The unique beauty of São Miguel can only be fully appreciated by visiting the hidden and mysterious corners of this wonderful island.

Trail 1 – Beach | Lagoa do Fogo
The trail is located in the central area of the island of São Miguel, in the volcanic complex of Serra de Água de Pau. Lagoa do Fogo, the second largest lagoon on the island, has a maximum depth of 30m. Much of this trail is located within a Protected Area of the São Miguel Natural Park. In addition to its great scenic and biodiversity value, it also has a remarkable historical and cultural heritage.

Trail 2 – Vista do Rei | Sete Cidades
This trail is located in the northwest of the island of São Miguel and crosses part of the Sete Cidades crater, classified as a Protected Landscape by Natura 2000. This crater, which was formed by consecutive collapses, is one of the largest collapse craters in the Azores. It is here that we find Lagoa das Sete Cidades, voted one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal in the Non-Aquatic Marine Areas category.

Trail 3 – Furnas Lagoon | Furnas
This trail runs through the interior of the Furnas Valley, considered a Protected Landscape Area by the Island’s Natural Park. Beginning and ending in the interior of Furnas, the route circles the extensive lagoon, highlighting important cultural and natural aspects, with emphasis on the diverse hydrothermal system that includes fumaroles, thermal waters, and minerals.

Trail 4 – Salto do Prego | Faial da Terra
This trail is located in the northeast of the island, in Povoação, more precisely in Faial da Terra, divided in half by a river. The name of this parish, popularly known as “Presépio da Ilha” (Nativity Scene of the Island), comes from the once abundant presence of Morella faya. Faial da Terra crosses the coast and was once a fertile whaling area on the south coast of the island of São Miguel. Today, with about 350 inhabitants, agriculture is the main economic activity of the place. There are many festive traditions, but the São João festivities and the monumental bonfire set up and burned by the river are well worth seeing.

Trail 5 – Rocha da Relva | Ponta Delgada
This walking trail takes you to Rocha da Relva, a small detrital fajã located on the southwest coast of the island. As there is only one access route to the fajã, you will have to return by the same route. From the regional road, next to the Caminho Novo viewpoint, you will find the first signs for Rocha da Relva. Take the secondary dirt road that leads to the car park, recently created to accommodate visitors to Rocha da Relva.