Best Easy Hikes São Miguel Azores

The lush island of São Miguel in the Azores is a true hiker’s paradise, with emerald crater lakes, steaming hot springs, and dramatic coastal cliffs. Due to my husband’s knee injury prior to the trip, we focused on exploring the best easy-moderate hikes on São Miguel Azores. Whether you’re traveling with family or just want to soak in the beauty without a major climb, São Miguel has plenty of rewarding routes that don’t require intense effort. Consult this hike list before deciding how many days to spend in São Miguel. In this guide, you’ll find nine of the best easy hikes in São Miguel, Azores, from tea plantation walks and volcanic crater rims to forested trails leading to hidden waterfalls.

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9 of the Best Easy Hikes São Miguel Azores

1. Lagoa das Furnas

The Lagoa das Furnas loop is a wonderful introduction to easy hikes on São Miguel. It is relatively flat and wide forested trail, circling Furnas’ iconic crater lake. Be sure to explore the town of Furnas as Doña Beija Hot Springs after your hike.

Highlights:

• The Neo-Gothic Capela de Nossa Senhora das Vitórias just off the path;
• Salto do Rosal Waterfall Trail
• Fumaroles, where the Cozido das Furnas is cooked,
  Furnas Monitoring & Research Center (CMIF) – with its insights into volcanic activity in the region.

Trail Facts:

• Distance: 3.9 mi (6.4 km)
• Elevation Gain: 469 ft (142 m)
• Average Duration: 1 hour 35 minutes
• AllTrails link: Lagoa das Furnas Loop – PRC06 SMI

2. Gorreana Tea Plantation Trail (+ Water Trail)

Walk through the only tea plantation in Europe, surrounded by rolling green fields and views of the Atlantic. Don’t miss the quieter Water Trail, which winds through eucalyptus forests and across charming stone bridges.

Highlights:

• Stunning ocean views across the tea fields;
• Free tea tours and tastings;
• Waterfalls and swimming hole.

Gorreana Tea Plantation Trail Facts:

• Distance: 2.1 mi (3.4 km)
• Elevation Gain: 600 ft (183 m)
• Average Duration: 1-1.5 hours
• AllTrails links: PRC28 SMI Chá Gorreana

Water Trail Facts:

• Distance: +1.1 mi (1.8 km)
• Elevation Gain: 40 m (131 ft.)
• Average Duration: 0.5-1 hour
• AllTrails links: Caminho da Água da Gorreana

3. Nordeste’s Poço Azul

There are a few options to reach the stunning Poço Azul, which is a crystal-clear natural pool surrounded by forest. For those looking for a direct, easy route, simply park in Achadinha and take the direct, 1.2 mile round trip trail. For those who’d like a slightly longer and more moderate Camino das Relvas – Salto da Farinho – Poço Azul loop, which leads you past stunning waterfalls en route. We’d recommend this slightly longer route if you’re up for a bit more of a challenge.

Highlights:

• Stunning, natural blue pool perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day;
• Beautiful sea views;
• Multiple waterfalls along the moderate trail en route to Poço Azul.

Trail Facts:

• Distance: 1.2 mi (2 km) direct route, 1.7 miles (2.7 km) for longer route
• Elevation Gain: 216 ft (66 m) direct route, 413 ft (125 m) for longer route
• Average Duration: 25 min direct, 1 hour for longer route
• AllTrails link: Poço Azul Trail (direct route), Camino das Relvas – Salto da Farinho – Poço Azul (moderate option)

4. Lagoa do Congro

This trail is well off the beaten path and feels truly unique. Though it is a volcanic crater lake, the similarities to Lagoa das Furnas and Lagoa do Fogo seem to end there. Lagoa do Congro is surrounded by lush vegetation. We visited on a drizzly morning en route to the north shore of the island, and loved this thick forest trail.

Trail Facts:

• Distance: 1.0 mi (1.6 km)
• Elevation Gain: 223 ft (68 m)
• Average Duration: 30 minutes
• AllTrails link: Lagoa do Congro Trail

5. Quatro Fábricas da Luz

The Quatro Fábricas da Luz (four factories of light) trail is another unique and off the beaten path trail. Unlike many of the trails on the island, this is neither ocean-front nor in a volcanic crater. The riverside path starts near Água d'Alto and passes four old hydroelectric plants, waterfalls, stone tunnels, and even more.

Highlights:

• Small swimming hole soon after the start of the trail;
• Waterfalls en route;
• Four factories in different states of preservation;
• This can be connected to the trail to Lagoa do Fogo.
• Enjoy a swim at the beach (Praia de Água D'Alto, Grande) after the hike, enjoying lunch at the beach bar.

