Farol do Arnel (Arnel’s lighthouse, if translated) is the oldest lighthouse in the Azores. Located in the extreme northeast of the island of São Miguel, this private construction has a privileged location overlooking the immensity of the sea. It is one of the tourist attractions that most impresses visitors to this island.
Many consider this lighthouse one of the most beautiful architectural buildings in the Azorean archipelago. It has been in operation since November 1876 and continues to carry out its coastal control activity today. Over the years, the site underwent some improvements and maintenance work. It is currently one of the most emblematic visiting cards in the Northeast.
What is the Farol do Arnel
The Farol do Arnel, also known as the Farol da Ponta do Arnel, was built at the end of the 19th century by the hand of the well-known Worker of the Northeast, António Alves de Oliveira. It is currently considered a heritage landmark of the municipality of Nordeste.
Over the years, the Farol do Arnel has undergone several improvements and adaptations. It was kept up-to-date and able to carry out its maritime signaling functions for all the traffic that navigates in Azorean waters. In addition to its essential functions, the lighthouse offers its visitors a permanent exhibition about the lighthouses of the Azores. It is an excellent opportunity to:
- Learn about the ancestors;
- History of the place, together with the lighthouse keepers.
History
Farol do Arnel was the first lighthouse built in the Autonomous Region of the Azores. According to the existing documentation, the complete equipment of the lighthouse had a total cost of 21 thousand reis (old Portuguese coin). Designed, planned, and built by António Alves de Oliveira, it presents an irreverent architectural style. It’s based on the modern ideas of the great workers of the time. It has:
- Octagonal tower intended for the accommodation of lighthouse keepers;
- 15 meters high;
- An altitude of 66 meters.
The lighthouse emits single white flashes at 5-second intervals, with a range of 25 nautical miles.
What to Do in Farol do Arnel
Are you passing through the Nordeste? Don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit the Arnel Lighthouse and some places that we consider to be equally relevant points of interest for you! Between waterfalls and viewpoints, this will undoubtedly be a great place to discover and explore during your visit to the island of São Miguel.
Diving in the Ponta do Arnel Waterfall
The Ponta do Arnel Waterfall is an imposing waterfall located in the Natural Park of São Miguel. It’s also known as Salto do Andrea e Martin. Approximately 80 meters high, the Ponta do Arnel Waterfall is one of the regional ex-libris. It attracts thousands of curious and adventurous visitors annually.
This waterfall is located near the Arnel Lighthouse, the Ponta do Arnel Viewpoint, and the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré. To access the waterfall, you will have to walk a steep path (it can be done by car or on foot). The site also offers a free car park, open 24 hours a day.
Contemplate the View From the Ponta do Arnel Viewpoint
The Ponta do Arnel Viewpoint is located in Vila do Nordeste, in the municipality of Nordeste, in São Miguel, in the Azores. At approximately 150 meters of altitude, the Viewpoint has excellent access conditions. It has a ramp for people with reduced mobility and a free car park.
This viewpoint offers you a magnificent panoramic view over Vila do Nordeste, over the Ponta do Arnel Lighthouse, and over the blue sea of the Atlantic Ocean. From the Ponta do Arnel Viewpoint, you can also see the picturesque parish of Faial da Terra.
Appreciate the Immensity of the Sea at the Vista dos Barcos Viewpoint
The Vista dos Barcos Viewpoint is located near the village of Lambo do Moio in the municipality of Nordeste. From this location, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the sea and the surrounding region. At an altitude of 430 meters, this viewpoint is the first place on land where ships approaching the Azorean coast from the east can be seen. This is undoubtedly a mandatory stop on your way through the Northeast.
Plan Your Visit to Farol do Arnel
The Arnel Lighthouse is a tourist attraction full of history and stories, which is why it deserves a visit regardless of the time of year. You can visit the Arnel Lighthouse throughout the year, but only on Wednesdays. Admission is free, and you need to register or make a reservation to access this imposing secular architectural work.
The Arnel Lighthouse is open at two different times, namely:
- Summer: every Wednesday from 2 pm to 5 pm;
- Winter: every Wednesday from 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm.
Best Time to Visit
Due to their location, the Azores have mild temperatures throughout the year. However, in the winter months, periods of rain and lower temperatures are naturally more frequent. In this sense, the best time to visit the archipelago is usually between May and September, when precipitation is practically zero and the days are longer and sunny.
