Discover the Top 11 Best São Miguel Viewpoints in the Azores

Our Must See Viewpoints On São Miguel Island

We visited São Miguel, often called the “Green Island of the Azores”, off the coast of Portugal and were amazed by how stunningly beautiful this island is.  

We were so awestruck that we decided to dedicate this post to help you discover our top 11 best São Miguel viewpoints in the Azores when you visit this archipelago.  And in case you are wondering,  “miradouro” is Portuguese for “lookout” or “viewpoint”.

Highlights of the Best São Miguel Viewpoints

Why Does São Miguel Have Great Viewpoints?

The Azores consist of nine different volcanic islands that were formed over millions of years and São Miguel is the biggest of those islands.  Not only that but it is the island with the most active volcanos.  

And interestingly, the island was not formed all at once like most of the other Azorean islands were.  São Miguel was formed over six distinct volcanic periods which is what gives this island such a diverse geographical landscape and ultimately, such amazing viewpoints.

We’ll talk about the different volcanic stages as we reveal the top São Miguel viewpoints below.

✅ If you would like to create your own personalized itinerary, we suggest you book this tour that allows you to customize your day based on your own interests. We did and thought it was the best way to see the most beautiful viewpoints on the island.

Best São Miguel Viewpoints Map

Lagoa do Fogo

Lagoa do Fogo is located in the centre of the island, approximately 30 minutes from Ponta Delgada and, at over 900 metres above sea level, is the highest of São Miguel’s three crater lakes.  There is a very popular hiking trail that circles the caldera and offers spectacular views of the ever-changing colours of the lake and surrounding countryside.

It is part of the Volcanic complex of Fogo, which is the youngest of the island’s volcanos at 290 thousand years old.  Early inhabitants in the area saw the last eruption of the volcano in 1563 and observed the basin to appear like a lake of fire, which is how it got its name.

If you are looking to get a view of the whole lake, and it isn’t too cloudy, then we suggest going to the Mirodouro do Pico da Barrosa.  This is one of the higher viewpoints of Lagos do Fogo and provides an excellent panoramic vista of the Lake and surrounding area.  

We were here mid-morning and there was a mix of sun and cloud, so while we did get some good views of the lake from here, we had to wait a few minutes for some of the low-hanging clouds to pass by.  

This is where our local guide really excelled.  He kept checking the live webcams that are scattered around the island to see where the clouds were and what direction they were headed.  

He brought us up here just before the clouds cleared out which was a great way to get a view of the lake.  It was like a curtain was being drawn to expose the beautiful scene below. The most effective views from this vantage point would ultimately be on a clear day when the reflections from the sun on the water would provide the most striking colour effects.

We spent about twenty minutes at this viewpoint before heading down to the lower viewpoint further down the caldera to Mirodouro do Lagoa do Fogo.  This viewpoint brought us closer to the lake and provided a mist-free view of the surrounding landscape.  

Miradouro do Castelo Branco

The Miradouro do Castelo Branco provides one of the best viewpoints of the Volcanic complex of Furnas.  This volcanic region is approximately 800 thousand years old and is best recognized for its medicinal thermal waters and pools. The last eruption of the volcano occurred in 1630.

This viewpoint is one of our favourites since it provides a wonderful panoramic view of one of the most spectacular volcanos on São Miguel.  At 660 metres above see level you will look out onto the caldera, the emerald waters of Lagoa das Furnas, the lush green agricultural fields surrounding the lake and Vila Franca do Campo – the first capital of the Azores.

The only way to get to this viewpoint is by car or taxi as there is no public transportation to this location.  And unlike other viewpoints on the island of São Miguel, you won’t find this one crowded.  In fact on many days you may have the entire viewpoint to yourself.

The small castle that sits at the top of the viewpoint is accessible and you can climb to the top to get unobstructed 360 degree views of the entire area.  There is little known about the castle, other than it was not used for defensive purposes.  Instead it is believed to have been used by its owner to monitor his land.  

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Miradouro Pico de Ferro

The Miradouro do Pico de Ferro definitely needs to be on your viewpoint itinerary of São Miguel Island.  At 567 metres above sea level, this vantage point provides a spectacular view of most of Furnas Lake as well as the Furnas Protected Landscape Area around it.  

