1. Poço Azul (Blue Well)
The Poço Azul (Blue Well) is a hidden gem on the island of São Miguel, located in the county of Nordeste. Just as the name suggests, it's a natural pool with a blue hue that will leave you speechless. Plus, the water is usually exceptionally clear, allowing for a crystal-clear view of the bottom. Talk about a paradise in the midst of nature.
Poço Azul belongs to the locality of Achadinha, situated in the northeast part of São Miguel Island. This town, by itself, doesn't have any special tourist appeal, although it's a nice place for a stroll or a bite to eat after visiting Poço Azul. Nevertheless, if you visit the town in August, you might come across some activities and concerts, as there's a religious festivity honoring Nossa Senhora do Rosário.
But Poço Azul is reason enough to make a stop in this town. In fact, we'd dare say it's the absolute must-see spot in the Nordeste area. Walking towards Poço Azul feels like stepping into another world. The clarity of its waters and the blue tone are truly special. Just bear in mind that the water is pretty chilly.
To reach Poço Azul, you can follow the Poço Azul Trail, a circular and easy path that bears its name. But if you're into hiking and have enough time, we recommend another very interesting option to explore this place, the PR21 SMI Trail, which starts at Padrão das Alminhas and ends at Salto da Farinha Waterfall, another must-visit in the Nordeste area, allowing you to visit both places along the same trail.
The Poço Azul Trail starts in Achadinha. It's an easy 1.3 km circular route. If you decide to visit Poço Azul, you'll have to walk this accessible trail as you can't reach it by car. The usual time to complete it is around 25 minutes, although you have to add the time you'll spend enjoying Poço Azul. While it's a popular trail, you can avoid crowds by doing it early in the morning. Will you dare to take a dip in the chilly waters of Poço Azul?
On the other hand, the PR21 SMI Trail from Padrão das Alminhas to Salto da Farinha is perfect for hiking enthusiasts. This trail is longer than the first one and has the particularity of passing by Poço Azul instead of having it as the final destination. Its goal is to reach the impressive Salto da Farinha. In this case, the route is linear, of medium difficulty, with a length of 4.9 km, so it takes around 2 hours to complete. Since it's linear, keep in mind that you'll need to add another 2 hours to return.
The PR21 SMI Trail is very beautiful and well-maintained. Just like on the Poço Azul route, we suggest starting early in the morning so that when you reach Poço Azul, you can enjoy a swim with fewer people around. And remember, you have another reward on this journey: reaching Salto da Farinha, a spectacular waterfall.