Some of the most beautiful places in São Miguel are not the famous viewpoints filled with tourists, but the quiet hidden places tucked away deep in the island’s volcanic landscape.
This peaceful hike to Lagoa de São Brás takes you through green hills, remote countryside and untouched nature before reaching an isolated lake surrounded by forest and volcanic scenery.
Far from the busy tourist routes of São Miguel, this walk offers a very different side of the Azores — calm, authentic and incredibly peaceful.
Starting the Hike Near São Brás
The trail begins near the village of São Brás, in the municipality of Ribeira Grande, on the northern side of São Miguel Island.
After leaving the main road behind, the atmosphere quickly changes. The trail gradually enters a quieter and more isolated landscape, surrounded by rolling green hills and large open pastures typical of the Azores.
Along the way, the scenery constantly changes between countryside views, volcanic terrain and forested areas.
Beautiful Views Along the Trail
On clear days, the light over the hills creates beautiful contrasts between the deep green fields and the blue Atlantic Ocean visible in the distance.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of this hike is the feeling of isolation. Unlike some of the island’s best-known viewpoints and lakes, this area remains quiet and untouched.
During most of the walk, the only sounds are the wind, birds and nature surrounding the trail.
Approaching Lagoa de São Brás
The trail slowly descends through the volcanic landscape, creating the impression of entering one of the hidden natural areas of São Miguel that many visitors never discover.
As the trail continues, the lake gradually appears between the hills and forest.
This is also an excellent hike for photography lovers, with constantly changing views and landscapes throughout the route.
Reaching Lagoa de São Brás
After several kilometers through the countryside, Lagoa de São Brás finally appears surrounded by green volcanic slopes and peaceful pastureland.
Located at an altitude of approximately 610 meters above sea level, the lake remains one of the quiet hidden natural spots of northeastern São Miguel.
Although relatively small, the atmosphere of the place feels incredibly remote and relaxing.
The calm water reflects the changing Azorean sky, while the surrounding silence creates a unique feeling of tranquility.
The lake measures approximately 330 meters in length and 200 meters in width, with a maximum depth of around 2.3 meters.
Cows and ducks can often be seen in the surrounding fields, adding to the rural and authentic atmosphere of the area.
Picnic Area and Relaxing Atmosphere
One of the pleasant surprises of this hike is the small picnic area located near the beginning of the trail, with tables surrounded by nature and green hills.
It is a peaceful place to stop before or after the walk.
However, the real highlight is reaching Lagoa de São Brás itself. On quiet days, many visitors simply sit in the grass near the lake to enjoy the silence, the fresh air and the volcanic landscape surrounding the water.
With almost no tourist infrastructure and very few people around, the atmosphere feels incredibly natural and relaxing.
The sound of birds, wind and distant cows creates a peaceful atmosphere around the lake.
Panoramic Views Around the Lake
One of the most remarkable aspects of Lagoa de São Brás is the feeling of space and silence surrounding the area.
The panoramic views over the volcanic landscape make this one of the most peaceful places to photograph in São Miguel Island.
Far away from crowded tourist locations, the atmosphere here feels natural, authentic and untouched.
Starting Point on Google Map
The hike starts near São Brás, on the northern side of São Miguel Island.
GPS Coordinates
37.817818, -25.408223
A small parking and picnic area is available near the beginning of the trail.
From there, the trail continues through the green volcanic landscape toward Lagoa de São Brás.
The hike starts near the picnic area south of São Brás, in northeastern São Miguel Island.
A small parking area is available near the beginning of the trail.
About Lagoa de São Brás
Lagoa de São Brás is located in the municipality of Ribeira Grande, close to Pico Moniz and Monte Escuro.
The lake is also known locally for the beautiful scenery visible during the famous Azores Rally.
Despite its relatively small size, the peaceful atmosphere and isolated location make it a very special place to discover in São Miguel.
Final Landscapes and Return
If you enjoy peaceful landscapes, remote places and authentic nature far from the tourist crowds, the hike to Lagoa de São Brás is definitely worth discovering.
It is one of those hidden places that remind visitors why São Miguel remains one of the most beautiful and unspoiled islands in the Atlantic Ocean.