Ponta das Contendas is a protected area with an important role in the preservation of Terceira Island’s native fauna and flora – it is a Special Protection Area (SPA).
In this sense, it plays a fundamental role in conserving the biodiversity of resident and migratory seabirds that use Ponta das Contendas as a nesting habitat.
In addition, this site is considered historical and cultural heritage because it played an important role in the defence of the Azorean coast.
Throughout this article we’ll explain what Ponta das Contendas is, the importance of its biodiversity and the main tourist attractions in the region.
What is Ponta das Contendas?
Ponta das Contendas is a beautiful coastal area located in Terceira, more specifically on the south coast of the island, near the parish of Porto Judeu, with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
In the past, this place was home to military forces, so there are many ruins of forts built in the 16th and 17th centuries. These fortifications were used to guard the coast and ensure the protection of the valuable shipments of gold, silver, and spices that arrived at the island from Asia, Africa, and America — mainly Brazil.
In addition to its historical importance, Ponta das Contendas is a “sanctuary” for the island’s native fauna and flora. The area is considered one of the most important protected areas in the Azores, covering an area of 93 hectares — including the coastal zone and adjacent islets.
Geology & Volcanology
Ponta das Contendas is part of the basaltic fissure zone, the island’s most recent volcanic system, made up of basaltic lava flows. It is made up of various rock formations, most of which are covered by pyroclastic layers and volcanic ash.
This volcanic complex has around 70 slag cones distributed around the Cinco Picos area and the Ponta das Contendas Protected Area for managing Habitats and Species.
Fauna & Flora
As previously mentioned, Ponta das Contendas is a Special Protection Area (SPA) that is part of the Natura 2000 Network and an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) of the BirdLife International organisation. The site has a very varied fauna and flora that is unique to the region.
Here we can see species endemic to the Azores that are considered World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, such as:
- Heather (Erica Azorica);
- Spergularia Azorica;
- Rock Bracel (Festuca Petraea);
- Parsley (Daucus Carota Azoricus);
- Earth Beech (Myrica Faya);
- Willow (Tamarix Africana);
- Among others.
In terms of fauna, this protected area is home to important colonies of seabirds such as:
- Roseate Tern (Sterna Dougallii);
- Common Tern (Sterna Hirundo);
- Cory’s shearwater (Calonectris borealis);
- Yellow-footed gull;
- Rock Pigeon (Columba Livia);
- Azores starling (Sturnus Vulgaris);
- Sparrow (Passer Domesticus);
- Azores warbler (Sylvia Atricapilla);
- Goldfinch (Carduelis Carduelis);
- White-faced Cormorant;
- Black-winged Magpie;
- Bank Swallow.
- Among others.
Did you know
The main habitats of these species are shingle beaches, sea cliffs and sea rocks (islets).
What To Do In Ponta das Contendas?
In addition to the importance of the fauna and flora in this protected area, Ponta das Contendas has many tourist attractions and activities on offer.
Take the opportunity to be in permanent contact with nature, where you can spot fascinating species of fauna and flora and enjoy breathtaking views of the region.
Explore Contendas Bay
Contendas Bay is located in the village of São Sebastião, in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo, in Terceira. It is part of the Special Protection Area (SPA) for wild birds at Ponta das Contendas — which protects birds from the Azores and migratory birds.
Quick Info
You can easily access the bay by sea or by land.
The small cove is formed by seabeds of basaltic and trachybasaltic lava flows, partially covered by pebbles and sandy clearings. This is where you’ll find the Mina Islet and its colonies of marine fauna.
This site is often used for snorkelling to observe juvenile fish species harboured in the small caves — especially the Pagelus bogaraveo.
Visit the Ponta das Contendas Lighthouse
The Ponta das Contendas Lighthouse, also known simply as the Contendas Lighthouse, is located in the parish of Porto Judeu, in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira.
In 1928, construction began on the Contendas Lighthouse on the southeast coast of the island. The work was carried out by master builder António Tomaz, who had already led the construction of other lighthouses in the region. It was subsequently inaugurated on 1 February 1934.
This coastal lighthouse has a 13-metre-high white prismatic tower with a range of 23 miles (37.01 km), a red dome and an annexe building. Over the years it has undergone some maintenance work and is still in operation today — it was electrified and automated in 1998.
Watching the View From the Ponta das Contendas Viewpoint
The Ponta das Contendas viewpoint is located in the parish of São Bartolomeu de Regatos, in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo, in Terceira.
From here you can see Ponta das Contendas, Baía da Mina or Mós and a group of three islets in a high state of erosion. On these islets, you can find the largest nesting colony of the Rosy Tern (Sterna dougallii) in the Azores and the second largest in Europe — a European migratory seabird species.
