São Miguel Island in the Azores archipelago boasts stunning natural landscapes and volcanic terrain. People call it the Green Island, and from the viewpoint of Pico dos Bodes, you can truly understand why.
Pico dos Bodes is located in the southeastern part of São Miguel Island, in Povoação. This is a beautiful spot to observe the serenity so typical of the Azores. Where the deep blue ocean contrasts with the 100 shades of green of the land.
Let’s discover everything about Pico dos Bode’s viewpoint and why it should be on your to-do list while in São Miguel Island.
What is Miradouro Pico dos Bodes
Pico dos Bodes is a viewpoint on top of a big green hill that volcanic movements created thousands of years ago. It is located between Faial da Terra and Povoação, on the south coast of São Miguel island. The highest point of this geological incident is about 460 meters above sea level, which allows quite an outstanding view.
Indeed, from the top with good weather, enjoy a panoramic 360º view over the Atlantic Ocean in the south and the coastline extending from Vila Franca do Campo, passing by Povoação and ending in Faial da Terra. Moreover, you can look at the pasture lands around the viewpoint, the island’s highest mountains on the northern side, and some forest in Tronqueira, the largest forest in the Azores.
Still unmissable, the big wooden infrastructure made for whale and dolphin watching purposes is still at the viewpoint. From the little window over the ocean, the lookouts have a 180º view to search for animals and guide the boats directly to them through the radio system.
Plan Your Visit to Pico dos Bodes
How to Get to Miradouro Pico dos Bodes
You can easily go to this viewpoint by car. From Ponta Delgada, it takes about 1h15 to get there, so make sure to visit other sights around Povoação to make the trip worth it, as it is about 60 km away.
Just follow the main road EN1-1A eastwards, passing by Lagoa, Vila Franca, Furnas, Povoação, and at the exit of the town, after the Miradouro Pôr do Sol, turn left on the secondary roads. You will see indications towards Pico dos Bodes.
You can reach the Pico dos Bodes viewpoint by hiking a trail from Faial da Terra or Povoação. People call it Vigia da Baleia, and it takes about 3 hours to complete one way.
Best Time to Visit Pico dos Bodes
As it is located at altitude, visitors to Pico dos Bodes can expect unstable weather conditions, ranging from bright sunshine to foggy mist and some rain. So it is better to come prepared with appropriate clothing and shoes for hiking if you choose to reach the viewpoint on foot. Its scenic slopes are often in the clouds, adding to the mystical atmosphere of the area.
From Pico dos Bodes, you could enjoy the smooth sky colors during sunrise and sunset, although if you are staying in Ponta Delgada, driving early in the morning or at night would be tiring. A good idea would be to have a picnic there with a view if the weather is nice!
Pro Tips for Pico dos Bodes
If you are lucky, you might see some dolphins or even whales passing not too far from the coast. Some lookout from a whale and dolphin watching company may be actually at the viewpoint looking for the animals. The best way to see cetaceans from Pico dos Bodes would be to take binoculars with you and try screening the ocean. But you need to be patient!
There are some wonderful things to do around this viewpoint, so look at our suggestions for creating a beautiful day around this area.
What to do Around Miradouro Pico dos Bodes
Hike the Trail Vigia da Baleia
Hikers and nature lovers will find their way to Pico dos Bodes for its challenging trails and breathtaking scenery. The hike to the summit offers opportunities to encounter diverse flora like sweet Pittosporum sp and Cryptomeria, as well as beautiful landscapes, including lush forests, colorful flowers, and awesome ocean and coast views.
Did you know
The trail PR 18 SMI is linear, about 7 kilometers long for a 3-hour hike one way. It links the towns of Faial da Terra and Povoação, passing along the coast. Note that there is another trail leading to Pico dos Bodes called PRC 40 SMI – Quatro Caminhos do Faial da Terra.
Visit Povoação
Between enchanting nature and historical legacy, Povoação seamlessly blends both. Architectural wonders complement the town’s peaceful natural surroundings, enhancing your travel experience. Visitors can find several sights across the town, including picturesque villages, beautiful churches, and historic museums. Scenic trails, natural parks, imposing waterfalls, relaxed beaches, and splendid viewpoints also await discovery.
→ Related articles: Faial da Terra | Pico dos Bodes | Salto do Prego
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!
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Conclusion
Overall, Pico dos Bodes is a must-visit viewpoint for those looking for adventure and natural beauty on São Miguel island. The viewpoint offers a memorable experience overlooking the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Azores. We hope you enjoy your stay on the green island.
If you explore the Eastern part, don’t forget to include this viewpoint during your exploration!
