Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego

The Ponta do Sossego is one of a series of viewpoints along the north-east coast of São Miguel that the Nordeste municipality has developed into full gardens rather than leaving as laybys - terraces cut into the cliff and planted with hydrangea, agapanthus, azalea and lawns, with paths, steps, a small stream, benches and picnic tables descending the slope, and the Atlantic three hundred metres below. It won a national garden award and it is maintained to a standard that surprises people expecting a roadside stop. Nearby, Ponta da Madrugada does the same thing and faces east, which makes it the sunrise viewpoint. Nordeste as a whole is the least visited corner of the island - a long drive from Ponta Delgada on a coastal road with steep valleys and no towns of size - and these viewpoints are the reason to make it.

What you actually see

• The terraced garden - planted levels descending the cliff with paths and steps.
• The planting - hydrangea, agapanthus and azalea maintained as a park.
• The drop - the Atlantic three hundred metres below the terraces.
• The Nordeste road - a series of similar viewpoints along the north-east coast.

When to go

June to September for the planting at its best; year-round for the view. Thirty to sixty minutes. Ponta da Madrugada nearby faces east for sunrise.

Honest expectations

A long drive from anywhere on the island. Steep steps down the terraces. Cloud and rain on this coast are frequent and hide the view entirely. Facilities are limited to picnic tables and toilets.

Nearby

Ponta da Madrugada is along the same road; Ribeira dos Caldeirões is inland at Achada.