9 Fun Hikes on Sao Miguel, Azores, Portugal

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Hiking is one of the top activities in Sao Miguel, Azores. The Portuguese island was formed thousands of years ago by multiple volcanic events. Lava shaped the landscape and cinder cones remain part of the scenery. The best hikes on Sao Miguel Island wander along crater rims, colorful lakes, seaside cliffs and cascading waterfalls.

When planning our trip to Sao Miguel, hiking was high on our list of things to do. We diligently sought out easy-to-moderate treks that exposed the area’s outstanding beauty.

As we added Sao Miguel hikes to our itinerary, we naturally included many of the top trails on the island. That said, a few of our favorite Sao Miguel treks are somewhat secret spots!

Best Hikes Sao Miguel, Azores

We clocked some miles while hiking on Sao Miguel Island. This included trekking to grand vistas, following paths to quiet villages and tromping to several beautiful waterfalls.

To help fellow travelers plan their hiking adventures, we are sharing our favorite Sao Miguel walking trails. Also included in this article is a helpful map along with our suggestions for alternative routes.

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#1 Relva da Rocha

Distance: 3.5 miles | Time: 2.5 hours

A gorgeous trail that descends a south-facing sea cliff to a quaint seaside village, the Rocha da Relva Trek is one of the best hikes in Sao Miguel, Azores. The down-and-back route, which serves as the sole path into the village (and is shared with donkeys in the summertime), features a steep grade, ancient stone houses and panoramic ocean views.

In the heart of the village you’ll find informational plaques that provide a history of the settlement, free toilets and a cat colony. From there a flat path continues along the seaside, where there are a multitude of coastal viewpoints to enjoy.

Hiking Tip for Relva da Rocha

The official trail, PR20SMI, first takes trekkers down to Rocha do Cascalho, a historic neighboring town, then back up the cliffside and down again to Relva do Rocha. To save our knees, we followed the trail markers directly to Rocha da Relva and skipped Rocha do Cascalho.

#2 Sete Cidades West Crater Hike: Lomba do Vasco to Visto do Rei

Distance: 6 miles | Time: 2.5 hours

The west side of Sete Cidades crater features magnificent vistas – both over the iconic Sete Cidades Lakes and towards the coast to Mosteiros and its offshore islets. The trail itself follows an old road and is sometimes used by cars, as well as dune buggies and bicycles. We began the walk with misty and cloudy conditions and finished under bright sunshine and unlimited visibility.

While there are numerous ways to approach this hike, we believe it’s best as an out-and-back trek from Miradouro da Lomba do Vasco to the renowned Vista do Rei viewpoint.

Completing the section between these two spots offers a relatively flat and easy hike. Plus, parking at Lomba do Vasco is far more convenient than at the long-term Visto do Rei lot.

West Crater Hike Tip

Our preferred hike along the rim of the crater is part of the PR03SMI trek. The official trail begins at Visto do Rei and continues past Lomba do Vasco. The route then descends into the town of Sete Cidades and terminates. This requires you to retrace your steps back up to the rim or try your luck at snagging a taxi or hitchhiking.

#3 East Sete Cidades Crater Hike (with Boca do Inferno)

Distance: 8 miles | Time: 4 hours

The trek on the east side of the Sete Cidades crater is regularly touted as one of the top hikes in Sao Miguel, Azores. Boasting incredible ariel views of the Blue Lake – as well as vistas over the volcanic terrain and coastline to the north – it’s a well-trodden path.

Best of all, this trail can be combined with the astounding Miradouro da Boca do Inferno viewpoint (also called Miradouro da Grota do Inferno). However, the route is not marked on Google or outlined in the official trail map, so we are sharing the details with you!

Hiking Sao Miguel Sete Cidades East Crater

To complete our recommended route, get an early start and park at the Lagoa do Canario parking lot. Take the simple 15-minute walk past Canario Lake to Boca do Inferno, one of the absolute Best Viewpoints in Sao Miguel.

