Miradouro do Salto do Cavalo
Spectacular viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of Furnas valley, caldera, and the distant ocean. A must-visit for stunning natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light and atmosphere
Miradouro do Salto do Cavalo
Best Time
Magical light and atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Spectacular viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of Furnas valley, caldera, and the distant ocean. A must-visit for stunning natural beauty.
"Breathtaking views down on the town of Furnas and the Lagoa das Furnas. A must see stop!"
🚗 Essential: Own Transport
You absolutely need your own car to reach this viewpoint. Roads can be winding!
📸 Golden Hour Views
Sunset here is described as 'magical' - worth the visit for the light alone!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Furnas Valley Panorama
Main viewpoint
Breathtaking views of Furnas town, the caldera rim, and the distant ocean.
Lagoa das Furnas Vista
Main viewpoint
Overlooking the serene Lagoa das Furnas, a key feature of the volcanic landscape.
Sunset Magic
Main viewpoint
Experience a truly magical atmosphere as the sun dips below the horizon.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Views
Getting There & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
best places to see hydrangeas in sao miguel?
🚗 Essential: Own Transport
You absolutely need your own car to reach this viewpoint. Roads can be winding!
📸 Golden Hour Views
Sunset here is described as 'magical' - worth the visit for the light alone!
☁️ Weather Watch
Views can change rapidly; check the weather before you go for the clearest panoramas.
🅿️ Parking Patience
The parking lot is small but turnover is quick. Be patient if you arrive during peak times.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Essential: Own Transport
You absolutely need your own car to reach this viewpoint. Roads can be winding!
📸 Golden Hour Views
Sunset here is described as 'magical' - worth the visit for the light alone!
☁️ Weather Watch
Views can change rapidly; check the weather before you go for the clearest panoramas.
🅿️ Parking Patience
The parking lot is small but turnover is quick. Be patient if you arrive during peak times.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking panoramic views of Furnas, the caldera, and the ocean, with many calling it a 'must-see' stop. The sunset experience is frequently described as magical. Some note the small parking lot, but generally find it manageable due to visitor turnover.
"Breathtaking views down on the town of Furnas and the Lagoa das Furnas.
A must see stop if travelling through the interior of the island.
Small parking lot but plenty of room as people come and go for the view, and a 15 second walk to the lookout of the lake and town of Furnas.
Stunning."
D & S
"Fantastic Panoramic View. Overlooking Furnas, caldera rim, all the way to the ocean. Must have personal transportation."
Roy Kolar
"From north to south, take one of many interesting routes with views worth stopping for. First contact from the distance Lagoa do Furnas, evergreen hills, forests and the ocean in the distance. We were heading to Miradouro do Pico dos Bodes to slowly discover that part of the island. Beware of less popular mountain roads, which after heavy rainfall may become impassable, partially blocked or simply pose a risk of landslides."
Lucca T.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The best way to reach Miradouro do Salto do Cavalo is by personal transportation (rental car or motorcycle). The viewpoint is located inland on São Miguel island. While some reviews mention interesting routes, be aware that less popular mountain roads can become challenging after heavy rainfall.
Unfortunately, public transport is not a practical option for reaching Miradouro do Salto do Cavalo. The viewpoint is best accessed with your own vehicle, allowing you the flexibility to explore the scenic routes on the island.
Roads leading to Miradouro do Salto do Cavalo are generally paved and scenic. However, travelers advise caution on less popular mountain roads, as they may become impassable or pose risks after heavy rainfall.
While technically possible, using a taxi might be expensive due to the distance and potentially winding roads. It's generally more cost-effective and convenient to rent a car for exploring São Miguel and its viewpoints.
Yes, standard rental cars can access Miradouro do Salto do Cavalo. However, as mentioned, exercise caution on smaller, less maintained roads, especially during or after periods of heavy rain.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Miradouro do Salto do Cavalo is a natural viewpoint and does not have an entrance fee. Access to the viewing area is free for all visitors.
Miradouro do Salto do Cavalo is an outdoor viewpoint and is accessible at any time of day. However, for the best experience and safety, it's recommended to visit during daylight hours.
There are no tickets to book for Miradouro do Salto do Cavalo as it's a free public viewpoint. You can visit spontaneously whenever you are in the area.
Many visitors find sunset to be a particularly magical time to visit, offering stunning light and atmosphere. However, clear mornings provide excellent visibility for the panoramic views.
As an open-air viewpoint, there are no official closing hours. However, it's advisable to visit during daylight for safety and to fully appreciate the scenery.
📸 📸 Photography
The primary photo opportunity is the panoramic vista encompassing Furnas town, the caldera rim, and the ocean. The Lagoa das Furnas is also a stunning subject. Sunset provides dramatic lighting for photography.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive landscape. A tripod can be useful for sunset shots to ensure sharpness, especially in lower light conditions.
The main viewpoint offers the most comprehensive views. Experiment with different positions along the railing to frame the landscape according to your preference.
Absolutely! Modern smartphones are capable of capturing excellent photos. Utilize the panorama mode for sweeping shots and ensure you have good lighting.
While any time with clear skies offers good views, sunset is frequently cited as the most photogenic time due to the warm, dramatic light.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
🚗 Road Trippers & Explorers
📸 Photographers & Sunset Chasers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Scenic Drive to the Viewpoint
Having personal transportation is key to enjoying this drive and the flexibility it offers. This allows you to stop at other points of interest along the way and truly immerse yourself in the island's natural beauty. The drive itself contributes to the overall experience of visiting this stunning viewpoint, offering glimpses of the diverse landscapes that São Miguel has to offer.
Capturing the Breathtaking Vistas
Many visitors highlight sunset as a particularly magical time to be at the viewpoint, with the changing light casting a warm glow over the landscape. This makes it an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts looking to capture dramatic and atmospheric shots. While the main viewpoint provides the most comprehensive vistas, exploring slightly different angles along the viewing area can yield unique compositions.
For those looking to capture the best images, a wide-angle lens is highly recommended to encompass the full scope of the scenery. A tripod can also be beneficial, especially for sunset photography, to ensure sharp images in varying light conditions. Even with a smartphone, you can capture stunning photos, especially by utilizing panorama modes and taking advantage of the natural light.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit