Mosteiros – Island of São Miguel

The Mosteiros are located in the municipality of Ponta Delgada, on the Island of São Miguel. This area is quite popular in the summer for locals and tourists looking for the sea, both for swimming and fishing. It is also well-known for its beautiful natural pools and beach, which tend to get crowded in the summer.

The Mosteiros are also one of the best places on the island for birdwatching during the winter months. If you walk south on the island, you’ll find several volcanic rocks with puddles of water, which are chosen for resting and feeding by waders.

Mosteiros vista Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado
Fotografia de ByAçores

The Mosteiros

Situated on the northwest coast of the Island of São Miguel, the main attractions of the parish are its natural pools, known as Poço da Pedra, with medicinal properties, and the fishing port, where snipe are commonly found.

Exploring the area via walking trails that lead to other parishes is also an excellent option. Along the way, you’ll find several picnic areas and viewpoints that provide a unique view of the parish of Mosteiros. There are also two old windmills that have not operated for over 60 years.

Mosteiros
Fotografia de Ana Fragata

In the center of the village, the highlight is the Main Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, patroness of both the parish and Portugal, dating back to 1837. It is a symbol of local architecture.

In 2004, the Casa do Pescador was inaugurated, featuring a museum that portrays fishing activity in that locality.

The Ilhéus dos Mosteiros

The Ilhéus dos Mosteiros are four large rocks located about a kilometer from the coast of the Mosteiros parish. According to Celtic monastic tradition regarding oceanic rock formations, these rocks gave the name Mosteiros to the parish. The rocks are what remains of a small hydro-magmatic island.

Ilhéus dos Mosteiros
Fotografia de Bruno Sousa

It is advisable to visit this location during low tide, as it increases the chances of seeing a larger number of waders. The Ilhéus serve as a bird reserve, making it a perfect spot for birdwatching. In addition to several seagulls, it is also possible to spot cormorants.

Praia dos Mosteiros

The Praia dos Mosteiros features dark sands where two streams from the ridges, which rise to the east and are part of the Caldeira of the Sete Cidades volcano, flow into the sea. From its sands, the Ilhéus dos Mosteiros can be seen, and it is one of the places where you can enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets on the island.

Por do sol – Mosteiros
Fotografia de Antonio Moreira

The scenery is breathtaking, with black volcanic rocks and lush greenery, creating a perfect backdrop for stunning photos. In recent years, it has been possible to take boat trips departing from the port to view whales and dolphins or to visit the Ilhéus and Ponta da Ferraria by sea.

Curiosities

• The largest festival in the parish is religious and celebrated on the third Sunday of August. There is a procession dedicated to the saints: Nossa Senhora da Conceição, Santo Antão, São Pedro, and Coração de Jesus;
• Featured cuisine in the Mosteiros: roasted octopus, barnacles, limpets, lobster, and fresh fish.

The parish of Mosteiros is very proud of its natural heritage composed of sea, beach, natural pools, black rocks, and lush vegetation. The area is also home to rare birds such as the black cormorant, the great reed warbler, the osprey, and the black-winged stilt, among others.

Photos

Mosteiros – Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado
Fotografia de ByAçores

Praia dos Mosteiros III
Fotografia de ByAçores

Ilhéu dos Mosteiros
Fotografia de Rodrigo Pereira Aguiar

Praia de Mosteiros
Fotografia de Liliana Borges

Ilhéus dos Mosteiros
Fotografia de Cristina Aires

Good Vibes
Fotografia de Rodrigo Pereira Aguiar

Video

The cliffs and irregular rocks, washed by the Atlantic Ocean, create an incredible landscape that lingers in the memory of those who visit. When visiting the Island of São Miguel, be sure to explore and enjoy the Mosteiros.

See also: Places to visit on the Island of São Miguel