If you’re planning a trip to São Miguel Island, the Miradouro da Ilha Sabrina is a must-see destination. Such a beautiful outlook is a spectacular 360-degree panorama over the Ferraria Hot Springs.
As someone born and raised in the Azores, I invite you to not only appreciate the natural beauty of this location but also the deep history that often goes unnoticed by visitors.
What is Miradouro da Ilha Sabrina
The Miradouro da Ilha Sabrina is a contemporary viewpoint located on the western coast of São Miguel Island, down the village of Mosteiros. This viewpoint commemorates the brief emergence of a volcanic island, the Ilha Sabrina, in 1811. Ilha Sabrina appeared out of nowhere in the ocean as a result of an underwater volcanic eruption, only to subside a few months afterward.
The viewpoint offers a place where visitors can reflect on the island’s fleeting existence while enjoying one of the many beautiful views in the Azores.
The Story Behind Ilha Sabrina
In June 1811, a volcanic island emerged approximately 2 kilometers from São Miguel Island, as a result of a powerful underwater eruption. The island was 100 meters high before it was destroyed by waves and vanished under the sea within just a few months. The British called it Sabrina Island.
Over its brief history, the island became an international issue between Portugal and the United Kingdom. As both sought to lay claim to the new landmass, a diplomatic incident ensued between them.
Today, this place commemorates this rare historical episode, providing visitors with a view over the spot where history and geology collided. It may not be the most famous viewpoint on the island, but to me, it’s one of the most meaningful.
Plan Your Visit to Miradouro da Ilha Sabrina
Best Time to Visit
Even though you can enjoy this location on any sunny day, I recommend you visit Miradouro da Ilha Sabrina at sunset, as the sun dipping below the Atlantic is truly magical. If you are planning to visit the Ferraria Hot Spot, consider taking the opportunity to explore this fantastic viewpoint next.
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
How to Get to Miradouro da Ilha Sabrina
The Miradouro da Ilha Sabrina is easily accessible by car, taking the road from Ponta Delgada. It takes about 40 minutes along scenic coastal roads. You can easily park nearby, and the viewpoint is just beside the road.
Pro Tips
Based on my experience, I recommend setting aside a day to explore the western part of the island, including a stop at Miradouro da Ilha Sabrina when visiting Ferraria Hot Springs. It won’t take you much time, and it will be worth it.
What to Bring
- Light jacket or windbreaker: Even on sunny days, the ocean breeze can be strong.
- Water and snacks: There are no cafés nearby.
- Camera or smartphone: The viewpoint is perfect for photos, especially at sunset.
Where to Eat
Click on the following link to find a place to eat near Miradouro da Ilha Sabrina. It will take you to TripAdvisor, where you can review the 10 best restaurants.
Where to Stay
Searching for the perfect place to stay? We’ve made it easy by filtering top accommodation options from Airbnb and Booking. Here, you’ll find the ideal place to stay and enjoy your visit!
Nearby Attractions
Mosteiros
A town completely turned to the ocean, where the soothing salty breeze is omnipresent everywhere you go — a smell of holidays and an idyllic vision for sea lovers. The picturesque village of Mosteiros is the place to be for a refill of good vibes and the preferred spot for sunset enthusiasts.
Check all our articles about each one of the most relevant points of interest in Mosteiros: Mosteiros | Ponta da Ferraria | Praia dos Mosteiros | Pico Vermelho Windmill | Miradouro da Ilha Sabrina
Ponta da Ferraria Hot Springs
This is truly a wonder of nature. Ponta da Ferraria is the only hot spring in the Azores where you don’t have to pay to enjoy the relaxing warm waters. The best part is that it’s located in a volcanic fissure inside the ocean, making it 100% natural!
You need to go when the sea conditions are good and at low tide to feel the warmth from the ground. It was a unique experience to witness the volcanic origins of the Azores. Swim in a natural hot spring in the Atlantic Ocean.
→ Related Post: Best beaches in the Azores. Read more!
Sete Cidades
The Sete Cidades volcanic complex is a stunning region and village in Ponta Delgada county, northwest of São Miguel. The iconic love legend of the two-colored lakes makes it renowned. The story tells of a blue-eyed princess and a green-eyed farmer whose forbidden love created the lakes. As the king ordered, their tears originated from the lakes, forever binding their passion to this enchanting tale.
Check all our articles about each one of the most relevant points of interest in Sete Cidades: Caldeira Seca | Janela do Inferno | Miradouro da Grota do Inferno | Lagoa das Empadadas | Sete Cidades | Lagoa das Sete Cidades | Lagoa de Santiago | Lagoa do Canário | Lagoa do Congro | Miradouro das Cumeeiras | Monte Palace Hotel | Sete Cidades Legend | Miradouro da Vista do Rei | Lagoa de Santiago Viewpoint | Pico da Vara
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 to São Miguel (PDL), Terceira (TER), Faial (HOR), Pico (PIX), and Santa Maria (SMA) available. 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
More than a scenic viewpoint, this Miradouro da Ilha Sabrina can be described as the door to the dramatic volcanic history of the Azores. It may not be the most famous viewpoint on the island, but to me, it’s one of the most meaningful. Do not skip the chance to visit this captivating and attractive place.
Authors’ Note
I am pleased to inform you that all the recommendations in this article are based on my personal 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
It is a scenic viewpoint on the west coast of São Miguel Island, in the Azores. It offers breathtaking ocean views and marks the spot where the ephemeral volcanic Sabrina Island briefly existed in 1811.
It is located near the village of Mosteiros, in the municipality of Ponta Delgada, on São Miguel Island. The Miradouro da Ilha Sabrina is easily accessible by car and offers parking nearby.
Ilha Sabrina was formed by a submarine volcanic eruption in 1811, but disappeared just a few months later due to ocean erosion. The island no longer exists above sea level, but its story is remembered.
Absolutely. The place offers a unique blend of natural beauty, ocean views, and fascinating history. It’s also an ideal spot for sunset photography and learning about the volcanic origins of the Azores.
The best time to visit is during sunset, when the sun dips below the Atlantic horizon and bathes the coastline in golden light. Clear days also offer great views of the Mosteiros islets.
Yes, the Miradouro da Ilha Sabrina is accessible by car, with nearby parking and a short, flat path. It’s easy to reach on foot, though it lacks wheelchair ramps and facilities. Visitors with limited mobility may need assistance. There are no restrooms or cafés on-site.
Yes, it’s suitable for families. The path is easy and flat, but supervision is advised for young children near the edge, as some parts lack railings. It’s a quiet, natural spot for a peaceful family stop.
