Do you want to explore the best hiking trails in São Miguel and don't know where to start? In this article, we bring you the top 10 trails that we love so you can plan your visit to the island and not miss a thing.
Our selection of trails is quite varied, and we've focused on uncovering all parts of the island included in our São Miguel travel guide by regions, making sure that in each one you can discover a piece of nature with a perfect hiking excursion.
Among these 10 trails, you'll find trails for every taste, with different difficulty levels, travel times, and environments. Additionally, we'll point out the main points of interest near each trail so you can make the most of your visit and continue exploring São Miguel in the most comfortable way possible.
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The Top 10 Hiking Trails in São Miguel - Contents:
These hiking trails in São Miguel are part of our travel guide for different areas of the island, so we've categorized these trails by region to help you plan your trip. And if you want to get a complete overview of the island, make sure you don't miss anything and check out our global map with all the destinations.
Let's start with our selection of the top 10 hiking trails in São Miguel!
CENTRAL AND NORTHERN ZONE OF THE ISLAND:
The central and northern zone of São Miguel island is famous for its breathtaking natural landscapes, which include wonders such as the Salto do Cabrito waterfall, Lagoa do Fogo, Caldeira Velha, or the stunning Santa Iria viewpoint.
It's no wonder that in this area you'll also find 3 of the best hiking trails in São Miguel. Let's get to know them!
1. Praia to Lagoa do Fogo Trail, Our Favorite Hiking Trail in São Miguel
Let's kick off with what I'd say is our favorite trail on São Miguel island and in all of the Azores: the PRC02 SMI - Praia to Lagoa do Fogo trail. And why do we love it so much? Well, because the star of the show here is Lagoa do Fogo, one of the largest lagoons in the entire Azores archipelago and the second-largest on São Miguel island.
If you're keen on visiting Lagoa do Fogo, one of Portugal's 7 wonders in the 'wild beach' category, and you're into hiking, you can't miss this trail. Moreover, even though Lagoa do Fogo is one of the most visited lagoons in São Miguel, this trail isn't heavily trafficked as it's somewhat demanding, which means you can enjoy a part of Lagoa do Fogo practically by yourself when you arrive. We assure you it's worth it!
One thing we really appreciate about the Praia to Lagoa do Fogo trail is that it's very well marked, making it easy to follow and quite hard to get lost. The area is lush and humid, giving you the feeling of being in the jungle at times, especially at the beginning of the hike.
And don't be daunted by the elevation gain and the length of the trail—it's fairly moderate and doesn't require being in top physical shape. The best part of it all? The reward at the end of the journey... Lagoa do Fogo!
Trail information:
Trail Profile: PRC02 SMI Trail
Type: Circular
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 10.9 km
Estimated Time: 4 hours
2. Termas das Caldeiras to Salto do Cabrito Waterfall Trail
The PRC29 SMI trail, starting at the parking lot of the Termas das Caldeiras in the village of Ribeira Grande, is something special. It's quite a popular route as the goal is to reach one of the most visited spots in the northern area of São Miguel island: the Salto do Cabrito waterfall. This waterfall, about 40 meters tall, creates a natural pool where you'll feel tempted to take a dip after hiking this trail, so don't forget your swimsuit.
You can reach Salto do Cabrito by car, but we highly recommend taking this trail that will make you feel like you're on another planet. Along the route, you'll be surrounded by wild nature, with hydrangea and fern forests, but what makes it truly special are the fumaroles you'll see on the slopes along the way—truly incredible!
Another thing we love about this trail to Salto do Cabrito is that it's quite thrilling, making it not suitable for those with serious vertigo issues. During the hike, you'll encounter walkways and steep stairs where you can see what's below, which can be a bit intimidating. Nevertheless, the trail is perfectly safe to traverse, so we encourage you to enjoy it.
By the way, when you're done with the trail, relaxing for a while at the Termas das Caldeiras can be a great idea... To us, these thermal baths feel like a trip to the past, and we love that they maintain the typical 19th-century architecture, although the facilities have been restored and are very nice. Seriously, after this hike, soaking in warm water is priceless.
