The Azores are Europe’s best kept secret. These beautiful remote Portuguese islands situated in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean are still spared from mass tourism. Sometimes I think I shouldn’t be writing about this tropical volcanic paradise, because I want to keep it that way. Ever since I wrote about it, I already pursuaded quite some people to go there this year.
Nature at the Azores is breathtaking. Especially the green hills, the magical waterfalls and the dreamy turquoise lakes. I already dedicated a post about its waterfalls, so now it’s time to inform you some more about its gorgeous crater lakes!

7 lakes at Sao Miguel you shouldn’t miss

Lagoa das Sete Cidades

This twin lake consists of Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde. It’s probably the most famous lake of the Azores. It’s situated in the crater of a dormant volcano. The lakes have different colors (blue and green) because each lake reflects the sunlight differently. The best spot to enjoy the view of the lakes is the Vista do Rei, where you can easily park your car.

Lagoa de Santiago

This green lake is situated next to the Lagoa Verde of Sete Cidades. It’s situated at a height of 334 meters above sea level and surrounded by the borders of a smaller crater.

Lagoa Rasa

Lagoa Rasa is a smaller lake and can be found between Lagoa das Sete Cidades and Lagoa de Santiago. The best viewpoint to see all these lakes is the Miradouro da Lagoa do Canario.

Lagoa do Fogo

This crater lake lies within the Água de Pau Massif stratovolcano in the center of Sao Miguel and is the highest lake of the Azores: 580 metres (1,900 ft) above sea level. Visit the lake on a clear day, otherwise it will be covered in clouds.

Lagoa das Furnas

This is probably the most idylic lake of Sao Miguel. It lies in one of the calderas of the active Furnas volcano at an elevation of 359 metres. On its shore you can find a cute little old church. If you sit by the lake and stare over its surface you’ll probably spot jumping fish. The best view of the complete lake is from the Pico do Ferro.

More lakes near Sete Cidades I regret not visiting personally:

Lagoa do Canario

Lagoa Empadadas

Lakes not to miss at Flores

Caldeira Rasa & Caldeira Funda

The sight of these lakes from up above is almost surreal. They are lying next to each other but at different heights. The best view you get from the road East of the lakes. When you drive on the ER2 from West to East you need to take the sideroad on the right, right before the little church. You drive to the Lagoa da Lomba and turn right at the T junction. Then you continue the road and you’ll see the lakes appear on your left side. There’s not a real viewpoint, but you can park on the side of the road. It’s safe since there’s almost no traffic, just do it on a straight piece of road so approaching cars can see you. The road also takes you in between these two lakes so you can get up close.

Lagoa Negra & Lagoa Comprida

In the heart of Flores you can find a few more lakes. The biggest two are the neighbouring Lagoa Negra and Lagoa Comprida. Lagoa Negra is the green one (even though it’s called black lake) and the deepest (100m). Lagoa Comprida is black and has a waterfall. If you drive to Lagoa Seca, you’ll find a trail that leads you along Lagoa Comprida and offers a better view on its waterfall.

Lagoa Seca

A small lake at a height of 600m above sea level near Lagoa Negra and Lagoa Comprida

Lagoa Branca

An almost dried up lake near the Pico dos Sete Pés. From here on the road goes straight up into the Reserva Florestal Natural do Morro Alto e Pico da Sé.

Lagoa da Lomba

Another beautiful peaceful small lake on the side of the road…

Lagoa dos Patos

This is probably the most beautiful and serene spot of all the Azorean islands. So if anyone ever tries to convince you of not going to Flores, just remember this picture… Sitting by the Lagoa dos Patos is magical. Listen to the sound of the roaring waterfalls and watch the birds catching fish in the lake.

If you have a spare day during your stay at Flores I recommend taking the ferry to Corvo. I didn’t do this and I still regret it!

Caldeirão do Corvo

Don’t miss out on the Azores Vlog videos! These videos show you all the wonderfull places I visited!