7 Tage

São Miguel Hiking week

What you'll do

If you’re planning to dedicate your vacation to hiking on São Miguel Island, I hope this itinerary helps you get the most out of your trip. I also highly recommend making stops at the points I’ve marked on the map on your way to or from the hiking trails. And be sure to find time to visit at least the locations filtered under the Top Pick option on the map, as these are the most important must-see highlights that simply can’t be missed.

Day 1

1

Besichtigung

Miradouro da Boca do Inferno

Scenic viewpoint with stunning vistas

Miradouro da Boca do Inferno on São Miguel Island in the Azores is a must-visit spot, offering breathtaking views of Lagoa Azul, Lagoa Verde, Lagoa de Santiago, and the surrounding crater. The name, meaning “Mouth of Hell,” reflects the dramatic landscape.

Why Visit?

Stunning Panoramas: Enjoy unparalleled views of the contrasting blue and green lakes of Sete Cidades and the lush volcanic craters.

Nature and Tranquility: A serene spot to immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty.

Photography: Perfect for capturing iconic Azorean landscapes.

Practical Tips

Hike Difficulty: The short, well-marked trail starts from the parking area located here, taking about 20-40 minutes one way. Follow my route here to avoid getting lost.

Weather Check: The weather can be unpredictable, so check the live camera feed for real-time updates before your visit. Be prepared for chilly and windy conditions.

Nearby Attractions: Explore other beautiful spots like Lagoa Do Canario and Miradouro Vista do Rei in the vicinity.

2

Park

Lagoa do Canario

Tranquil lagoon in lush forest

Lagoa do Canário is a small lake located within Mata do Canário Forest Park. Surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills, it offers a peaceful, scenic escape.

The name “Canário” translates to “canary” in Portuguese, likely due to the abundance of songbirds in the area.

Lagoa do Canário attracts visitors with its natural beauty and serene atmosphere. Nearby is the Miradouro da Boca do Inferno viewpoint, which provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Sete Cidades lakes and surrounding landscapes—a favorite for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

Be sure to stop by the lake on your way back from the viewpoint to enjoy the beautiful forest and lake surroundings.

3

Wanderung

PRC 05 SMI - Serra Devassa

Volcanic landscapes with stunning views

The Serra Devassa trail (PRC05 SMI) in São Miguel, Azores, is a must-do hike that takes you through stunning volcanic landscapes, including lagoons and peaks. The official 4.9 km circular route offers breathtaking views, with an optional 2 km extension to the Grota do Inferno viewpoint for an even more unforgettable experience. Well-marked and accessible, this trail is perfect for hikers looking to explore the unique beauty of the Azores.

Before setting off on your hike, be sure to check the weather and cloud conditions via the local webcam. For more details about the trail, visit the official Visit Azores website. You can download the GPS track here and explore a detailed brochure with a hiking map here.

4

Wanderung

PR 03 SMI - Vista do Rei - Sete Cidades

Scenic hike through volcanic crater

Vista do Rei - Sete Cidades Route is a scenic hiking trail that starts at the Vista do Rei viewpoint, leading you through the stunning Sete Cidades crater with its lakes and volcanic formations. Along the way, you can take a detour to Lomba do Vasco for a view of the west coast. The trail ends in the charming village of Sete Cidades, where you can explore the requalification project of the lake banks and Casa do Parque. It's an easy 7.7 km walk that takes about 2 hours, perfect for a leisurely adventure in nature.

Before setting off on your hike, be sure to check the weather and cloud conditions via the local webcam 1 and webcam 2. For more details about the trail, visit the official Visit Azores website. You can download the GPS track here (I use the Wikiloc app to open and navigate GPX files) and explore a detailed brochure with a hiking map here.