7 Best Hikes In São Miguel, Azores (We’ve Done Every One)
Looking for the best hikes in São Miguel, Azores? You’ve found the right guide. We spent 9 days on the island and hiked every trail on this list ourselves, from easy lakeside strolls to strenuous mountain climbs through jungle-like forests.
One moment you’re driving past quiet farmland, and the next you’re staring out over a volcanic caldera filled with clouds or deep blue water. In this post, we will discuss the 7 best hikes in São Miguel, Azores.
Everything feels lush and alive, shaped by the island’s volcanic past and the ever-changing Atlantic weather. We would need a few more hands to count how many times we said “Whoa!! Look at that!”
There are hikes here for every fitness level, from easy 1-mile viewpoint walks to strenuous 7-mile mountain trails.
Wandering through Sao Miguel’s landscapes gives you a deeper appreciation for how diverse and wild the island really is. It’s a place that invites you to explore, one step at a time. So what are we waiting for?
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read our full disclosure for more information.
Best Hikes in São Miguel, Azores
Below is a list of the best hikes in São Miguel, Azores. We have hiked each and every one of these trails, and we go in depth on each one in our other posts linked below. Be sure to check those out to get the full details!
Just for fun, these are in order from our favorite to least favorite. That being said, there is not a hike that we did not enjoy. All of them are so awesome. Let’s start with an overview and map of where each hike is located.
Map
Use the map above to see an overview of where each hike is located.
1. Boca do Inferno (Miradouro Grota do Inferno)
This is probably one you have seen plenty of pictures of! That wooden walkway that looks like it leads to the end of the world, overlooking the gorgeous Lagoa Azul, Lagoa Verde, Lagoa de Santiago, and Sete Cidades. Be careful though – it’s often cloudy here! Get the details on this one on our post.
- 1.6 miles
- 387 ft. elevation gain
- Easy
💤 Looking for a place to stay on São Miguel? You’ll find many epic accommodations on VRBO!
2. Serra Devassa
Located near the trail to Boca do Inferno, this one passes by multiple lakes and calderas with an optional short spur trail to Pico do Paul on the “hydrangea highway” trail. Check it out here.
- 2.5-3 miles
- 610 ft. elevation gain
- Easy/Moderate
3. Lagoa do Fogo
Hike up through farmland and along a levada through the jungle-like forest to a lush green valley, surrounded by mountains on all sides. The halfway point is the gorgeous blue lake, Lagoa do Fogo. Read more about this hike now!
- 7 miles
- 1,200 ft. elevation gain
- Hard
4. Chá Gorreana
You can’t go wrong with this one. One of the most unique hikes we have ever done, straight through the gorgeous terrace-like tea fields of the Chá Gorreana Tea Factory, complete with free tea samples. Go on a virtual hike through the fields and learn more about a short bonus hike here, too.
- 2.2 miles
- 600 ft. elevation gain
- Hard
5. Salto do Prego & Salto do Cagarrão Waterfalls
If you love waterfalls, this is the hike for you. Visiting 2 gorgeous waterfalls in the woods, along with a “lost village” (with a bar!) and insane views overlooking the coast and ocean. Take a look at the details here!
- 5 miles
- 1,571 ft. elevation gain
- Hard
6. Furnas Lake
Located in a prominent and active geothermal hotspot within a dormant volcano, take a flat stroll around Furnas Lake. Here you’ll spot a unique church, bamboo, and fumaroles. Find out more about one of the easiest hikes in São Miguel, Azores.
- 4 miles
- 498 ft. elevation gain
- Easy
7. Salto do Cabrito Waterfall
Another waterfall hike that you can’t miss. We took the long route on this one and visited an old hydroelectric plant, a small village, and the quiet roads of the island. Get all the details about how to hike this trail.
- 5 miles
- 950 ft. elevation gain
- Moderate/Hard
Planning Your Hikes in São Miguel
Tips for Hiking
The weather changes extremely fast. Check the weather before heading out each day. Conditions on São Miguel can change quickly and vary from one part of the island to another. To improve your chances of great weather for your hike, use the local webcams for real-time conditions.