After savoring the scene, retrace your route down the stairs and make a sharp left turn into an open area. Cars may actually be parked here if the gate at the entrance is open, but we advise using the official lot for an extended period. Continue on past another viewpoint (map) and then step down to the path that runs along a field.

Walk east along the rim and carefully clamber up the cliff to the pavement that leads north up to a navigation station. You can avoid the slightly scary scramble by following the diagonal track through the field instead. It also meets up with the same road.

The route, which is used by fellow hikers, bikers and occasionally cars, is well-marked with the signature red-and-yellow posts. Make a quick detour up to Pico da Cruz to enjoy the view.

Then continue to follow the path as it curves around the crater to Miradouro das Cumeeiras (map). From here, we returned via the reverse route, stopping again at the viewpoints as they were less crowded in the afternoon.

Tips for East Crater Hikes Sao Miguel

The official trail for the East Crater hike is PR04SMI – which varies quite a bit from the route we describe above. It excludes the Boca do Inferno viewpoint, instead taking you past the historic Muro das Nove Janelas aqueduct. Additionally, it continues down into Sete Cidades Village (just like the West Crater Trail) and leaves it to you to figure a way back up.

However, the official route does intersect with the PR03SMI West Rim Trail near Miradouro da Lomba do Vasco. Ambitious hikers can complete both rim trails on a single jaunt by parking at the long-term parking lot near Miradouro da Vista do Rei. Just be aware that some walking along the main road is required.

#4 Lake Hikes in Sete Cidades

Distance: 3 miles | Time: 1.5 hours

The Green and Blue Lakes in Sete Cidades are stunning from every angle. The two bodies of water, separated by a stone bridge, offer short and easy treks that are ideal for those looking to avoid the steep terrain that is characteristic of many Sao Miguel hikes.

We recommend parking near the bridge and following the route along the east side of Blue Lake (Lagoa Azul). A trail follows the coastline to a small peninsula and continues to Jardim da Lagoa Azul. Here there are picnic tables and sublime views of the sheer cliff caldera walls.

Green Lake (Lagoa Verde) is the smaller of the two and has shorter walks on both the east and west side of the water. In addition to the super views, there are also shaded picnic areas.

Tip for Hiking Blue and Green Lakes

Note that there are circumference trails that completely encircle both the Blue and Green Lakes. The one caveat is that the far ends of both of these treks are difficult and often dangerous.

The unofficial routes are accessed by narrow, crumbling paths, handlines and sketchy scrambling. Nearly all the information we found online was outdated, as recent landslides have made the hikes somewhat treacherous.

We did hike the Green Lake circle route, but would not do it again. Those who want to complete the circumference trail should bear in mind that hiking in Sao Miguel, Azores is an at-your-own-risk adventure.

#5 Cascata do Salto do Prego

Distance: 3 miles | Time: 2 hours

If we had to pick just one of the Sao Miguel hiking trail as our favorite, it would be the Salto do Prego Waterfall Hike. Also called the Sanguinho Trail, the easy-to-moderate PRC09SMI hike follows an actual path next to a babbling brook into the forest. Along the way, the shaded trail passes by squawking chickens and culminates at a streaming waterfall.

Trekkers can cool off in the lagoon at the base of the falls – or continue a short distance up to see the tumbling water from above.

This trail can be completed as an out-and-back, but we highly recommend the return route through the historic Sanguinho Village. The old settlement features stone houses, a small café and toilets. From here, the steep descent circles back to the trailhead and parking area.

Top Tips for Salto do Prego Hike

In addition to the detour to the village, hikers can opt to take an alternative route to another waterfall, Salto do Cagarrao. Part of the PR11SMI trail, it takes about 40 minutes in total and the waterfall is nice, but not as pretty as Salto do Prego.

#6 Trilho Moinho do Felix Cascades Hike

Distance: 3.5 miles | Time: 2 Hours

A single trail connecting three spectacular waterfalls, the Felix Cascades Hike is a sensational trek on Sao Miguel Island. Although it does feature quite a bit of elevation change, the forested trail is drenched in nature and history.

