São Miguel, the largest island of the Azores, is one of the most diverse hiking destinations in the Atlantic. Known as the “green island”, it offers volcanic crater lakes, lush forests, dramatic coastlines and a wide range of scenic trails.
Beyond the popular viewpoints, you’ll find a wild and untouched landscape that is perfect for hiking. From easy walks to more challenging routes, São Miguel combines tropical vegetation with rugged Atlantic scenery.
→ Planning to explore more of the Azores?
Check out my guide to the best hikes on Terceira.
If you want a broader overview, check out my complete guide to hiking in the Azores.
In this guide, I’ll show you six of the best hikes on São Miguel that highlight the island’s incredible variety.
Looking for more than just hiking?
Check out my complete guide to the best things to do in the Azores, including hot springs, viewpoints and unique natural highlights.
Hiking on São Miguel Island
São Miguel offers a wide range of hiking experiences, from crater lake trails to coastal walks and waterfall hikes. The first three routes in this guide lead you through impressive volcanic landscapes around some of the island’s most famous lakes.
You’ll hike along the crater of Sete Cidades, explore the lakes of Lagoa das Empadadas and walk around the geothermal area of Furnas.
The remaining hikes take you to a powerful waterfall in the interior, along the rugged coastline and through the famous tea plantations of São Miguel.
Quick Travel Info for São Miguel
São Miguel is a volcanic island with a highly diverse landscape. Hikes lead through lush forests, along crater lakes and across open ridges. Weather conditions can change quickly, and fog and wind are common.
São Miguel is suitable for hiking year-round. The best conditions are usually from April to October, with longer dry periods. However, rain and fog can occur at any time.
For the hikes in this guide, 6–9 days are ideal. This allows you to explore different parts of the island without rushing.
Trailheads are spread across the island. Renting a car is the most flexible option, while public transport is limited for hiking.
Good base locations include Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande, Lagoa and Furnas. From there, most hiking areas can be reached within a short drive.
Trails can be wet, muddy and exposed to wind. Sturdy shoes, rain protection and enough water are recommended. Flexible planning is helpful due to changing weather conditions.
How to Get to São Miguel
Flights to São Miguel
The easiest way to reach São Miguel is by flying to Ponta Delgada (PDL), the island’s main airport. There are direct connections from many European cities, especially in summer.
To compare prices and routes, I usually use Skyscanner*
Getting Around São Miguel
Renting a Car on São Miguel – Is It Worth It?
The best way to explore São Miguel is by car. Many highlights, such as Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, or secluded coastlines, are difficult to reach without a rental car.
That’s why I always book my rental car in the Azores online in advance – usually through DiscoverCars, because I often find the best deals there and the selection is wider.
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Driving on São Miguel
Driving on São Miguel is generally easy, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Roads can be narrow and winding
- Weather conditions can change quickly
- Animals like cows may appear on rural roads
Drive carefully, especially in remote areas, and allow extra time for mountain roads.
Public Transport
Public transport exists, but it’s limited for hiking. Buses mainly connect towns and villages, and schedules can be infrequent.
If you rely on buses, you’ll need more planning and flexibility. For most hiking trips, a rental car is the better option.
Hike 1: Vista do Rei – Lagoa Azul – Sete Cidades – Lagoa Verde
Scenic Sete Cidades Crater Hike on São Miguel
This hike in the west of São Miguel is one of the most iconic routes on the island. The circular trail leads along the rim of the Sete Cidades crater, down to the lakes and back through forest paths.
The route is around 11.5 km long and offers constantly changing views of the volcanic landscape. This is one of the most popular hikes on São Miguel, so expect other hikers, especially in good weather.
- 11.5 km
- ↑↓ 525 m
- Moderate
- Miradouro da Vista do Rei
- Natural trails, forest paths, short road sections
How to Get There
The hike starts at the viewpoint Vista do Rei, which can be reached via a narrow road from Ponta Delgada (approx. 30 minutes).
Free parking is available near the viewpoint. Alternatively, you can start the hike in the village of Sete Cidades.
Crater Views at Vista do Rei
From the starting point, you immediately get one of the most famous views on São Miguel: the two crater lakes Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul.
This viewpoint alone makes the hike worth it.
Along the Crater Rim
The trail follows the rim of the crater with wide panoramic views. Along the way, you pass small volcanic cones and green slopes that define the landscape of Sete Cidades.
The path is easy to follow and offers some of the best viewpoints on the island.
Descent into the Crater
After the ridge section, the trail leads down into the crater towards the lakes. The landscape changes quickly from open views to greener, more sheltered areas.
