Arnel Point Lighthouse

Ponta do Arnel Lighthouse (Farol do Arnel) sits on a headland at the northeastern tip of São Miguel in the Azores, in the municipality of Nordeste. It was the first lighthouse ever built in the archipelago, first lit on 26 November 1876, and it still marks one of the island's wildest stretches of coast.

What will you see at the lighthouse?

The stone tower is an octagonal cylinder about 15 metres tall, rising from the middle of a single-storey keepers' house. The keepers' complex was substantially enlarged in 1929. The lamp sits 66 metres above sea level, so ships can pick it out from far offshore. A third-order Fresnel lens was installed in 2018.

Around it, steep green slopes drop straight into the Atlantic. From the higher viewpoint you can frame the lighthouse together with the town of Nordeste.

How do you get to Farol do Arnel?

From Ponta Delgada, drive northeast along the EN1-1A towards Nordeste. The turnoff to the lighthouse is very steep and there is no parking at the site itself. Most visitors leave the car at the designated lot on the main road above and walk down. The climb back is tiring, so allow time and energy for it.

If you would rather skip the walk, go to the nearby Miradouro da Ponta do Arnel. It has parking and is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility, and it looks out over the lighthouse and the Nordeste coast.

Can you go inside?

The lighthouse opens for guided visits. According to the Azores tourism site, these run on Wednesday afternoons, roughly 2:00 to 5:00 pm in summer and 1:30 to 4:30 pm in winter, with no booking needed. Some guides mention a small fee, so check current hours and prices before you travel.

When should you visit?

Fog rolls in quickly along the Nordeste coast. Pick a clear morning or afternoon for the best views, and go on a Wednesday if you want to see the interior. Wear shoes with good grip, because the road down is steep.

What else is nearby?

Nordeste is often described as the greenest corner of São Miguel. Nearby you will find more viewpoints over sea cliffs and coastal walking trails, and the lighthouse fits easily into a full day exploring the island's eastern end.

Frequently asked questions

When was Arnel Lighthouse built? It began operating on 26 November 1876 and was the first lighthouse in the Azores.

How tall is it? The tower is about 15 metres high, and the light shines 66 metres above the sea.

Can you drive right up to it? The access road is very steep and there is no parking on site. Park by the EN1-1A and walk down.

Is there an entrance fee? Sources differ: the official tourism site lists visits as free with no registration, while others mention a small fee for guided tours. Confirm before you go.