Regional Government opens redevelopment works at Ferraria Viewpoint - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática

The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, and the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, opened on Friday in Ginetes, municipality of Ponta Delgada, the redevelopment project for the Ferraria Viewpoint, better known as the Sabrina Island Viewpoint.

Alonso Miguel stated that "the intervention was primarily aimed at preserving and enhancing this extraordinary protected area. It is part of a series of interventions already carried out, underway or in preparation on all islands of the archipelago, with a view to safeguarding the protection of the Azores' unique natural heritage in compliance with the provisions of the Regional Government Programme."

The government official responsible for the environment stressed that the Pico das Camarinhas - Ponta da Ferraria Natural Monument, included in the São Miguel Island Natural Park, "features a diversity of structures and geological singularities that make it a special place, classified as a Geosite, within the scope of the Azores Geopark." In this regard, he also stressed that "it is an increasingly sought-after destination for visitors, under enormous tourist pressure, which needs to be redeveloped, organised and protected."

Alonso Miguel explained that ‘the aim was to embellish and dignify this entire space, protecting and enhancing the significant set of natural, cultural and historical values present at this location. This was achieved by creating new access conditions and the necessary infrastructures to support visitors while regulating vehicle access to Ponta da Ferraria and ensuring its load capacity was respected."

According to the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, "the redevelopment of the viewpoint, which was in a poor state of repair and did not lend the slightest dignity to this unique location, has allowed it to be organised into three levels, linked by a footpath duly integrated into the landscape."

Alonso Miguel noted that the "highest level, next to the access areas, is reserved for a viewpoint area, serving as a transition zone between the carriageway and the more sheltered environment that is intended inside the space." He added that ‘the middle level includes a pleasant picnic area and the last level is a smaller viewpoint area.

"A new car park was also built with capacity for two buses and 68 light vehicles, including three places for people with reduced mobility. The project also included the construction of a building with toilets, a control area and technical areas to support the maintenance of the viewpoint," he added.

Berta Cabral also emphasised the quality of the work carried out at Sabrina Island viewpoint. According to her, it "will improve its usability and organise visitation, protecting and further enhancing this place which, due to its natural heritage, has become one of the most sought-after and visited sites on the island of São Miguel."

For the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, ‘this investment serves several purposes. Firstly to preserve and improve the natural heritage of this area, which is part of Pico das Camarinhas. It also creates a new and upgraded tourist attraction for residents and non-residents on the south coast of São Miguel Island, with this magnificent view of one of the most emblematic lighthouses in the Azores, the Ferraria Lighthouse.

For Berta Cabral, ‘the redevelopment of this viewpoint created another quality tourist site in the Azores, providing better conditions for enjoying this fantastic place and, simultaneously, making an important contribution to dispersing tourist flows on the island. Creating new and diversified leisure and visitation spaces is fundamental to avoid overloading the more traditional ones, such as Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo and Furnas."

Ferraria is also a popular spot. In this regard, "this intervention, with the construction of the car park, will regulate access to the bathing area, ensuring the implementation of an appropriate sustainability policy," stated Berta Cabral. 

The project was designed by the Regional Directorate for Public Works, involving an investment of about one million Euros. It represents another important contribution and step in promoting the natural, cultural and historical heritage.