How To Visit Breathtaking Lagoa do Fogo on São Miguel, Azores
If you have visited the banks of Lagoa do Fogo via hiking, you MUST get up into the mountains for a birds-eye view of this gorgeous lake in São Miguel. We’ll discuss how to get there during peak season when you have to take the Lagoa do Fogo shuttle.
Additionally, learn how to skip the shuttle and take your own car, but you can only do so at certain times. Learn more about what to expect on the shuttle, including where to park, the stops it serves, and more. Your Azores bucket list should absolutely include a visit to Lagoa do Fogo!
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Things to Know
- There are plenty of free parking spots at the north and south ends of EN2-5A, the road that leads to Lagoa do Fogo.
- The shuttle costs 5 euros per person and includes both itineraries that we will discuss below.
- As of 2025, there are restroom facilities at the south parking lot near Casa da Água. We did not see any public restrooms near Caldeira Velha.
- It may be warm near the parking areas, but it can be windy and cold at the mountain summit, so be sure to bring some layers.
To make the most of your time in the Azores, you definitely need to rent a car! Rental cars could be in short supply depending on when you travel here, so be sure to check the prices and options at DiscoverCars! We rented through them with AutAtlantis. It was a great experience with no hiccups!
If you are looking for more fun on São Miguel, check out our full itinerary right here for more awesome ideas on this amazing island.
Azores Webcams
Check the weather before you go, as this destination is frequently shrouded in clouds, and views can be completely blocked. Conditions can change quickly, so for the best chance at clear views when you arrive, use local webcams to see real-time weather.
You can find webcams at these links: here and here! The first link is our favorite as it’s overlaid on a map of the islands to help you plan.
Lagoa do Fogo
Also known as the Lake of Fire, this amazing blue-green lake is located in a crater within the Água de Pau Massif stratovolcano in the center of the island of São Miguel. Within a protected area, no construction is allowed nearby. This adds to the peacefulness of the lake and the surrounding area.
The lake and area are protected, so please leave this location more pristine than you found it by practicing Leave No Trace. Alright, let’s go!
Lagoa do Fogo Shuttle
During the high season, visitors to the area must utilize the shuttle system to reach the viewpoints for Lagoa do Fogo. Check out the map below for an overview of where to park, the stops you will visit, and more.
About the Shuttle
- Use of the shuttle is required from June 15 to September 30th from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm and runs every day, including holidays. Traffic is stopped by police at both entrances to EN5-2A.
- The cost is 5 euros per person, and you can ride each shuttle itinerary. Residents can ride for free. Tickets can be purchased before you arrive here.
- Each itinerary takes about 1 hour, but it depends on how long you stay at each of the destinations and viewpoints.
- You can pick and choose which stops you want to visit, but you’ll have to switch bus lines at the Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint to get on a different bus itinerary.
- Shuttles are equipped for those with mobility issues.
How to Drive Yourself
If you travel along EN5-2A before 9:00 am or after 7:00 pm, you can drive your car all the way through. That being said, please note that parking at the viewpoints is somewhat limited, so it’s possible you might not find a spot during this time.
If you plan to drive yourself, get out there early or go late in the day.
Itineraries
With a single ticket, you can ride on one or both of the itineraries. Here is a quick graphic:
Green Line (Linha Verde)
We decided to start our shuttle journey on the green line, as we had just hiked to the banks of the lake and were fairly close to Casa da Água. Here at the parking location, you’ll find restrooms, as well as a food truck and picnic area in a park.
The shuttle stop is up near the road closure, and shuttles usually remain at this point for 10 minutes. When you are ready to go, pull up the QR code from your tickets and scan it with the driver.
Miradouro da Barrosa
The first stop on the green line is Pico da Barrosa. This is a quick viewpoint of the lake, and the shuttle will stay here for about 3-5 minutes while you have time to snap a few photos.
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Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo
The final stop on the green line is the viewpoint for Lagoa do Fogo. As you disembark the shuttle here, you will be required to walk up a short path and sidewalk to reach the viewpoint of the lake. This view is absolutely stunning! We couldn’t get enough. The shuttle will wait here for about 10 minutes.
🚶🏽♀️➡️ Hit the trails and hike to the amazing Lagoa do Fogo. Learn more here!
At this location, there is a path that will lead you down to the lake, but from what we have heard, this area is technically closed to the public to protect the animal habitats in the crater. Use your best judgment here, but we did not hike down.
