6 Unmissable Hikes in São Miguel, Azores

Best Hikes Azores: São Miguel

The hiking trails in São Miguel, Azores, are pure magic; we couldn’t believe how green everything is here. Unlike the more challenging hikes you might find in Madeira, São Miguel offers easier options. Plus, the trails are well-marked and always scenic, so even short walks feel like an adventure!

Note: We recommend renting a car for your trip, as public transport rarely reaches the trailheads. We booked a hotel in Ponta Delgada, which was a perfect jumping-off point for the rest of the island.

1. PRC37 Janela do Inferno (Best Hike in Sao Miguel, Azores)

PRC37 was one of the most memorable hikes in São Miguel! The 7.5 km circular route crosses over rolling farmland, shady forest paths, and mossy aqueducts. There are even some narrow tunnels, so be sure to bring a flashlight. If you’re tall like Nick, expect to crouch a bit to get through; it’s all part of the fun!

The highlight is the Janela do Inferno Waterfall, also known as ‘Hell’s Window’, which plunges from a small cave into a beautiful pool below. Unfortunately, when we visited, it was dry, so check recent reviews before you visit.

Top Tip: Do this hike counter-clockwise. You’ll start with the open fields and finish in the dramatic tunnels and forest. On finishing, don’t miss Água de Fogo Food Truck at the parking lot; their local burgers and fries are the perfect post-hike treat (even great veggie options for us!).

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• Distance: 7.5 km
• Route type: Loop trail
• Duration: 2–3 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation gain: ~200 m
• Fee: Free
• Start point: Lagoa area, near Água de Fogo Food Truck

2. Parque da Grená Waterfall Loop

Next to the steaming Furnas Fumaroles lies Parque da Grená, a lush, tropical park that reminded us of Costa Rica! The 4.5 km forest trail winds past multiple waterfalls, tree ferns, and wooden walkways.

This incredible hike in São Miguel follows a numbered system. However, we recommend hiking in the following order: 6 → 4 → 3 → 2 → 1 → 5. This means you avoid the 300–500-step staircase near 5 and enjoy all the highlights. At the top, you’ll reach the island’s tallest waterfall, hidden among luscious jungle and low-flying birds. 

• Distance: 4.5 km
• Route type: Loop trail
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours
• Difficulty: Easy–moderate
• Elevation gain: ~150 m
• Fee: €10 per person. Check the opening times here
• Start point: Parque da Grená entrance, Furnas

3. Lagoa do Fogo Lake Trail (Famous Hike, São Miguel)

Lagoa do Fogo is a stunning crater lake, so it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most famous hiking trails in São Miguel, Azores. The steep path descends from the viewpoint into the heart of the crater, where a turquoise lake shimmers below towering volcanic ridges.

It takes around 30 minutes to descend and a bit longer (and sweatier!) to climb back up, so allow 2 hours in total. This also gives you time to enjoy the lake below, with its peaceful shoreline and green peaks. 

Note: ​​During summer (June to September), the road to the trailhead is closed after 9 AM. However, a shuttle bus is available as an alternative. You can book your tickets in advance here.

• Distance: ~5 km in total
• Route type: In-and-out (view the route)
• Duration: 2–3 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate–hard
• Elevation gain: ~300 m
• Fee: Free
• Start point: Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint car park

4. Cascata da Gruta Hiking Trail (São Miguel Hidden Gem!)

Cascata da Gruta is one of São Miguel’s best-kept secrets, tucked away on the quiet northeast coast. The trail starts near Lomba de São Pedro and leads through the forest toward an old watermill, Moinho do Félix. From there, it continues to a waterfall that tumbles behind a huge rock overhang. Even better, you can walk right behind it, or bathe your hiker’s feet in the cool water. Here’s the complete route we did.

We loved the sound of rushing water and the stillness of the valley; it was one of the most peaceful hikes in São Miguel. 

• Distance: ~3 km 
• Route type: loop
• Duration: 1 hour (there and back)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation gain: ~100 m
• Fee: Free
• Start point: Near Lomba de São Pedro, northeast coast. Park along this main road, and then follow the signs for Cascata da Gruta

5. Cascata do Limbo Hiking Trail, São Miguel

Short, easy, and incredibly picturesque, Cascata do Limbo is the perfect mini-hike (5-10 minutes) in São Miguel. The trail begins near Praia dos Moinhos beach parking, and takes you through a small forest to reach a fairytale waterfall.

In summer, the trail is framed by hydrangeas in full bloom, the beautiful blue flowers iconic to the Azores.

Note: When we visited in early June, they weren’t quite out yet, but we hear that from late June to August, the island should be covered in them.

• Distance: ~500 m each way
• Route type: in and out
• Duration: 10–15 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Fee: Free
• Start point: Praia dos Moinhos parking area

6. PRC28 SMI Gorreana Tea Plantation

This luscious hike takes you straight through the rolling tea fields of Gorreana, the oldest tea plantation in Europe. The PRC28 SMI trail is a 3.5 km circular route that starts and ends at the factory, winding past rows of tea bushes, small streams, and viewpoints overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. 

The tea plantation is one of the best hikes in São Miguel, Azores. We walked it late in the afternoon, when the golden light hit the tea leaves. Plus, this time of day is perfect to try a cup of tea back at the factory. Note: You don’t need to reserve in advance.

• Distance: 3–5 km 
• Route type: loop
• Duration: 40–90 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Fee: Free
• Start point: Gorreana Tea Factory

Tip: There’s also a shorter 40-minute loop called Caminho da Agua da Gorreana that offers similar views if you’re short on time.

Where to Stay on São Miguel

If you’re coming to the Azores for the hikes in São Miguel, we recommend basing yourself centrally. We split our itinerary: a few nights in Ponta Delgada for exploring, then a more rural stay in Vila Franco do Campo. 

Ponta Delgada is the perfect spot! It has excellent restaurants and hotels, and is a short drive from most hikes in São Miguel. We reserved a room at Lusitano Villas and loved it. There’s even a horse stable on site. Book a hotel in Ponta Delgada.

Our favorite hotels in Ponta Delgada 😴

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Vila Gale

Ponta Delgada

Lusitano Garden Villas

Ponta Delgada

INNature

Ponta Delgada

See available hotels in Ponta Delgada

Check available hotels

Check available hostels

Other Locations

• Ribeira Grande: Has great beaches and is well located for famous Sao Miguel hikes, like Furnas and Lagoa do Fogo.  Reserve a room in Ribeira Grande.
• Vila Franco do Campo: Scenic and well located in the center (our favorite area to stay). We stayed at Pestana Bahia Praia, which was just a 2-minute walk to the beach. See all the accommodation options.

Best Time for Hiking, Azores

The best time for hiking in São Miguel, Azores, is May to October. Trails are dry, days are sunny, and flowers are blooming. The iconic hydrangeas peak between late June and August (we came in early June and just missed them).

Remember, weather changes fast here, especially if you’re hiking at altitude. There might be clear skies one minute and thick fog the next, so bring layers and always check the live webcams before you travel. 

Note: The winter months are rainier, so paths can be slippery or partly closed due to the weather (check for closures here). However, the hiking trails in São Miguel, Azores, are quieter and even more lush, which some walkers may prefer.

What to Bring for Hiking São Miguel

• Waterproof hiking shoes (there’s usually always a bit of mud and water, especially in the tunnels)
• Light rain jacket
• Reusable water bottle
• Headlamp (for Janela do Inferno)
• Swimsuit & towel (if you’d like to swim at waterfalls or nearby beaches)
• Download Google Maps offline (as the signal can drop in remote spots)
• Layers (the weather can change quickly at altitude)