Situated on the most ancient part of the island of S. Miguel, at Lomba da Fazenda, 3 km from the Vila do Nordeste and only 30 minutes from the island’s volcanic core, the “Casas do Frade” enable their visitors to enjoy the pleasures of the sea, mountain and of the good local cuisine. Shopping facilities and restaurants are 300 meters distant, Lombo Gordo beach is 3 Km, and the capital city of Ponta Delgada 77 Km away.
“Casas do Frade” is a tourist facility consisting of nine country houses, in a closed condominium, with private parking, adapting the typical rural stone house style to modern day comfort needs.
There is also a separate cottage (Casa da Figueira, 110 m²), consisting of 2 bedrooms, living room with TV, radio/CD player, fully equipped kitchen (microwave and wash machine included), bathroom and a private terrace (700 m² grounds) with BBQ and sea view. Private parking place.
Self catering. Minimum stay 3 nights.
The municipality of “Nordeste” (Northeast), is one of the most attractive in São Miguel.
It is characterised by an irregular surface area almost totally covered with trees. Many of the exotic sylvan species used for the production of wood and for the protection of properties along with a great variety of other lush vegetation are in abundance here.
- The look-out points, “Ponta da Madrugada”, “Ponta do Sossego”, “Salto da Farinha”, and the “Ponta do Estorninho”, among others are worth stopping at to admire the well groomed flowers and the incredible landscape;
- “Pico da Vara”, the highest point on the island, with an altitude of 1105m, challenges you to a one and a half to two hour walk along a path which offers magnificent scenery and intimate contact with nature in the most primitive form. Note: Since Pico da Vara is considered Natural Reserve, previous authorisation by the Regional Forestry Ministry is required and a tour guide)
- The climb to “Pico Bartolomeu”, where one of the RTP/A (Azorean television station) antennas is found, is another of the many worthwhile hikes available.
- The winding road through “Tronqueira” and the compulsory stop at the look-out point offers a spectacular view of the “Guilherme” or “Moinhos” river basin. The picturesque entanglement of plains and valleys that descend from the “Vara and Verde” peaks present spectacular differences in altitude of 400 to 500 meters. This sanctuary of endemic vegetation of the Azores has the highest concentration of species in the region.
- Another attraction of Nordeste is found at the mouth of the “Guilherme” river. A natural pool along with a well equipped campground provide the only formal campsite on the island.
- Entering the town one sees the gracious “Ponte de sete arcos” (Seven arch bridge), that is one of the largest and most beautiful bridges on the island and was constructed in 1882. In the town centre, the “Igreja de São Jorge” (St. George’s Church), constructed during the 15th century, the City Hall which was recently completed, along with various other parishes with their statues and monuments are also worthy of mention.
- The Parks, “Poceirão” (within the town) and “Cancela do Cinzeiro” (Parish of “Pedreira”), are ideal places to relax before returning to Ponta Delgada.
São Miguel, the largest island in the archipelago of the Azores, has a land area of 759.41 km2; its length is 65 km and its maximum width is 16 km. The island is composed of two volcanic massifs separated by a central ridge of a lower altitude. The highest point, called Pico da Vara, with an altitude of 1,080 metres, is situated in the eastern massif. The large craters of Sete Cidades, Fogo and Furnas contain wonderful lakes of crystal-clear water. The island is situated at 250º 30 West longitude and 370º 50 North latitude. |
