Açores: São Miguel’s Eastside

If you go, I promise you will capture so many Google moments! Every corner of São Miguel offers wildly unique natural wonders.

This post focuses on the island’s volcanic eastern half, equally as beautiful as the unbelievable west side, which you can read about HERE.

The islands, way out in the Atlantic, are within reach with direct flights from Boston, Toronto, London, as well as Lisbon, Porto, Faro and Funchal.

Miradouro de Santa Iria

A MUST STOP on the peaceful, pastoral north coast before turning inland to the volcanic areas.

Lagoa do Fogo – Lagoon of Fire

A lake in the bottom of a dormant caldera near the summit of Fogo Volcano. Lagoa do Fogo is the Azores largest body of fresh water, measuring 2mi long x 1.5mi wide. (3km x 2.5km).

One of three volcanic areas on São Miguel, Fogo Volcano last erupted in 1564 – a volcano is considered extinct 1000 years after its last eruption.

Lagoa do Fogo’s beach was awarded “the best wild beach of Portugal” within the Seven Wonders of Portugal. This photo is from the Pico da Barrosa viewpoint.

Hike via the Praia – Lagoa do Fogo, PRC02SMI, walking trail; 11 km return.

Caldeira Velha Hot Springs

Bubbling hot springs are fed by the waters of Fogo Volcano and surrounded by a lush forest. Entrance fee for the park and a soak, €8, you won’t be the only person there.

From the Caldeira Velha car-park, board a hop-on-off bus (€5) to Lagoa do Fogo, 9a-7p June through September; off-season a 10-minute drive.

Two Waterfall Hikes

Salto do Cabrito (Goat Jump) is located on the northern flank of Fogo Volcano. Trail: PRC29 SMI, or shortcut via nearby car park.

Cascata do Segredo (Secret Waterfall) near Àgua de Alto, a nondescript trail to a tranquil waterfall.

Furnas – Dramatic Geothermal Valley

Furnas Valley is São Miguel’s easternmost active volcano. You feel, smell and see volcanic activity in the form of steaming vents, boiling fumaroles, and belching mud pots. Furnas village is located inside the crater of the active, dormant (sleeping) volcano.

“Furnas probably continues to be, one of the most active and dangerous volcanoes in the Azores Archipelago.” – Science Direct

In the above photo, bags of corn-on-the-cob are cooking in a fumarole.

Cozido Furnas Stew is placed in holes at 4 am, covered and cooked underground using volcanic steam. Retrieved for lunch by Furnas restaurants (vegetarian available . . . maybe).

There are drinking pipes around every corner where you can taste mineral water, each with its own unique properties. In town, the fresh water runs constantly.

Parque Terra Nostra, Furnas

A 200-year-old tropical garden in Furnas with 2,000 types of trees. Exotic plants surround a circular hot spring known for its healing properties. An awesome walk, and/or rusty red-hot soak, good for the bones, bad for the bathing suit. 

Furnace Village: Upside Down House

A quirky photo op: The power station designed in the form of an upside-down house.

Lagoa das Furnas

Fifteen minutes west of Furnas, is a 4-mile loop around Lagoa das Furnas. Thick fog masked the lake during our visit, adding to the spookiness of the abandoned Chapéu de Nossa Senhora das Vitórias. With intact stained glass, a tall spire, and a bell tower, the chapel is mysterious, exotic, and majestic.

Nordeste

A view from Miradouro do Vista dos Barcos of the remote eastern part of the island and the Arnel Lighthouse at Ponta do Arnel.

Eastside Island Life

The island is self-sufficient with exports of beef, dairy products (so many cows) and tea.

Europe’s Only Tea Factories

The EN1-1A Road in Porto Formosa passes stunning green tea fields. Not far from Mirodouro de Santa Iria, Gorreana Tea Plantation offers a free factory tour. Across the road, a lovely hike loops through the tea fields (PRC28 SMI).

Land’s End

A sudden lifting of fog at the Agua Retorta Mirodouro, above the smallest parish on the island, population 479.

Piscina Naturais, Faial da Terra

Natural Swimming Pool (with wave protection???)

Never Enough Time

Guidebooks suggest 3 days in São Miguel; we stayed for 9 and still have a “Next Time List”, e.g. Poço Azul (Blue Well), Lauasilva forest, Vila Franca Islet (a volcanic crater with a round lagoon), and more.

See More – Click HERE: West Side of São Miguel – ICONIC!

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