As you may know, São Miguel island — and the Azores in general — is rich in extraordinary viewpoints with breathtaking panoramas. Miradouro da Bela Vista is one of those.
From there, you can enjoy the greenery of Green Island and observe some parts of the Northern Coast with the infinite ocean in front. This viewpoint is straightforward to find, and you should add it to your list of places to visit São Miguel island, especially if passing by Lagoa do Fogo.
Here, we will tell you everything there is to know about this wonderful viewpoint of Bela Vista, a window to São Miguel’s North Coast.
What is Miradouro da Bela Vista?
Miradouro da Bela Vista is one of the several viewpoints you can find on the road leading to and coming from the famous Lagoa do Fogo. But this one is not towards the lake. Instead, you will have clear views over the North Coast, including the city of Ribeira Grande — the surf capital of the Azores.
Of course, you will have plenty of greenery right before the city, a patchwork of pastures for our local cows. If the weather is not too bad, you will also see the beautiful volcanic complex of Sete Cidades on the far west end of São Miguel.
This viewpoint, at 570m above sea level, is accessible for all and has a small car park. There is no need to hike or climb stairs; Miradouro da Bela Vista is right on the roadside.
Plan your Visit to Miradouro da Bela Vista
How to Get to Miradouro da Bela Vista
Miradouro da Bela Vista is located on the Northern end of the Fogo Volcano. From this side of the volcanic complex, you can view the mountains of Lombadas and the Geothermal power plant.
It is located on ER 5-2 road, north of Lagoa do Fogo. If coming from Ponta Delgada — the South side — you have to go towards the East and then North up to Lagoa do Fogo’s viewpoint: Pico da Barrosa. Then, you will go down towards the Northern coast, and on the road before Caldeira Velha, you will find this viewpoint. It takes about 30 minutes by car if you decide to go on that road.
Please note that during the summer, traffic is not allowed on this road for rental cars, and you will have to take the shuttle from the departure point of Janela do Inferno’s trail on that same road.
Best Time to Visit Miradouro da Bela Vista
The best time to visit Miradouro da Bela Vista is when the weather is good, and the sky is clear. This can be early in the morning, right at noon, or in the late afternoon. It is not worth a stop when the view is blocked.
If you want to see the golden hour, come sometime after sunrise or before sunset. The sun will set over the Sete Cidades volcanic complex, which can provide wonderful colors for photography. Come in the middle of the day for the brightest colors of the greenery and the ocean.
Pro Tips for Miradouro da Bela Vista
Don’t visit only this viewpoint when driving on the road where Miradouro da Bela Vista is located. The road is spectacular, and you can see so many incredible landscapes.
For instance, stop at Pico da Barrosa viewpoint to see Lagoa do Fogo and Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo. Both are worth a visit. On the same road, there is Caldeira Velha — the famous hot springs — and the waterfall of Salto do Cabrito.
Furthermore, this road in the summer is filled with blue hydrangeas. An unbelievable sight! However, never stop your car in the middle of the road to take pictures. As tempting as it can be, locals do not appreciate this.
What to Do Around Miradouro da Bela Vista
Caldeira Velha
This is a great relaxing option after a good day of exploring the island. The hot springs of Caldeira Velha are the ideal place if it is cold or windy. Its hot waterfall is famous across the islands and provides a great back massage. In the summer, it is better to book in advance or go early because it can get crowded, and there is an entry limit.
See Lagoa do Fogo From the Viewpoint of Pico da Barrosa
Being one of the island’s highest points with 947m, you can enjoy stunning views of the interior of Lagoa do Fogo crater and panoramic views of the surrounding areas to the north, south, and west. It must be a breathtaking experience to see the beauty of nature from such a high vantage point.
Janela do Inferno Hike
If you love hiking, there is another trail from Lagoa do Fogo to Ponta Delgada called Janela do Inferno (Hell’s Window). Despite the cold name, it is a beautiful circular hike with a gorgeous waterfall. You will pass by tunnels, farmlands, a forest, and pipes used to transport water. The 7.6 km hike takes about 2h30.
Salto do Cabrito
Salto do Cabrito is a beautiful waterfall in the forest. From there, canyoners rappel down, jump, and swim in the clear waters. Enjoy the view and nature, or take your swimming suit for a refreshing moment. What could be better in the summer?
Best Season to Visit São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island is in the Eastern Group of the Azores Archipelago. Here, you will notice the atypical characteristics of this climate. These result from many factors contributing to its plant exuberance and landscape value.
The climate is mild regardless of the season, and the average values do not present many changes. Temperatures vary between:
- 16 °C in spring;
- 21 °C in summer;
- 18 °C in autumn;
- 14 °C in winter.
For more info about the weather in the Azores, check the links below:
- 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
Where To Eat Near Ribeira Grande
If you need somewhere to eat near Ribeira Grande, click here. In this link, you’ll find the 10 best restaurants on Tripadvisor.
Where To Stay Near Ribeira Grande
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Complementary Information
Useful Tools and Apps
The weather in the Azores is quite unpredictable. For this reason, there is a handy App that you can install on your mobile phone before visiting any of the 9 islands: Spotazores. The cameras installed in many of the biggest tourist attractions allow you to see the weather in real time and decide where to go.
To check the weather forecast for the next few days, use Windy or Windguru. They are the most accurate.
How to Get to São Miguel Island
There are many routes to the island of São Miguel by plane. The main entry points are via Lisbon, Porto (on the mainland), and Ponta Delgada (São Miguel island), but there are already many direct routes.
The best way to find a flight that works for you is to use a flight search engine like eDreams or Skyscanner. As you may already know, these sites allow you to compare prices and schedules of various airlines in one place.
Once you find a flight you like, all you need to do is book! And in a few hours, you’ll be on your way to one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the world.
Cultural Agenda on The Island of São Miguel
The island of São Miguel offers many cultural events all year round. The full list of events is available at the following link.
Video of Miradouro da Bela Vista (São Miguel Island, Azores)
FAQs
Where is the Miradouro da Bela Vista located?
The Miradouro da Bela Vista is located in the municipality of Ribeira Grande, on São Miguel Island. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the mountains and coastal scenery.
What can you see from the Miradouro da Bela Vista?
From this viewpoint, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the Vila Franca do Campo area, the Atlantic Ocean, and the lush volcanic landscape. It’s a great spot for photography, especially at sunset.
Is there parking available at the Miradouro da Bela Vista?
Yes, parking is available near the Miradouro da Bela Vista, making it accessible for visitors traveling by car.
Is the Miradouro da Bela Vista suitable for hiking or walking?
While the Miradouro is easily accessible, nearby walking paths and trails offer more scenic exploration. It is a great spot to stop during hikes around Ribeira Grande.
Conclusion
Miradouro da Bela Vista can be considered just “another beautiful viewpoint”, but it is one of the most spectacular to have a clear sight of the Green Island’s north coast from the countryside.
There are many viewpoints in São Miguel, but never too many. All of them are mandatory stops to explore the island’s unique natural beauty. Just as its name indicates, Miradouro da Bela Vista offers a beautiful view you want to have during your trip to the Azores.
