The 10 Best Hiking Trails in São Miguel Island
More and more travelers are discovering the Azores in their search for the ideal island getaway. São Miguel Azores, an idyllic Portuguese island archipelago, offers serene and pristine natural beauty that ranks at the top of the list for many. São Miguel Island, the largest and most populated in the archipelago, is particularly favored by globetrotters. Explore the breathtaking wonders of São Miguel Island with our comprehensive, user-friendly guide! Nature lovers and adventure seekers will be thrilled to find that São Miguel Island is brimming with endless natural wonders waiting to be explored. This world-class destination is tailor-made for visitors seeking the adrenaline rush that only the great outdoors can provide. Whether it's biking, diving, whale watching, or more, one beloved activity stands out as an excellent introduction to discovering São Miguel's hidden gems: hiking. This article will highlight the amazing hiking trails & opportunities to be found in São Miguel Island
FYI: Getting Here Is Easier Than You Think
Before we delve into the magnificent hidden hiking trails of São Miguel, Azores, let's highlight the remarkable ease of reaching São Miguel Island. Exciting news for Canadian and American travelers: new direct flight options have made the journey incredibly convenient. You can now enjoy direct flights from NYC to Ponta Delgada (the island's main city), JFK to Ponta Delgada, Boston to Ponta Delgada, and Toronto to Ponta Delgada. So, while it feels like a world away, your holiday in Ponta Delgada to explore São Miguel Azores is just one flight away, promising a hassle-free adventure.
1. Sanguinho Trail
This trail, approximately 4.5 kilometers long, offers a moderate hiking experience, making it accessible to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts. The path takes its name from the abandoned village of Sanguinho, which hikers encounter along the way. This village, once deserted, is a striking example of rural Azorean architecture and history. The restoration efforts in recent years have breathed new life into the area, adding to the trail's charm. As hikers traverse the trail, they are treated to a diverse array of flora and fauna, characteristic of the Azorean biodiversity. The route is particularly famous for its dense, verdant forest areas, comprising endemic species and offering a glimpse into the unique ecosystem of the island. A significant highlight of the Sanguinho Trail is the Salto do Prego waterfall. This natural wonder, hidden within the forest, presents a breathtaking sight and is often the centerpiece of the hiking experience.
Category - Circular
Difficulty - Medium
Extension - 4.5 km
Time average - 2h00
2. Lagoa do Fogo Trail
Lagoa do Fogo, a stunning natural attraction, features a network of at least three distinct trails. One originates in Água D'Alto, and the other two commence at the Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint. Among these, the most recommended for its ease and simplicity is the linear descent to Lagoa do Fogo. Starting at the Lagoa do Fogo Viewpoint, this trail provides breathtaking vistas, immersing hikers in an atmosphere of serenity and tranquility. As you reach the trail's end, you'll find yourself enveloped in the majestic quietude of Lagoa do Fogo, feeling a profound connection with the surrounding nature and its peaceful silence.
Category - Linear
Difficulty - Easy
Extension - 2 km
Time average - 1h00
3. Lagoa das Furnas Trail
Navigate along the lakeside road on an easily traversable flat dirt path, where you'll encounter an array of wooden sculptures. Continue past the junction with the PRC 22 SMI – Grená/Pico do Ferro trail, heading towards the Caldeiras area. This region, known for its geothermal activity, is a highlight of the island's tourism. Here, you can witness the preparation of the renowned traditional dish, Cozido à Portuguesa, uniquely cooked using the natural heat from the Furnas volcano. This trail offers a serene and relaxing experience, as you are accompanied by the peaceful waters of Furnas Lake and surrounded by lush vegetation.
Category - Circular
Difficulty - Easy
Extension - 9.5 km
Time average - 3h00
4. Poço Azul Trail
The Poço Azul, located in Achadinha, municipality of Nordeste on the Island of São Miguel, is one of the most sought-after places of interest and sites to visit on the green island. Its crystal-clear water with a bluish tint captivates everyone with its natural beauty. It is accessible via an easy to medium-difficulty hiking trail. One of the most anticipated points of the trail is indeed the arrival at the famous Poço Azul.
