Visit Nordeste São Miguel: A Hidden Gem Of The Azores Coastline
The Beautiful Sights of Nordeste São Miguel
Since the development of São Miguel island in the Azores took place during many different volcanic periods, the island has a variety of unique landscapes. When planning a visit, many people tend to focus on the capital city of Ponta Delgada and the region of Sete Cidades. But that means missing out on one of the most beautiful parts of the island – Nordeste.
We spent a day with a local guide, exploring the northeast municipality of the island and it was a highlight of our trip. This region is far more wild and rugged with incredible vistas, beautiful waterfalls and iconic buildings. If you enjoy raw nature, we highly recommend visiting Nordeste.
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Top Nordeste São Miguel Things To Do
✅ Appreciate the serene and idyllic countryside while driving to the coastal area
✅ Stop and admire many viewpoints with incredible striking scenery
✅ Drive through and around the oldest caldera on the island with enormous trees and dense flora and fauna
✅ Take in the numerous waterfalls located in lush settings
✅ This is the 5-star tour in a 4WD vehicle we took to visit the Nordeste area. It was one of the most memorable days we had on the island and we highly recommend it.
Meander The Beautiful Countryside & Caldera
When heading out of the central part of São Miguel, the landscape becomes much more rural. It is here that many people live quieter, simpler lives without much interaction from the larger towns.
The industry is mainly agricultural and the locals work together in their communities to provide for each other. And for any items that may be lacking there are mobile trucks that come from the city to sell non-perishable items and necessities.
In these areas, the land is dotted with farms and large pastures. The scenery is so beautiful it is hard to take it all in.
Once through the countryside, the road will begin winding around and then through the largest caldera on the island. Here the landscape is lush and green with enormous trees and greenery covering every surface.
Be sure to stop a few times and really appreciate the landscapes around this region.
Explore Povoacao
This small town on the southeast coast is worth a stop when coming to the eastern side of the island. Here you will find a quiet town, with a pretty centre. This spot is known to be the first location where settlers landed in the 1400s.
The major highlights are the Church of Nossa Senhora de Rosario which dates to the 1500s, a swimming pool at the sea’s edge and the very tasty fafa pastry (similar to an eclair). Be sure to try one – they are amazing!
This little seaside town of 2000 people is spread out along many peninsulas that were formed from the caldera opening down into the sea. There is a lovely viewpoint called Miradouro do Pico dos Bodes that deserves a quick stop to admire the pretty village on one side and the incredible green countryside on the other.
Insider Tip
Another cool spot in this area is the Avenue Platanos which is a two km road covered with large trees that create a canopy over the street. It is a very pretty place to drive through.
Visiting Vila do Nordeste
Not only is the northeast region called Nordeste but Nordeste is a town with the same name. You access the city by passing over a lovely bridge with 7 arches called Ponte dos Sete Arcos – Bridge of Seven Arches. A Portuguese architect constructed it in the 1880s.
After crossing the bridge you will enter the town of Nordeste and see streets lined with traditional black and white buildings and stone-covered sidewalks. It is a small but charming town and has restaurants and spots with accommodations.
Enjoy the Viewpoints
The island of São Miguel has some incredible viewpoints. And several of the best ones are located in Nordeste.
Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada
From the parking lot, head down a wide path lined with flowers, trees and bushes where there is a picnic area and benches. This is a wonderful spot to bring lunch and relax while taking in the gorgeous surroundings.
The viewpoint edges are surrounded by stone walls with benches. On a nice day, the coastline is superb and this is an amazing spot to just sit and take it all in. The cliffs are covered in greenery and provide a stunning drop to the sea.
And all along the paths are flowers and plants that are well-tended and make this garden a lovely place to visit. Understandably this is known to be a perfect place to watch a sunrise.
Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego
A little further along the coast is another beautiful garden located at the Ponta do Sossego viewpoint. Here there are multiple tiers of manicured gardens with trees, flowering bushes and brightly coloured flowers.
On the lower levels, there are covered cabanas with picnic tables and there are BBQs available making it easy to enjoy a meal during a visit.
Carved into the cliff edges are flowery pathways, offering breathtaking views of the coast. With its combination of flowers, views and amenities we would consider this to be the top coastal lookout on the island.
Arnel Viewpoints
The famous lighthouse that sits along the coast in Nordeste, offers some lovely photo opportunities. There are two locations to view the lighthouse and its dramatic scenery down below.
To get a more panoramic view of the lighthouse and the surrounding area visit Miradouro da Vista dos Barcos. From here you can see the structure perched on the point of the island and get a good vantage point of the black lava rock and beach stretching down the slope below it.
The other option is Miradouro da Ponta do Arnel. This viewpoint is much lower and gives you a closer look at the building itself rather than the surrounding area. Both are close to each other and worth stopping at for some nice photographs.
✅ If you prefer to hike within some of these gorgeous, natural areas, check out this highly rated tour that combines hiking and visiting the beautiful sights of Nordeste.
Check Out Farol do Arnel Lighthouse
As mentioned Arnel Lighthouse is a very well-known place to visit for its picturesque views. It was the first lighthouse in the Azores and dates to the 1870s.
It is still functioning and offers guided tours on Wednesdays. The road down to the structure is extremely steep and not recommended for driving unless with a local guide who is familiar with this kind of road.
Admire Nordeste São Miguel Waterfalls
When in Nordeste, São Miguel, be sure to visit this beautiful area. The Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões is a protected park and is a perfect place for wandering around in the lush green forest. There are paths available for hiking amongst the tall trees and various ferns.
It is also worth visiting for a more leisurely walk. From the road, there is an easy pathway for walking that meanders past several lovely waterfalls, rapids and water mills. There is no entrance fee to visit this lovely natural area.
Additionally, if you are with a local guide they can also visit some of the most beautiful waterfalls that are hidden from open view. Much of this touring requires a 4WD vehicle and an experienced driver. And the vistas are spectacular.
The Final Word…Nordeste São Miguel
There is no doubt about Nordeste São Miguel being one of the loveliest areas on the island. The natural surroundings and the sheer beauty of this region make Nordeste a top spot to visit.
