Ponta do Pargo lighthouse
The lighthouse stands on the cliff about 300 metres above the sea at the western tip of the island, and it has been lit since 1922. West of it there is only the Atlantic, so on a clear evening the sun drops straight into the sea. There is parking by the lighthouse and a small exhibition about it.
Come 30 to 45 minutes before sunset for the golden hour, and bring a jacket: the wind on the headland is cool even in summer. Afterwards, eat in the village (where to eat). More about the parish in Ponta do Pargo.
Other places for the evening light
Nossa Senhora do Amparo
A chapel on its own headland near the lighthouse, with a view along the cliffs.
Zimbreiros viewpoint
Looks over Ponta do Pargo, Fajã da Ovelha and Paul do Mar, beside the ruins of the old butter cable.
Raposeira
At about 600 metres, with a wide view down the coast.
Above Jardim do Mar
The cliff edge looks straight down on the village and its surf.
The marina and the beach
The easy option: a drink on the promenade as the light turns gold.
The regional tourist board also lists viewpoints at Achada de Santo Antão, Piarro, Precipício, Massapez, Lombada dos Marinheiros, Fio and Boa Morte.
Sunrise, golden hour and sunset by month
| Month (15th) | Sunrise | Golden hour from | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 08:12 | 17:49 | 18:26 |
| February | 07:53 | 18:20 | 18:54 |
| March | 07:20 | 18:44 | 19:17 |
| April | 07:40 | 20:06 | 20:39 |
| May | 07:11 | 20:26 | 21:01 |
| June | 07:01 | 20:42 | 21:19 |
| July | 07:12 | 20:43 | 21:18 |
| August | 07:32 | 20:21 | 20:54 |
| September | 07:53 | 19:43 | 20:16 |
| October | 08:13 | 19:03 | 19:37 |
| November | 07:39 | 17:33 | 18:08 |
| December | 08:04 | 17:27 | 18:05 |
For today’s exact times and a live view of the sky, see the live sky on our home page.
Getting the most from it
- Check the horizon, not the townCalheta can be sunny while a bank of cloud sits far out at sea. A clear horizon makes the difference.
- Watch for the green flashOn very clear evenings over the open ocean, the last sliver of sun can flash green for a second.
- Drive back with careThe roads from Ponta do Pargo are winding and unlit in places. Allow time.
- Make a day of itWalk in the morning, swim after lunch, sunset in the evening: our day timed to the sun does the planning for you.