Roads to Avoid in the East of São Miguel
If you’ve read our previous guide about the west side of São Miguel, you already know that not every beautiful road on the island is campervan-friendly.
The east side is even wilder.
The east side is even wilder.
The VW Grand California is bigger than a typical city car — comfortable and capable, but it needs a little more space on São Miguel’s narrow rural roads.
Exploring the east side by van is incredibly rewarding — dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, and the island’s highest peak.
But some of the most stunning places here come with very narrow, steep, or unpaved access roads that simply aren’t worth the risk.
Below you’ll find specific east-side locations where it’s smarter to park and walk — based on real experience, not theory.
Exploring the east side by van is incredibly rewarding — dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, and the island’s highest peak.
But some of the most stunning places here come with very narrow, steep, or unpaved access roads that simply aren’t worth the risk.
Below you’ll find specific east-side locations where it’s smarter to park and walk — based on real experience, not theory.
Shortcut from Furnas Town to Furnas Lake (via Lombo dos Milhos)
Google Maps often suggests a shortcut from Furnas town up to the lake via Lombo dos Milhos.
This road is:
• narrow
• steep
• lined with low-hanging branches
It is not suitable for campervans.
What to do instead: Use the main road that goes around the crater lake. It’s safer, wider, and designed for regular traffic.
This road is:
• narrow
• steep
• lined with low-hanging branches
It is not suitable for campervans.
What to do instead: Use the main road that goes around the crater lake. It’s safer, wider, and designed for regular traffic.
Salto de Farinha
The miradouro is a fantastic place to spend the night.
However, do not take the road down to the waterfall and beach. It’s too steep and risky for a campervan.
However, do not take the road down to the waterfall and beach. It’s too steep and risky for a campervan.
What to do instead: Park at Miradouro do Salto da Farinha and walk down.
The trail is short — and beautiful.Parque de Merendas do Pesqueiro / Baião
Both roads leading down to:
• Parque de Merendas do Pesqueiro
• Parque de Merendas do Baião
are too steep to safely descend in a campervan.
What to do instead: Park at the top and walk down to these peaceful picnic spots.
• Parque de Merendas do Pesqueiro
• Parque de Merendas do Baião
are too steep to safely descend in a campervan.
What to do instead: Park at the top and walk down to these peaceful picnic spots.
Tunnel of Ribeira Quente (EN2-2A)
You can drive a camper through this tunnel, but proceed with caution. The tunnel is rounded and offers limited roof clearance.
Important: Stay near the center to avoid scraping the roof.
Important: Stay near the center to avoid scraping the roof.
Fajã do Araújo & Fajã do Calhau
Fajã do Araújo: Do not take the small road on the right — the steep drop and sharp angle can damage the side step.
Fajã do Calhau: If you want to visit Fajã do Calhau:
• Park in Fagundas
• Hike down
The access road is extremely narrow and steep and not suitable for campervans.
Fajã do Calhau: If you want to visit Fajã do Calhau:
• Park in Fagundas
• Hike down
The access road is extremely narrow and steep and not suitable for campervans.
Pico da Vara (Highest Point of São Miguel)
There are two hiking access routes.
Google usually suggests starting from the north, but:
What to do instead: Start from the west side.
Parking is accessible, and the hike is more enjoyable — along an open ridge with views, instead of a steep forest climb.
Google usually suggests starting from the north, but:
- The road is unpaved
- Campervans can skid
- Access is difficult
What to do instead: Start from the west side.
Parking is accessible, and the hike is more enjoyable — along an open ridge with views, instead of a steep forest climb.
Piscina Natural da Boca da Ribeira
If you’re heading there: Do not attempt to drive down.
The road is:
What to do instead: Park at Miradouro da Boca da Ribeira and walk down.
The road is:
- extremely narrow
- full of sharp turns
- impossible to navigate without multiple maneuvers in a campervan
What to do instead: Park at Miradouro da Boca da Ribeira and walk down.
Farol do Arnel
The road down to the lighthouse is:
What to do instead: Park at the designated parking area at the top and walk down to the lighthouse.
- very steep
- narrow
- full of tight turns
What to do instead: Park at the designated parking area at the top and walk down to the lighthouse.
Praia do Lombo Gordo
The road down to the beach is:
What to do instead: Park at Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada. There’s plenty of space for a van and a convenient walking path down.
- very narrow
- steep
- high risk for getting stuck
- risky for the slide-out step
What to do instead: Park at Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada. There’s plenty of space for a van and a convenient walking path down.
Supermarket Car Parks with Sunshades
Some supermarkets (including Pingo Doce and others) have metal structures or solar panels above parking spaces.
They are not designed for tall vans. We’ve already had several guests hit them while turning.
Always:
They are not designed for tall vans. We’ve already had several guests hit them while turning.
Always:
- Check height signs
- Avoid covered parking unless you’re 100% sure
If you get stuck
If you get stuck, stop and call us. Do not try to reverse aggressively or spin the wheels to get unstuck — this can seriously damage the automatic transmission or even tear off the slide-out step.
In case of any doubt or trouble, call us immediately. We’ll help arrange a recovery truck, which is cheaper, safer, and far quicker than dealing with major mechanical damage.
If you get stuck, stop and call us. Do not try to reverse aggressively or spin the wheels to get unstuck — this can seriously damage the automatic transmission or even tear off the slide-out step.
In case of any doubt or trouble, call us immediately. We’ll help arrange a recovery truck, which is cheaper, safer, and far quicker than dealing with major mechanical damage.
What’s next?
Before exploring more São Miguel by campervan, we recommend starting with our introductory guide:
👉 Get to know your campervan — learn how a VW Grand California handles on São Miguel’s narrow roads and what to watch out for before driving.
Planning to explore the other side of the island?
👉 Roads & locations to avoid in the west of São Miguel
Together, these guides will help you travel São Miguel safely, avoid risky roads, and enjoy your campervan trip without unnecessary stress.
Drive smart. Park earlier. Walk more.
Before exploring more São Miguel by campervan, we recommend starting with our introductory guide:
👉 Get to know your campervan — learn how a VW Grand California handles on São Miguel’s narrow roads and what to watch out for before driving.
Planning to explore the other side of the island?
👉 Roads & locations to avoid in the west of São Miguel
Together, these guides will help you travel São Miguel safely, avoid risky roads, and enjoy your campervan trip without unnecessary stress.
Drive smart. Park earlier. Walk more.
