Places to visit in Nordeste – Island of São Miguel

Nordeste is a village and the seat of the municipality located in the easternmost part of the Island of São Miguel. The municipality covers an area of 101.5 km², distributed among nine parishes.

The region is composed of many green fields, cows, and woodlands and is also well-known for the beautiful flowers that frame its landscape, such as hydrangeas and azaleas. The humid and mild climate averages around 18 degrees, with regular precipitation throughout the year, keeping the soils fertile and water resources replenished.

In this region lies the highest point of São Miguel Island, Pico da Vara, at 1100 meters above sea level. From this natural viewpoint, you can enjoy a spectacular view of much of the island.

Vila de Nordeste
Fotografia de ByAçores

See below the must-visit places during your visit to the municipality of Nordeste:

Vila do Nordeste / Seven Arches Bridge

The Vila do Nordeste is small and home to the most valuable architectural heritage. In the warmer months, the charming village is in full bloom with colors from all around.

Igreja Vila do Nordeste
Fotografia de ByAçores

As the gateway for those coming from Ribeira Grande and Ponta Delgada, there is the beautiful Seven Arches Bridge, one of the most beautiful in the Azores. The bridge was built between 1882 and 1883 and dates back to the last quarter of the 19th century. At night, lamps are lit, and for a moment we are transported back to the late 19th century.

Ponte 7 Arcos Vila do Nordeste
Fotografia de ByAçores

Boca da Ribeira

Boca da Ribeira – Nordeste
Fotografia de ByAçores

The Boca da Ribeira Viewpoint overlooks the saltwater pool at the mouth of the Ribeira do Guilherme. Its paths are lined with lush greenery that opens up to the sea.

Boca da Ribeira – Vista do Miradouro
Fotografia de ByAçores

Ribeira dos Caldeirões Park

The Ribeira dos Caldeirões Park is one of the most sought-after spots in the municipality. The park is part of a protected area on the slopes of Serra da Tronqueira and also occupies part of the course of Ribeira do Guilherme.

Cascata Ribeira dos Caldeirões – Achada, Nordeste
Fotografia de Lchacal

Ribeira dos Caldeirões Park is known for its spectacular flora. There is an enormous variety of Macaronesian flora, along with the predominance of Laurisilva forest, featuring large tree ferns. Hydrangeas and cryptomerias complete the landscape, which also includes a beautiful waterfall and a charming lake.

Repuxo Parque Natural Ribeira dos Caldeirões
Fotografia de ByAçores

Salto da Farinha Waterfall

Salto da Farinha, Nordeste
Fotografia de Inês Silva

A little after the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Park, in the parish of Salga, and before entering the urban area, lies the Salto da Farinha Waterfall, which stands over 40 meters tall with iron-rich waters. Its name comes from the milling of grains that was done at the site in the past. The waterfall has a higher water flow in winter, and nearby there is a viewpoint with picnic areas and restrooms.

Ponta do Sossego and Ponta da Madrugada Viewpoints

Vista do Miradouro da Ponto do Sossego
Fotografia de ByAçores

The Ponta do Sossego and Ponta da Madrugada Viewpoints are must-see stops for anyone visiting the region. Both are trademarks of the area, featuring lush, flower-filled landscapes.

The Ponta da Madrugada Viewpoint offers views of Serra da Tronqueira and has the best sunrise on the entire island of São Miguel, hence its name. There are leisure areas and picnic spots surrounded by beautiful gardens filled with various species of flowers.

Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada – Jardim – Nordeste
Fotografia de ByAçores

The Ponta do Sossego Viewpoint is relatively close to the Ponta da Madrugada viewpoint and is also surrounded by beautiful gardens. Its name reflects the serenity enjoyed in this space. From here, you can see Fajã do Araújo, Ponta da Madrugada, Ponta da Marquesa, and Praia do Lombo Gordo.

Vista do Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada
Fotografia de ByAçores

Ponta do Arnel Lighthouse

Farol do Arnel
Fotografia de Jorge Rodrigues

The Arnel Lighthouse is located at Ponta do Arnel and was built in the late 19th century. Over the years, the lighthouse has undergone various improvements, allowing it to maintain its functions to this day.

Farol da Ponta do Arnel
Fotografia de Bruno Sousa

This lighthouse is considered a landmark of the municipality and features a permanent exhibition about lighthouses throughout the Azores archipelago.

