Discover the most beautiful natural sites of the Azores in Portugal
Located in the North Atlantic, approximately 1,450 km west of Lisbon, the Azores form an autonomous region of Portugal.
Located in the North Atlantic, approximately 1 450 km west of Lisbon, the Azores form an autonomous region of Portugal. Composed of 9 islands, the archipelago is renowned for its grandiose landscapes that attract lovers of fresh air, hiking, and off-the-beaten-path travel. We invite you to discover the most beautiful landscapes of the Azores.
Pico volcano on Pico Island
Rising to 2,351 meters high, Pico volcano, located on the island of the same name, is the highest peak in the Azores and the highest point in Portugal. More precisely, it is a dormant stratovolcano whose last eruption dates back to 1718.
Enchanting and captivating, Pico volcano dominates the landscape: it can be seen from all corners of the island and sometimes even from neighboring islands (weather permitting, as it is often hidden behind clouds). At its summit, you'll find an impressive crater with a perimeter of 700 m and a depth of 30 m.
The most courageous can attempt the ascent, discover its crater, and enjoy exceptional panoramic views of the green island and the sea. To do so, you can take a trail (relatively difficult due to the elevation change) of approximately 8 km round trip. The trail starts at 1,250 meters altitude at Casa da Montanha. Expect about 8 hours of hiking to reach the summit. One thing is certain: whether at the top or bottom of the volcano, Pico offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Azores.
Good to know: to climb Pico, you must register at Casa da Montanha.
Lagoa do Fogo on São Miguel Island
Head to São Miguel Island, the largest in the archipelago, to discover one of the natural jewels of the Azores: Lagoa do Fogo. Translated as "Lake of Fire," it is a lake formed in the middle of an extinct volcano's crater and filled by successive rains over the centuries. Perched at 575 m above sea level, it is characterized by its turquoise color that contrasts beautifully with the lush vegetation around it.
To appreciate the beauty of the place, hikers can take one of the many hiking trails. Some lead to the edge of the lake, while others allow you to climb the heights of the caldera where you can enjoy the most beautiful views of the island.
Alternatively, you can admire it from the numerous viewpoints around the lake, such as Miradouro da Barrosa or the Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint.
Sete Cidades on São Miguel Island
Considered one of the most beautiful natural wonders of Portugal and one of the most iconic landscapes of the Azores, Sete Cidades is a stratovolcano with a caldera approximately 350 m deep, in which you'll find two magnificent lakes: Lagoa Verde with its emerald water and Lagoa Azul with its azure blue water. The steep slopes covered with impressive vegetation give the place a truly magical atmosphere.
To enjoy this spectacle, hiking trails allow you to descend to the water's edge. In any case, we strongly recommend heading to the "Vista do Rei viewpoint" (King's View) where you can enjoy a breathtaking view, among the most beautiful in the Azores.
Poço da Alagoinha on Flores Island
If paradise were to exist, this is what it might look like. Also known as Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro or Lagoa das Patas, Poço da Alagoinha is a natural swimming pool located on Flores Island. It is nestled at the foot of a magnificent waterfall (Ribeira das Casas) that cascades down a cliff covered with lush vegetation, offering landscapes that seem almost unreal. It's worth noting that the site has a total of about twenty waterfalls.
To access this haven of peace, you can take a hiking trail through the Morro Alto forest reserve. From the parking lot, the site is accessible in just 600 m.
Furna do Enxofre on Graciosa Island
Head to Graciosa Island to discover a natural and geological curiosity: Furna do Enxofre (the Sulfur Cave). It is a lava cave located in the crater of an ancient volcano. 180 m long, 172 m wide, and approximately 50 m high, this cave impresses with its dimensions and perfectly vaulted ceiling. Inside, you'll find a cold-water lake and a lava fumarole.
As you can imagine, this extraordinary place offers the opportunity to enter and explore the interior of a volcano. To access it, visitors are invited to cross a 200 m tunnel, at the end of which a 183-step staircase leads down to the volcano's gorge.
As an interesting side note, one of the first explorers of the cave was Prince Albert of Monaco, who entered it in 1879 accompanied by researchers and naturalists to conduct hydrographic research and marine life studies.
Serra do Cume on Terceira Island
We continue our discovery of the most beautiful landscapes of the Azores on Terceira Island with the Serra do Cume viewpoint. Located at 545 m altitude, this viewpoint offers stunning views of the island: you can see the town of Praia da Vitória, the Atlantic Ocean, and a vast plain covered with cultivated fields that are characteristic of the area.
Indeed, plots and pastures separated by walls of black stone of volcanic origin have been developed on this former volcanic crater, offering a sublime patchwork of greens. Sure to delight photography enthusiasts!
The Faial caldera on Faial Island
Located in the center of the island of the same name, the Faial caldera is a crater approximately 2 km in diameter and 300 m deep that was formed by several eruptions over the past 400,000 years. Classified as a nature reserve, it serves as a sanctuary for many species of flowers and plants, including species endemic to the Azores. Among them are Azores juniper, heather, spurge...
To discover this creation of Mother Nature, you can take the PRC4FAI trail, which allows you to circle the caldera in a 7 km loop.
Frequently asked questions
São Miguel Island is often considered the most spectacular for nature lovers, with Lagoa do Fogo and Sete Cidades. However, each island has its own treasures: Pico for its volcano, Flores for its waterfalls and natural pools, Graciosa for Furna do Enxofre, and Faial for its caldera.
Yes, you must register at Casa da Montanha before starting the climb of Pico volcano. This starting point is located at 1,250 meters altitude. It is advisable to check weather conditions in advance, as the summit is frequently shrouded in clouds.
To travel between the 9 Azores islands, you have two main options: domestic flights operated by SATA Air Açores, which are fast but more expensive, or ferries that connect certain islands during the summer season. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season.
The Azores benefit from a mild climate year-round thanks to Atlantic influence. The ideal period to enjoy natural sites and hiking is between May and October, with longer days and less rain. Note: weather remains changeable regardless of season.
Poço da Alagoinha is generally accessible year-round, but trail conditions may vary depending on the season. From the Morro Alto forest reserve parking lot, the site is only 600 meters away on foot. Swimming in the natural pool is possible in summer, weather permitting.
The Azores are not listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as such, but the archipelago is home to several UNESCO Global Geoparks, notably the Azores Geopark, which covers all 9 islands since 2013. This recognition highlights their exceptional geological wealth and biodiversity.
