Fajã do Ouvidor Viewpoint

The fajãs of Ouvidor and Ribeira da Areia are formed by basaltic lava flows issued by the central volcanic mountain range, which reaches the cliff and spread over its base. Together with the Fajã de Pontas, there are the only lava fajãs of the Northern coast of São Jorge. The Fajã do Ouvidor is associated to lava flows issued from Pico Areeiro, located at a distance of 3 km and which was formed around 2530 years ago. This is one of the greatest lavas fajãs of the island, including a good seaport (the best of the Northern coast), which supports some pleasure and fishing crafts. It is also a bathing area, with several natural ponds and pools, with Poça de Simão Dias [Simão Dias Pond] as the greatest and best known. It also exhibits prismatic disjunctions in its sloping cliffs and some coastal caves, the largest being Furna do Lobo, over 50 m long. Such as in the Fajã of Ribeira da Area, located to the East of the first one, several lava arches are common and typical. This is a prime geosite of the Azores Geopark, with regional relevance and interest and scientific, educational and geo-touristic use.