HillTop Azores Beach & Countryside Apt for 6 Moinhos

Ribeira Grande, Azores
$160 avg/night Minimum Stay 3 Nights
Bed 2

Bed

Bath 1

Bath

Home Apartment

Property Type

Sleep 5

Max Sleeps

Night 3 nights

Min Stay

Enjoy a stunning scenery of a calm village by the Atlantic Ocean, blended with the mountains and the volcanic sand.
Restaurants, waterfall, and beach just down the street. Hiking trail entrance at 1 minute from your front door. Out of the city rush but close to everything else, this shall be your base for exploring & relax with the sea music & birds singing at sunrise.

Fully equipped with a range of devices for temperature and humidity control to adjust to each guest preferences. Air conditioning splits in bedrooms and living room for heating, cooling and dehumidifying with 6th Sense Precision Control. Portable fans and oil radiators for those who prefer this method and also a portable dehumidifier to help with clothes’ drying or to set the humidity level of preference on a specific spot of the accommodation.


The space
It's an open space between living room, kitchen and circulation areas to balcony and upstairs.
The ambience is practical and airy, with some details like raw woods, fresh colors and old furniture freshened up.
Open the balcony doors and feel the breeze on the curtains and the sun giving the space a vibrant light. You can also rearrange the living area's central seat pieces accordingly to your taste and use of the space.
Kitchen is fully equipped (don't forget to taste enjoy a good cup of coffee with the coffee machine!).
Enjoy the balcony with its stunning view. After a day at the beach or exploring the island, it's much relaxing to have some local fresh fish (or meat) using the fully equipped barbecue and seizing the sunset with its fresh breeze.
When it's a stormy weather the ambience is also quite enjoyable when watching the rain or the rough sea from the balcony. Furthermore, there's a transparent awning in case the wind direction is towards there.

Other things to Note:
In this new worldwide context, take the chance to try a new pace. Stay longer to let yourself immerse in the island experience.
If working remotely while enjoying the quality of life of discovering the nature in the spare times, we’ll prepare the place in accordance to your most specific needs, such as house layout preference, workspace designed for your specific needs, playground for kids, among many other details which me and my wife take great pleasure on preparing accordingly.
For stays longer than 21 nights, other budgets are also available, depending o each context. Please, feel free to ask.
Interaction with guests
Although i recommend you to have a car, i'll gladly pick you up at the airport to drive or assist you to the house. I can also shop some groceries at your personal taste so you would have it fresh and prepared for your arrival.
All info about guided tours, sightseeing, bird watching, whale watching, hiking trails, dining places, and other activities will be available at the house ready for you.
I will also be reachable by phone at any time of your stay and help you in everything i can.

The neighborhood
The village of Moinhos belongs to the parish of Porto Formoso (which means “Beautiful harbor”), located in the city of Ribeira Grande.
In the old times it was a parish mostly known for its natives being fishermen and farmers. By having a great coast for fish species, secluded harbor and useful water mills, almost all the farmers from the NorthEast coast used it as a meeting point for exchanging goods and processing crops by using the mills. Therefrom, the name given to the village: “Moinhos” (translated as “mills”). The Tea plantations – the only 2 in Europe - were a great booster for the predominance of country life as well, back in 1750.

Along the years some families settled there until today, where they still keep the identity of the parish.
Nowadays, this small village of Porto Formoso – Moinhos - is inhabited by natives or people from nearby cities that have chosen to move to a place of privacy and quietness in the nature, centered in the island while out of the city rush but, at the same time, in a short driving distance to everything else.

Now, for some remarkable historical data (after the beginning of the Tea), such as in the year of 1831 when the Portuguese civil war was taking place.
The absolutist regime led by Dom Miguel fought his own brother Dom Pedro the IV who was leading the liberals. This specific battle was the last in the Azores, of crucial importance for the fall of the mornaquic regime all over Portugal, and a legend was born:
It is said that an old lady spotted a ship with an army inside docking in the bay (which is the beach today). So, being a supporter for the liberals, she took advantage of her higher position and great inclination of the roads by moving severall stones down the street. As a result, the army turned unwilling to climb all the way up fearing that after that large amount of stones there would probably be a huge liberal army ready to defeat them. All the previous predictions, added to the weariness that the rise would cause, were more than strategically enough to set the retreat decision in that precise moment.
Today, the street name is “Ladeira da Velha” (“Old lady's slope”).
And it's your street!

