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São Miguel Must Do Hikes

São Miguel

São Miguel is the largest and most populous of the Azores. The Azores is an archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean. It is known for its volcanic and lake scenery and hot springs. It has wonderful hiking and outdoor activities. Getting out on some of these hikes is the best way to see the best gems of this island. Here are some of the top hikes you should check out when visiting the island!

São Miguel Hikes

Boca do Inferno

2.4 km (1.5 miles), 107 feet elevation change, approximately 45 minutes

This famous small hike is the iconic picture when you think of Sete Cidades or quite frankly the Azores.  It overlooks  Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul. You will be in awe of this beautiful walkway and overlook.  

Salto do Prego 

5.26 km  (3.27 miles) 991 elevation change, approximately 1 hour 40 minutes 
 
This waterfall is one of the top ones on the island and includes a nice hike.  We had read a blog about cats in this area but saw none.  The official trailhead is in Faial Da Terra. The typical route is 2.8 km and considered moderate. From where we went (found small parking lot to side of road where google maps led us astray) the total trail was 3.27 miles and was moderate in nature. We gained 991 feet in elevation and it took 1 hour 40 minutes.  If you are up for some more hiking you can add on the hike to Salto do Cagarrão Waterfall which is another 1.9 km off the path of the Salto do Prego hike. 
 

Furnas Lake

6.8 km (4.25 miles), 221 feet elevation change, approximately 1.5 hour
 
Furnas lake is located in Furnas and is a crater lake with a beautiful green hue. It is a great lake to explore and walk around. The walk around the lake is about 6.8 km and relatively flat. While walking around you will pass the  Capela de Nossa Senhora das Vitórias  and Fumerolas Lagoa das Furnas. 

Lagoa do Congro

3.46 km (2.15 miles), 170 elevation change, approximately 1 hour 
 
Lagoa do Congro is a tranquil lake that is slightly off the beaten path. The road up to the hike is initially paved but then quickly becomes unpaved. Many people parked on the side of the main road to hike up. You will continue to hike down the dirt road until you come to a sign that marks the official start of the trail. The forested trail brings you down to this beautiful green lake.
 

Chá Gorreana

3.4 km circular (2.1 miles), 500 feet elevation change, approximately  1.5 hours
 

Chá Gorreana is one of the iconic tea plantations to visit on the island of São Miguel. Here you can learn all about tea, have a cup of tea and then cross the street and embark on a journey through lush tea fields with stunning views. 

Salto Cabrito 

4.95 km (3.08 miles), 432 elevation change, approximately 1 hour 35 minutes 
 
Salto Cabrito is another incredible waterfall. This waterfall is another top rated waterfall. I read about a million blog posts about how to do it as it is between EN 5-2A and where the Termas das Caldeiras Thermal Spas.  It seems the parking lot off EN5-2A is steep and dirt so after enough thought we decided it was worth the extra hiking for better parking. We parked at the  Baloiço da Matriz. Honestly, I loved this hike! You got to walk along the hydroelectric pipe and through the previous plant, through the gorge and down into the waterfall.