Entire apartment

HillTop Azores Beach & Countryside Apt for 6 Moinhos

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Photo gallery for HillTop Azores Beach & Countryside Apt for 6 Moinhos

Outdoor dining
2 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Interior
Dining
Reviews
10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • WasherWasherWasher
  • Air conditioningAir conditioningAir conditioning
  • Ocean viewOcean viewOcean view

Explore the area

Map
Ribeira Grande, Azores
  • Popular LocationCaldeira Velha9 min drive
  • Popular LocationSanta Bárbara Beach10 min drive
  • Popular LocationLagoa do Fogo13 min drive
  • AirportPonta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II)23 min drive

Space details

2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, sleeps 6
861 sq ft
Bedroom 1
    2 twin/single beds
Bedroom 2
    1 double bed
Common area
    2 sleep sofas/futons
Bathroom 1
    Bathtub/shower combo

Room options

About the neighborhood

Ribeira Grande

Oceanside stay.You'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Moinhos Beach and 2 miles (3 km) of Santa Iria Viewpoint with a stay here. Gorreana Tea Factory and Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Estrela are also within 6 miles (10 km).

What's nearby

  • Moinhos Beach - 1 min walk
  • Caldeira Velha - 9 min drive
  • Santa Bárbara Beach - 10 min drive
  • Lagoa do Fogo - 13 min drive
  • Lagoa das Furnas - 23 min drive

Getting around

  • Joao Paulo II Airport (PDL) - 24 min drive

Restaurants

  • Chá Porto Formoso - 4 min drive
  • Cervejaria Cascata - 9 min drive
  • Restaurante Caldeiras - 9 min drive
  • O Chocolatinho - 9 min drive
  • Coffee Bar Alfredo - 5 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire apartment to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

HillTop Azores Beach & Countryside Apt for 6 Moinhos

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.

Property manager

Miguel Maia

Languages

English, Portuguese

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby

Internet

  • Available in the apartment: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Bidet
  • Hair dryer
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Books
  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill

Laundry

  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Designated smoking areas

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In a village
  • In the mountains
  • Near the bay
  • Near the ocean
  • On a river
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room on site
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Whale watching nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • 1 unit
  • Unit size: 861 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 5:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.

Property Registration Number 2912

Property is also known as

Hilltop Azores Beach Countryside Apt 6 Moinhos Apartment
Hilltop Azores Beach Countryside Apt 6 Moinhos Ribeira Grande
Hilltop Azores Beach Countryside Apt 6 Moinhos
Hilltop Azores Beach & Countryside Apt for 6 Moinhos Apartment
Hilltop Azores Beach Countryside Apt 6 Moinhos Ribeira Grande
Hilltop Azores Beach Countryside Apt 6 Moinhos
Hilltop Azores Beach Countryside Apt 6 Moinhos Ribeira Grande
Hilltop Azores Beach Countryside Apt 6 Moinhos
Hilltop Azores Beach Countryside Apt for 6 Moinhos
Hilltop Azores Beach Countryside Apt 6 Moinhos Apartment
Apartment Hilltop Azores Beach & Countryside Apt for 6 Moinhos
Hilltop Azores Beach Countryside Apt for 6 Moinhos
Hilltop Azores Beach Countryside Apt 6 Moinhos Apartment

Frequently asked questions

How close is HillTop Azores Beach & Countryside Apt for 6 Moinhos to the airport?

This apartment is 18.5 mi (24-min drive) away from the Joao Paulo II Airport (PDL) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does HillTop Azores Beach & Countryside Apt for 6 Moinhos have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this apartment.

How close is HillTop Azores Beach & Countryside Apt for 6 Moinhos to the beach?

This apartment is a short 1-minute walk from Moinhos Beach and 5.8 mi (12-min drive) from Monte Verde Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does HillTop Azores Beach & Countryside Apt for 6 Moinhos offer free breakfast?

This apartment does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at HillTop Azores Beach & Countryside Apt for 6 Moinhos?

No, there is no casino at this apartment.

What time is check-in at HillTop Azores Beach & Countryside Apt for 6 Moinhos?

Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.

Is there free parking at HillTop Azores Beach & Countryside Apt for 6 Moinhos?

Free parking is not available at this apartment.

Does HillTop Azores Beach & Countryside Apt for 6 Moinhos have a pool?

This apartment does not have a pool.

Does HillTop Azores Beach & Countryside Apt for 6 Moinhos have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this apartment.

How close is HillTop Azores Beach & Countryside Apt for 6 Moinhos to downtown Ribeira Grande?

This apartment is 1.1 mi away from Porto Formoso.

HillTop Azores Beach & Countryside Apt for 6 Moinhos Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 15 out of 16 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 16 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 16 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 16 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 16 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Lori M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Far Exceeded Our Expectations
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.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nelson M., Tyngsboro, ma.

Liked: Cleanliness
Hill Top Hideaway
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
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Christina H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Best VRBO ever!
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!

10/10 Excellent

Noah M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing location, property, and hosts.
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!

10/10 Excellent

carol m.

Perfection! Welcoming hosts, beautiful views, lovely location
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
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018

8/10 Good

Brigitte P.

happy holiday july 2017
We'd never had such a warm welcome at any place we've ever visit! Miguel guided us to the appartment, stopping at a magnificent viewpoint. So our holiday started very relaxed, even with a rental car with problems. In the appartement everything was there: a big welcome package with fresh cheese, wines, bread. etc. We didn't need to go to a supermarket this arriving day! There were toys for the kids, beach stuff and it was very cosy with a spectacle view of the ocean! Miguel en his wife gave us enough information to visit on the Island. And beautiful it is! We like to come back some day! Almost excellent...1 little thing was that we could fell the spirals in the dubble bed, but then we have the best bed at home. Thank you very much Miguel and Rowina for a beautiful and relaxing stay at Sao Miguel!
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2017

10/10 Excellent

Heusinger M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice stay in March
As per description everything was perfect. Especially the amenities, provided by Miguel, were exceptional!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Judy

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
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!
Stayed 12 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lilia G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Tolle Vermieter mit viel Liebe zum Detail
Miguel und Romina haben sich sehr viel Mühe gegeben um für uns den Aufenthalt so angenehm wie möglich zu gestalten. Es hat uns an nichts gefehlt. Die Unterkunft ist sehr sauber und gepflegt. Wir kommen garantiert wieder und können jedem nur empfehlen für die Ferien dieses Appartement zu mieten.
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Felicitas R.

Schöner geht nicht
Wir wurden bereits am Flughafen von Miguel und seiner Frau abgeholt, was eine große Erleichterung war, da wir nur einen Kleinwagen und mit fünf Personen viel Gepäck hatten. Sie brachten uns zur Wohnung und dort erwartete uns eine große Überraschung: alle Köstlichkeiten der Azoren, die man sich nur vorstellen kann. Es war ein herrliches Willkommens-Mahl. In der Wohnung findet man ALLES, was nötig ist für einen wunderbaren Urlaub. Die Wohnung liegt in einem Mehrfamilienhaus. Morgens war es manchmal recht laut, weil hellhörig. Ansonsten ist das Haus idyllisch gelegen mit Blick auf den Strand. Ein Mietwagen empfiehlt sich. Alles bestens und gerne wieder!
Stayed 10 nights in Oct 2018