Blue Well – Achadinha

Poço Azul – Achadinha, Nordeste
Fotografia de Bruno Sousa

The Blue Well in the parish of Achadinha is another of the most sought-after spots on São Miguel Island. Its blue and crystal-clear waters enchant visitors. To access the well, there is a moderately difficult hiking trail. Despite its small size, its stunning beauty is worth a visit. Find out how to get to the Blue Well >

Tronqueira Viewpoint

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The Tronqueira Viewpoint offers a magnificent view of Serra da Tronqueira, Pico da Vara, and Pico Verde. It is located in the heart of the Priolo habitat, which can be spotted there at certain times of the year and surrounded by the largest Laurisilva forest on São Miguel Island. This enchanting space offers an imposing view over the entire parish, neighboring villages, and the sea.

Endemic Park of Pelado

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The Pelado Park, or Endemic Park of Lomba da Fazenda, is a natural space designated for leisure and surrounded by typical Laurisilva forest of Macaronesia. In this region, there is greater proximity to the sea; therefore, the soil is drier, and the vegetation is low.

From this location, you can observe the native vegetation of the coastal areas of the Azores, which is very scarce on the island, such as Faia-da-Terra, Bracel-da-rocha, and Urze. All of these are identified, and the park features picnic areas and a lookout point.

Casa do Trabalho

(C) Casa de Trabalho Nordeste

The Casa do Trabalho was founded in 1954 by a group of women and is dedicated to weaving and embroidery, among other activities. This place produces traditional pieces for folkloric groups. Visitors can observe the entire manufacturing process, from receiving the sheared wool from the sheep, dyeing, weaving on traditional hand looms, to the final piece creation. The handicrafts produced are also sold at the institution itself.

Visiting Hours

Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Nordeste Museum

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The Nestor de Sousa Municipal Museum or Ethnographic Museum of Nordeste was inaugurated in 1989, during the celebrations of the 475th anniversary of the municipality’s creation. This museum tells the local history through traditional objects of historical, ethnographic, and cultural value that have been donated by individuals and local institutions.

Hours

Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM.

Lombo Gordo / Lombo Gordo Beach

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Lombo Gordo Beach is an important nature conservation area at Ponta do Arnel. It is a very calm site with black sand. Due to the influence of sea currents and sand settlement phenomena, there is a very extensive beach every seven years, and in the following seven years, its extension is reduced by half.

See also: The best beaches in São Miguel

Priolo Environmental Center

The Priolo Environmental Center aims to promote the Priolo and its habitat, the Laurisilva forest. This is one of the most endangered endemic birds in Europe, existing only in the eastern part of São Miguel Island. The Environmental Center features a permanent interactive exhibition about the Priolo and all the conservation actions that have been undertaken since 2003 to ensure its survival and that of its habitat. It is open to the public and can be visited year-round.

Vista dos Barcos Viewpoint

Farol Ponta do Arnel – Miradouro da Vista dos Barcos
Fotografia de ByAçores

The Vista dos Barcos Viewpoint is located near the village of Lomba do Moio and offers a charming landscape extending to the island’s coast. From here, you can always see the sea in the background and the Arnel Lighthouse in the distance. It is the first coastal location from where the boats approaching the coast from the East can be seen.

Cancela do Cinzeiro Forest Recreation Reserve

The Cancela do Cinzeiro Forest Recreation Reserve, also known as Nordeste Quarry or Pedreira Forest Park, is located on the western slopes of Serra da Tronqueira. The site is surrounded by extensive areas of cryptomeria and pastureland protected by sheltering curtains.

All endemic species are identified, and there are covered picnic areas and space reserved for rustic golf.

Chapel of Our Lady of Tears

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The Chapel of Our Lady of Tears was built in 1522. In the 17th century, it fell into relative disrepair, and from 1731, it underwent reconstruction thanks to donations.

Along the path to the chapel, tiles depicting the Stations of the Cross were placed.

Pico da Vara

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Pico da Vara is the highest point on São Miguel Island, standing at 1108 meters above sea level. The peak is part of the Basaltic Volcanic Complex of Nordeste, approximately 4 million years old, and is the natural habitat of the Priolo.

The Natural Reserve of Pico da Vara covers around 1980 hectares and possesses an immense botanical richness, covered by a dense Laurisilva forest.

Garden of Ribeira do Guilherme

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The Garden of Ribeira do Guilherme is located on the slopes of Serra da Tronqueira and is surrounded by vegetation typical of Macaronesian forests, particularly Laurisilva. Along the river, several waterfalls appear, whose waters are used in old mills, as well as feeding beautiful lakes.

Because its forests are the natural habitat of the Priolo, part of the park has been included in the Special Protection Zone of Pico da Vara and Ribeira do Guilherme.

Guided Tours Nordeste

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Nordeste is a region of singular beauty, covered in colorful flowers with a rich flora and fauna. It is a must-visit location for anyone visiting São Miguel Island.