Trail Facts:

• Distance: 2.6 mi (4.2 km)
• Elevation Gain: 531 ft (162 m)
• Average Duration: 1-1.5 hours
• AllTrails link: PR39 SMI Quatro Fábricas da Luz

6. Trail to Ponta da Ferraria (via Pico das Camarinhas)

The PR 43 trail is a loop along the volcanic cliffs, ending at the stunning natural thermal pools at Ponta da Ferraria. The views are unmatched, making this slightly steeper trail worthwhile. While it's classified as moderate, you can shorten the hike (and reduce the elevation gain) by removing the top loop of the trail.

Highlights:

• The absolute highlight is the natural pool at Ponta da Ferraria. If you'd like to swim, be sure to come at low tide, and check wave conditions carefully.
• Stunning views over the coast and lighthouse.
• Café, manmade pool, and bathrooms & changing rooms near Ponta da Ferraria.

Trail Facts:

• Distance: 2.3 mi (3.7 km)
• Elevation Gain: 610 ft (186 m)
• Average Duration: 1h 15m
• AllTrails link: PRC43 – Pico das Camarinhas to Ferraria

7. Janela do Inferno

This easy-moderate trail sits in the shadow of the Fogo volcano. Enjoy shady, lush, forested trails that lead through tunnels and over bridges to reach the Janela do Inferno (Window to Hell).

Highlights:

• The destination is Janela do Inferno, where water pours out from the cliffs;
• Walk through stone tunnels that are long enough that you'll need a light of some sort (a headlamp would be ideal, but a phone light worked fine too);
• Pass by stone aqueducts, and fields of cows.

Trail Facts:

• Distance: 4.7 mi (7.6 km)
• Elevation Gain: 882  ft (269 m)
• Average Duration: 2-2.5 hours
• AllTrails link: PRC37 – Janela do Inferno

8. Lagoa do Canário to Boca do Inferno Viewpoint

This is an easy-moderate scenic trail in the Sete Cidades area, leading to the most famous viewpoint on the island. It starts as a wide path through the forest, that runs near the Lagoa do Canário. The first section passed the lake is easy. There is a relatively short, steeper section to reach the viewpoint itself.

Highlights:

• View of multiple crater lakes surrounded by dramatic cliffs;
• Take a short detour to visit Lagoa do Canário, a great picnic spot.

Trail Facts:

• Distance: 1.6 mi (2.6 km)
• Elevation Gain: 459 ft (139 m)
• Average Duration: 1 hour
• AllTrails link: Lagoa do Canário & Boca do Inferno

Bonus: Lagoa do Fogo Trail

Though this trail is more challenging than the others included here, we did want to mention it due to its beautiful views and short distance. Definitely classified as moderate, this out and back trail goes straight down from the viewpoint to the lake. There are wide stairs for large sections of the trail to navigate. The upside is beautiful views and the ability to walk along a portion of the lakefront once you reach the bottom.

Trail Facts:

• Distance: 0.9 mi (1.5 km)
• Elevation Gain: 380 (115 m)
• Average Duration: 40 minutes
• AllTrails link: Lagoa do Fogo Trail

Essential Hiking Tips

• Mountain weather: Always check the forecast before heading out and watch for rapid weather changes. When you see bad weather coming, get below timberline.
• Hydration and Fuel: Bring more water for your day hikes than you think you'll need. Electrolytes can help you stay hydrated (e.g., Nuun and LiquidIV). Don't drink water from streams and ponds, unless you are using a LifeStraw or similar. Pack energy-boosting snacks like nuts, fruits, and energy bars.
• Leave no Trace: Preserve the natural beauty by following the Leave No Trace principles. Pack out all trash, stay on designated trails, and avoid disturbing wildlife.
• Wildlife Awareness: Be aware of the wildlife in the area. Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising animals and know what to do in an encounter with local animals.
• Navigation: If you are using a map on your phone, make sure that it is downloaded. Cell service can be unreliable in the wilderness areas. Inform someone of your hiking plan and expected return time.
• First Aid: Carry a basic first aid kit for minor injuries. This should include, at minimum, Band-Aids, antiseptic, aspirin, mirror, matches, and a jack-knife, a whistle, flashlight, and multi-tool.
• Check our post on Day Hike Essentials for a more comprehensive list of items to bring on your day hike.

Final Thoughts on Best Easy Hikes São Miguel Azores

These trails offer some of the best easy hikes São Miguel Azores has to offer, allowing you to explore volcanic craters, stunning hot springs, and ocean-view tea fields. Beyond these trails, enjoy the many unique walking experiences on the island, from walking with rescued donkeys in Água d'Alto to walking on the Vila Franca Islet (seasonally open). We hope you'll enjoy these trails as much as we did! If you enjoyed other easy-moderate hikes on São Miguel, please let us know in the comments below.

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