However, it is essential to mention that the cloudy sky is a common feature of all the archipelago islands. Occasionally, it may be difficult to contemplate the true splendor of some viewpoints in the Northeast, in São Miguel.
How to Get to Arnel Lighthouse?
Keep in mind that the path to get there is quite steep, but eventually, your effort will be rewarded. The access route to Farol do Arnel has a very steep slope, with a 35% slope, and has no parking. Therefore, despite the possibility of going to the lighthouse by car or motorcycle, it is advisable to take the 500-meter journey on foot.
Due to the steep slope, many vehicles with a lower displacement and without traction may even have difficulty making this journey. However, if you prefer to make the journey by car, you must park on the side of the Estrada Regional, near the descent towards Porto de Pescas.
Where to Eat
Click on the following link to find a place to eat near Farol do Arnel. 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
Boca da Ribeira Natural Pool
The Natural da Boca da Ribeira Natural Pool is located near Vila do Nordeste. It is considered a leisure space of choice for residents and tourists visiting the region. With its clear waters and a well-used and recovered space, the Boca da Ribeira Natural Pool is undoubtedly an excellent option for a different and well-spent day.
Did you know
The Boca de Ribeira Natural Pool is a result of volcanic activity and the action of the sea.
The natural pools have all the support infrastructure for bathers, making them even more attractive for those who want to take advantage of warmer days. Enjoy sunbathing and the salty seawater!
Ribeira do Guilherme Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden of Ribeira do Guilherme is a municipal park and botanical garden located in Lomba da Fazenda, a municipality in the Nordeste, near the towns of São Jorge and Senhora do Rosário.
This botanical garden consists of vegetation typical of Macaronesian forests, with the dominant Laurel forest. Due to Priolo’s presence and plant variety, part of the park was included in the Special Protection Zone of Pico da Vara and Ribeira do Guilherme to protect and preserve this habitat.
The Ribeira do Guilherme Botanical Garden has waterfalls, mills, lakes, and swans. Furthermore, if you like camping, this garden has a beautiful campsite with a saltwater pool. If you would like to explore this garden, know that there is a footpath that goes through the entire park. It offers panoramic views over the sea.
Other Points of Interest in Nordeste
Vila do Nordeste is a colorful small town with a great heritage in the northeast of São Miguel island. It is one of the most flowery villages in Europe, and if you visit during the spring or summer, you will see why. When you arrive in Nordeste, you will see the Bridge of the 7 Arches, one of the most beautiful bridges in the Azores. It is ancient, as it was built between 1882 and 1883. It is stunning scenery to stop by.
Check all our articles about each one of the most relevant points of interest in Nordeste: Cu de Judas Nordeste | Farol do Arnel | Faial da Terra | Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego | Miradouro do Salto da Farinha | Pico da Vara | Pico dos Bodes | Poço Azul | Ribeira dos Caldeirões | Miradouro da Boca da Ribeira
Complementary Information
Best Season to Visit the Azores
The Azores Archipelago enjoys a unique climate that shapes its lush landscapes and makes it a splendid year-round destination. With mild temperatures and minimal fluctuations, every season has something unique to offer. 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 allow you to compare prices and schedules from different airlines in one place.
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!
Azorean 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 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.
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Conclusion
The Arnel Lighthouse, located northeast of São Miguel, is the oldest in the Azorean archipelago and has been active since November 1876. This emblematic historic building performs coastal control functions. It offers a permanent exhibition on the history of Azorean lighthouses and lighthouse keepers — open to the public every Wednesday free of charge.
In addition to the uniqueness and grandeur of the lighthouse, the municipality of Nordeste has many other points of tourist interest that deserve to be visited! What are you waiting for to embark on this adventure?
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
The Farol do Arnel is a lighthouse located at Ponta do Arnel, on the northeastern tip of São Miguel Island, Azores. It was built in 1876 to guide vessels in the region.
Yes, the Farol do Arnel is open to visitors. It welcomes the public to enjoy the views and learn about its maritime history.
The Farol do Arnel is situated at Ponta do Arnel, in the municipality of Nordeste, São Miguel Island, Azores.
To reach the Farol do Arnel, you can take the road from the town of Nordeste, use public transportation, or take a taxi. It is accessible by car or on foot.
Nearby must-see points include Ponta do Arnel, Ribeira dos Caldeirões, Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego, and the Natural Park of Ribeira dos Caldeirões.
