It is the highest point of São Miguel, with about 1105 meters of altitude. Its ascent passes through a protected area, where you can observe the priolo, an endemic bird. Its ascent requires a license that can be requested through the Regional Directorate of Environment.
Priolo’s Environmental Center
The Priolo is an endemic bird of São Miguel. This center organizes walks through areas where this bird is abundant.
Ponta do Sossego and Ponta da Madrugada Viewpoints
These are two of the most emblematic viewpoints of São Miguel. Here you can overlook the island’s coastline and be enveloped in the mystique of the quiet, expansive garden areas.
Ribeira dos Caldeirões Park
Park located in the parish of Achada that displays a magnificent and gigantic waterfall that powered the old water mills present in the park.
Arnel Lighthouse
This was the first lighthouse to be built in the Azores Autonomous Region, dating from 1876. It is located in Ponta do Arnel and visitors can enjoy guided tours of the lighthouse. During these visits visitors may learn about the history, the activity of the lighthouse and the lighthouse keeper, as well as appreciate a permanent exhibition about the lighthouses of the Azores.
Water Mills of Ribeira dos Caldeirões
The Natural Park of Ribeira dos Caldeirões has 5 water mills in its complex. Classified as Buildings of Public Interest, these date back to the 16th century and were a source of subsistence and income for several families.
Casa de Trabalho do Nordeste
Founded in 1954 by Maria do Carmo Monte with the objective of receiving and instructing the young women of the county, thus recovering the traditional looms. It is dedicated to weaving and embroidery. The handicrafts produced here are very well known, especially the regional costume used for folklore. Here the visitor can admire the work of the artisans, as well as purchase the pieces produced.
Water Mills at Ribeira do Guilherme
The garden of Ribeira do Guilherme has 2 water mills. Classified as Buildings of Public Interest, these are water mills of the “azenha” type (makes energy from water movement), that is, they have a water driven caster. They used to be powered by the stream that gives the garden its name.
Ponte dos 7 Arcos
Bridge with seven arches of perfect return, is one of the beauties of the island of São Miguel. It is known locally as “viaduct”, and the project was the responsibility of the engineer António Augusto de Sousa e Silva. Its construction dates back to 1882.
Igreja Matriz de São Jorge
Church of fifteenth century foundation, this is one of the oldest religious temples on the island of São Miguel. It was rebuilt in the second half of the 18th century and has characteristic elements of the Baroque micaelense.