lagoa das Sete Cidades. Maybe it's worth it (it really is!) to take a look at São Miguel's most beautiful lagoons.
The Boca do Inferno viewpoint is around 700 metres above sea level. As in many parts of the Azores, you may have to go back more than once to see the views, as the climate on the Portuguese islands is temperamental. One of the times I was there I could see... nothing. The second time, I had a stupendous panoramic view of the whole landscape.
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Ponta do Sossego viewpoint
I have to tell you that - unlike other viewpoints in São Miguel - this one doesn't live up to its name. Perhaps it did in the past, but now it's far from quiet, given the hustle and bustle of visitors to this area of the municipality of Nordeste.
Even so, it's a sin not to visit this place in São Miguel. Comprising a flower garden on several levels, it offers a wide view from almost every angle - from the ocean coast to Praia do Lombo Gordo and Fajã do Araújo.
It's one of the most photographed viewpoints on this Azorean island, as the flowers and vegetation make an excellent counterpoint to the distant sea. All you need to do to reach the spot is get out of the car and walk 20 metres.
Vigia das Baleias viewpoint
This viewpoint, in the municipality of Nordeste, was the least crowded. In fact, I didn't meet anyone. The phenomenal view over the sea, the north coast, the Serra da Tronqueira and the peace and quiet (yes, there was peace and quiet here) are well worth the time and (little) effort to stop here.
Located in Algarvia, next to the main road, the Miradouro da Vigia das Baleias was once a whale-watching post. As with most of the viewpoints on São Miguel, it has perfect facilities for a barbecue. In Capelas, there is also the Vigia Viewpoint worth a visit.
Senhora da Paz Viewpoint
With a wide view of Vila Franca do Campo and for the Vila Franca Islet, the Miradouro da Senhora da Paz is popular with visitors to São Miguel Island. Located at an altitude of around 200 metres, it has a car park and is therefore easily accessible.
There you'll find the Chapel of Our Lady of Peace, a public interest property built around 1500. In the 1960s, 100 steps and several levels were added.
As there's a long staircase to climb, if you want to energise yourself, stop off in Vila Franca do Campo to try the town's queijadas. In my opinion, however, they are extremely sweet. So sweet, in fact, that I couldn't finish just one. It could even be my problem with sugar, but I've heard other people say the same thing.
Pisão Viewpoint
The Pisão viewpoint is located in the municipality of Lagoa, in the parish of Ribeira Chã. It offers a panoramic view over the Caloura region and the south coast of the island of São Miguel.
Although it's next to a busy road with easy access, I was there alone for many minutes, enjoying the seascape, the natural pools, the Caloura Convent, the Vila Franca do Campo Islet and Água D'Álto Beach. It's one of São Miguel's viewpoints that warrants a stop, however brief.
Ponta da Ferraria viewpoint
The Ponta da Ferraria Viewpoint (or Sabrina Island Viewpoint) is located in the south-west of São Miguel Island, in the parish of Ginetes. From here you can enjoy fantastic views ranging from the sea horizon to the Ponta da Ferraria Lighthouse and even the thermal springs. The area is part of the Pico das Camarinhas and Ponta da Ferraria Regional Natural Monument.
This is an excellent place to visit at sunset. In fact, after an hour in the pools with water that can be around 30 degrees centigrade, on your way back, finish your relaxation treatment there for a few minutes. The viewpoint has a barbecue area, and access is easy, but car parking is limited.
Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint
I was forced to return to the Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint more than once, because the scenery is so fantastic that it's worth repeating. In my case, however, it was really because the first time we couldn't see anything at all, as the fog was intense.
Although I waited about an hour, the situation didn't change and I gave up... that day. I returned early the next morning and the scenery was different - as you can see from the photo.
When you visit the Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint in Ribeira Grande, it's likely that the view will be blocked by fog or low clouds. However, wait 20 or 30 minutes, as the situation changes constantly throughout the day, although there is a greater chance of finding the view uncovered in the morning.
The Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint is one of the most famous in the Azores, so you'll find ample parking. The viewpoint overlooks the crater on one side and the sea and Ribeira Grande on the other.
Santa Iria Viewpoint
This was one of the viewpoints I enjoyed most when visiting São Miguel. Located near the village of Porto Formoso - and on a steep slope that drops down to the ocean - the Miradouro de Santa Iria shows us the vast expanse of ocean, but also kilometres of green landscape - from Capelas, in the municipality of Ribeira Grande, to Fenais da Ajuda.
If you're in this area at sunset, the scenery is breathtaking. I've been back more than once to admire the intense green of the tea plantations and the vibrant blue of the Atlantic.
Salto da Farinha viewpoint
The view from the Salto da Farinha viewpoint is fantastic. It's a pity that the Salto da Farinha waterfall had very little water flow on the days I was there. Even so, the viewpoint doesn't fall short of other viewpoints in the Azores. The viewpoint is located in the parish of Salga, in the municipality of Nordeste.
From this viewpoint you can enjoy a wide view of part of the island's northern coast and part of the north-eastern mountains. From one part of the viewpoint you can admire both the waterfall and the restless sea. If you walk for two or three minutes towards the sea, you'll find another viewpoint from Miradouro da Pedra dos Estorninhos. Both are well worth a stop.
Ponta da Madrugada viewpoint
Located about three kilometres from the Ponta do Sossego viewpoint, Ponta da Madrugada surprises us with equally phenomenal views of the Azorean coastline.
It's rumoured to be one of the best places to watch the sunrise on São Miguel Island, but I didn't get a chance to try it out. Located in Lomba da Pedreira, with a direct view of the Serra da Tronqueira, it has well-kept gardens and a picnic area. From the top, you can see Fajã do Lombo Gordo and Ponta da Marquesa.
Two more São Miguel viewpoints to look out for
There are two other viewpoints in São Miguel that I'd like to mention, although for different reasons: the Vista do Rei viewpoint and the Despe-te que Suas viewpoint.
The first is one of the most popular, most visited and noisiest on the island, so it's not one of my favourites. The view of the Sete Cidades Lagoon is pleasant, but far from the best. This is where the busloads of tourists are unloaded, which immediately makes it less attractive, given the crowds that arrive and leave within minutes. However, there is a way to avoid much of the hustle and bustle: go very early in the morning or late in the evening.
The second point is a viewpoint located in the parish of Algarvia, in the municipality of Nordeste - the Miradouro do Despe-te que Suas. The views over the Atlantic are beautiful, it's not very visited and the name is (more than) peculiar. Almost just to take a picture of the sign, it's worth a stop. Although it's worth more than just that.
Other viewpoints in São Miguel
- Cerrado das Freiras viewpoint
- Pico da Barrosa viewpoint
- Salto do Cavalo viewpoint
- Bela Vista Viewpoint
- Ponta do Escalvado viewpoint
- Água Retorta Viewpoint
- Frade Viewpoint
- Pico da Vara viewpoint
Map of São Miguel's viewpoints
Hotels in São Miguel
If you need a place to stay in São Miguel, see this article with recommendations.
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