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The incredible Sao Miguel viewpoints offer panoramic vistas over the dramatic landscapes and are one of the top reasons travelers visit the Azores. The stunning scenic views were certainly what lured us to the Portuguese archipelago.
During our 3-week trip to Sao Miguel Island, we routed our way to shoreline perches and rugged mountain peaks in search of the best views. Rarely disappointing – and often exceeding our expectations – the miradouros on Sao Miguel, Azores are must-see attractions!
What are Sao Miguel Miradouros?
Miradouro is the Portuguese word for viewpoint – and dozens of them dot the hilly terrain. From simple roadside turnouts to manicured parks, miradouros are prime places to savor the beauty of Sao Miguel!
Best Sao Miguel Viewpoints
On a mission to seek out the best views on Sao Miguel, we were quick to explore any potential spot. These included easy-to-access roadside viewpoints as well as traversing steep and rough roads.
Proclaiming just one miradouro as the absolute Best Sao Miguel Viewpoint is an impossible task. Instead, we are highlighting 14 must-see miradouros that you will want to add to your Sao Miguel Itinerary. At the end of the list, we share a map of all the locations – plus a few tips for truly enjoying the view!
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Guide to Sao Miguel Scenic Viewpoints for your trip to the Azores!
#1 Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado
The west-facing Ponta do Escalvado offers one of the most sensational sea views on Sao Miguel. The panoramic vista encompasses the mesmerizing Mosteiros islets to the north and the Farol da Ferraria Lighthouse to the south. As a bonus, friendly dairy cows often graze in the field next to the viewpoint!
Whales can sometimes be spotted from the lookout – and sunsets from Ponta do Escalvado are amazing. Parking is limited, but most people don’t stay long and there is additional room along the road.
#2 Miradouro da Grota do Inferno
Providing a magnificent view over volcanic calderas and crater lakes, the Grota do Inferno Viewpoint (also called Miradouro da Boca do Inferno) is not to be missed. Translating to Grotto of Hell (or Mouth of Hell), the platform is accessed via a 15-minute walk and the picture-perfect perspective is actually divine!
As one of the most popular viewpoints on the island – and the starting point for two of the Best Sao Miguel Hikes – the parking lot at Lagoa do Canario can get a little chaotic. Our advice is to get there early – or commit to being patient while waiting for a spot to become available.
#3 Miradouro da Vista do Rei
Vista do Rei – which means view of the king – is a royally fantastic miradouro and a mandatory stop on your Sao Miguel trip! The terrace overlooks the Sete Cidades caldera, featuring two gorgeous lakes (Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul) and the lush forest that surrounds them.
Standing in contrast behind the lookout is the concrete shell of the abandoned Hotel Monte Palace. Officially off limits, many tourists climb to the roof for an extra elevated view. Along the road opposite the hotel, the Food and Friends Food Truck serves up utterly satisfying sandwiches and refreshing drinks. Somewhat surprisingly, there are no toilet facilities here.
This wildly popular viewpoint is nearly always crowded – and the adjacent parking lot has a 20-minute limit. If there are no spaces available, it is possible to pull over on the one-way road leading toward the viewpoint for a quick peek. Those who wish to spend more time here (or want to set off on a hike) should park at the long-term lot just off the roundabout.
#4 Miradouro do Caminho Novo
The Caminho Novo observation deck in Relva is a super spot for seeing whales. It’s actually used by spotters for the local whale watching boat tours from Ponta Delgada. The viewpoint, which is situated just west of the airport, also offers exceptional views of planes taking off or landing.
Additionally, the Caminho Novo Platform has a few picnic tables and flush toilets – which makes it a great spot for lunch with a view!
#5 Buraco de Sao Pedro
Situated on the north coast of Ilha de Sao Miguel, Buraco de Sao Pedro is not an official miradouro, but it is an absolutely breathtaking place to see. The Sao Pedro Sinkhole – an amazing geological feature on its own – is located on a spit of land that protrudes into the sea. From this vantage point, the jagged coastline to the east and west is striking.
The road to Buraco de Sao Pedro is quite rough. We drove as far as the Ermida de Sao Pedro Church and walked the rest of the way. There is an actual parking lot just east of the town that requires a short stroll. That said, this area can also be accessed via a hike. The PR01 trail follows the top of the rocky bluff from Pocos to Calhetas and passes a few other nice viewpoints along the way.
#6 Miradouro de Santa Iria
An easy-to-access viewpoint, Miradouro de Santa Iria is right on the EN1-1A road that follows the northern Sao Miguel coastline. From the platform, the stretching panoramic view encompasses the rolling green hills and the vivid blue sea as far as the eye can see. As we traversed the island to sights and hikes, we stopped at Santa Iria several times to take in the beautiful scene!
There are plenty of parking spaces in the large lot (and room for some cars at the viewpoint), as well as a small souvenir shop and free public restrooms.
#7 Miradouro do Pico dos Bodes
The Pico dos Bodes Viewpoint offers an awe-inspiring perspective of the island’s southeast Faial da Terra parish. From the hilltop there’s a sumptuous 360-degree view. It features inland mountain peaks, jagged coastline and on clear days you can spot the neighboring island of Santa Maria.
The observation tower, which is free to climb, serves as a whale watching station. The well-paved road provides smooth access and the large parking lot can accommodate numerous cars. Although there are bathrooms, they were locked during our visit.
