Pontas Negras is part of the coastal landscape unit Faixa Litoral Piedade/Ribeiras. Very high sea cliffs define the coastal area; at the same time, very steep slopes rise there from the Achada Plateau. The coastal edge and steep terrain are therefore central features of the landscape. Both points of reference are helpful for finding your bearings locally: Pontas Negras is characterized not only by the sea, but also by the slopes rising from the plateau.
Coast and Views
The nearby Arrife viewpoint offers panoramic views of Pontas Negras and the clusters of typical wine cellars and summer houses in Pontes and Aguada. The names should be distinguished: Pontas Negras is the destination of the panorama, while Pontes and Aguada are the locations of the clusters mentioned. The view thus combines a view of the place with typical buildings in two other named locations.
Zona Balnear das Pontes is a natural swimming pool in Pontas Negras; from the pool, you can enjoy a view across Ribeiras Bay. The focus differs from that at Arrife: the viewpoint offers a panorama over Pontas Negras and the clusters in Pontes and Aguada, while the swimming pool looks out over the bay. If you are choosing what to focus on during your visit, this distinction between views of the place and settlements on the one hand, and the bay on the other, may help.
Cycling Route and Diving
The Pico Granfondo road cycling route passes through Pontas Negras on its return to Madalena. The direction is important to the route: the town is explicitly on the return leg to Madalena. A dive operator lists Pontas Negras among its top reef dive sites on Pico. The two references differ in kind: for cycling, Pontas Negras is part of a described route section; for diving, the focus is its classification as a reef dive site. You can weigh up these interests separately: a section of a road cycling route or a reef dive site highlighted by the operator.
History and Accommodation
The foundation stone of the Ermida de Nossa Senhora de Fátima in Pontas Negras was laid on 13 July 1948; it was inaugurated on 6 August 1950. A little over two years separate the two dates. The chapel’s history can therefore be understood through two distinct milestones: the laying of the foundation stone and its later inauguration. Alongside the coast and activities, this gives Pontas Negras a cultural point of interest with specific dates.
The history of the wine cellars also points to an earlier, seasonal use: during the grape harvest, single-room wine cellars in Pontas Negras temporarily provided accommodation for entire families. Their connection to the harvest distinguishes this practice from permanent residence. Another accommodation-related reference is the Casas do Vinagreiro in Pontas Negras. These are rural houses with traditional character dating from the 19th century. The distinction is specific: the cellars are known for their temporary use during the grape harvest, while the Casas do Vinagreiro are notable for their rural house style and historical date.
Discover more destinations: Candelaria, Arcos, Calhau, Santo Amaro, Bandeiras, Terra do Pao, Ribeiras, Baixa.
For the main travel overview: Pico.
