Miradouro das Cumeeiras, or the ‘Ridges viewpoint’ literally translated, is perched on the rim of a volcanic crater. It provides expansive views of the surrounding land and the infinite ocean. The crater itself is part of the larger volcanic complex on São Miguel Island.
From Miradouro das Cumeeiras, you can enjoy panoramic views. They include high green hills, agricultural fields, dense forests, the village of Sete Cidades, the Green and Blue Lake, the coastline, and the vast Atlantic Ocean. The contrast between the vibrant greenery and the deep blue waters creates a stunning visual experience.
What is Miradouro das Cumeeiras?
Miradouro das Cumeeiras is a well-known viewpoint located on São Miguel Island, Azores. The islands in the middle of the Atlantic are known for their stunning natural landscape. For instance, beautiful lakes, volcanic craters, and lush vegetation — are all visible at Miradouro das Cumeeiras. Enjoy the view over Lagoa Verde and Azul, one of Portugal’s Seven Natural Wonders.
Also known as the Vista da Rainha viewpoint (Queen’s view) — as opposed to the famous Vista do Rei (King’s View) on the other side of the crater. This is a great spot to take in the beauty of the island’s natural features. It is much less popular than the other one, which is great to have the place to yourself. It is to be noted that the viewpoints were named after King Dom Carlos I and Queen Dona Amélia. They were the first king and queen to visit the islands, back in 1901.
The Azores are a paradise for nature lovers, with many viewpoints, hiking trails, and unique geological formations to explore. The islands have a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty. Miradouro das Cumeeiras in the western part of São Miguel island is undoubtedly one of the highlights for those seeking stunning views.
Plan Your Visit To Miradouro das Cumeeiras
How To Get To Miradouro das Cumeeiras
The viewpoint is accessible via a dirt road by car if you have a 4×4 or if you are confident enough to drive on it, or via an official hike called Mata do Canário, or Cumeeira Grande. The linear trail is 11,8 km long for about 3 hours of walking and offers stunning views over some lakes inside the Sete Cidades volcanic complex.
Quick Info
If you want the complete Western São Miguel experience, you can also choose our guided tour that takes you up there and down to Sete Cidades village. We can even stop for a kayaking or stand-up paddling trip.
Best Time To Visit Miradouro das Cumeeiras
The viewpoint of Miradouro das Cumeeiras is worth a visit at all times. You can enjoy unique views at sunrise, or eat a picnic lunch at the top, but it is particularly amazing during sunset hours when the sky shows vibrant colours. Watching the sun dip below the horizon from this viewpoint is an unforgettable experience for sure. Plus, if you go early or late, you will have fewer people around.
Pro Tips For Miradouro das Cumeeiras
Many visitors bring along picnic food to enjoy a meal with stunning views. It’s a wonderful way to relax and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of São Miguel. This spot has some tables and banks to sit and admire the view.
While the hike to the viewpoint is relatively easy, it’s always a good idea to wear comfortable footwear and bring water. Plus, weather conditions can change quickly in the Azores, so dressing in layers is advisable.
What To Do Around Miradouro das Cumeeiras
See the Lakes From the Vista do Rei Viewpoint
From Vista do Rei’s viewpoint, you are standing on the spot of some of the most famous postcards of the Azores. The green and blue lakes are one of Portugal’s seven natural wonders. And once you look at it from Vista do Rei, you can truly understand why.
From this viewpoint, you can also look at Sete Cidades village on the shore of the blue lake and the stone bridge separating the colors of the lakes, which is only one lake. Indeed, the water runs under the bridge, so it is a two-colored lake.
On a sunny day, you can see the color difference very well. There is a scientific explanation for the blue and green lake and a love legend. The facts are that the colors vary due to the depth of the lake.
On the green side, it is shallower, and on the blue side, it is deeper. The sky reflecting on the lakes reveals these beautiful colors.
On the other hand, the local legend says that a blue-eyed princess fell in love with a green-eyed peasant. When her father, the King, forbade their love, they met at the bridge and cried so much that the color of their eyes created the lake.
Visit the Town of Sete Cidades
Sete Cidades is a picturesque little town with only about 800 inhabitants. Located at the bottom of the volcanic crater, this village by the lake is peaceful and relaxing to take a stroll. Don’t forget to visit its well-known Church of São Nicolau.
Kayaking in Sete Cidades
One of the funniest things you can do at Lagoa das Sete Cidades is rent a kayak with Futurismo and go see the lake from another perspective. Pass under the bridge and make sure you see all of it.
For the bravest souls, you can also rent a paddleboard and try some yoga poses. If you fall, you will get refreshed by the clear waters of the lake. What an amazing feeling to be on the water on a warm day.
The shop is located on the shore of the blue lake. Our guides will tell you everything you need to know before you venture out on your own. They will also provide you with all the equipment.
Dive into Poço da Pedra — Mosteiros Natural Swimming Pool
Poço da Pedra (or Caneiros) is a natural pool of volcanic origin with crystal-clear water coming from the ocean. As you might expect, this pool is one of the most attractive spots in the parish of Mosteiros.
Did you know
These natural pools have waters with medicinal properties that come from the algae found here.
Curiously, although Poço da Pedra is one of the main tourist attractions in the parish of Mosteiros, it is undoubtedly the least known natural pool on the island and in the archipelago. That’s why you can enjoy moments of leisure in peace.
Complementary Information
Useful Tools & Apps
The weather in the Azores can be variable, so it’s helpful to use some apps before visiting the islands. Spotazores offers live camera feeds from the main tourist attractions, letting you check the weather and plan your visit. For accurate weather predictions, use Windy or Windguru — they provide the most reliable predictions.
How to Get to São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island is easily accessible with numerous flight routes. Lisbon and Porto are the main entry points to the continent, with direct flights to Ponta Delgada available. To find the best flight, use search engines like eDreams or Skyscanner.
These platforms allow you to compare prices and schedules from different airlines in one place. For more details on how to get to the Azores, look at our guide. Once you find the perfect flight, book it! You’ll reach one of the world’s most beautiful island groups in a few hours.
Best Season to Visit São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island, part of the Eastern Group of the Azores Archipelago, has a unique climate shaped by various factors. This climate fosters the island’s lush vegetation and stunning landscapes. Temperatures stay mild year-round, with only slight variations.
In spring, temperatures average 16 °C, summer peaks at 21 °C, autumn cools to 18 °C, and winter hovers around 14 °C. For more details on the weather in the Azores, take a look at the following links:
- The weather in the Azores in January
- The weather in the Azores in February
- The weather in the Azores in March
- The weather in the Azores in April
- The weather in the Azores in May
- The weather in the Azores in July
- The weather in the Azores in August
Cultural Agenda of São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island hosts a wide range of cultural events throughout the year. The complete list of events is on the cultural agenda!
Video of Miradouro da Cumeeiras (São Miguel Island, Azores)
Conclusion
There are so many things to see up there, from the quiet village of Sete Cidades to its famous tow-coloured lake worthy of postcards. The so beautiful ocean or the typical greenery of the cliffs and lands around, you will love this place.
Overall, Miradouro das Cumeeiras offers a relaxing and captivating escape into nature, allowing you to fully appreciate the natural wonders of São Miguel island. Whether you are an avid hiker, a photography enthusiast, or someone who simply enjoys looking at stunning views, this viewpoint is a must-visit destination on the island.
