Nordeste is where Mother Nature shows her magic. Furnas is the entrance to another world full of geological mysteries. It is a peaceful retreat for locals to escape the city and for travelers to discover the unspoiled, unique nature.
Furnas is mesmerizing, with boiling water emanating from the volcanic ground, smoke visible all around town, and a distinct smell. Get to know every detail about this luxurious place in São Miguel island, explained by a local professional guide.
What is Nordeste?
If paradise is a place on Earth, Nordeste is the closest to what it might look like. It is one of the most floriferous areas in Europe, filled with natural beauty and an abundance of exuberant flora.
The gorgeousness of São Miguel’s nature is packed inside this region on the eastern end. From a park full of waterfalls to a viewpoint made to watch sunrises, there are many things to discover in Nordeste.
History & Geography
Nordeste is a municipality and a county of nine townships located on the northeastern side of São Miguel. Some enriching activities in the area are fishing and agriculture. However, tourism is growing thanks to Nordeste’s natural beauty.
The lighthouse of Arnel in Nordeste was the first to be built in the Azores in 1876. Suppose you want to explore this wonderful region further. In that case, the municipal museum of Nordeste displays traditional objects from the daily lives of locals, when agriculture was the primary focus of this small town.
Fauna & Flora
Nordeste is the largest laurel forest area on the island. This region is also renowned for its vibrant, multicolored flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. The soils are fertile, and water stocks are full due to the humidity present all year round.
Did you know that in Nordeste lives one of the rarest birds in Europe: the Priolo? It was seriously threatened, but thanks to the efforts of associations and projects to replant its natural habitat, it is no longer in great danger. Visit the Priolo Environmental Centre to learn more about this cute little bird.
What to Do at Nordeste?
Centro de Interpretação do Priolo
For an enjoyable visit, consider visiting Centro Ambiental do Priolo. This little exposition explains the importance of saving the Azores Bullfinch, a small endangered bird that only lives in Nordeste.
Farol do Arnel
The lighthouse of Arnel, located in Ponta do Arnel, was also built at the end of the 19th century. It is still working today to guide boats along the coast.
Ponta da Madrugada & Ponta do Sossego Viewpoints
The viewpoints of Ponta do Sossego and Ponta da Madrugada are the two most famous spots to see the perfect sunrise in São Miguel. This is a great experience; you must try it if you’re staying near Nordeste.
Many people sleep near these viewpoints or drive early in the morning to witness the sun rising over the ocean. The two parks offer stunning landscapes of green cliffs that fall into the Atlantic, as well as various plants and flowers.
Salto da Farinha Viewpoint
Located in the middle of a lush forest, the 40-meter Salto da Farinha waterfall can be viewed from a viewpoint in Salga or via a trail. For an incredible sight worthy of a Jurassic Park movie, you should go there after rainy days to see the waterfall with more water. Right next to the waterfall is a picnic area, and there is also access to the ocean, where you can swim on a good weather day.
Nordeste Village
Vila do Nordeste is a vibrant small town with a rich 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 an ancient structure, having been built between 1882 and 1883. It is a lovely place to stop by.
Moinho do Félix Hiking Trail
If you’re a hiking enthusiast looking for a great hiking experience, Moinho do Félix is a great spot. This 2-hour round-trip trail takes you through the forest and passes many waterfalls. It is located in the neighboring village of Lomba de São Pedro.
🥾 Recommended Tour Hiking in Moinho do Félix
Pico da Vara
Pico da Vara is nothing less than the highest point of São Miguel island. Reaching up to 1,108 meters above sea level, Pico da Vara can be found in the Basaltic Volcanic Complex of Nordeste, the natural habitat of the Azores Bullfinch.
The Pico da Vara nature reserve is 1,980 hectares and is covered by the Laurisilva forest. It displays a rich flora.
You can visit and hike up to the top of São Miguel island with our guides! Come join us for this beautiful experience! Please note that it is best to take this tour when there are few or no clouds for an exceptional view of the entire island.
Poço Azul
Poço Azul is a beautiful place to spend half a day exploring nature, exercising outdoors, and taking in the quiet surroundings. We will explore the various possibilities for visiting the famous Blue Lagoon in the Azores.
As several water channels, such as Ribeira, cross the area of Cachaço and Ribeira das Coelhas, it is possible to follow the water and stumble upon many small, charming waterfalls. They are not as popular as the Blue Lagoon, making them the perfect spot for pictures without too many people around.
Praia do Lombo Gordo
If you want to relax on the warm sand, Lombo Gordo is a gorgeous black-sand beach where you can swim in the Atlantic. It is better to go in the morning and early afternoon because the sun hides quickly behind the high hills.
Ribeira dos Caldeirões
Ribeira dos Caldeirões Park is very popular among tourists who love chasing waterfalls and local families who want to spend a good afternoon surrounded by nature.
Stroll along the river, visit the open-air museum, photograph the countless waterfalls, or taste the local ice cream at the shop. For those who want to experience more sensations, consider taking a canyoning tour that includes jumping, sliding, zip-lining, and rappelling down the waterfalls.