You can access the webcams here and here! The first one is our favorite, which shows live cameras on a map.
Trails can be muddy and slippery even in summer, so waterproof hiking boots are strongly recommended.
Some trails require navigation, and not all are well-marked. Download AllTrails or the trail GPX file before you leave your accommodation.
Early morning is best for fewer clouds, better visibility for the caldera views, and cooler temperatures.
You Will Need A Rental Car!
If you want to explore the entire island, a rental car is a must. DiscoverCars is a great way to check prices and compare different cars. We booked our rental car through DiscoverCars with AutAtlantis and had a great experience!
If you are spending more time on São Miguel, be sure to check out our full itinerary on how we spent our time on the island!
Where to Stay
We decided to use Ponta Delgada as a home base for our entire trip, as it’s conveniently located within 1 to 1.5 hours of most destinations on the island. Below are some top places to consider staying!
- Grand Hotel Acores Atlantico – The 5-star Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico is one of Ponta Delgada’s most iconic hotels, renowned for its prime location near the historic center and its stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Hotel Talisman – A charming 4‑star boutique hotel nestled in Ponta Delgada’s historic center, housed in an elegantly renovated 17th‑/18th‑century property overlooking a delightful park.
- Octant Hotels Ponta Delgada – Located waterfront at the edge of Ponta Delgada’s marina, this hotel is a sleek, modern boutique retreat offering 123 elegantly designed rooms and suites.
- A VRBO! Check out some of the homes for rent and have your own place for your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hikes can you do in São Miguel in one week?
Comfortably 5–7 hikes, depending on your fitness level and how much time you spend at each location. We completed all 7 on this list during our 9 days on the island. With a rental car and early starts, you can easily combine some of the shorter hikes on the same day. Boca do Inferno and Serra Devassa are right next to each other, for example.
Do you need a guide for hiking in São Miguel?
For most of the trails on this list, no. A good trail app like AllTrails and the webcam links above are all you need. AllTrails was very helpful for Lagoa do Fogo and Salto do Prego, where the trails are longer and less trafficked. We hiked all of them independently without any issues.
Are the hikes in São Miguel difficult?
There’s a wide range. Furnas Lake and Boca do Inferno are genuinely easy and accessible for most fitness levels. Lagoa do Fogo and Salto do Prego are strenuous with significant elevation gain. Most hikers with reasonable fitness will handle the majority of this list comfortably.
What is the best hike in São Miguel, Azores?
For us, it’s Boca do Inferno. The viewpoint over the calderas is unlike anything we’ve seen anywhere else. But honestly, Lagoa do Fogo is the most rewarding if you’re willing to put in the effort. The turquoise lake at the halfway point is one of those moments where you just stop and stare.
Are the Hikes in São Miguel, Azores, Worth It?
Without a doubt! São Miguel is one of the most rewarding hiking destinations we have ever visited, and we’ve done quite a bit of hiking. That’s saying something. Where else can you hike to a volcanic caldera, walk through a working tea plantation, and stumble onto a waterfall with a bar nearby?
What makes these hikes special isn’t just the scenery. It’s how different each hike feels from the last.
Boca do Inferno and Serra Devassa will leave your jaw on the floor. Lagoa do Fogo will make your legs burn in the best possible way. Furnas Lake will make you feel like you’ve wandered into another world, and Chá Gorreana will make you want to cancel your flight home and stay forever.
If you’re planning a trip to the Azores, do not skip the hiking. It is the best way to experience São Miguel. Check out the individual posts linked above for full details on each trail, and don’t forget to use those webcams before you head out each morning. Your legs will thank you later.
🛌🏽 Still need to book your accommodations in the Azores? Check out Tripadvisor and book your hotel now!
Don’t forget to pin this post for future planning! Just click the save button located on any image.
