Nestled at about 150m above the Atlantic Ocean, Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado is one of São Miguel Island’s coolest viewpoints. Set on the island’s western coast, this dramatic lookout offers a panoramic view of the cliffs around, the ocean as far as the eye can see, and the beautiful sky mixing with the ocean at the horizon. It is a true natural balcony over the water.
This viewpoint is especially famous for its sunsets, which are among the most breathtaking on the island. As the sun descends into the Atlantic, the sky fills with warm tones that reflect off the water – great for photography!
Let’s unravel more about this magical place in this complete guide to Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado.
What is Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado?
Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado is a coastal viewpoint located in the parish of Ginetes, within the municipality of Ponta Delgada. It is built on a steep volcanic cliff, offering incredible views of São Miguel‘s western coastline.
From this spot, you can admire some of the island’s most iconic landmarks, including the lava stones going into the ocean at Ponta da Ferraria – a natural hot spring. In fact, within the pool formed naturally by a volcanic eruption, fissures release the heat of the still-active magma chamber. It then warms the water, and people go there to swim when the tide is low and the sea conditions are calm, to feel the warmth of the volcano.
Another wonder that you can spot from Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado is the picturesque fishing village of Mosteiros and its famous islets rising from the ocean.
Did you know
On exceptionally clear days, distant silhouettes of other Azorean islands may even appear on the horizon, such as Terceira, São Jorge, and Pico, home to the highest mountain in Portugal.
Right next to the viewpoint area, you will notice a small white hut. This is actually a whale-watching lookout. Once used to spot whales for hunting, it now serves as a point where vigías, or lookouts, observe the ocean until they spot cetaceans. Then, they will communicate with the excursion boats via radio to guide them towards the animals.
Plan Your Visit to Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado
How to get to Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado
Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado is easily accessible by car. From Ponta Delgada, it is a 40-minute drive (27km) along the main south coast road (EN1-1A) westwards. You will pass through several villages, including Relva, Feteiras, Candelária, and Ginetes, before reaching the viewpoint. On the main road, right after Ginetes, you will find a sign on the left towards Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado.
Once parked, the viewpoint is right there, no need to hike. It is suitable for visitors of all ages and mobility levels.
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
Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado is open at all times and free; you can go there whenever you want. The view is always wonderful during the day, but late afternoon is definitely the ideal time to visit this viewpoint. This is when the light softens, and the sun begins its descent toward the ocean, creating a spectacular sunset scene among the finest on São Miguel.
Clear days provide the best visibility. If you want a chance to see the distant islands of the central group, then summer is your best bet. But keep in mind, this is very rare. There needs to be no low clouds at all on the horizon. Sometimes, especially during winter, the viewpoint can be in the fog. Weather in the Azores can change quickly, so checking conditions before visiting increases the chance of enjoying good views.
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
Where to Eat
Click on the following link to find a place to eat near Mosteiros. 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!
Pro Tips
Check the sunset times online and try to reach the viewpoint about 1 hour before that, so you have time to go to Mosteiros for the ultimate sunset experience. Also, there may be some wind, as the viewpoint is on top of a cliff on the coast, so don’t forget your jacket.
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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 | Miradouro Vigia da Baleia | Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado
Ponta da Ferraria Hot Spring
Ponta da Ferraria is one of the hot springs on São Miguel Island, but this one is special. Indeed, what makes it unique is that the hot water is within the ocean, not in an artificial pool. You can also go all the way to Mosteiros and watch the sunset.
Hike Cumeeira Grande around Sete Cidades Volcano
Indeed, Sete Cidades offers a variety of hiking trails for all levels and interests. The Serra Devassa trail is a challenging hike that rewards you with breathtaking views of the island. The Grota do Inferno trail leads you to a scenic viewpoint where you can see the beautiful landscape of Sete Cidades.
The trail leading to the tunnel between Sete Cidades and Mosteiros offers a unique experience that combines nature and history. The Cumeeira Pequena trail is an easy, scenic walk that offers panoramic views of the lakes and surrounding hills.
Miradouro da Vista do Rei
At the Vista do Rei viewpoint, you are standing on the spot of some of the most famous postcards of the Azores. The green and blue lakes are one of Portugal’s seven natural wonders. And once you look at it from Vista do Rei, you can truly understand why.
From this viewpoint, you can also take a look at Sete Cidades village on the shore of the blue lake, and also at the stone bridge separating the colors of the lakes, which is only one lake. Indeed, the water runs under the bridge, so the lake is two-colored.
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 | Caldeira das Sete Cidades
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 let you compare prices and schedules from multiple 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
Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado is one of those places that you cannot miss during your visit to São Miguel Island. It is so easy to access, and the view is so unique; you need to see this to have the complete island experience.
The contrast between the green of the pastures all around, the black of the dry lava on the coast, and the blue of the ocean as far as you can see captures the spirit of São Miguel and the Azores in general.
Beyond its beauty, Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado has a significant historical and geological significance. It is a place where nature, culture, and the maritime heritage of the Azores come together, making it much more than just a scenic stop.
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
From Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado, visitors enjoy panoramic views of volcanic cliffs, the Ponta da Ferraria, and the village of Mosteiros, with its islets. On exceptionally clear days, you can even spot the silhouettes of Terceira, São Jorge, and Pico islands on the Atlantic horizon.
The best time to visit Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado is in the late afternoon. This spot is famous for offering one of the most breathtaking sunsets in São Miguel, as the soft light and warm sky tones reflect beautifully over the infinite ocean.
Access to Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado is easy, as it is located in the parish of Ginetes. By car, the journey from Ponta Delgada takes about 40 minutes via the EN1-1A road. The viewpoint is right by the road, making it accessible for visitors of all ages and mobility levels.
Yes, next to the Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado, there is a small white hut used as a whale-watching lookout. Once used for hunting, it now serves as a “vigia” communicating via radio with excursion boats to guide tourists to sightings of whales and dolphins in the wild.
