Ponta do Cintrao

Ponta do Cintrao offers one of the most stunning vantage points in all of Sao Miguel. It took me about ten trips to the Azores to finally discover this new favourite spot. It was worth the wait, but I encourage you to discover it quicker than I did. 

It's not the easiest spot to find, which is my excuse for not visiting until ten trips, but it is well worth the effort.  To get there you must go through Riberinha on the east of Ribeira Grande. There are signs to
get to the lookout and you will pass this church on the way. (I regret that I don't have a better picture!)

There are two points of interest at Ponta do Cintrao, the first is the lighthouse which is found at the end of the road. The second is just up at the higher point of the road where there is an old whale spotting post and a picnic area. The best views are from the small picnic area. You might notice that the shelter at the picnic area is missing part of the roof. This is a testimony to the high winds that are often experienced here.

Oh, I should also mention that there is a geo-cache here. It is called Ponta do Cintrao - Farois de Portugal (geocaching.com GC1FAQ5). It is located at N37 50.706 W 025 29.269

I hope you enjoy these photographs. They do not give the views justice and I encourage you to see for yourself.

Notice the houses on the top left of this picture. That should give you an idea of how high these cliffs are. (Photo courtesy of P. Belchior)

This next image offers a distant view of Santa Barbara Beach from Ponta do Cintrao

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And please read more about the island of Sao Miguel. It's probably the island that you will discover first.