This day took us through the island’s central highlands, ending at one of its most unique cultural highlights: the São Miguel tea plantations. We began at Lagoa do Fogo, a spectacular crater lake in the Azores, followed by a soak in the Caldeira Velha hot springs and a hike to Salto do Cabrito waterfall. In the afternoon, we continued north to Gorreana and Porto Formoso, the only tea plantations in Europe. Walking through the lush fields, we learned how tea is produced with traditional machinery and tasted freshly brewed green and black tea grown on the island. This central highlands loop is one of the best day trips in São Miguel, combining volcanic landscapes, hot springs, waterfalls and authentic tea culture in a single itinerary.
Table of Contents
Morning: Crater Lakes & Thermal Wonders
We left Ponta Delgada and headed north into the central highlands of São Miguel. The road wound upward through green pastures where cows grazed quietly in the morning fog, a scene that felt quintessentially Azorean. As the mist began to lift, the outlines of steep volcanic slopes emerged, their ridges catching the first light of day. This highland approach set the tone for one of the most scenic stretches of any São Miguel road trip, where every bend seemed to reveal a new layer of the island’s dramatic landscape.
Pico da Barrosa – Short Hike & Lookout
When the fog lifted, we seized the chance to stop at Pico da Barrosa, one of the most accessible and rewarding viewpoints in São Miguel. A short, gentle climb brought us to the summit at nearly 950 meters (3,116 ft), where the panorama opened over the central highlands, the Atlantic coastline, and deep valleys below. The trail is easy and quick, yet it offers a striking introduction to the island’s volcanic contours and is well worth including on any central São Miguel road trip.
Lagoa do Fogo – Crater Lake and Hiking Viewpoint
A short drive from Pico da Barrosa brought us to Lagoa do Fogo, one of the most spectacular crater lakes in São Miguel and a protected natural reserve. As we climbed toward the rim, mist drifted across the caldera, and when the clouds broke the lake appeared below, its deep blue surface framed by volcanic cliffs and dense forest. Unlike some of the island’s more accessible lakes, Lagoa do Fogo feels wild and untouched.
From the main parking area we followed a marked trail to a higher viewpoint. The short, easy hike rewarded us with sweeping views over the crater and the central highlands beyond. Standing at the top, it was easy to see how volcanic forces shaped the dramatic landscapes of São Miguel. For anyone planning a São Miguel itinerary, Lagoa do Fogo is among the best places to experience crater lake hiking and panoramic Azores views.
Caldeira Velha – Hidden Thermal Springs and Nature Reserve
From Lagoa do Fogo we descended the northern slope of the volcano to Caldeira Velha, one of the best hot springs in São Miguel. This protected nature reserve includes an environmental interpretation center that explains how the island’s geothermal activity creates mineral‑rich thermal waters and sustains the surrounding subtropical forest.
Shaded walking paths led us past steaming streams, giant ferns, and moss‑covered rocks until we reached a series of pools warmed by small waterfalls. The iron‑tinged water was comfortably warm, perfect for easing tired legs after a morning hike. A swim in the Caldeira Velha hot springs is among the most relaxing things to do in São Miguel and pairs perfectly with a visit to nearby crater lakes like Lagoa do Fogo.
Midday: Waterfalls, Coastal Beauty & Scenic Cliffs
Cascata do Salto do Cabrito – A Memorable Waterfall Hike in Sao Miguel
After leaving the highlands, we descended toward Cascata do Salto do Cabrito, one of the most accessible and rewarding waterfalls in São Miguel. The short trail follows a stream through dense vegetation before opening into a narrow ravine where water plunges nearly 40 meters into a clear pool. Standing at the base, we felt the cool mist on our faces and listened to the roar echoing off the rock walls.
The area around the falls can be explored on foot, with boulders to scramble over and shallow sections of the stream where you can cool off. For a longer adventure, the PRC29 circular trail connects Salto do Cabrito with nearby geothermal sites, offering a mix of forest paths, metal walkways, and views of the old hydroelectric plant.