You should be able to spot the steam rising out of the fumaroles and hot springs near the lake. 

This viewpoint has a parking lot and is accessible for physically disabled people.

✅ If you are interested in some of the best viewpoints in the Furnas area – look at this tour that we took. It covers some spectacular spots in this area of the island.

Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada

At the most easterly point of the island is the Volcanic complex of Nordeste which is approximately 4 million years old.  The area is known for its vegetation and beautiful hydrangeas and azaleas.  

Here you will find another popular viewpoint that is well worth the stop.  The Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada sits at 275 metres above sea level and provides a great panoramic view of the eastern coastline.  

If you are an early riser, this is the perfect spot to catch the stunning sunrise before it illuminates the rest of the Azores.

This viewpoint is graced with a beautiful terraced garden that is bordered by low stone walls and rail fences along with a meandering boardwalk that makes it ideal for those with mobility issues to take in the wonderful views. 

A variety of plant and flower species provides a restful atmosphere to the site and makes a great spot to relax and enjoy a picnic lunch.

The site has several amenities not available at most viewpoints on the island, including picnic tables, a public washroom, potable water and is accessibility friendly.

Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego

Just a short distance north of Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugado on the way to the town of Nordeste is another beautiful stopping point – Mirodouro da Ponta do Sossego.  This viewpoint is equally stunning with a larger garden area than Ponta da Madrugado.

There is a short 500 metre trail that goes out and back to the viewpoint which takes about 10 minutes and is an easy walk.  

This site also has picnic tables, gazebos, and a limited number of barbecues for those wanting to linger and take in the scenery while enjoying a meal.

Keep in mind that like the other roadside viewpoints that are easily accessible, this one will get quite busy in the summer months.

Arnel Lighthouse

The Farol do Arnel Lighthouse is located on the far eastern shore of São Miguel and features two wonderful viewpoints to get the best possible looks at this iconic Azorean landmark.  

Located near the town of Nordeste, each viewpoint provides a different perspective of the Arnel Lighthouse.  

The Miradouro da Vista dos Barcos provides a view of the lighthouse from the south at an altitude of just over 400 metres.

A short 1.2 kilometres up the coast on the main road is the Miradouro da Ponta do Arnel, which provides a totally different perspective of the lighthouse at a much lower elevation of 150 metres.  From this viewpoint you will be looking at the lighthouse from the north. This viewpoint has a parking lot and has access for the physically disabled.

The close proximity of the two viewpoints makes it easy to visit both so you can get great panoramic views of the lighthouse and eastern coastline.  Both locations are also popular viewing sites for the whales which occupy these waters at various times of year.

✅ Take a 4WD tour to see the beautiful Nordeste region. This is the tour company that we used and loved our full-day tour that explored some truly gorgeous locations.

Miradouro de Santa Iria

The Miradouro de Santa Iria was actually the first viewpoint that we visited on our trip to São Miguel.  It is located on the north side of the island and at the halfway point between the east and west coasts.  

The viewpoint is approximately 190 metres above sea level.  What is special about this viewpoint is that on a clear day, you can see about 70% of San Miguel’s northern coastline.  And what you see is truly stunning.

We arrived here in mid-morning when the sky was changing from slightly overcast to bright and sunny.  We looked out onto the converging blues of the sky and the ocean out past the coastline, and then the sloping hills from the mountains to the sea which are varying shades of green.  

A fleeting sun shower conjured a double rainbow over the bay below us. To add to this beautiful scene were the purple African Lilies and pastel coloured Hydrangeas that were everywhere.  

This is one of the more popular viewing areas on the island and has a large parking lot and a public restroom with a short walk to the viewpoint.  

Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado

Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado is one of the westernmost viewpoints on Sao Miguel island which makes it the perfect spot to take in a sensational sunset that the area is known for.

This viewpoint is at just under 300 metres above sea level and provides a picture perfect vista along the western seashore including the town of Mosteiros with its volcanic black sand beach and clear blue waters.