In addition, in the Ponta das Contendas Protected Area for the Management of Habitats and Species, you can also see some specimens of flora endemic to the Azores and Macaronesia.
Walking the São Sebastião Fort Trail (PR05 TER)
The São Sebastião Fort Trail (PR05 TER) is located in the parish of São Sebastião, in Angra do Heroísmo. Inserted in the Cinco Picos volcanic massif, the trail runs along the southeast coast of the island and passes ancient maritime defence fortifications (16th and 17th centuries).
The route begins near the Ponta das Contendas Lighthouse and runs partly through the Ponta das Contendas Protected Area for the Management of Habitats and Species, also classified as a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the Natura 2000 Network.
With a linear route of approximately 5.9 kilometres, this trail has an “easy” degree of difficulty and an average duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes, where you can observe various colonies of seabirds and species endemic to the Azores.
Quick Info
We recommend that you take suitable hiking shoes and a rucksack with waterproofs, a hat, sun cream, water, and snacks.
Along the trail, you will pass the following tourist attractions:
- Ruins of the Fort of Greta and the Fort of Santa Catarina das Mós;
- Baía das Mós;
- Pico dos Cernos;
- Ruins of the Bom Jesus Fort;
- Mina Islet;
- Pesqueiro dos Meninos Fort;
- Frei João Stream;
- Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Graça;
- Chapel of Sant’Ana.
Best Time To Visit Ponta das Contendas
Due to its central location in the Azorean archipelago, the climate in Terceira is mild all year round. However, in the winter months, periods of rain and lower temperatures are more frequent.
In this sense, the best time to visit Ponta das Contendas and other tourist attractions in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo is usually between April and October, when the days get longer and the temperatures are higher.
However, it’s important to note that cloudy skies are a common feature throughout the archipelago. As a result, you may sometimes find it difficult to appreciate the true splendour of some of the region’s beaches and viewpoints.
👉 Post related Best Beaches in the Azores Islands. Read more
Plan Your Visit To Ponta das Contendas
Ponta das Contendas is considered by many to be Terceira’s most beautiful piece of coastline. For this reason, in addition to its unrivalled beauty, this protected area is highly coveted by tourists.
However, if your goal is to observe seabird colonies, we recommend that you plan your trip taking into account the dates when the migration of the species you want to see takes place.
How To Get To Ponta das Contendas?
Leaving the city of Angra do Heroísmo in the direction of Ponta das Contendas, you will have to travel around 15 kilometres to reach your destination.
To make the journey to Ponta das Contendas you have several different options at your disposal: you can choose to travel by car, public transport (bus), bicycle or on foot.
Following the EN1-1A and EN1-2A, the journey takes approximately 19 minutes by car, 56 minutes by bicycle, 3 hours on foot and 1 hour and 22 minutes by bus (you’ll change buses twice and count on 36 minutes on foot).
What To Do Around Ponta das Contendas?
After discovering the Ponta das Contendas Protected Area and taking the opportunity to visit the bay, the lighthouse, the viewpoint and walk the São Sebastião Fort Trail, it’s time to discover other tourist attractions in the region.
Discover the Village of Porto Judeu
Located on the southeast coast of Terceira, Porto Judeu is a parish in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo, 3.5 kilometres from Ponta das Contendas. This parish is steeped in culture and traditions.
It was here that Jácome de Burges (the donatory captain) and the island’s first settlers landed on a day of bad weather. Due to the bad weather and the mediocre conditions of the small bay, the place was called “Porto Judeu” (Jewish Harbour) because, in those days, they called everything that was bad “Jewish”.
If you’re passing through the village of Porto Judeu, don’t miss the opportunity to discover some of the attractions that this region has to offer, such as:
- Algar do Carvão;
- Furnas do Enxofre;
- Cruz do Canário viewpoint;
- Cabras Islet;
- Agulhas Cave;
- Refugo Bay;
- Ponta dos Coelhos viewpoint;
- Salga Bay;
- Salga House;
- Greta Fort,
- Among others.
Explore the Agulhas Cave
Just 1.8 kilometres from Ponta das Contendas, the Agulhas Cave is one of Porto Judeu’s main attractions. The mystery of its interior and the beauty of nature created thousands of years ago continues to attract tourists to the region.
Did you know
This “Lava Tube” was discovered in 1967 by the Speleological Association “Os Montanheiros”. It was named after the abundant needle-shaped sedimentary formations on the ceilings and walls of the cave.