🧭 Recommended Tour Canyoning Experience in Ribeira dos Caldeirões
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 | Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada
What to Do After Visiting Nordeste
Furnas
This is one of the biggest hydropolis in Europe. It combines a considerable diversity of thermal spring waters and boiling water spots. You’ll also be invited to drink these volcanic waters. It was an extraordinary experience!
The valley of Furnas is situated inside a huge volcanic crater, one of the most active on the island. Due to its unlimited beauty, Furnas’s main wealth sources are agriculture and tourism.
This quiet place is well known by travelers and locals who choose to visit for the weekend or holidays.
Points of interest in Furnas
- Caldeiras das Furnas;
- Capela da Nossa Senhora das Vitórias;
- Casa dos Barcos and Casa da Lagoa;
- Castelo Branco’s viewpoint;
- Furnas Monitoring and Research Centre;
- Lagoa das Furnas;
- Mata-Jardim José do Canto;
- Microbial Observatory of the Azores;
- Salto do Cavalo viewpoint;
- Parque da Grená;
- Terra Nostra Botanical Garden;
- Parque Terra Nostra Iron-rich Thermal Pools;
- Pico do Ferro viewpoint;
- Poça da Dona Beija;
- Poça da Tia Silvina “Lava-pés”;
- Ribeira Quente beach;
- Salto do Rosal;
- Salto do Cavalo viewpoint;
- Vila das Furnas.
Povoação
The stunning county of Povoação boasts diverse natural wonders that will captivate any visitor. Located approximately one hour from Ponta Delgada by car, Povoação is well worth a visit, as it offers a multitude of unique landscapes that provide a sense of unity with the natural world.
→ Related article: Povoação
Points of interest in Povoação
- Agrião;
- Aldeia do Sanguinho;
- Faial da Terra;
- Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Graça;
- Miradouro da Lomba do Cavaleiro;
- Miradouro do Pico dos Bodes;
- Museu do Trigo (Wheat Museum);
- Parque de Merendas do Porto Novo;
- Porta dos Primeiros Povoadores;
- Portinho do Faial da Terra;
- Praia do Fogo;
- Ribeira Quente;
- Praia do Morro;
- Salto do Prego;
- Serra da Tronqueira.
Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo
The Vila Franca do Campo islet is a nature reserve for birds in the winter and one of the most epic beaches you can go to on São Miguel island in the summer.
🐳 Recommended Tour Whale Watching and Explore the Vila Franca Islet
It is an old submarine volcano with crystal-clear waters in its crater, where you can swim and snorkel. This wonder of nature is open only from June to October for preservation purposes.
It is undoubtedly one of the top 10 best beaches in the Azores. From June to October, a traditional fishing boat takes you there in 10 minutes from the town’s harbor.
Maia
Peacefulness and the smell of the ocean mix in the town of Maia. It is a quiet coastal village on top of an old lava flow with luxuriant nature and a rich culture and history. Maia is far away from tourist crowds and camera flashes. Discover a place locals know how to appreciate.
Points of interest in Maia
- Calhau da Maia
- Fábrica de Chá Gorreana
- Moinhos da Ribeira Funda
- Museu do Tabaco
- Piscinas Naturais da Maia
- Praia da Viola
Ribeira Grande
Ribeira Grande, the surf capital, is a beautiful coastal city on the North coast of São Miguel island. It is also the second-biggest city on the island after Ponta Delgada. The city’s treasures include several churches, beautiful squares where locals and tourists meet, a farmers’ market, a river, and an interesting Azorean Emigration Museum.
Points of interest in Ribeira Grande
- Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande
- Moinhos da Ribeira Funda hiking trail
- Pico da Barrosa
- Ponta do Cintrão
- Porto de Santa Iria
- Fábrica de Chá de Porto Formoso
- Praia do Areal de Santa Barbara
- Praia do Monte Verde
- Praia dos Moinhos
- Rabo de Peixe
- Miradouro de Santa Iria
- Salto do Cabrito
- São Brás
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!
Video of Nordeste (São Miguel Island, Azores)
FAQs
FAQs about Nordeste, São Miguel, Azores:
What is Nordeste known for?
Nordeste is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, which includes lush green landscapes, waterfalls such as Salto do Prego, and panoramic coastal views.
Are there hiking opportunities in Nordeste?
Yes, Nordeste offers excellent hiking trails through its rugged terrain and forests, such as the Faial da Terra trail and Moinhos do Félix trail.
What are some cultural attractions in Nordeste?
Nordeste boasts cultural sites like the charming Church of São Jorge, known for its unique azulejo tiles, reflecting the island’s Portuguese heritage.
Conclusion
With its breathtaking landscapes and diverse natural attractions, Nordeste stands as a testament to the raw beauty of São Miguel island in the Azores. From the mist-shrouded peaks of Pico da Vara to the tranquil shores of Lombo Gordo beach, every corner of this region exudes a serene charm that captivates locals and travelers alike.
Whether exploring the lush laurel forests teeming with endemic flora and fauna or marveling at the cascading waters of Salto da Farinha, Nordeste offers an escape into a realm where nature thrives undisturbed. Each visit experiences the geological wonders of Furnas and uncovers a sanctuary that preserves the wonders of the natural world in its most pristine form.