Trail information:
Trail Profile: PRC29 SMI Trail
Type: Circular
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 8.5 km
Estimated Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
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3. Circular Trail through Tea Plantations, a Gem of the Azores
Have you heard that São Miguel is home to Europe's only tea plantations for industrial purposes? If you've been able to check out all the locations in our travel guide to São Miguel by zones, you'll have noticed that these magnificent plantations are located in the northern area. To visit them, you have two options: the Porto Formoso Tea Factory and the Gorreana Tea Plantations. Which one is better? Sorry, but we can't choose for you—you'll have to visit both, although they're only a 3-minute drive apart.
What we can tell you is that at the Gorreana Tea Plantations, you can take a highly recommended trail suitable for anyone: the PRC28 SMI Trail. And it's truly worth it, especially considering that if you live in Europe, opportunities to wander through tea fields don't come around every day, right?
The starting point of the tea plantation trail is right in front of the Gorreana Tea Factory, across the road. You'll spot it easily; you can't miss it. Honestly, it's a very accessible route, easy and suitable for anyone. It's perfect for thoroughly exploring this area and getting up close to the tea fields.
We assure you that the scent of tea will accompany you throughout the trail, and if you haven't already, you'll likely feel the urge to try a good cup of Gorreana tea. We recommend trying the black tea, their specialty—and it's delicious!
Trail information:
Trail Profile: PRC28 SMI Trail
Type: Circular
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 3.4 km
Estimated Time: 1 hours 30 minutes
Important! Make the most out of your visit to the northern and central areas of São Miguel and don't miss out on the following nearby places to these trails:
By the way! Since a picture is worth a thousand words, before checking out the trails in the next area, don't miss our short video showcasing images of the best hiking trails in São Miguel:
WESTERN AREA OF THE ISLAND:
The western area is one you absolutely can't miss on São Miguel Island, and of course, it's one of the most touristic. This zone is renowned for its breathtaking two-colored lagoon, Lagoa das Sete Cidades, but it also boasts many other lagoons that, as you'll see, take the spotlight in the 2 hiking trails we're presenting in this section.
Oh, by the way! These two trails start from the same spot, the parking lot of Lagoa do Canario, so we highly recommend doing both routes consecutively—they're totally worth it!
4. Trail to Grota do Inferno Viewpoint, a must-see in São Miguel
Grota do Inferno Viewpoint (or Boca do Inferno) is one of the most renowned viewpoints on São Miguel Island. In fact, we consider it a must-visit for anyone traveling to the Azores as it offers incredible views of Lagoa das Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Canario, and a significant part of Serra Devassa.
Miradouro Grota do Inferno sits atop a cliff, and the way to reach it is by following this trail, making it one of the most traversed on the island despite being mostly uphill (107 meters in 1.2 km).
The trail leading to Miradouro Grota do Inferno is linear, so you'll have to return the same way. At the beginning, you'll pass by Lagoa do Canario, a must-see on São Miguel Island, and along the route, you'll encounter different viewpoints that will leave you speechless.
By the way, if it's cloudy and you can't see anything from the viewpoint, we recommend waiting a few minutes as cloud cover can change rapidly, and it might clear up in a moment. It happened to us, and we were so glad we waited!
Trail information:
Trail Profile: Grota do Inferno Trail
Type: Linear
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2.4 km
Estimated Time: 47 minutes
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5. Route through Serra Devassa
Serra Devassa is a beautiful area of São Miguel that is part of the Forest Park of Mata do Canario. Its main attraction is its lagoons, as it boasts the highest number of lagoons on São Miguel Island, with the most well-known being Lagoa do Canario. Just like the previous route, the trail we propose in this section, the PRC05 SMI Trail, begins at the parking lot of Lagoa do Canario.
The PRC05 SMI Trail is also one of our favorites on São Miguel Island and in the Azores. It's a circular route that winds through Serra Devassa and offers breathtaking views of various lagoons and viewpoints.
On this trail, you'll pass by beautiful viewpoints, such as Lagoa da Éguas and Lagoa Rosa. You'll also have incredible views from the highest point of the trail, Pico da Éguas. Additionally, the trail features a highly recommended detour of about 15 minutes that leads to Lagoa das Empadadas.
One positive aspect of this trail in Serra Devassa is that, although it's in a fairly touristy area of the island and easily accessible, it's not very crowded. We're not sure if it's because most people opt to only do the trail that leads to Miradouro Grota do Inferno (the previous one), but when we hiked this trail in the middle of August, we encountered at most 10 people. The truth is, this trail offers peace and tranquility in a fairly touristy area, and during peak season, that's something to appreciate.
