This very unique property is located just outside the center of Ginetes on the western end of Sao Miguel. It can be reached by driving 25 min. west from Sao Miguel's capital city and airport, along the island's primary south coast road. The rental sits on 12,000 sq. meters of private land situated below the main road, facing the ocean. A further 3 min. drive on the coast road brings you to Ginetes village center.
The property's proximity to the village center allows guests to easily satisfy most of their immediate needs. There is a grocery, bar, bar/restaurant, and pharmacist, plus two additional restaurants, all within minutes of each other. (The island's west end emergency vehicles are also housed in Ginetes.)
The larger Ginetes area is the ideal destination for nature lovers. It is a rural farming area that retains a wonderful feeling of openness and authenticity. The Ginetes coastline is known for it's stunning multi-color sunsets and the town is home to one of the island's most dramatic attractions, the Ferraria.
Visit our website to see photos and learn about this spectacular setting, which offers both thermal ocean swimming and spa amenities. People come from all over the island and the world to swim in the warm ocean water. Locals faithfully swim throughout the year, weather permitting. With its spectacular black volcanic formations and therapeutic waters, chances are that you will not have experienced anything like this remarkable area.
The village of Ginetes sits on the ocean side of a massive dormant volcanic crater known as Sete Cidades. Inside the base of the crater are the famous blue and green twin lakes seen on Açores travel posters all over the world. To hike this area, and see its rows of abundant, blue hydrangea blossoms against summer sky and sea, is unforgettable.
Guests can access Sete Cidades directly from Ginetes, by foot or on horseback. Your property manager can help you with directions. If you choose to go by car, it is possible to drive (car permitting) around the ridge of the crater and around the lakes to find view after beautiful view. Restaurants and cafe's in the village of Sete Cidades provide food and drink for your outing.
Driving along the coast, 15 mins. west of Ginetes, and then descending down to sea level, one finds the village of Mosteiros
with its interesting rock formations and sandy beach. Traveling further along the coast in Mosteiros, the adventurous can find another swimming experience amongst ocean splashed rocks and pools.
Though Ginetes village offers basic amenities, you may want to head east back into Ponta Delgada to service your complete shopping needs and to access activities just outside the 15 minute restriction for this website's check list. In the city is a tourist information center where a calendar of cultural events can be obtained. Opportunities to book whale watching, deep sea fishing, and diving can be found near Portas do Mar, the new harbor area for cruise ship docking.
Visit Portas do Mar website to see images and read about this amenity with its parking, shops, and restaurants.
In Ponta Delgada you can visit an art museum, churches, a military museum and caves with lava tubes that run under the city. There are many cafe's and restaurants and one is certain to find a fine lunch or dinner featuring authentic cuisine.
Additionally, on the north side of Ponta Delgada there is a complete indoor shopping complex with underground parking. Boasting a large super market, theater, restaurants, banks, dry cleaner, etc., this complex known at Parque Atlantico, will meet most guest's needs. (The theater schedule at Castello Lopes can be accessed online.)
To visit some of the island's other main attractions will involve planning and a drive, but your stay will be more complete if you take the time. Fortunately for tourists today, the island has seen the construction of some major highways that link north to south and Ponta Delgada to destinations east, shortening travel time considerably. Talk to your property manager about how to manage your time. Furnas is a perfect day trip. A hike to Logoa do Fogo could be a fabulous day trip, perhaps topped off by a dinner on the return. A whole afternoon can be spent soaking up sun on a north or south coast beach when that perfect day beckons. Again, your property manager can help you decide.
The beauty of Ginetes is its peacefulness and slow pace. The village is insulated by the inability of a highway to slash through the landscape from Ponta Delgada directly to the Ferarria and Sete Cidades. For those seeking closeness to nature and a quiet calm, this is the place. This rental cabin even allows for a semi-challenging hike directly from the terrace to the ocean cliffs below.....your own private picnic spot!
