Apparently barbecuing is a big thing in the Azores, or at least on Sao Miguel. And so are the spots designed for this. I am wondering if they have the most beautiful public picnic sites you will find. They look more like botanical gardens than a place for a wienie roast. On our tour of the east side of the island, we made a stop at Jardim do Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego, just outside Nordeste. The gardeners were in full swing, there is competition in having the best one 🙂 And this one is a good one, although we didn’t try the cooking facilities. Lovely park, excellent views of the coast line, including a black beach below, to which it seemed you could access through trails going downhill.
Initially I was planning on going out here on my own. I had my sights set on the small village of Nordeste and the Arnel Lighthouse. First the bus from Ponta Delgada to Nordeste, and then walk out to the lighthouse. Since I ended up on tour instead, I didn’t get to put my plans into action, but passing (through) Nordeste and the lighthouse on the way, my impression is it is doable. If you like to hike/walk, also include the BBQ spot, alternatively take a taxi. Beforehand, just make sure to research the bus schedule, they don’t leave often, and if you want to go inside the lighthouse, look into opening hours, as it isn’t open every day. Also note, the climb down, and not to mention back up, to the lighthouse is steep.
This was a stop on a tour with Sao Miguel Azores Tours. Highly recommended company! Roberto will tailor to your needs.
On the way
