Best Hikes on Sao Miguel Island
São Miguel Island is a beautiful volcanic island in the Azores where the trails lead through emerald jungles, across the rims of massive calderas, and down to secluded thermal shores. Known as the “Green Island,” the hiking here is defined by its dramatic landscapes and microclimates—you might start a trek in a sun-drenched coastal village and finish shrouded in mist. Whether you are seeking a rugged ascent to the island’s highest peak or a rhythmic walk past steaming fumaroles, these five trails offer the most comprehensive look at the island’s raw, Atlantic beauty.
1. Sete Cidades (Vista do Rei to Sete Cidades)
Sete Cidades” is the name of the massive volcanic crater and the village inside it, so it’s more of a destination that contains several different hiking trails rather than just one single path.
Think of it like a “choose your own adventure” depending on how much time and energy you have. Here is a breakdown of the three main ways people “hike” Sete Cidades:
The Ridge Hike (The “Real” Hike)
When most hikers talk about “hiking Sete Cidades,” they are referring to the PRC05 SMI trail. This is a roughly 7.5-mile (12 km) route that follows the high western rim of the crater.
The Experience: You are walking along the narrow spine of the caldera. On one side, you look down into the green and blue lakes; on the other, you see the Atlantic Ocean.
The Logistics: Most people do this as a point-to-point hike, starting at the Vista do Rei viewpoint and ending down in the village for lunch, then taking a taxi back up to their car.
The Boca do Inferno Detour (The Photo Op)
As we discussed, this is a much shorter walk (about 1–2 miles round trip depending on where you park) that specifically targets the most famous viewpoint on the island.
The Experience: It’s a groomed gravel path through a forest that opens up to a spectacular ridge. Many people do only this walk and then drive to other parts of the island.
The Serra Devassa Trail (The Lakes Trail)
This is a separate official trail located just across the road from the Sete Cidades crater.
The Experience: Instead of looking into the big crater, you hike through a series of much smaller, “secret” volcanic cones and lagoons like Lagoa das Éguas. It feels very remote and misty, almost like the Scottish Highlands.
Distance: About 3 miles (5 km) in a loop.
The Lake Shore Walk
Once you are down in the village, there is a flat, easy dirt road that circles the perimeter of the blue lake.
The Experience: This is more of a scenic stroll than a hike. It’s great if you want to see the lakes from water level and look up at the massive green walls of the crater you were just standing on.
2. Lagoa do Fogo (Praia to Lagoa do Fogo)
Unlike the tourist viewpoints above, this southern approach starts near the coast and climbs through farmland before entering a protected valley. You’ll follow a levada (irrigation channel) part of the way, surrounded by endemic cedar and heather.
Distance: ~7 miles (11 km) round trip.
Difficulty: Medium-Hard.
Key Detail: This trail leads you directly to the water’s edge at the bottom of the crater. It is one of the few places on the island where you can find complete silence, away from any road noise or infrastructure.
3. Salto do Prego (Faial da Terra)
This was our favorite hike on the island. The hike itself is relatively short, but the waterfall at the end of the trail is stunning.
Distance: ~2.8 miles (4.5 km) loop.
Difficulty: Moderate (steep, often muddy inclines).
Key Detail: You will pass through Sanguinho, a “lost” village of stone houses perched on a hillside. It was abandoned in the 1970s due to its isolation and is now a surreal, quiet waypoint on your descent.
4. Pico da Vara
This is a true mountain trek through the most rugged part of the island (the Nordeste region). The trail crosses the Planalto dos Graminhais, a high-altitude plateau that can be boggy and exposed.
Distance: ~4.5 miles (7 km) round trip.
Difficulty: Hard.
Key Detail: Because this is a Special Protected Area for the Azores Bullfinch (Priolo), the trail is strictly managed. You must stay on the marked path to protect the delicate mosses and peat bogs. The view from the summit marker includes a 360-degree look at the eastern coastline.
5. Lagoa das Furnas
This is more of an easy walk than a true “hike”, but it is absolutely worth it. Starting in the town of Furnas, the path circles the lake, passing the Gothic-style Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias and several ornate wood carvings hidden in the trees.
Distance: ~6 miles (9.5 km) loop.
Difficulty: Easy/Flat.
Key Detail: The highlight is the Caldeiras da Lagoa, where the ground literally boils. You can watch restaurant workers arrive at noon to unearth large pots of Cozido das Furnas, a meat and vegetable stew cooked entirely by volcanic steam.