You’ll reach the village of Sete Cidades, located between the lakes.
Through Sete Cidades and Lagoa Verde
The route continues through the village and along Lagoa Verde, before turning back uphill into the forest.
This section is quieter and offers a nice contrast to the open crater views
Final Ascent to Vista do Rei
The last part of the hike leads back uphill through vegetation and forest paths. Once you reach the top again, you’re rewarded with another panoramic view over the crater.
Sete Cidades: Self-Guided or Guided
The crater is easy to explore on your own, but weather conditions can change quickly.
If you want a more relaxed experience or visit multiple viewpoints, a guided or jeep tour is a good option.
Hike 2: Serra Devassa – Lagoa das Éguas – Lagoas Empadadas
Circular tour at the hidden crater lakes of São Miguel
This short loop near Sete Cidades leads along the rim of several hidden crater lakes. Expect wide views over volcanic landscapes, small lakes and the Atlantic in the distance.
The trail is well marked and technically easy, but a basic level of fitness is recommended. There are no places to stop for food or water.
- 5.3 km
- ↑↓ 205 m
- Moderate
- Parking at Lagoa do Canário
- Natural trails, forest paths
Getting to Serra Devassa
The hike starts at the parking area near Lagoa do Canário, about 30 minutes from Ponta Delgada.
Parking is free and available directly at the trailhead.
Public transport is not practical here, so a rental car is recommended.
Volcanic landscapes and crater lakes
From the parking area, the trail leads through open terrain with tall grasses and volcanic soil.
After a short ascent, you reach the crater rim with views over several small lakes.
On one side, green crater lakes lie between rolling hills. On the other, the landscape opens towards the Atlantic.
Aussichtspunkte auf die unbekannten Kraterseen der Azoren
Der starke Wind pfeift uns um die Ohren, während wir entlang des Kraterrands wandern, und uns über die grandiosen Aussichten über Sao Miguel erfreuen. Auf der einen Seite blicken wir auf malerische Kraterseen, die in den verschiedensten Grüntönen schimmern. Währenddessen eröffnen sich auf der anderen Seite weite Aussichten auf die grünen Felder und den blauen Atlantik.
The path continues in a loop, passing different viewpoints before descending towards the lakes.
Viewpoint over the north coast
A short detour leads to the Miradouro do Pico do Paul.
From here, you get wide views over the north coast and the surrounding volcanic terrain.
Forest section
Back on the main trail, the scenery changes as you walk through dense forest.
The path becomes quieter and more sheltered before returning to the starting point.
Hike 3: Furnas – Lagoa das Furnas – Lombo dos Milhos
Circular hike around the hot springs of the crater lake in Furnas
This easy loop around Lagoa das Furnas combines volcanic activity with lush nature. You walk past steaming hot springs, along the lake shore and through green vegetation.
The trail is well developed and mostly flat, making it a relaxed hike without technical difficulty. Food and water are available in Furnas.
- 9.3 km
- ↑↓ 285 m
- Easy
- Center of Furnas
- Nature trails, paved paths
Getting to Furnas
The hike starts in Furnas, about 45 minutes from Ponta Delgada. Parking is available throughout the village.
You can also reach Furnas by bus from different parts of the island.
Hot springs and volcanic activity
From Furnas, follow the signs towards Lagoa das Furnas. Shortly before reaching the lake, you pass the Fumarolas – steaming geothermal fields where hot springs bubble out of the ground. This is one of the highlights of the hike.
Along the lake
The trail continues around the lake on easy paths. You walk through varied vegetation with bamboo, ferns and dense greenery typical for the Azores. The atmosphere is calm and very different from the exposed crater hikes in the west.
Viewpoint over Furnas
After leaving the lakeshore, the path climbs gently to a viewpoint above Furnas. From here, you get a wide view over the village, the lake and the surrounding hills.
Furnas: more than just a hike
Lagoa das Furnas offers more than just an easy hike. Hot springs, volcanic cooking and the lake itself make this one of the most diverse areas on São Miguel.
If you want to experience more in less time, guided tours and activities are a great addition to your hike.
Hike 4: Faial da Terra – Cascata Salto do Prego – Sanguinho
Jungle Tour to the waterfalls of the Azores
This hike on the south coast of São Miguel leads through dense forest to one of the island’s most beautiful waterfalls.
The route starts in Faial da Terra, passes lush jungle-like vegetation and ends at Salto do Prego.
On the way back, you pass the small village of Sanguinho with great views over the coast.
The trail is well maintained, but includes some steeper sections.