We completed the trek in a loop, but believe it would be better as an out-and-back trail. Hikers can find parking at the Lomba de Sao Pedro Parque Infantil on Miradouro de Rocha (map). After parking, it’s a steep walk downhill to the first waterfall, Cascata do Homem.

From there, retrace your steps uphill to the trail entrance at the bend in the road. The path through the forest is an upward sloping climb, followed by descending switchbacks.

The well-marked trail leads to the Moinho do Felix Water Mill, the Cascata do Teofilo Waterfall and Cascata da Gruta Waterfall. After seeing the Gruta Waterfall, we recommend returning the way you came.

Hiking Tips for Felix Waterfall Hike

The official trail – TM06 – is designed as a loop that takes you through the residential streets of Lomba de Sao Pedro. While it is a fine route, we much prefer hiking through forest than walking along the road.

To complete the hike in a loop, continue from the Gruta Waterfall to the very small Poco da Truta Waterfall. Then, climb the steep staircase with flimsy railings out of the forest. At the road, circle through town to get back to the viewpoint parking lot.

#7 Faja do Araujo Walking Trail

Distance: 2.5 miles | Time: 1.5 hours

A bit of a hidden gem, the Faja do Araujo coastal path is picture perfect. This walking trail navigates the cliffside from Pedreira in Nordeste down to a sleepy and serene seaside neighborhood. The highlights are the sublime coastal views and peaceful surroundings.

Parking is available across from the Igreja da Pedreira Church and the trailhead is at the end of the street. The one-way route passes through pastures to the side of the cliff and culminates at the Tosquiada Stream.

It is possible to continue across the wooden bridge and walk along the shoreline to Lombo Gordo Beach. We chose to stop short of the beach itself due to landslide warnings and simply savored the sound of the waves crashing on the rocks.

Tips for Faja do Araujo Trail in Sao Miguel, Azores

Faja do Araujo can also be accessed by road and some trekkers use it to complete a circular route back to Pedreira. However, the loop requires walking alongside the main road (more info). We preferred returning via the same pedestrian path to the top of the cliff.

#8 Sao Miguel Furnas Lake Hike (with Jose do Canto Waterfall)

Distance: 8 miles | Time: 4 hours

A longer – but nearly flat – trek, the Lagoa das Furnas Hike is one of the most enjoyable trails on Sao Miguel, Azores. The hike completely encircles the lake and should include a detour to visit the garden and a waterfall.

The official route, PRC06SMI, takes hikers up to Miradouro do Lombo dos Milhos. We recommend avoiding the steep and boring climb. Instead, park at Miradouro Lagoa das Furnas (map) and then complete the route clockwise.

At the south end of the lake, enter Mata Jardim Jose do Canto Park (4 euro), where a path leads to a giant Sequoia and the exceptional Salto do Rosal Waterfall. Once back lakeside, continue along the water. You’ll stroll through bamboo forests, past carved wooden sculptures and along a geothermal area.

Tips for Hiking Furnas Lake

The trail passes through Fumarolas Lagoa das Furnas, an ecological hot springs attraction. A boardwalk meanders through the boiling pools and pots of the local Cozido das Furnas stew cooks in the naturally hot waters. Typically there is a fee to enter the park, but it appears walkers are exempt!

#9 Janela do Inferno and Rota da Agua Hike

Distance: 5 miles | Time: 2.5 hours

An intriguing trek that features natural geological occurrences and manmade ingenuity, the Janela do Inferno Hike is an adventurous tromp through the forest. Decrepit ladders, old aqueducts and claustrophobia-inducing tunnels have been incorporated into the route. It’s best to bring a flashlight or avoid the tunnels by using the overhead trails that lead up and over the passageways.

The pinnacle of the walk is the Janela do Inferno Waterfall that spills from a hole on the side of a sheer rock wall.

