São Miguel
If you are heading to São Miguel in the Azores, you are in for an epic trip of natural beauty. The most iconic sites on the island are the stunning lakes and their jaw-dropping overlooks. You can explore this island by renting a car and doing it on your own or you can also visit some of these areas on a tour. This is a little guide of the top lakes to visit, which viewpoints to check out and about hiking/walking trails in the area.
Sete Cidades
This is the iconic picture when you think of the Azores. That is actually the name of the town between Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul but is used by tourists to describe the entire area and viewpoints. Miradouro da Vista do Rei has a bunch of parking and gives a stunning view of the lake. For pictures of yourself you will have a wooden fence from the viewing platform. The Boca do Inferno is the one you don’t want to miss. On the way down the dirt road you can hike down some stairs to the Lagoa Canario which is very tranquil. You continue on to the hike to get the famous overlook. Miradouro do Cerrado das Freiras gives a great view of the separation of Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul and Sete Cidades town below.
Lagoa do Fogo
Lagoa do Fogo translates to the Lake of Fire as it was created by volcanic activity. This lake is the highest on São Miguel and spans about 2 miles. The two main viewpoints are the Miradouro da Barrossa and the Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo. From the main viewpoint you can hike down to the Lagoa do Fogo beach and continue along the shoreline. You can also hike along the ridge for some epic views. The Praia-Lagoa do Fogo hike takes about 4 hours and traverses farmland, forest and the lake. Weather is especially unpredictable so you may have to return to get a break in the clouds.
Lagoa das Furnas
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. You should also take in its beauty at the Pico de Ferro viewpoint which is a 5 km or 7 minute drive from downtown Furnas.
Lagoa do congro
This lake is a 15 minute drive from Furnas and located on EN4-2A. 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. If you park on the road and hike up the total is 3.46 km (2.15 miles ) and changes about 170 feet in elevation. In total, it took about 1 hour. Though probably the least visited it was very tranquil and beautiful.