Trail information:
Trail Profile: PRC05 SMI Trail
Type: Circular
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4.9 km
Estimated Time: 2 hours
Important! Make the most of your visit to the western area of São Miguel and don't miss out on the following nearby places to these trails:
THE BEST ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES IN SÃO MIGUEL!
NORTHEAST AREA OF THE ISLAND:
At the northeast tip of São Miguel lies the Nordeste area, characterized by offering the most breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean on the island. This seems to be the most recommended area by locals and perhaps the least exploited for tourism, giving it a unique and lush charm.
Here are 3 trails that we love in this area of São Miguel!
6. Poço Azul Trail, another must-visit trail in São Miguel
The Poço Azul Trail is a fairly short circular route that is very popular on São Miguel Island. Its popularity is due to reaching one of the island's natural wonders: Poço Azul. And why is Poço Azul so popular? Well, it's because it's a natural pool with blue water amidst nature. The water is so clear that you can see the bottom with total clarity. And the best part is that you can swim in this paradise, although the water is quite cold.
The Poço Azul Trail is the only way to reach this pool as it's not accessible by car. The trail starts in the village of Achadinha and is perfect for anyone, whether they enjoy hiking or not. To complete this circular route of 1.3 km, you'll only need about 25 minutes, and with Poço Azul along the way, we assure you it's worth it!
Although it's a popular route, you can still find moments of tranquility and peace, depending on the time of day. Going early in the morning might be a good idea so that when you arrive at Poço Azul, you can enjoy a refreshing swim in its blue waters with few people around.
Another way to discover Poço Azul is by exploring the next trail in this post, an ideal trail to enjoy the Nordeste region and its natural wonders.
Trail information:
Trail Profile: Poço Azul Trail
Type: Circular
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.3 km
Estimated Time: 25 minutes
7. Padrão das Alminhas to Salto da Farinha Waterfall Trail
The Padrão das Alminhas to Salto da Farinha Waterfall Trail, or PR21 SMI Trail, is a linear trail that's very comprehensive. It's the perfect way to enjoy two of the most beautiful places in the Nordeste region: Poço Azul and the Salto da Farinha waterfall. A two-in-one deal, isn't it?
Salto da Farinha is the highlight destination of this trail as it's a 40-meter-high waterfall, a true natural gem flowing towards the sea. Additionally, this route, which connects the hamlets of Achadinha and Salga, offers a spectacular experience of natural beauty combined with significant historical importance.
This trail is beautiful and well-maintained. Just like we recommended for the Poço Azul Trail, start early in the morning so that when you arrive at Poço Azul, you can enjoy a swim without too many people around. Once you reach Salto da Farinha, you can admire this magnificent waterfall, although you should note that in the summer months, it may not have much water, as was the case for us. Nevertheless, it's worth doing this trail and enjoying nature in its purest state.
Trail information:
Trail Profile: PR21 SMI Trail
Type: Linear
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4.9 km
Estimated Time: 2 hours
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8. Pico da Vara Summit Trail, the Highest Point of São Miguel
This route provides access to the highest point on São Miguel Island, Pico da Vara, standing at 1,103 meters high. The trail starts at the Forestry Guard House of the Atalhada Reserve in Santo António Nordestinho and traverses the protected area for Habitat and Species Management of Tronqueira and Planalto de Graminhais, as well as the Pico da Vara Natural Reserve.
It's important to note that this route is classified as difficult and requires completing a prior form to undertake it, a form you can find at this link. We've decided to include it in this article because we believe it's not overly challenging and offers a very beautiful experience. However, this is just our personal opinion, and we recommend reviewing the information available on the trail sheet provided in this section.
As of the time of writing this post, the only authorized access to the Pico da Vara trail is the Santo António Nordestinho - Pico da Vara segment (round trip). The Algarvia and Graminhais segments are prohibited for circulation due to safety reasons, as forestry exploration works are being carried out.
Trail information:
Trail Profile: PR07 SMI Trail
Type: Circular
Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 7 km
Estimated Time: 3 hours
Important! Make the most of your visit to the northeast area of São Miguel and don't miss out on the following nearby places to these trails:
SOUTH ZONE OF THE ISLAND:
While the main highlights of São Miguel's south zone are its coastal towns and water activities, let us tell you that you can also find some perfect trails to enjoy pure nature.
