Serreta Lighthouse

Serreta Lighthouse (Farol da Serreta) rises above the village of Serreta on the northwest coast of Terceira, in the Azores. The white tower with red bands crowns a sea cliff at Ponta do Queimado, the island's westernmost point. It makes an easy stop on a drive around Terceira, rewarding you with open Atlantic views and wild coastal scenery.

What is Serreta Lighthouse?

Four different lighthouses have stood on this headland over time. The idea of a light at Ponta da Serreta already appeared in Portugal's national coastal lighting plan of 1883, and the point was also known then as Ponta do Queimado. Today's structure is a fibreglass tower of roughly fourteen metres, painted white with horizontal red stripes. Its fifth-order optic is powered by solar panels, and the light runs automatically with no keeper on site.

What will you see here?

The lighthouse sits inside the Terceira Nature Park, so the setting is rugged: grassy pastures running to the cliff edge, dark volcanic rock and the ocean below. The surrounding area works as a viewpoint, and on a clear day the island of Graciosa appears on the horizon. The tower itself is not open to visitors, so most people spend 20 to 30 minutes here.

How do you get to Serreta Lighthouse?

Serreta belongs to the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo and lies at the northwestern end of Terceira. Drive or ride a scooter from Angra do Heroísmo or Praia da Vitória along the regional roads toward the west coast. Public buses are infrequent in this part of the island, so a rental car is the most practical option. The coordinates are 38.766 N, 27.374 W.

When is the best time to visit?

Pick a clear part of the day, when visibility is good, or come near sunset for colour over the water. Azorean weather changes quickly and the cliff top can be windy, so bring a light jacket and check the forecast. Summer gives the most reliable conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside Serreta Lighthouse? No. It is an automated, solar-powered light and the interior is closed to the public. You admire it from outside and from the surrounding viewing area.

Where exactly is it? On the cliff at Ponta do Queimado, in the parish of Serreta on Terceira's northwest coast, within the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo.

How long should you plan for a visit? About half an hour covers a walk, photos and the view. It pairs well with a loop along the island's northern and western coast.

Is this the original lighthouse? No. Four lighthouses have occupied the site, and the current modern fibreglass tower is the latest.