Lagoa do Fogo and Caldeira Velha, Sao Miguel

Lagoa do Fogo, the “Lake of Fire”, is the wildest of São Miguel’s crater lakes. It lies high in the mountains in the centre of the island, inside a nature reserve with no buildings in sight. Here’s how to visit, plus the nearby hot springs of Caldeira Velha.

Quick answer: the lake lies on the mountain road between Ribeira Grande and Lagoa, about 30 to 40 minutes from Ponta Delgada. The roadside viewpoints give the classic view, and a steep trail leads down to the lakeshore. In busy months, access may be managed with a shuttle or road restrictions, so check before you go. Combine it with Caldeira Velha hot springs.

Why go

Sete Cidades has the postcard view, but Lagoa do Fogo feels more untouched. The lake fills the crater of the Fogo volcano, ringed by steep green walls, with pale sandy beaches along its shore. There are no villages, cafes or houses up here, just the water, the wind and the birds. On a clear day you can see both the north and south coasts from the rim.

The volcano, also called Água de Pau, last erupted in 1563. The lake sits at roughly 575 metres above sea level, and the whole area is a protected nature reserve. The slopes around it are covered in native laurel forest, heather and moss, and the beaches are made of pale pumice sand.

Visiting the lake

• The viewpoints: several lookouts along the road give sweeping views into the crater and down to both coasts on a clear day. The main viewpoint is the classic photo. Allow 20 to 30 minutes.
• The trail: a steep path descends to the white-sand shore. It’s short but rough, and the climb back up is hard work. Allow about two hours with time at the water.
• Protected area: the lake is a nature reserve. Stay on the paths and take your litter with you.
• Swimming: the water is cold and there are no lifeguards or facilities. Many visitors just paddle. Keep off the fenced or signed areas of the shore.

Summer shuttle and road closure

In recent summers, the road to the lake has closed to private cars during the day, and a hop-on hop-off shuttle has run instead. In 2025 it ran from mid-June to the end of September, usually from 9am to 7pm, and cost about 5 euros for visitors. Reports suggest the 2026 season started later, in August, with a higher fare paid on board, so don’t rely on last year’s details. The shuttle starts from car parks at Caldeira Velha on the north side and Casa da Água on the Lagoa side, both free. Dates, prices and booking rules change each year, so check the official Azores tourism site before you go.

Outside the shuttle season you can drive up yourself. Parking at the viewpoints is limited, so arrive early. In shuttle season, taxis, licensed tour operators and residents can still use the road, which is why a tour can be a simple way to see the lake in August.

Caldeira Velha

On the road down towards Ribeira Grande, Caldeira Velha is a nature park with a warm waterfall pool and hot springs among giant ferns. It also has a small visitor centre about the area’s volcanic past. Entry is ticketed, and slots can sell out in summer, so book ahead. Bring a towel and an old swimsuit, as the iron-rich water can stain. Allow about an hour and a half.

The pools have changing rooms and showers. The waterfall pool is warm rather than hot, while the smaller pools lower down are hotter. Remove silver jewellery, and keep your head above water in the hot pools.

Getting there

• By car: from Ponta Delgada, drive east to Lagoa and follow the mountain road north, or go via Ribeira Grande on the north coast and climb from there. The drive is about 30 to 40 minutes.
• By tour: many full-day São Miguel tours stop at the viewpoint and Caldeira Velha.
• Public transport: no regular bus goes up to the lake.
• By taxi: a taxi from Ponta Delgada is possible. Agree a waiting time or a pick-up, as there is no taxi rank at the top.

A half-day plan

Start early at the viewpoints, while the crater is most likely to be clear. Walk down to the shore if you have the energy. Then drive or take the shuttle down to Caldeira Velha for a soak, and finish with lunch in Ribeira Grande, the island’s second town, on the north coast.

With a full day, add the Gorreana tea plantation on the north coast in the afternoon, then continue east to Furnas. See the Gorreana tea plantation.

When to go

• Spring and early autumn: fewer people and no shuttle, but more chance of cloud.
• Summer: the best odds of clear skies, but the busiest time, with the shuttle running for at least part of the season.
• Winter: often misty, wet and windy on the mountain. See the best time to visit the Azores.

Tips

• Fog: the lake is often in cloud. Check the webcams and go when it’s clear.
• Wind and cold: it’s much cooler up here than on the coast. Bring a warm layer.
• Shoes: wear proper walking shoes for the trail down to the shore.
• Parking at the viewpoints is limited.
• No services: there are no toilets, shops or cafes at the lake. Bring water and snacks.
• Tours: many full-day São Miguel tours stop here. See São Miguel tours.

FAQ

Can you drive to Lagoa do Fogo?

Yes, outside the summer shuttle season. When the shuttle runs, the road between Caldeira Velha and Casa da Água is closed to private cars during the day, so you park at one end and ride the shuttle.

Can you swim in Lagoa do Fogo?

It is not banned, but the water is cold, there are no lifeguards, and the walk down is steep. Most people paddle or simply enjoy the beach.

How long is the walk down to the lake?

The path to the shore is short but steep and rough. Allow about two hours in total, including time at the water and the climb back up.

What is the best time of day to visit?

Early morning usually gives the best chance of a clear view, before cloud builds over the mountain. It is also quieter then.

More: Sete Cidades, Furnas, the São Miguel itinerary and the Salto do Prego waterfall.

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