Category - Circular
Difficulty - Easy
Extension - 1,3 km
Time average - 1h00
5. Lagoa do Congro Trail
A brief journey down a slippery yet navigable path leads to a serene, expansive lake. Here, you're enveloped in myriad shades of green, with colossal catfish swimming close by and birds melodiously chirping above.
Category - Linear
Difficulty - Easy
Extension - 1,4 km
Time average - 1h00
6. Quatro Fábricas da Luz Trail
This compact linear path traverses through areas of significant historical relevance to the island's industrialization, spanning the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It highlights the inception of electricity production and distribution using renewable sources, an initiative led by Eng. José Cordeiro (1867 – 1908).
Category - Linear
Difficulty - Easy
Extension - 2.1 km
Time average - 01h30
7. Gorreana Tea Plantation Trail
This trail is particularly renowned for winding through the lush, green landscapes of the Gorreana Tea Plantation, the oldest and only tea plantation in Europe, which has been in operation since 1883.
As hikers embark on this trail, they are greeted with the sight of neatly arranged rows of tea plants stretching across the rolling hills. The plantation primarily cultivates Camellia sinensis, the plant responsible for both green and black teas. This species was first introduced to the island around 1750, marking a significant chapter in the island's agricultural history.
The trail allows visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of the tea fields, offering opportunities to learn about the tea-growing process and the history of tea production in the Azores.
Category - Circular
Difficulty - Easy
Extension - 3.4 km
Time average - 1h30
8. Pico da Vara Trail
This trail leads to the highest point on the island, Pico da Vara, which stands at an elevation of 1,103 meters. It's a destination that attracts hikers for its challenging terrain and the breathtaking panoramic views it offers at the summit.
The trail spans approximately 7 kilometers and is considered a moderately difficult hike, primarily due to its steep and, at times, rugged ascent. It is well-marked and takes hikers through a variety of landscapes, including lush forests and dense vegetation, typical of the Azorean flora.
One of the unique aspects of the Pico da Vara Trail is its passage through the protected area of the São Miguel Natural Park. This region is home to a rich biodiversity, including several endemic species of plants and birds. Notably, it is one of the few places where you can spot the Azores Bullfinch, a bird species unique to the Azores and considered critically endangered.
Category - Circular
Difficulty - Hard
Extension - 7 km
Time average - 3h00
9. Moinho do Félix Hike
The trail is named after the Moinho do Félix, a traditional Azorean windmill, which is a key landmark along the route. This historic windmill is a symbol of the agricultural heritage of the region and provides a glimpse into the traditional methods of grain milling used in the past.
Typically considered a moderate hike, the trail weaves through diverse terrains, including lush green fields, forests, and along streams, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the island. It's well-marked and suitable for most hikers, with varying inclines that provide a mild challenge.
One of the highlights of the Moinho do Félix Hike is the stunning views it offers. As hikers traverse the trail, they are treated to panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside, the Atlantic Ocean, and the unique geological formations of São Miguel. The trail also passes through small local villages, offering a chance to experience the rural lifestyle and culture of the Azores.
Category - Circular
Difficulty - Medium
Extension - 5,5 km
Time average - 2h00
10. Grená Park Trail
Grená, one of the most pristine and unspoiled nature parks in the Azores, is a relatively new addition to Furnas. It offers a unique blend of untouched natural beauty, from cascading waterfalls to ancient trees, and a magical, historic house that stands at the heart of the park. The highlight of Grená is a hike alongside the tallest waterfall on São Miguel Island. This trek, leading to the top, demands a good level of fitness, with stairs and handrails provided for assistance. It rewards hikers with a breathtaking view of Furnas Lake. For the adventurous, a refreshing dip in the waterfall's cool waters is an exhilarating experience. Grená, offering stunning vistas and a chance to immerse in nature's purest form, is now open for everyone to explore and enjoy the best of what nature has to offer.
Category - Circular
Difficulty - Medium
Extension - 2,4 km
Time average - 2h00
Eager to uncover the top hiking trails in São Miguel? Our guide ensures that you experience the finest hikes on São Miguel Island. If you prefer the assurance of hiking with a guide, take a look at our curated hiking experiences here!
Are you already in love with the Azores? Take a look at our stress-free packages that allow you to book your ultimate island adventure. All our packages are carefully curated by our team of local Azorean Experts so that you don’t need to worry about any details – just enjoy your trip!
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