Last Updated on 2022-07-16
Ponta da Ferraria is located in the town of Ginetes, about 25 km from Ponta Delgada, that is, in the extreme southwest of the island of São Miguel – Azores.
The main tourist attraction in the region is the thermal area, whose natural pool is free of charge, but there are other interesting places to visit.
So, in this article we are not only going to talk about the thermal area and how to take advantage of the free baths, but also mention the lighthouse, the pedestrian trail, and viewpoints to take pictures.
What to do and see in Ponta da Ferraria Azores
First of all, you should bear in mind that the places we talk about are spread over an approximate area of 2 km, that is, to visit them you will have to travel to different places.
In any case, the distances are short, and the time needed to visit everything will depend on whether or not you include walking along the trails.
Ponta da Ferraria viewpoint
Miradouro da Ponta da Ferraria is also known as Miradouro da Ilha Sabrina, it is an excellent place to spend a few hours with your family, as it has tables for picnics.
The view also helps to pass the time, as from this viewpoint you can see the thermal area of Ferraria very well.
The only drawback that we found is that it is a place with some wind, at least for the time we were there.
Farol da Ponta da Ferraria (Ponta da Ferraria lighthouse)
Another very interesting place to visit, the Farol da Ferraria is located on top of cliffs that end by the sea, at the westernmost point of São Miguel.
It dates from 1901 and the tower is 18 meters high.
Take a walk around the lighthouse and walk through the fields towards the sea to observe the cliffs.
There are a few parking spaces and visitors usually only stay for a few minutes, which means you can have the lighthouse to yourself!
Pico das Camarinhas (Camarinhas Peak)
To have a comprehensive view of the region, it is a good idea to go up to Pico das Camarinhas, where the PRC 43 SMI pedestrian trail passes, that is, the trail connecting the bathing area.
Pico das Camarinhas is about 309 meters high.
If you’re not in the mood for walking, you can always see the Pico das Camarinhas Natural Monument from the Ferraria hot springs.
The thermal baths and natural pool of Ponta da Ferraria Azores
The natural thermal springs of São Miguel are quite famous, but unfortunately, the entrance is usually paid, which is not the case in the natural thermal pool of Ponta da Ferraria.
However, there is a disadvantage, as to enjoy the hot baths you have to be there at low tide.
The best time to dive into the warm waters of Ferraria is two hours before and two hours after low tide.
To find out when the tide is low, check the site spotazores.com, which in addition to information about the tides, includes webcam connections throughout the Azores to see live weather on different islands.
To find the free thermal pool, leave your car parked and walk towards the spa building (it was closed when we were there).
Follow the path on the left towards the sea, then along the walkway until you find the pool. It has stairs to climb and a safety rope to grab onto, as the current when the tide comes in can be strong.
There are also free changing rooms if you wish.
PRC 43 SMI Trail Pico das Camarinhas Azores
Hiking lovers cannot miss the PRC 43 SMI trail that connects Pico das Camarinhas to Ponta da Ferraria.
It is a circular trail of about 5 km and has easy difficulty. However, keep in mind that uneven ground and loose stones can lead to accidents so choose suitable walking shoes.
By the sea, some friendly crabs usually hide in the rocks. You have to be careful to find them camouflaged on the rocks.
Restaurants near Ponta da Ferraria
If you have the opportunity, take a picnic and make the most of your time in this little paradise, but if you prefer to have lunch in a restaurant, we recommend Lagoa Azul, about 9km away.
It is a buffet restaurant with several typical São Miguel dishes. The price is €13 per adult and includes a drink and coffee.
As this restaurant is in high demand, call to book in advance (+351 296915678).
Accomodation in Ponta da Ferraria
We stayed at Tradicampo Eco Country Houses, in Algarvia, and we highly recommend it.
The accommodation has a kitchen, which is very handy for preparing meals at the end of the day and picnics on the days reserved for hiking.
In addition, it has a swimming pool overlooking a beautiful garden with the sea and green fields as far as the eye can see.
Map and how to get to Ponta da Ferraria
To get to Ponta da Ferraria from Ponta Delgada, take the EN1-1A and expect a journey of around half an hour.
If you are in Sete Cidades, then the route is faster (less than 10 minutes).
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