Top Tip for Janela do Inferno Hiking Trail

The section that is nestled deep within the forest is the best part of this trek. The beginning and end of the the outlined PC37SMI trail are a bit of a drag. The reward, however, is the Agua de Fogo Food Truck that cranks out incredibly delicious smash burgers at the end of your hike!

More Sao Miguel, Azores Hiking Trails

Travelers hiking Sao Miguel, Azores trails can easily spend days discovering the island’s best nature. However, there are a few easily accessible spots that quickly take you to utterly beautiful locations.

Cascata do Limbo Trail

The Cascata do Limbo trail is simply breathtaking. From the Estacionamento dos Moinhos parking lot (map), it’s just a 10-minute walk to the falls. The paths that line both sides of the stream are lush with colorful hydrangeas (the national flower of the Azores) and we think it’s an area that is not to be missed!

Note that Cascata do Limbo is part of the longer TM04 Ladeira da Velha Hike. However, it was closed during our visit due to a deteriorated section along the coast.

Quatro Fabricas da Luz Pequena Rota Hike

Departing from a small village to the west of Vila Franca do Campo, the PR39SMI trail explores the rusting remains of the island’s industrial era. We only walked the beginning section of this trail that leads to the picturesque Cascata do Segredo Waterfall.

Getting to the secluded green pool where water trickled down from the rocks above required some scampering, but it was well worth the effort!

Map of Sao Miguel Hiking Trails

Use this Google Map for an online version of our Top Hiking Trails on Sao Miguel Map below.

Trekking Tips for Sao Miguel Best Hikes

Above, we highlighted our top picks for the best hiking trails in Sao Miguel, Azores. Now we want to share a few general tips about trekking on the island.

Trails: Difficulty, Surface, Condition, Markers

We found that most of the trails were slightly more difficult than anticipated. This was mostly due to the relentless inclines and steep declines. In our opinion, there are few truly easy trails on Sao Miguel.

Many of the hiking trails in Sao Miguel, especially on the west side of the island, are just roads. Some are paved, some are dirt – but they are all shared with cars, tractors, dune buggies, motorbikes and bicycles. On the east side, there are more proper trails within forests that are solely for hikers.

The good news is that all of the official trails are well-marked. Two red-and-yellow (or red-and-blue) lines indicate the path, an X marks the wrong way and a 90-degree angle signals a turn.

We don’t believe carrying a map is necessary for any of these hikes. That said, the trail information on Visit Azores was useful to review before setting off on our treks.

Trailhead Parking

Having a car is imperative for those who want to hike on Sao Miguel, Azores. However, parking can be somewhat problematic – especially at the most popular hiking areas. Arrive early to ensure you get a space and please don’t abandon your car in the road just because the locals do!

Sao Miguel, Azores Weather

The weather in Sao Miguel is wild! SpotAzores.com uses webcams to show real-time conditions in popular destinations around the archipelago. While useful, the weather changes quickly in the Azores. It’s best to pack a wind resistant raincoat for all hikes.

What To Bring and What To Take

With a hot sun and many exposed trails, it’s a good idea to bring a hiking hat and sunscreen on your Sao Miguel treks.
Carry plenty of water; collapsible water bottles are great for active wanderers! Trail snacks – or a packed picnic lunch – are a good idea for longer treks.
Hiking Poles would have helped immensely with the change of elevation!
While there are ample public restrooms on Sao Miguel, they are seldomly located at trailheads. Bring toilet paper to use if nature calls while hiking – but please don’t leave it (or any other trash) on the trail! Carry a small baggie to seal your trash in until you find a bin.

More Sao Miguel Activities for Adventurous Travelers

Sao Miguel Island is a wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts – and the adventures are not limited to hiking!

Kayaking in Sete Cidades is a fun way to explore the surreal landscapes inside the caldera. Kayaks should be reserved in advance.

Discovering the trails on two wheels is a great way to quickly cover some ground! Check out this cycling tour on the Sete Cidades Crater Rim.

Those who would rather let a guide lead the way on the trails can join one of the highly rated Sao Miguel Hiking Tours. Get the details for this fun Guided Waterfall Trek.

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