The Azores islands named ‘Miradouro Vigia da Baleia’ (Whale Spotter’s Viewpoint) have several viewpoints around the region. We can possibly find 6 spots with this same name in the archipelago.
Why is this a common name for a viewpoint? Well, not only because the Azores are a true paradise for whales and dolphins, but also because of our islands’ history with these gentle giants.
In this article, we will talk a bit about the Azores and the whale hunting history — with its whale spotters — and we will see all the viewpoints named Miradouro Vigia da Baleia on 3 different islands.
What does ‘Vigia da Baleia’ mean?
Literally, the whale spotter. In the Azores, from the end of the 18th century to 1987, whale hunting was an important source of wealth for our islands. This activity came from New England and became a tradition here. Americans taught Azoreans to hunt whales with big boats, but the traditional Azorean whaling boats were much smaller because of the lack of material and financial means.
To know where the boats should go for hunting whales, there were several spotters along the coast to try to see the animals. They used to send smoke signals to guide the boats. For the days with rough weather, they had a small cabin to serve as a shelter; many are still up today.
Did you know
Today, we still use those historical cabins to spot whales, but for whale and dolphin watching activities.
We now forbid hunting whales and want to peacefully show those wonderful animals while keeping some old traditions like the spotters. Thanks to technology, they now operate with radio to guide the boats.
What are the ‘Miradouros Vigia da Baleia’?
Miradouro Vigia da Baleia in Feteiras, São Miguel
We will discuss the first Miradouro Vigia da Baleia on the South Western coast of São Miguel, near Feteiras. It is located about 12 km away from Ponta Delgada Westwards. You must follow the EN1-1A road on the south coast, passing by Relva town. It is on the main road right after the intersection, towards Sete Cidades.
The best time to visit this viewpoint is near sunset, as it faces the West. You can also go there any time of the day, but it is a great stop if you are on your way to Mosteiros for the best sunset on the island.
There is some parking space on the side of the road closer to the ocean. Moreover, for any Miradouro Vigia da Baleia, we always recommend you take your binoculars and try to spot some whales or dolphins. This is very hard, but if you have time and are patient, you may get some luck!
Miradouro Vigia da Baleia in Capelas, São Miguel
On the North Coast of São Miguel island, there is our second Miradouro da Vigia. This small cabin, made of concrete, offers a panoramic view of the ocean and the North coast of the green island. It is about 20 kilometers westwards from Ribeira Grande. You must drive on the north shore, passing by Calhetas, Fenais da Luz, and São Vicente Ferreira to finally reach Capelas. Once inside Capelas, reach the harbor, which is right beside it.
This is a great spot to go at any time during the day. The golden hour is wonderful to take pictures of the coast. It is possible to climb the stairs on the cabin’s roof to have an even better view!
Miradouro Vigia da Baleia in Povoação, São Miguel
Vigia da Baleia is not only viewpoints but also a whole hiking trail in Povoação, on the South Eastern coast of São Miguel. The official path PR18 is a 7-kilometer hike that links the towns of Povoação and Faial da Terra. It takes about 3 hours to complete. It passes by the forest, cow fields, and several viewpoints.
To begin this trail, it is better to leave in the morning to ensure you have time to do it both ways before the sun goes down and with plenty of time to enjoy both Povoação and Faial da Terra.
If you love hiking, you can combine the stunning trails of Sanguinho and Salto do Prego in Faial da Terra and then go to Povoação via the Vigia da Baleia hike. Begin in the morning, and take some food and water with you. Once in Povoação, you can always head back to Faial da Terra by taxi if you would rather not repeat the linear trail by foot.
Miradouro Vigia da Baleia in Algarvia, São Miguel
The last one for São Miguel island: Miradouro Vigia das Baleias in Algarvia, on the North Eastern part of the island. A cute traditional little cabin made of stones stands with a small altar dedicated to Nossa Senhora de Fátima. It is very picturesque and offers an incredible view of the Ocean from the North of São Miguel. From the town of Nordeste, it is only 11 kilometers away, going westwards. Follow the EN1-1A road towards Lomba da Fazenda, Nordestinho, and exit Algarvia. Cross the village and always go towards the ocean.
You can go to this Miradouro Vigia da Baleia on your way to Nordeste. Or right after seeing the sunrise from the viewpoints on the Eastern coast.
There are some picnic tables and banks around the viewpoint. You can go there for a picnic lunch or a barbecue. There are also toilets and other facilities to have a great meal with a view.
Miradouro Vigia da Baleia at Ponta do Castelo, Santa Maria
We’ve placed the 5th viewpoint, Miradouro Vigia da Baleia, at Ponta do Castelo, on the southeastern tip of Santa Maria island. Enjoy a stunning view of Maia Bay and its iconic lighthouse, Gonçalo Velho Cabral Lighthouse, from this vantage point. In the past, people would bring the whales to land from the harbor below for processing. The viewpoint lies along the path leading to the lighthouse, offering incredible views. This is a fantastic spot to catch the sunrise over the ocean, as it faces east, making it an ideal spot for sunrise enthusiasts.
To reach Santa Maria, simply take a flight from any other Azores island, which takes about 20 minutes from São Miguel. Currently, no ferries operate to Santa Maria. For more details on interisland flights and ferry routes, look at our articles on interisland flights in the Azores and ferryboats between the Azores islands.
Miradouro Vigia da Baleia at Ponta dos Rosais, São Jorge
They used this little white tower until the 1980s to spot whales for hunting. In 2015, they renovated it, transforming it into a beautiful tourist viewpoint. Located more than 200 meters above sea level, the Miradouro Vigia da Baleia on São Jorge Island sits at the western tip, near the Rosais lighthouse in Ponta dos Rosais. You can enjoy stunning views of the Pico, Faial, and Graciosa islands from here.
You can climb to the roof and use the on-site binoculars. Who knows? You might spot some wildlife passing by. Perfect for sunset enthusiasts, this spot offers spectacular views of the horizon. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
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 the Azores
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 the Azores
The Azores Archipelago enjoys a unique climate shaped by various factors, contributing to its lush vegetation and stunning landscapes. The islands boast mild temperatures throughout the year, with minimal fluctuations, making them a year-round destination.
In spring, temperatures average 16 °C, summer peaks at 21 °C, autumn cools to 18 °C, and winter stays around 14 °C. For more detailed weather information for specific months, 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
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Conclusion
Independent of which Miradouro Vigia da Baleia you choose to visit, it will be worth your time. Whether on São Miguel, Santa Maria, or São Jorge, each viewpoint offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding coastline.
Now that you know what a Vigia is, if you’re curious to learn more about the history of whale hunting in the Azores, be sure to check out our dedicated page on the subject!
Authors’ Note
I’m pleased to inform you that all the recommendations in this article are based on my experience and observations. As the author, I have personally visited each attraction mentioned, ensuring that every suggestion is grounded in first-hand knowledge and genuine enthusiasm.
FAQs
“Vigia da Baleia” translates to “Whale Spotter” in English. The name refers to the traditional lookout points used to spot whales during the whaling period in the Azores.
The Miradouros Vigia da Baleia are viewpoints across the Azores, originally used for whale spotting. Today, they offer panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, surrounding islands, and lush landscapes, making them popular for sightseeing and photography, offering breathtaking vistas of the region’s natural beauty.
You can find the Miradouro Vigia da Baleia in various locations across the Azores, including São Miguel, Santa Maria, and São Jorge islands. Each viewpoint offers a unique ocean perspective, frequently with cliffs, picturesque shores, and other beautiful surroundings.
