Hiking Through Forested Trails And Off-road Paths In São Miguel

São Miguel has a well-marked network of walking trails, and the best of them lead through the island's forests, around its crater lakes, and along steep valleys to waterfalls. The Azorean government has signposted and registered a series of routes of different lengths and levels, and each trail has a number, a leaflet, and waymarks of red and yellow stripes. Many start from roadside car parks, so hikers can choose a route from a short morning stroll to a full day's trek.

The Sete Cidades caldera has the most famous walk, the Caldera Rim Trail, which follows the crest of the crater with views of the twin lakes, and is accessible to most walkers. Other trails offer a quieter experience. Around the Lagoa do Fogo, in the centre of the island, paths lead through protected land to the shore of the lake, where the water is clear and the cliffs rise steeply. On the south coast, a trail from Faial da Terra follows a river to the Salto do Prego, a waterfall that drops into a pool among ferns, a rewarding walk in a lush valley. In the north-east, the Ribeira dos Caldeirões nature park has a network of waterfalls, old stone water mills, and forest paths in a green, damp setting.

For those seeking a longer challenge, the ascent of Pico da Vara, the highest point on the island at just over eleven hundred metres, passes through thick laurel forest and rewards walkers with wide views in clear weather. The forest on the slopes is the home of the Azores bullfinch, a rare bird found only on São Miguel, and the area is carefully protected. Cloud often covers the summit, so a clear day is worth waiting for.

Conditions need respect. Weather in the Azores changes quickly, so carry waterproof clothing, extra layers, water, and snacks. Paths can be muddy, slippery, and steep, so boots with a good grip are important, and trail signs may be few in dense forest, so a map or phone with a downloaded route is useful. Some trails require registration online, and a few are closed in bad weather.

The forests and trails suit walkers of all levels, nature lovers, and photographers. Allow time to stop at viewpoints and swim, where permitted, in pools and warm springs after the walk.