Off in the distance you can also see the volcanic rock formations rising dramatically out of the ocean floor.  This view offers up a picture-perfect postcard photo.

The bright blue of the water and sky contrasts with the black volcanic rock and lush green foliage that covers the rocky hillside.

This viewpoint is easily accessible and there is a parking lot at the site.

Miradouro da Ilha Sabrina (Ponta da Ferraria)

At the far western part of the island you will find the Miradouro da Ilha Sabrina where you will get a wonderful view of the black basalt cliffs and rock which were formed by molten lava pouring into the ocean.  

The craggy coastline below the viewpoint is Ponta da Ferraria also known as the five fingers.  This is a geothermal area with hot springs which feed down into the ocean below creating a natural thermal pool in a protected cove.  

This natural pool is a popular swimming spot as the water temperature is warmer than the ocean around it, depending on the tide.  The best time to come is just after low tide when the water temperature is at its warmest and the surf from the ocean isn’t too rough.  We spent a refreshing hour enjoying the healing waters and amazing landscape of the black lava coast. 

Miradouro da Vista do Rei (King’s View)

Miradouro da Vista do Rei overlooks the Volcanic complex of Sete Cidades on the west side of São Miguel which is approximately 800 thousand years old.  The complex contains two of the most beautiful lakes on the island – Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul – which were formed during a volcanic eruption 350,000 years ago. 

For a detailed description of this area and to learn about the legend of Sete Cidades, check out our blog on Sete Citades and the Western Coast of São Miguel.

This is one of the most popular viewpoints in São Miguel and is easily accessed by tour bus.  There is lots of parking here and it is a short walk from the parking area to the viewpoint.  

On a a clear day you should be able to make out the distinct colours of the lakes, one blue and one emerald. 

And in case you are wondering about the abandoned building just above the viewpoint, this was a luxury hotel that was built in the 1990s but alas, only managed to survive for two years.

Miradouro das Cumeeiras

At the opposite side of the Sete Cidades caldera from the Vista do Rei is the Miradouro das Cumeeiras, affectionately referred to as the Queen’s view.  This viewpoint provides an unobstructed view of Lagoa Azul (the blue lake) and the village of Sete Cidades on the far right side of the lake.

From here you can also see the varying shades of the green agricultural fields that surround the water.

Unlike the Vista do Rei on the other side, this viewpoint is much more difficult to reach. It is a stop on the hiking trail that that follows the caldera rim, but it you don’t want to walk it, we suggest hiring a local guide with a 4WD vehicle who can take you around the crater much more quickly.

One of the popular activities that takes place from this viewpoint is paragliding.  And we understand why.  The winds at this elevation are quite brisk, but we can’t imagine a more pleasant way to descend down to the shores of the lake!

✅ Probably our favourite day on the island was taking this tour to the Sete Cidades area. So much to see and explore at the western end of São Miguel.

FAQs

Which Side Of São Miguel Is Best?

This is a very difficult question for us to answer.  As we mentioned at the beginning, São Miguel Island was formed over millions of years through several different volcanic periods and as such, its geography is very distinct in each area.  

From our perspective they are both equally stunning, in very different ways.  The nice thing is that the island is small enough that you can visit all of it in several days.

If you want to learn more about the island, have a look at our São Miguel Travel Guide.

What Is The Highest Point In São Miguel?

The highest point in São Miguel Island is Pico da Vara at 1103 metres and is located on the east side of the island.  It is part of the Nordeste Volcanic region.

Where To Watch Sunrise In São Miguel?

You can get wonderful views of the sunrise at two of the viewpoints we highlight in this blog.  They are Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada and Mirodouro da Ponta do Sossego.  Not only are they situated at the easternmost part of the island, but both offer relaxing gardens overlooking the ocean to make that sunrise even more special.

Final Word…The Best São Miguel Viewpoints

If you are planning on visiting São Miguel Island in the Azores, do yourself a favour and hire a guide to take you to the six volcanic regions of the island to take in its many spectacular viewpoints.  You will not only get to some really amazing places, but you will learn how the island was formed and what makes it so special.  We will definitely come back!