Ponta dos Rosais – São Jorge Island

The Ponta dos Rosais is located in the parish of Rosais, in the municipality of Velas, on São Jorge Island. This area, situated at the northwestern tip of the island, is over 200 meters above sea level and is sparsely populated.

The surrounding area is used for agriculture and frequently visited by tourists. Nearby, there are beautiful viewpoints offering surreal views of the northern coastline.

Additionally, this area is rich in flora and fauna, with many nesting seabirds such as the roseate tern, common tern, and the Cory’s shearwater. Notable flora includes heather and the forget-me-not.

This area also includes the Baixa da Ponta dos Rosais, a geological formation that can only be accessed by sea. Its summit, located 15 meters below the surface, is home to a diverse array of fish schools.

(C) José Luís Ávila Silveira/Pedro Noronha e Costa

Where the land ends, you’ll find the Rosais islets and the Ponta dos Rosais Lighthouse.

Features

From the cliff, the view is enchanting. In the ocean, you can see Faial Island and Pico Island 15 kilometers away, with the rest as open sea.

Ponta dos Rosais, the cliffs, and the islets are part of a special conservation area covering 979 hectares. This reserve includes two distinct areas: the Ponta dos Rosais and a rocky cliff with pebble beaches by the sea.

This site is crucial for nesting seabirds, so it is important to respect the boundaries set by laws protecting the area to conserve the local flora and fauna.

Conservation

Conserving Ponta dos Rosais is no easy task, as the presence of many introduced land predators limits seabird nesting.

Similarly, the invasion of exotic plants has reduced the available nesting habitat for Procellariiformes.

(C) José Luís Ávila Silveira/Pedro Noronha e Costa

Ponta dos Rosais Lighthouse

The Ponta dos Rosais Lighthouse was inaugurated in May 1958. At the time, it was considered the best and most advanced lighthouse in the country, with self-sufficient water and energy systems.

The lighthouse was permanently evacuated in 1980 after a series of cliff collapses caused by an earthquake. It operated automatically until 1982 when a smaller, solar-powered beacon was installed atop the tower.

Ponta dos Rosais
Fotografia de Ricardo Brandão

Today, both the lighthouse and its surrounding buildings are in ruins, which is unfortunate, as the view from the lighthouse grounds is stunning, with the Rosais islets and the islands of Faial and Pico on the horizon.

The region, islets, and cliffs remain a Site of Community Interest, designated under the European Union’s Habitats Directive.

To reach Ponta dos Rosais Lighthouse, there is a long, flat road. Warning signs indicate the risk of collapse, as the structures were damaged following the 1980 earthquake.

In any case, Ponta dos Rosais and its entire conservation area are must-visit sites during your stay on São Jorge Island.

At the whale-watching post, you’ll enjoy a spectacular view of the surrounding sea. On clear days, you can spot the neighboring islands of Pico, Faial, Graciosa, and Terceira.

See also: Must-See Places on São Jorge Island