Top Things to do in Sao Miguel
Things to do in Sao Miguel, Azores: The Best Hiking Trails
Discover the best top things to do in Sao Miguel, Portugal including Rocha da Relva, Rota da Agua, Salto do Prego, Pico da Vara, Trilho da Fonte Santa - Praia da Viola, Trail PCR 31, Trilho do Pico Queimado, Pedra Queimada - Lajinha - Degredo, Trilho do Agriao, Azores Outdoors.
Restaurants in Sao Miguel
1. Rocha da Relva
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By DoctorCompRhet
After wonderful hikes to Sete Cidades and to Lagoa do Fogo, we weren't expecting anything too spectacular from this hike, but it really surprised us. There's a viewpoint at the start of the hike that's not difficult to find; it's called Miradouro da Fonte da Rocha, and our Garmin GPS recognized it and gave us turn-by-turn directions. There's a small parking area and a tiny store that sells souvenirs, water, beer, etc. (You can drive up the dirt road where the trail starts and park further up if you want--it takes about 10 minutes off your hike but you might miss the donkey in the field.) The trail is not confusing--you just follow it straight, first along the cliffs (with spectacular views of the sea from a very high point, and lava cliffs rising up on your right with cacti growing on them). The trail begins to descend, leveling at some points and then descending steeply for more than half the hike. The path, which is a donkey trail, has been paved with round stones so it's not treacherous but tough on the leg muscles. The trail passes houses with little farms and gardens--fabulous photo opps--and reaches something like a hamlet with a tiny square and a fountain. Just keep going--eventually you'll come to the end, by the shore, which consists of thousands of rocks the size of watermelons and mostly round, quite an interesting sight. The return ascent is demanding because you've come down so steeply, but take your time and rest along the way (bring water). One side note: soon after starting the hike, you'll see a diversion downward (it's marked on the trail map). You can do this at the start or at the end of the main hike. I'd recommend making up your mind after you've hiked the main part, because the diversion goes down about 1000 feet and you then need to come back up, and after the ascent on the main hike you may not be up to it. Also, at the top of the hike (before you've reached the little store again) is a lookout with two stone picnic tables and benches--it makes an ideal place to have lunch, either before or after your hike. The guides say this hike takes 3 hours; it took us 2 but we skipped the diversion at the start.
2. Rota da Agua
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By SaudadesPuraVida - São Miguel, Portugal
We have been fortunate enough to complete most of the official trails here on the island and Janela do Inferno, is one of our favourites!! An absolutely beautiful moderate trail, with exceptional views and interesting forest landscape. Enjoy this trail, but be sure to bring a flashlight!!
3. Salto do Prego
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 244 reviews
Reviewed By MofromMass - Plymouth, United States
The drive into and out of Faial da Terra where this waterfall hike is located is a treat for your senses. We first had lunch in the town, then made our way to the parking lot at the beginning of the trail. Now this is a hike. It’s beautiful, and uphill most of the way to the waterfall. We were accompanied by several roosters and chickens along the trail. They’re surprisingly nice hiking companions! The waterfall was huge and worth hiking to. In summer, this is definitely a place you would reward yourself with a swim! On the hike down, take the detour towards Sanguinho. This is a formerly abandoned town that now has some people moving back in. It was so cool to see and the views of the valley are fantastic. The walk back down is on a winding, cobbled path. A very worthwhile detour! This was probably our favorite hike of our trip, and the most challenging one we did.
4. Pico da Vara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By bertrand2204 - Oisterwijk, The Netherlands
Strangely, Pico da Vara is not the most advertised or indicated in the island. This is a mistake as the hike is awesome, the views amazing and not really difficult. We went up from the west and went down to the Casa de Guarda Florestal. The way up is not difficult, even with rainy weather. The way down is not difficult per se but on rainy day, it gets really muddy and slippery so take good shoes and then you're good. The path down the Casa de Guarda Florestal and then back to starting point is one of my favorite of the island with so many beautiful places. Don't skip this one, even if the weather is not the best, you won't regret it.
5. Trilho da Fonte Santa - Praia da Viola
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
With 5km of extension, this trail begins in the parish of Maia, county of Ribeira Grande. Along the route you will find a traditional cloth washing area, grass-lined paths, old watermills, vineyards, mulberry trees, a beautiful wild deserted beach and waterfalls! Visit us and discover the unique landscapes of the north coast of São Miguel island!
6. Trail PCR 31
7. Trilho do Pico Queimado
8. Pedra Queimada - Lajinha - Degredo
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 6 reviews
Trail Info This circular route begins in Largo de Santo Antonio, in the village of Maia. Head South along a dirt road known as Pedra Queimada and follow the waymarks until you reach the regional road.
9. Trilho do Agriao
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
