The Best Hiking Trails on São Miguel Island, Azores
(With Trail Stats, Driving Tips & Where to Stay)
If you’re heading to São Miguel in the Azores and love hiking, you’re in for a treat. This lush volcanic island is packed with epic views, crater lakes, waterfalls, and emerald forests—all connected by a network of well-maintained hiking trails.
After exploring São Miguel, I’ve rounded up the best hikes on the island—complete with trail stats, driving directions, gear tips, and where to stay so you can plan the ultimate Azores adventure.
Top Hiking Trails on São Miguel Island
1. Sete Cidades Caldera Rim Trail
Distance: 7.7 km one way
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: ~200 m
Time: 2–3 hours
Type: Point to point (or out & back if you park at one end)
This is the trail for panoramic views over São Miguel’s iconic twin lakes—Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul—set in a massive volcanic caldera. The contrast between the lakes is stunning on a sunny day, especially from the Miradouro da Boca do Inferno viewpoint.
🧭 Trailhead Directions: Start from Vista do Rei, 30 minutes west of Ponta Delgada.
Sete Cidades Caldera Rim Trail, Azores, Portugal
2. Lagoa do Fogo Trail (PRC02 SMI)
Distance: 11 km out & back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: ~540 m
Time: 3–4 hours
This trail leads to a remote, wild-feeling crater lake that’s free of development. You’ll hike through forest and volcanic scrub to reach the sandy shoreline of Lagoa do Fogo. It’s one of the most peaceful spots on the island.
🧭 Trailhead Directions: Park near Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo along the EN5-2A highway.
Lagoa do Fogo Trail (PRC02 SMI), Azores, Portugal
3. Salto do Prego & Sanguinho Trail (PRC09 SMI)
Distance: 4.5 km loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: ~300 m
Time: 1.5–2 hours
This loop takes you through the rewilded village of Sanguinho before arriving at the beautiful Salto do Prego waterfall, where you can take a dip if you’re feeling brave. Expect lush forest, cobbled paths, and old stone houses.
🧭 Trailhead Directions: Start in Faial da Terra (southeast coast), 1 hour from Ponta Delgada.
4. Pico da Vara Trail (PR07 SMI)
Distance: 13 km out & back
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: ~1,000 m
Time: 5–6 hours
This is the highest point on São Miguel (1,105 m), and the climb is worth it. You’ll hike through the Tronqueira Forest, a conservation area home to the rare Azores bullfinch. A permit is required—reserve in advance!
🧭 Trailhead Directions: Access from Achada, following the forest road toward Tronqueira. Get your permit here.
5. Salto do Cabrito Trail (PRC29 SMI)
Distance: 8.5 km loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: ~300 m
Time: 2.5–3 hours
A diverse trail with a touch of adventure. You’ll pass geothermal springs, follow a river canyon, and climb metal stairs to the base of Salto do Cabrito waterfall. The route combines forest trails with some hydroelectric infrastructure that gives it a unique vibe.
🧭 Trailhead Directions: Start near the Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande hot springs.
Salto do Cabrito Trail (PRC29 SMI), Azores, Portugal
Bonus Trails Worth Adding to Your List
6. Janela do Inferno (PRC37 SMI)
Distance: 7 km loop
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Elevation Gain: ~200 m
Time: 2–2.5 hours
A fun and family-friendly trail through tunnels, aqueducts, and lush farmland. The highlight is the Janela do Inferno (Window to Hell), a vertical rock wall with a spring-fed waterfall trickling through a natural “window.” Bring a flashlight for the tunnels!
🧭 Trailhead Directions: Begin in Remédios, just south of Lagoa town (20 min from Ponta Delgada). There’s a parking area next to the church.
7. Salto do Cagarrão (Faial da Terra - Bonus Option)
Distance: ~6 km out & back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: ~350 m
Time: 2–3 hours
A lesser-known trail that starts from Faial da Terra and takes you deeper into the forest toward a more secluded waterfall than Salto do Prego. If you’re looking for solitude and love a bit of overgrown magic, this is it.
Trailhead Directions: Start in Faial da Terra, on the same road used for the Salto do Prego hike. Ask locals for directions if signage is unclear.
Salto do Cagarrão (Faial da Terra), Azores, Portugal
Salto do Cagarrão (Faial da Terra), Azores, Portugal
What to Pack for Hiking in São Miguel
Rain jacket: The weather can turn quickly
Trail shoes or boots: Grippy and breathable.
Daypack + water reservoir
Layered clothing: The higher elevation trails can be chilly, even in summer.
Swimsuit + towel: A must for waterfall dips or hot springs.
Headlamp: Especially for Janela do Inferno’s tunnels.
Snacks & electrolytes for longer trails like Pico da Vara.
I grabbed most of my gear from VPO.ca before flying out.
Driving Tips on the Island
Roads are narrow and winding—drive slow and enjoy the views.
Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me).
Arrive early for popular trailheads like Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo.
Watch for cows. Always.
Where to Stay on São Miguel
Ponta Delgada
Great central base, close to Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, and Janela do Inferno.
Octant Ponta Delgada – Chic and urban, with a rooftop pool and marina views. Great if you want to be right in the city.
Furnas
Perfect for trails on the east side like Salto do Prego, Salto do Cagarrão, and Pico da Vara.
Landescape Furnas – Perfect for solo travellers or couples. Gated, peaceful, walkable to Furnas village, with an on-site pool, sauna, Turkish bath, and in-room breakfast. My personal favourite!
Ribeira Grande
Beach-town vibe, ideal for Salto do Cabrito and surfing after hiking.
Santa Bárbara Eco-Beach Resort – Located on the north shore with direct beach access. Modern, eco-luxury feel. Great for couples or families.
Hiking in São Miguel feels like stepping into a fairytale. Between the caldera lakes, jungle waterfalls, hidden tunnels, and volcanic peaks, there’s no shortage of adventure here.
These trails are approachable yet rewarding, with plenty of options whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with kids.
Interested in the Ultimate Portuguese Adventure?
Check out our complete Portugal Guide and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