The lava tube has several branches, with the main gallery extending approximately 250 metres. The maximum height is 5.4 metres and the maximum width is 4.5 metres. Inside the cave, you can see various geological structures such as stalactites, different types of lavas and side counters.
Over time, the Agulhas Cave began to harbour various plants. Today, it is possible to see the presence of troglobitic species (present in caves/caverns) and endemic species:
- Pseudoblothrus vulcanos;
- Macarorchestia martini;
- Pseudosinella ashmoleorum;
- Phthiracarus falciformis;
- Orchestia chevreuxi;
- Pseudosinella azorica.
Enjoy the Refugo Natural Swimming Pool
The Refugo Natural Swimming Pool is located in Refugo Bay in the parish of Porto Judeu, just 2.5 kilometres from Ponta das Contendas.
This volcanic bay was once used as a beach for fishing boats and was later adapted into a bathing area. Today, this is one of the most popular seaside resorts on the island.
Here you can enjoy a semi-natural swimming pool ideal for kids and adults — the average water temperature is around 22 °C in summer.
This place has good facilities for bathers such as a play area, showers, a bar, and toilets. It is also a beach recognised with the Blue Flag and as an Accessible Beach.
Contemplating the View from the Ponta dos Coelhos Viewpoint
Ponta dos Coelhos Viewpoint is located in Ponta dos Coelhos, in the parish of Porto Judeu, in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo. It is close to the Refugo Natural Swimming Pool, just 500 metres away.
Did you know
The settlement of the parish began under the leadership of Senator João Coelho, son of Pêro Coelho, who accompanied Jácome de Bruges on his second trip to Terceira. Ponta dos Coelhos was named in his honour.
This viewpoint offers magnificent panoramic views over the immensity of the Atlantic Ocean and, on clear days with favourable weather conditions, you can also see the Cabras Islet in the distance.
Discover Salga Bay — Beach and Natural Pool
Salga Bay is the ideal place for those who like to swim in the sea and sunbathe. It is located in the village of São Sebastião, in the parish of Porto Judeu, in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo. It is made up of Salga Beach and the Salga Natural Swimming Pool — much sought after and loved by youngsters.
Did you know
This bathing area was the “stage” of the famous Battle of Salga. In 1581, the people of Angra resisted Spanish rule by releasing bulls on the invaders. For two years, Terceira became the only independent Portuguese territory.
Located just twelve kilometres from the city of Angra do Heroísmo, the bay has an extensive grassy solarium, two pontoons with stairs leading down to the sea and a semi-natural swimming pool that attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Here you’ll find various facilities to support bathers, including car parks, access for people with reduced mobility, a bar, showers, and toilets. This seaside resort is a guarded and safe beach and is recognised every year with the Blue Flag, Accessible Beach and Golden Beach.
Where To Eat Near Ponta das Contendas
If you need somewhere to eat near Ponta das Contendas, click here. In this link, you’ll find the 10 best restaurants on Tripadvisor.
Where To Stay Near Ponta das Contendas
To make your life easier, we’ve filtered the search by:
Complementary Information
Useful Tools and Apps
The weather in the Azores can be variable, so using some apps is helpful 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 to plan your days. They provide the most reliable predictions.
How to Get to Terceira Island
Terceira Island is easily accessible and has numerous flight routes. Lisbon and Porto are the main entry points to the continent, with direct flights to Lajes Airport 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.
Cultural Agenda on The Island of Terceira
The island of Terceira offers many cultural events throughout the year. The full list of events is on the cultural agenda!
Video – Ponta das Contendas, Porto Judeu (Terceira Island, Azores)
Conclusion
Ponta das Contendas is a unique spot on the Terceira coast with exceptional beauty. In addition to its educational, geological and biological interest, which is internationally renowned, this is the ideal place for those who like to be in contact with nature.
Here you’ll have the opportunity to visit various tourist attractions such as the Gruta das Agulhas, Salga Bay, the Refugo Swimming Pool and the Ponta dos Coelhos Viewpoint.
So if you’re passing through Terceira, don’t miss out on Ponta das Contendas and take the opportunity to visit the city of Angra do Heroísmo and the village of Porto Judeu. With its enormous heritage value, this is an excellent option for those who want a relaxing holiday in contact with nature.
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.
References
- Mendonça, L. (2017). Questions and Answers on the History of the Azores. 2nd Edition, Letras Lavadas. Ponta Delgada.
- Forjaz, V., Ribeiro, L., Almeida, L., Pereira, N. and Rodrigues, J. (2019). Volcanoes of the Azores (4th Edition). Letras Lavadas. Ponta Delgada.
