The island of São Miguel is a paradise for nature lovers and hikers. Discover 5 trails to explore the stunning landscapes of the Green Island.
Serra Devassa
The Serra Devassa trail takes you through ancient volcanic formations and small lakes, offering wide views of the central area of São Miguel Island, particularly the volcanic complex of the Picos.
Located in a protected area, the trail passes through a natural landscape marked by volcanic cones and wetlands, providing direct contact with the geodiversity of the Azores. The starting point is near the parking lot located on the opposite side of the Canário Forest Park.
During the walk, you'll encounter several lagoons that are true water mirrors framed by surrounding vegetation. Among them, the Lagoa das Éguas, Lagoa do Carvão, and Lagoa Rasa stand out.
Further ahead, the trail crosses a forest of cryptomeria trees (an introduced species common in the Azores), leading to Lagoa das Empadadas — a great spot to rest and enjoy the surroundings.
In addition to the landscapes and geological formations, this trail also offers opportunities for birdwatching. If you're attentive, you may hear or see species like the finch, blackbird, or even the buzzard, the only resident raptor in the Azores.
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Lagoa do Fogo
The Lagoa do Fogo hiking trail is a hidden gem in the heart of São Miguel Island, waiting to be discovered. This trail is a favorite among both visitors and locals, thanks to its surrounding natural beauty and the impressive Lagoa do Fogo, a green emerald lake located within a volcanic crater.
Viewing Lagoa do Fogo from the viewpoint is already a memorable experience, but venturing down to its shore reveals an even more fascinating scene, with a small beach that invites contemplation.
The most memorable moment happens when you reach the lagoon after crossing an area rich in natural springs. Here, the tranquility of the place and the vastness of nature create a unique sense of peace. A truly unforgettable experience.
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Sanguinho
The Sanguinho Trail is a circular route that starts and ends in the picturesque village of Faial da Terra, in the southeast of São Miguel Island. This trail offers an authentic experience in the heart of Azorean nature, far from the hustle and bustle, filled with natural charm.
Right after leaving the small village, the trail follows a short, paved road but quickly transitions to a dirt path along a creek of crystal-clear water. As you progress, the vegetation becomes denser and lusher, enveloping the hikers.
The highlight of this trail is undoubtedly reaching the Cascata do Salto do Prego, one of the island's hidden treasures. Nestled between trees and rocks, this waterfall invites rest and direct contact with nature.
Throughout the trail, you can observe various species of endemic flora and pass by old orchards, some still active and owned by local families.
The trail is moderately difficult, featuring cobblestone paths, wooden bridges, steps, and steep inclines. On humid days, the terrain can become slippery, so it's important to be well-prepared with appropriate footwear.
Despite the challenges, this is a trail that is totally worth the effort. The Sanguinho Trail combines adventure, stunning landscapes, and moments of peace — one of the most rewarding experiences São Miguel has to offer.
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Ribeira Funda – Praia da Viola
This adventure begins with a trip from Ponta Delgada to Ribeira Funda, where we start a walk full of history.
The trail begins in an open area, but quickly we are surrounded by a greener landscape, with dense vegetation and natural sounds. As we progress, we pass old watermills, reminders of the island’s agricultural past, where wheat and corn were once ground to make flour — the base for traditional Azorean bread.
During the hike, we cross a stream and appreciate the coastal environment typical of this area until we reach the Tio Domingos Viewpoint. From this point, we have a breathtaking view of Praia da Viola, one of the hidden gems of the island's northern coast.
Praia da Viola, with its serene atmosphere, is surrounded by slopes from which natural springs emerge. Its coarse sand and the sound of small waterfalls create a unique atmosphere. A footpath along the beach leads us to the village of Maia, the final point of our walk.
Before returning to Ponta Delgada, we make a special stop at the Gorreana Tea Factory, the oldest continuously operating tea factory in Europe, where we can learn more about tea production in the Azores and, of course, enjoy a comforting cup of tea.
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Pico da Vara
The Pico da Vara trail begins and ends at the Casa do Guarda in the Atalhada Forest Reserve, located in the mountainous area of São Miguel Island, in the parish of Nordeste.
The trail ascends steadily until reaching the highest point of São Miguel: the imposing Pico da Vara, standing at 1,105 meters above sea level. From the top, the view is breathtaking, covering vast areas of the island, and on clear days, you can even see the ocean on the horizon.
The descent is along the same route, returning to the starting point. Although the trail is challenging, it is rewarded with the surrounding natural landscape, the silence of the mountains, and the sense of achievement when reaching the island's summit.
On the way back to Ponta Delgada along the northern coast, it's worth making a stop at the Gorreana Tea Factory. This is one of the few commercially operating tea producers in Europe and a true icon of Azorean tradition.
A visit to the factory is the perfect opportunity to learn about the production process and enjoy tea with a view over the plantations.
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