The Pico da Vara hiking trail provides access to Pico da Vara, at 1,103 m, the highest point on São Miguel. In the centre of Vila de Nordeste, the Seven Arches’ Bridge also stands out, with its seven stone arches, completed in 1883. These varied highlights—landscape, nature watching and local history—offer several ways to plan your trip. Pay particular attention to seasonal offers and to which activities focus on a particular theme.

Hiking Trails Between Landscape and History

The Padrão das Alminhas–Salto da Farinha hiking trail connects Achadinha and Salga and passes through landscapes of great natural and historical-cultural beauty. Padrão das Alminhas is a religious monument associated with the veneration of souls, a tradition rooted in Achadinha since the 17th century. Along this trail, landscape and religious heritage come together.

The Pico da Vara hiking trail has a different focus. It passes through the Tronqueira and Planalto dos Graminhais Protected Area for the Management of Habitats and Species, as well as the Pico da Vara Nature Reserve. Along the way, you can see two memorials to plane crashes: one commemorates the crash of an Air France plane in 1949, and the other the crash of a Portuguese Air Force plane in 1943. The nature reserve is located in the Serra da Tronqueira and has great botanical and landscape diversity. It also includes the Pico da Vara/Ribeira do Guilherme Special Protection Area of the Natura 2000 network. So, if you are choosing between the trails, their themes differ considerably: one connects Achadinha and Salga and highlights religious heritage; the other features protected areas, the island’s highest point and the memorials.

Nature Watching and Viewpoints

Birdwatching in Nordeste offers the chance to see the Priolo and other endemic Azorean subspecies. These include the common buzzard, common chaffinch, grey wagtail, Azores wood pigeon, Azores canary, goldcrest and common starling. Sightings are seasonal and variable, so the species you see may differ. The Priolo Tour takes visitors to the Priolo’s natural habitat and provides information about conservation efforts to protect it. Nearby, the Priolo Environmental Center also has an exhibition area covering the bird’s history, background and significance, the threats it faces, and the results of European conservation projects. Exhibition content may be updated.

The viewpoints also offer different highlights. Salto da Farinha waterfall is about 40 m high; from the Salto da Farinha viewpoint, you can see the waterfall and the island’s north coast. Ponta do Sossego viewpoint combines coastal views with expansive, planted gardens. For another activity in the area, Pimentel Farm offers horseback rides along rural paths. Confirm availability before your visit. Ribeira dos Caldeirões Park is used for canyoning and is one of the island’s popular canyoning spots.

Buildings, Crafts and Exhibitions

The Seven Arches’ Bridge in the centre of Vila de Nordeste stands out for its seven stone arches; it was completed in 1883. Another glimpse of the region’s heritage can be found nearby: the Church of S. Pedro in São Pedro de Nordestinho was built in 1764 and is the oldest church in the municipality. Casa de Trabalho do Nordeste, founded in 1954, produces crafts based on weaving, embroidery and other handicrafts.

The Municipal Exhibition Hall in Nordeste regularly hosts a variety of exhibitions, most of them by regional artists. As the exhibition programme changes over time, check what is currently on display before visiting. A facility in the area also has a reading room with a bibliographic collection donated by João de Melo, along with his published works. Visiting arrangements may change.

Seasonal Traditions

The Espírito Santo festivities in Nordeste take place in May and may continue into June, depending on the year. The traditional Espírito Santo soup, made with meat, bread and wine, is served in the street and shared with the community. The timing is an important part of this tradition, so check the dates for the relevant year before your trip.

Another culinary tradition belongs to the Município do Nordeste and should be distinguished from the town of Nordeste: in November, restaurants in the municipality traditionally serve the dish “Capão” on Sundays, a part of Nordeste’s cuisine. Reservations may be necessary. Clube Naval do Nordeste is also seasonal: in summer, it offers activities for visitors at the fishing harbour of Vila do Nordeste. As seasonal availability may change, confirm current options before making plans around them.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Ribeirinha, Villa Franca Do Campo, Relva, Livramento, Ribeira Grande, Feteiras, Ponta Delgada, Faja de Cima.

Return to the main travel overview: S.Miguel.