Monchique Islet
Ilhéu de Monchique
A basalt islet off Fajã Grande, recognized as the westernmost point of Europe (and of the European Union).
Monchique Islet is an isolated basalt reef about 1 km northwest of Fajã Grande. It is regarded as the westernmost point of Europe in geographic terms, and historically it served as a landmark for sailors to calibrate their course. The islet cannot be landed on. It can be seen from the beach at Fajã Grande or from the west coast viewpoints, or viewed up close on a coastal boat tour. Many visitors to Flores take a photo of it to mark “reaching the edge of Europe.”
Opening hours
Open all day (view from afar)
Nearby sights
- Ponta Delgada – Fajã Grande Coastal Trail
- Poço do Bacalhau
- Fajã Grande
- Albarnaz Lighthouse
- Aldeia da Cuada
- Morro Alto
- Fajãzinha
- Ponta Delgada (Flores)