Azores Travel Guide: São Miguel Island Hiking, Hot Springs, and Volcanic Lakes

The Azores, an archipelago of nine volcanic islands situated in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, are often described as Europe's answer to Hawaii. Rising steeply from deep ocean waters, these Portuguese islands combine lush green pastures, dramatic sea cliffs, thermal hot springs, and massive volcanic craters. São Miguel is the largest and most populated island, making it the ideal starting point for exploring this pristine geothermal paradise.

São Miguel rewards active travelers. The island's geography is defined by three active caldera volcanoes: Sete Cidades, Fogo, and Furnas. Each volcano has created its own distinct microclimate and landscape, ranging from peaceful crater lakes wrapped in hydrangeas to steaming sulfur vents and iron-rich thermal pools. With direct flights from Europe and North America, São Miguel is quickly becoming a premier destination for eco-tourism and outdoor adventure.

Sete Cidades: The Twin Lakes of São Miguel

Sete Cidades, located on the western end of the island, is one of the most recognizable natural wonders in Portugal. The massive caldera, measuring five kilometers across, contains a stunning twin lake system: Lagoa Azul (Blue Lake) and Lagoa Verde (Green Lake). According to local legend, the lakes were formed by the tears of a blue-eyed princess and a green-eyed shepherd who were forbidden from being together, though science explains the color difference through light absorption and algal concentrations.

The best way to experience Sete Cidades is by walking the rim trails. The classic hike starts at the Vista do Rei viewpoint, following a dirt path along the crater's edge that descends into the sleepy town at the bottom. For a more dramatic perspective, head to the Miradouro da Boca do Inferno viewpoint. This spot offers a panoramic view over three distinct crater lakes and the surrounding ocean cliffs, especially during the quiet early morning hours before clouds roll in.

Furnas: Steam Vents and Geothermal Hot Springs

To experience the geothermal power of São Miguel, head east to the village of Furnas. Nestled inside a massive active caldera, the village is famous for its bubbling mud pots, sulfurous steam vents, and historic thermal bath houses. The smell of sulfur hangs in the air, a reminder of the heat boiling just beneath the earth's crust.

Furnas is also home to two of the island's best hot spring parks. The Terra Nostra Garden, established in the late 18th century, features a massive, iron-rich thermal pool surrounded by a botanical garden containing thousands of exotic plant species. Nearby, the Poça da Dona Beija offers a more modern experience with five stone pools fed by a warm, iron-rich stream, making it a popular spot for relaxing under the stars in the evening.

Hiking Lagoa do Fogo

Lagoa do Fogo, or the Lake of Fire, is the wildest and most pristine of São Miguel's three crater lakes. Located in the center of the island, the lake is surrounded by a protected nature reserve with no buildings or roads at the water's edge. The weather here is notoriously unpredictable; the crater is frequently wrapped in thick fog while the surrounding coastlines enjoy clear sunshine.

The standard hike descends from the main viewpoint down a steep, muddy trail to the white sand beaches at the lake's edge. For a longer adventure, the trail from Praia to Lagoa do Fogo climbs through eucalyptus forests, passing historic water channels and clay deposits before revealing the lake from its southern shore. Always carry a light windbreaker and a rain jacket, as temperatures drop rapidly when fog rolls into the caldera.

Logistics and Travel Tips

São Miguel is best explored by car. Public transit is limited, and many of the island's best hiking trails, viewpoints, and thermal parks are inaccessible without private transport. Rental cars are in high demand during the summer peak, making early booking essential. Furthermore, because of the island's unique microclimates, it is common to experience rain, fog, and sunshine all in the same afternoon, requiring flexible planning and layers.

• Rent a car with sufficient engine power for steep mountain roads
• Bring old, dark swimsuits for the thermal hot springs, as the iron-rich water permanently stains light fabrics yellow
• Download offline maps, as cell coverage is spotty in deep volcanic craters
• Pack sturdy hiking shoes with wet-rock grip for forest and rim trails
• Taste "Cozido das Furnas", a traditional stew slow-cooked for six hours underground by geothermal heat

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