Getting around
Besides the nearby points of interest (by foot) mentioned in the listing's header you can also drive to other close places always in the same village streets such as:
:: 5 mins to Viewpoint “Miradouro de Santa Iria”, just up the street (a delightfull viewpoint of the shore and one of the most impressive of the island.
:: 10 mins to other Restaurants (2 of the most known for their fresh fish and seafood such as “Cantinho do Cais”)
:: 5 mins to the harbor (nice fresh “grouper” to grill at home or try a local experience with the company “HáMar” to spend a morning fishing in the sea with them)
:: 7 mins to the 2 unique Tea plantations in all Europe (great to start the day at “Gorreana” factory tasting diferent types of harvests among some local delicacies and a walk between the tea fields)
:: 12 mins to the tobacco and spices museum at the “Maia” parish
:: 12 mins to a nice family business Pizzeria “O Forno” - also in “Maia” parish
:: 15 mins to “Calhau d' Areia” a place for the lovers of fishing by the sea shore

Regarding all the other “Must see” points of the island:
:: 20 mins to “Lagoa do Fogo” view (lagoon, crater, “Caldeia Velha” hot springs, geothermal central)
:: 20 mins to “Lagoa” city (natural sea pools, parish of “Caloura” hills with harbor, beach & seafood restaurant by the sea)
:: 20 mins to “Furnas” (lagoon, fumaroles, hot springs and botanical gardens)
:: 28 mins to “Água D'Alto” (2 southern beaches and views over caloura)
:: 35 mins to “Vila Franca” (chapel “Nossa Senhora da Paz”, aka “Our Lady of Peace” with a great view over the city and the islet, and the marina where you get the boat to visit the islet during summer season)
:: 35 mins to “Nordeste” council (NorthEast)
:: 55 mins to “Sete Cidades” lagoon (SouthWest)
:: Either of those last 2 with some more after to get to the “edges” of the island
:: Ponta Delgada city center is at a 25 minutes driving range, such as the airport.

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  • Feature Features
  • Map Map
  • School District Rates & Availability
  • Review Review

Feature Features

  • PETS

    No Pets Allowed
  • BEACH

    Near The Beach
  • DINING

    Dining Table
  • SAFETY

    Carbon Monoxide Detector Installed (host Has Indicated There Is A Carbon Monoxide Detector On The Property) Fire Extinguisher First Aid Kit Smoke Detector Installed (host Has Indicated There Is A Smoke Detector On The Property)
  • BEDROOM

    2 Bedrooms Bed Sheets Provided Sofa Bed
  • GENERAL

    Unit Size: 861 Sq Ft (80 Sq M)
  • KITCHEN

    Coffee/tea Maker Electric Kettle Kitchen Island Microwave Oven Refrigerator Spices Stovetop Toaster
  • LAUNDRY

    Laundry Facilities Washing Machine
  • PARKING

    Car Recommended Onsite Parking
  • INTERNET

    Free WiFi
  • OUTDOORS

    Balcony Barbecue Grill
  • BATHROOMS

    1 Bathroom Bathtub Or Shower Bidet Hair Dryer Soap Toilet Paper Towels Provided
  • LANGS SPOKEN

    English Portuguese
  • THINGS TO DO

    Cycling Nearby Ecotours Nearby Fishing Nearby Hiking Nearby Hiking/biking Trails Nearby Mountain Climbing Nearby Whale Watching Nearby Windsurfing Nearby
  • ENTERTAINMENT

    Arcade/game Room Books Games TV With Cable/satellite Service
  • LIVING SPACES

    Dining Room Living Room
  • CLIMATE CONTROL

    Air Conditioning Heating
  • FAMILY FRIENDLY

    Children's Toys Highchair
  • LOCATION HIGHLIGHTS

    In A Rural Location In A Village In The Mountains Near The Bay Near The Ocean Near The Sea On The River On The Waterfront
  • SERVICES AND CONVENIENCES

    Iron/ironing Board Phone
  • SUITABILITY/ACCESSIBILITY

    Designated Smoking Areas If You Have Requests For Specific Accessibility Needs, Please Contact The Property Using The Information On The Reservation Confirmation Received After Booking. No Elevators Upper Floors Accessible By Stairs Only

CheckIn Check-in : 05:00 PM CheckOut Check-out : 11:00 AM
No Wheelchair No smoking No pets Children allowed
Occupancy Max occupancy : 5

Map Map

School District Rates & Availability

Review Review

  • Judy

    Submitted Sep 20, 2023

    Stayed Sep 7, 2023

    Hosts above excellence. Nothing to worry about. They tough about everything you may need, before you’re aware of. Provide all the information and tips for visiting the Island with precise details. They showed us great caring and understanding for special needs. The only sad thing: having to leave the place! By chance, we bring with us wonderfull memories! Obrigado Miguel et Romina!

  • Cassie A.