- 4 km
- ↑↓ 330 m
- Moderate
- Parking R. do Burguete
- rocky nature trails and forest paths
Getting there
The hike starts in Faial da Terra, about 1 hour from Ponta Delgada. Parking is available in the village.
You can also reach Faial da Terra by bus, but connections are limited.
Through dense forest
From Faial da Terra, the trail leads through lush vegetation along a small stream. Narrow paths and stone steps take you deeper into the green landscape.
Salto do Prego waterfall
After a steady climb, you reach Salto do Prego – one of the most beautiful waterfalls on São Miguel. Surrounded by dense forest, the waterfall drops into a natural pool. It’s a great place to take a break and enjoy the scenery.
Sanguinho village
On the way back, you pass the small village of Sanguinho. The restored houses and quiet setting offer a nice contrast to the wild nature of the first part of the hike.
Return to Faial da Terra
From Sanguinho, the trail leads back down to Faial da Terra. The loop ends at the starting point.
Prefer a relaxed hike or something more adventurous?
The trail to Salto do Prego is calm and scenic. For more action, you can join canyoning tours or guided experiences through waterfalls and gorges.
Hike 5: Lomba da Fazenda – Ribeira da Boca – Endémico do Pelado
Coastal hike in the rugged eastern part of the Azores island of São Miguel
This coastal hike on the east coast of São Miguel is perfect if you’re looking for a quiet and less crowded route.
The trail starts in Lomba da Fazenda and leads along steep cliffs with wide views over the Atlantic. Along the way, you can stop at a natural swimming area before continuing along the coastline.
The path is well maintained but includes some steeper sections.
- 5.4 km
- ↑↓ 320 m
- Moderate
- Parking R. da Conceição
- rocky nature trails, asphalt
Getting there
The hike starts in Lomba da Fazenda, about 50 minutes from Ponta Delgada. Parking is available near the church or along the road.
You can also reach the village by bus, but connections are limited.
Through Lomba da Fazenda
The hike begins in the quiet village of Lomba da Fazenda. After a short walk, the trail leads out into open countryside.
Viewpoints and natural pool
The path climbs towards the Miradouro da Boca da Ribeira, offering wide views over the coastline. From here, you descend towards the sea, where a natural swimming area provides a great place for a break.
Along the cliffs
After the coastal section, the route continues inland through green fields and pastures. Soon, you reach another viewpoint with impressive views of the cliffs and the Atlantic.
Return to the starting point
From Miradouro do Pelado, the trail leads back towards Lomba da Fazenda, completing the loop.
Hike 6: Chá Gorreana
Hike through the unique tea plantations of the Azores
This easy hike leads through the only tea plantations in Europe. The trail starts at the Chá Gorreana factory and winds through green hills with wide views over the coast.
It’s a relaxed walk without technical difficulty and a perfect way to end your hiking trip on São Miguel.
- 3.2 km
- ↑↓ 185 m
- Easy
- Fábrica de Chá Gorreana
- Natural trails
Getting there
The hike starts at the Chá Gorreana tea factory on the north coast, about 25 minutes from Ponta Delgada. Parking is available directly at the factory.
You can also reach the area by bus, but a car is more flexible.
Tea plantations and factory visit
The hike begins at the Chá Gorreana factory, where you can learn more about tea production and taste local tea.
From here, the trail leads directly into the surrounding plantations.
Through green hills
The path winds through rolling hills covered with tea bushes. The scenery is open, calm and very different from the dense forests or volcanic landscapes on the island. Along the way, you get wide views over the north coast of São Miguel. Especially in the evening, the light creates a unique atmosphere across the green fields.
Explore on your own or with a guide
Chá Gorreana can easily be explored independently via well-maintained paths and information boards.
For deeper insights into tea production and history, guided tours are a great option.
Hotels and accommodation on São Miguel
Several locations on São Miguel are great bases for hiking.
Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande, Lagoa and Furnas offer good infrastructure and easy access to many trails.
Conclusion: Hiking on São Miguel
Hiking on São Miguel offers a wide variety of landscapes and routes. From easy walks through tea plantations to more challenging coastal hikes, the island has something for every level.
The mix of volcanic scenery, forests and dramatic coastlines makes São Miguel one of the most diverse hiking destinations in Europe.
Want to explore beyond São Miguel?
Check out my guide to hiking on Terceira, where you’ll find wild forests, volcanic landscapes and dramatic coastal trails.
You can also discover more highlights in my guide to the best things to do in the Azores.
Before you go, it’s worth understanding the general conditions – see my Azores hiking guide.
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