Pico dos Bodes: A 360º View Around the Eastern Part of São Miguel

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 for a particularly 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 extensive wooden infrastructure built for whale and dolphin watching purposes remains 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 1 hour and 15 minutes 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 do Campo, 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.

Planning a trip to the Azores? These articles will help you: How to Get to the Azores 🗺️ | Azores airports 🛬 | Flights between islands ✈️ | Ferries between islands ⛴️ | Which island to choose? 🏝️ | What airlines fly to the Azores? 🛩️

Best Time to Visit

As it is located at an altitude, visitors to Pico dos Bodes can expect unstable weather conditions, ranging from bright sunshine to foggy mist and some rain. It’s best to come prepared with appropriate clothing and shoes for hiking if you plan 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 can enjoy the beautiful sky colors during sunrise and sunset. However, if you are staying in Ponta Delgada, driving early in the morning or at night can be tiring. A good idea would be to have a picnic there with a view if the weather is nice!

Check all our articles about the weather in the Azores throughout the year 🌤️ ☔️: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

Pro Tips

If you are lucky, you might see some dolphins or even whales passing not too far from the coast. Some lookouts from a whale and dolphin watching company may actually be 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.

Nearby Attractions

Vigia da Baleia Hiking Trail

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 incredible ocean and coast views.

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 city, including picturesque villages, beautiful churches, and historic museums. Scenic trails, natural parks, imposing waterfalls, relaxed beaches, and splendid viewpoints also await discovery.

Check all our articles about each one of the most relevant points of interest in Povoação: Povoação | Aldeia do Sanguinho | Faial da Terra | Salto do Cagarrão | Salto do Prego | Ribeira Quente Waterfall | Praia do Fogo | Miradouro do Pico dos Bodes | Miradouro Vigia da Baleia

Complementary Information

Best Season to Visit the Azores

The Azores Archipelago boasts a unique climate that shapes its lush landscapes, making it a splendid year-round destination. With mild temperatures and minimal fluctuations, each season offers something unique. Spring averages 16 °C, summer reaches 21 °C, autumn cools to 18 °C, and winter remains mild at 14 °C.

→ For a detailed breakdown of the weather by month, check the following links 🌤️☔️: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

How to Get to the Azores

The Azorean Archipelago is easily accessible through numerous flight routes. Lisbon and Porto are the main entry points to the continent, with direct flights available to São Miguel (PDL), Terceira (TER), Faial (HOR), Pico (PIX), and Santa Maria (SMA). To find the best flight, use search engines like eDreams or Skyscanner. These platforms enable you to compare prices and schedules from various airlines in one convenient location.

For more details on how to get to the Azores, take a look at our complete guide. But what if you want to explore beyond your arrival island? We’ve got you covered!

• Azores airports 🛬
• Flights between islands ✈️
• Ferries between islands ⛴️
• Which island to choose? 🏝️
• What airlines fly to the Azores? 🛩️

→ Once you’ve found the perfect route, book your tickets and get ready to experience one of the world’s most stunning island groups!

Travel Essentials

Essential Information for your Azores trip: Azorean Language & Phrases 🗣️ | Currency & Banks 💵 | Credit Cards & Traveler’s Cheques 🏧 | Driving in the Azores 🚗 | Electricity 🔌 | Experiences & Tours 🗺️ | Health & Safety 🩺 | Internet & Wi-Fi Access 🛜 | Phones & Mobile Service 📞 | Post Offices & Buying Stamps ✉️ | Public Holidays 🏖️ | Shopping 🛒 | Time & Daylight 🕒 | Whale Watching Guide 🐳 | Best Island to Visit 🏞️

Useful Tools & Apps

The weather in the Azores can be variable, so it’s helpful to use some apps before visiting the islands. Spotazores provides live camera feeds from the main tourist attractions, allowing you to check the weather and plan your visit. For accurate weather predictions, use Windy or Windguru — they provide the most reliable predictions.

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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!

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