In this section, we bring you our 2 favorite trails from the south of São Miguel. We find them super complete and perfect for exploring the area as they both pass through essential places in the south, such as the abandoned village of Sanguinho, which is part of the town of Faial da Terra, and the Salto do Prego waterfall, another natural wonder of the Azores.
Let's get to know these last 2 trails of São Miguel!
9. Sanguinho Trail, the abandoned village of São Miguel
The Sanguinho Trail, also known as PRC09 SMI Trail, is perfect for discovering one of the most historic places on the island of São Miguel, the abandoned village of Sanguinho. This village is being carefully restored, and for a few years now, some rural accommodations have been offered, although it still maintains its charm and authenticity. If you visit, you can see the typical Azores architecture on every corner, as well as breathtaking views of Faial da Terra.
The PRC09 SMI Trail is very comprehensive as it not only passes through Sanguinho but also goes by the Salto do Prego waterfall. It is a very beautiful circular route, suitable for all kinds of people, and comfortable to do at any time of the year. However, it is officially categorized as 'moredate' difficulty, although we believe this is because there is an elevation gain of about 200 meters over a short distance. From our point of view, this trail has no difficulty and is not very demanding, so we encourage you to explore it and enjoy this beautiful coastal area full of lush nature.
The Sanguinho trail starts next to the Faial da Terra bus stop. During the route, you will come across fruit orchards on both sides of the stream that belong to small family farms. As you can see in the information provided in the trail's profile, please refrain from picking fruits from the plantations during the hike.
Trail information:
Trail Profile: PRC09 SMI Trail
Type: Circular
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4.5 km
Estimated Time: 2 hours
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10. Salto do Prego and Salto do Carragão Waterfalls Trail
This last route we propose in our selection of the top 10 trails of São Miguel also passes through the Salto do Prego waterfall, although it is more extensive than the previous one. In our opinion, this route is perfect for discovering this area, especially for those who have time and want to spend a good part of the day hiking.
And what else makes this route special? Well, not only will you be able to discover the famous Salto do Prego waterfall, but you will also reach the Salto do Carragão waterfall. This second waterfall is located very close to Salto do Prego, so it is essential to visit both if you do this trail.
Although we believe it is a fairly accessible route, it is also considered 'medium' difficulty, and we understand that this classification is due to certain slopes, stairs, and wooden bridges that may be obstacles for some people. For us, this adds to the excitement of the trail, although it depends on each person's perspective.
Lastly, you should know that the trail has an elevation gain to consider (474 meters), but we assure you that it is worth climbing these almost 500 meters, enjoying the journey to finally reach these two waterfalls on the island of São Miguel. Are you up for it?
Trail information:
Trail Profile: Salto do Prego - Salto do Carragão Trail
Type: Circular
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 7.6 km
Estimated Time: 3 hours
Important! Make the most of your visit to the south zone of São Miguel and don't miss the following places near these trails:
Top 10 Trails Summary in São Miguel Island
Trail | Area | Type | Difficulty | Length | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Center and North | Circular | Moderate | 10.9 km | 4 hours | |
Center and North | Circular | Moderate | 8.5 km | 2 hours 30 minutes | |
Center and North | Circular | Easy | 3.4 km | 1 hours 30 minutes | |
West | Linear | Easy | 2.4 km | 47 minutes | |
West | Circular | Moderate | 4.9 km | 2 hours | |
Northeast | Circular | Easy | 1.3 km | 25 minutes | |
Northeast | Linear | Moderate | 4.9 km | 2 hours | |
Northeast | Circular | Difficult | 7 km | 3 hours | |
South | Circular | Moderate | 4.5 km | 2 hours | |
South | Circular | Moderate | 7.6 km | 3 hours |
Locate Hiking Trails on the São Miguel Map
With this map, you can easily locate the hiking trails we propose in this post. We hope it helps you!
And that's it for our post on the top 10 hiking trails in São Miguel!
If you've already decided which trails you're going to explore during your trip to São Miguel but still want to organize other visits, don't hesitate to check out our São Miguel travel guide, organized by areas, just like these hiking trails we've just suggested.
It can also be very useful to consult our map of São Miguel Island, the easiest way to get an overview of the island and easily check out each of the places from the same page.
What are the best hiking trails on the island for you? We'd love to hear your opinion, and of course, if you have any questions, just write in the comments of this post. We'll be happy to chat with you!
Would you like to go hiking in a group? Don't miss these activities!