    Submitted Aug 15, 2024

    Stayed Jul 30, 2024

    The apartment was perfect for us. So much was provided; the welcome pack was out of this world. From fig jam to wine to eggs to cheese to chorizo spread and much more. All local produce which was delicious. The apartment itself felt roomy as did the balcony. There were games, body boards, information, fab fridge freezer and a lovely stocked bathroom and equipped kitchen. Miguel was on hand for advice and tips for discovering the island. I wouldn’t hesitate to re- book. The best part was the view and hearing the sea crashing from inside. Just perfect!

  • Don W.

    Submitted May 23, 2024

    Stayed May 18, 2024

    A fabulous stay with probably the most attentive hosts we’ve encountered. The property has a great view from a lovely balcony area. The unit was stocked with local foods, enough for a few brunches. Very helpful suggestions for activities on the island and attentive to anything we needed.

  • Dan W.

    Submitted May 18, 2024

    Stayed May 11, 2024

    We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Sao Miguel thanks to our wonderful hosts Miguel and Romina! From the generous welcome package of local goodies and groceries to the sight seeing tips and restaurant suggestions. The apartment has great views of Moinhos Beach and is in walking distance of two restaurants as well as a couple of hiking trails. A great location for discovering the island. You won’t be disappointed if you book with Miguel and Romina!

  • Heusinger M.

    Submitted Mar 31, 2024

    Stayed Mar 20, 2024

    As per description everything was perfect. Especially the amenities, provided by Miguel, were exceptional!

  • Lori M.

    Submitted Apr 16, 2023

    Stayed Apr 8, 2023

    This property and the owners far exceeded our expectations. The owners went above and beyond at creating a warm, home environment with every possible amenity we could have asked for. The property is in an amazing location within walking distance to a beautiful beach, restaurants, trails. My sister and I highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Sao Miguel.

  • Nelson M.

    Submitted Sep 7, 2022

    Stayed Aug 28, 2022

    The apartment is on a hill as the name implies. The Unit was spotless with more than adequate supplies. Neighborhood is quiet, no traffic. The owners were the very best we ever had when renting, so helpful and answered all questions. The view from the condo was beautiful, a short distance to a beach and waterfall. The owners also provided us with some local delicious food which we enjoyed very much. Maddi Family

  • Christina H.

    Submitted Oct 25, 2019

    Stayed Dec 31, 1969

    Miguel and Romina are truly amazing. They went WAY above and beyond, even to the point of baking a birthday cake when they knew we were celebrating 3 birthdays! They met us at the airport, gave us a cell to use, and even found a place for us to rest while we waited for our rental to be ready. Highly, highly recommend. It was spotless, comfortable, and incredibly well stocked - even had a kids playroom and toys. Miguel provides very extensive recommendations on what to do, where to eat, etc. and everything he recommended was excellent. We had the most amazing time, and felt so welcomed! Thank you Miguel and Romina!

  • Noah M.

    Submitted Jul 14, 2019

    Stayed Dec 31, 1969

    Put simply, Miguel and Romina offer one of the best properties we have ever stayed in. From meeting us and showing us the property to checking out, our stay was thoroughly enjoyable at this great property. Porto Formoso is an excellent location to access all areas of the island by car and features a quaint village and excellent beach. Miguel gave us a cell phone to use and texted awesome info for sights, hikes, and meals. He was immediately available for any questions and went above and beyond with a welcome package of food and beverages, as well as toys for the kids. The apartment is well appointed and not a single detail is overlooked. We would stay here again without question and would recommend this property to family and friends. Thanks again Miguel and Romina for an awesome stay!

  • Matthias H.

    Submitted Jul 13, 2018

    Stayed Dec 31, 1969

    Although we had read about it in other comments, we have not really expected such a warm welcome and perfectly prepared home for our 1 week stay. Abolutely 100% clean appartment with really every feature you could think about and even with plenty of premium food gifts from the region the owner had prepared for us (several kind of cheese, and bread, eggs, ham, wine, beer, various fruits and jam, and and and....). Not talking various all new shower gels and plenty of towls we were free to use. Also he gave us a free WLAN module which worked all round the island for the whole time .....really fantastic. Thank you very much Miguel! .

  • carol m.

    Submitted Jun 27, 2018

    Stayed Jun 15, 2018

    Miguel and Romina met us at airport in spite of our 6AM arrival, gave us a mobile phone for duration of our stay, led us to the apartment where we were greeted with ample supply of fresh eggs, cheeses, meats, fruit, breads and even some beer and wine! Open the door to balcony and greeted with fantastic sea, cliffs and Mountain View’s. There were a couple of wonderful short hikes on walking distance and we loved going to the casual beach restaurant for later afternoon drinks. Miguel was alway immediately responsive to all questions we had and theyhad many suggested restaurants and touring tips. The apartment itself was cheery, bright, very clean and well supplied kitchen. We feel that anyone staying here would be as happy as we were with our stay

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Total

Includes taxes and fees
$160+
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