End of the Green Line
From here, if you would like to return to your car, stay on the green line and travel back to Casa da Água. To enjoy the other itinerary and travel to Caldeira Velha, hop on the red shuttle. There is no need to show your ticket here, but make sure you have it for the return trip.
If you hop on the red shuttle, you’ll arrive at the parking lot near Caldeira Velha. It’s possible the shuttle will drop you right at the entrance, though, which they did for us. Here, you can visit the Caldeira Velha Natural Monument. More on that below!
Red Line (Linha Vermelha)
After enjoying a visit to Caldeira Velha Natural Monument, take the red line back up the mountain to return to your car. The shuttle stop is located in the parking lot here, right near the stairs that lead to the entrance of Caldeira Velha Natural Monument.
You will need to scan your tickets again with the driver, so be sure to keep them handy here for the return trip up the mountain.
Miradouro da Bela Vista
The first stop on the red line is a quick 3-minute stop at Miradouro da Bela Vista. Here, you will get a nice view of Ribeira Grande and Ribeirinha along with the north coast. You may even be able to see Sete Cidades off to the east as well.
You may even get lucky here and see some cows grazing in the fields if your timing is right.
Miradouro da Barrosa
Wait a minute! We have already been to Miradouro da Barrosa on the green line, but this is where it gets a bit tricky, as the second stop on the red line is a visit to Miradouro da Barrosa. It’s a short stop here again for about 3 minutes, so if it was cloudy on the first visit, hopefully the sun is out now!
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Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo
Lastly, the red line stops at the amazing Lagoa do Fogo. If you rode the green line to begin with, you’ll know exactly what to expect here. If not, scroll up.
End of the Red Line
If you are returning to Casa da Água, where you parked, this is when you’ll get back on the green line, and the shuttle will return you right back where you started your journey to the amazing Lagoa do Fogo.
A bit of logistics here, but it sure beats trying to get a parking spot during peak season when this area is at its busiest.
🌳 Get the details on how to go on an epic levada hike to Lagoa do Fogo.
Caldeira Velha Natural Monument
Nestled within a lush, volcanic landscape, the Caldeira Velha Natural Monument blends in with its surroundings, using sustainable architecture that corresponds with the area’s biodiversity and natural features. Here, you can learn more about the island’s natural history and geothermal activity.
Inside the Caldeira Velha Natural Monument, an exhibit explores the volcanic origins of the Azores, with a focus on the nearby Fogo Volcano. It also highlights geothermal activity and the importance of thermal resources.
Additionally, you can enjoy a series of naturally heated thermal pools, with water temperatures ranging from 77 °F to 102 °F, which are perfect for a relaxing soak in the middle of the gorgeous forest.
With limited entry and timed access, you should try to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. If you just want to visit, but not partake in the hot springs, you can purchase a ticket just for a visit. If you’d like to soak in the pools, bring your swimsuit and use the on-site changing rooms to go for a dip!
We only chose to go for a visit, and we were able to purchase the tickets right at the entrance booth. You really don’t need a whole lot of time here, as this attraction is fairly small. We would have loved to enjoy the thermal pools, but it was way too hot out for that!
Where to Stay in São Miguel, Azores
There are plenty of great places to stay across São Miguel. We chose to stay in Ponta Delgada for the duration of our stay because it’s only about 1-1.5 hours from any location on the island. Ponta Delgada has plenty of restaurants, grocery stores, and more. Here are some great places to stay.
- Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico – 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. Book here on Expedia or Booking.com
- Octant Hotel 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. Reserve your room on Expedia or Booking.com now.
- 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. Check out the prices and amenities at Expedia or Booking.com
- A VRBO! Check out some of the homes for rent and have your own place for your trip.
🧭 Loving this itinerary and looking for more? Check out our other itineraries here!
Final Thoughts
If there is one spot you can’t miss on São Miguel, this is it. The view from the Logoa do Fogo viewpoint is one of the best on the island – maybe even better than the famous Boco do Inferno viewpoint.
We purchased our shuttle tickets before arriving at the parking lot, and it worked out very well. The logistics of the shuttle system were pretty well explained via maps near both entrance points, but could be confusing with the two different bus lines.
When we were finished visiting Caldeira Velha Natural Monument, we were a bit confused as to where the shuttle pick-up was, as they had dropped us off right by the entrance. It turns out that the actual shuttle stop is in the parking lot, so be aware of that.
Using the shuttle system was a great way to see the amazing mountain scenery surrounding Lagoa do Fogo without the parking headache, so be sure to add this to your list of things to do!
🛌🏽 Still searching for a place to stay in the Azores? Check out Expedia and book your hotel!
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