#8 Miradouro do Jose Furtado
Claiming a spot atop a steep cliff down a quiet, narrow road, the Jose Furtado Viewpoint is a hidden gem! It overlooks sea caves, rock arches and impressive basalt columns. These columns are the result of ancient lava flows and millions of crashing waves. The view stretches across the entire northern coast of Sao Miguel.
In addition to the fascinating geology, visitors can get an up-close look at the red-and-white striped Farolim dos Fenais da Ajuda lighthouse.
While it is possible to drive right up to the miradouro and lighthouse, we don’t suggest doing so. Instead, park by the café and picnic area and walk the last third of a mile in.
#9 Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada
A peaceful garden oasis with sweeping views, Ponta da Madrugada is an inviting green space. Ideal for an afternoon picnic or morning sunrise, the east-facing miradouro features vibrant flowers, moss-covered trees, friendly cats and a grand view of the sheer cliffs that plunge straight into the sea. Plus, there are free-to-use barbecue grills and public toilets.
Also stopping at the nearby Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego, which also offers a peaceful garden, is worthwhile (although we personally preferred the view from Madrugada).
#10 Miradouro da Vigia das Baleias in Algarvia
Tucked along the north coast in the village of Algarvia, Miradouro da Vigia das Baleias is a sublime scenic point. The park boasts multiple vistas, a statue of Mary, outdoor grills, woodfired ovens, covered picnic tables and bathrooms with running water. Plus, if it’s blustery, the hilltop tower with viewing slots helps to block the wind.
Here’s a fun fact: Several Sao Miguel vistas are called ‘Miradouro da Vigia das Baleias’ – which translates to Whale Watch Viewpoint!
#11 Miradouro do Pelado
Remote and enchanting, Miradouro do Pelado marks the northeastern corner of the island. From here views extend west along the shoreline and the surf crashes on the rocks below. Walking trails meander through the Parque Endemico do Pelado (where native plants thrive), taking visitors to astounding lookout points.
A path of sloping steps (which are partially deteriorated) lead down to the sea. Here there’s a unique sea-level vista and an up close experience of the powerful waves crashing on the stone shoreline.
#12 Miradouro da Ponta do Arnel
The exceptional viewpoint at Ponta do Arnel offers a clear line of sight to the historic Farol do Arnel Lighthouse. Located on the east side of the island in Nordeste, the lighthouse, which became operational in 1876, was the first light beacon in the Azores. An informational plaque shares its history.
Note, however, the miradouro only has a few parking spaces. Visitors can instead use the larger lot just to the south. This lot is also the starting point for the trek down to the lighthouse, but we believe the better view is from above.
Nearby, the Miradouro da Vista dos Barcos is another lighthouse viewpoint, providing a vantage point from the south.
#13 Miradouro do Pico Bartolomeu
Although not the tallest mountain on Sao Miguel (that honor goes to Pico da Vara), Pico Bartolomeu proudly stands at 2,800 feet. From the peak (which is marked by soaring antennas), visitors are treated to unparalleled views of the island’s mountainous terrain, striking coastline and the surrounding ocean.
The one caveat is that the summit of Bartolomeu is often covered in clouds. Before making the drive (or the strenuous hike) to the top, be sure that it is a clear day. While the route to the viewpoint is paved, driving the steep and narrow road can be a bit harrowing.
#14 Lagoa do Fogo Miradouro Circuit
The highest lake on the island, Lagoa do Fogo – Lake of Fire – is one of the most iconic places to see in Sao Miguel, Azores. Accordingly, there are numerous vantage points to take in the splendid sights. The snaking EN5-2A road cuts through the middle of the island and curves wonderfully around Fogo Lake. Several spots along the route provide dazzling views of the pristine water and the encircling caldera walls.
The official Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo encompasses the legendary lake view. It also has the most parking and is the starting point for the hike down to the lakeside. That said, we suggest stopping at Miradouro do Pico da Barrosa and the other viewpoints to get a glimpse as well.
To help eliminate traffic congestion and parking issues, during the busy summer months there is a shuttle bus that transports passengers along the route.
Map of Best Sao Miguel Views
Use this Google Map for an online version of our Sao Miguel Miradouros Map below.
Top Tips for Visiting Viewpoints on Sao Miguel
Now that you know where to find the best views on Sao Miguel Island, we have a few Azores trip planning tips!
Self-Drive or Azores Tour
We usually prefer not to drive, but the best way to navigate Sao Miguel is with a rental car. With your own vehicle, you have freedom and flexibility. That said, there are group excursions to the most popular viewpoints – like this tour. Furthermore, visitors can create their own itinerary and hire a private guide to drive the route.
Azores Weather
The weather on Sao Miguel can differ drastically from place to place. It can be sunny by the coast, cloudy on mountain peaks and foggy at the crater lakes. Conditions are also fairly unpredictable and can change abruptly.
The site Spot Azores features webcams of the most popular places on Sao Miguel (and other islands) to give real-time visibility and weather status.
That said, it’s a good idea to be prepared for nearly any climate when visiting the Azores. Be sure to bring a wind-resistant raincoat as well as your favorite polarized sunglasses and sunscreen.
Binoculars
The coastline viewpoints are superb for spotting whales in the Azores. However, they are much easier to see with binoculars. Likewise, they are useful at crater lake viewpoints for picking up all the gorgeous details!
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