Good to know: If you drive all the way down to the lower parking area, make sure your car has enough power for the steep uphill return. Our small‑engine rental struggled on the climb, and for a moment we thought we’d need a tow. With patience (and a bit of luck) we made it back up. 🙂
Porto Formoso Beach – A Quiet North Coast Spot to Energize
After leaving Cascata do Salto do Cabrito, we passed through Ribeira Grande, a scenic town worth a short stop, before continuing to Porto Formoso Beach, also known as Praia dos Moinhos, on São Miguel’s north coast. This sheltered bay is framed by green hills and known for its soft, dark volcanic sand, a striking contrast to the turquoise Atlantic.
Quieter than many of the island’s larger beaches, it is an ideal place to pause during a road trip. We walked along the shoreline, watched seabirds skim the waves, and felt the cool water at our feet. In summer, the beach is a Blue Flag swimming spot with calm areas for bathing, while in other seasons it is perfect for a peaceful walk. Porto Formoso Beach is close to the São Miguel tea plantations, making it a natural addition to a central highlands loop and a refreshing coastal interlude between inland adventures.
Miradouro do Cintrão – A Cliffside Viewpoint Worth Stopping At
A short drive from Porto Formoso brought us to Miradouro do Cintrão, a cliff‑top viewpoint on the north coast of São Miguel. Perched high above the Atlantic, it offers sweeping views of rugged headlands, secluded coves, and the endless blue horizon. The green slopes drop steeply to the sea, creating one of the most dramatic coastal scenes on the island.
With few visitors and plenty of space to take in the scenery, it is an ideal stop for photography or a quiet pause during a central highlands road trip. On clear days, the light here is especially beautiful in the late afternoon, when the cliffs glow and the ocean takes on deep shades of blue.
Porto de Santa Iria and Miradouro de Santa Iria for Wide Ocean Vistas
Our next stop was Porto de Santa Iria and the nearby Miradouro de Santa Iria, two of the most popular viewpoints in São Miguel. Perched high above the north coast, they offer sweeping views of cliffs, coves, and the deep blue Atlantic stretching to the horizon. The green volcanic headlands meet the open water in a dramatic contrast that makes this one of the most scenic stops in the Azores.
On a clear day, you can see as far as the parishes of Porto Formoso and Maia, with the Gorreana Tea Plantations visible in the distance. It is an ideal place to pause during a central highlands road trip, capture photographs, and take in the raw beauty of São Miguel’s coastline.
Afternoon: Tea Culture & Hidden Lakes
Gorreana Tea Factory or Chá Porto Formoso – Visiting the São Miguel Tea Plantations
No São Miguel itinerary feels complete without visiting the São Miguel tea plantations, the only working tea plantations in Europe. I had been looking forward to this stop for days, and it turned out to be one of my favourite experiences on the island.
The Gorreana Tea Factory, founded in 1883, is the oldest and largest, while Chá Porto Formoso offers a more intimate visit with guided tours. Both owe their existence to a twist of history: in the mid‑1800s, a blight wiped out the Azores’ orange groves, the islands’ main export at the time. Seeking a replacement crop, local landowners brought in tea seeds and invited two Chinese tea masters from Macau to teach the art of cultivation and processing. The volcanic soil, mild climate, and abundant rainfall proved perfect for tea, and by the early 20th century São Miguel had multiple thriving plantations. Today, only Gorreana and Porto Formoso remain.
Walking among the neatly trimmed rows of tea bushes, I could almost imagine the workers of a century ago harvesting leaves by hand. Inside Gorreana, I lingered over displays explaining how the leaves are picked, rolled, and dried using century‑old machinery still in operation. Watching the process made me appreciate the craftsmanship behind every cup. The visit ended in the tasting room, where I sipped freshly brewed green and black tea while looking out over the same fields where the leaves had grown.
- Gorreana Tea Factory opening hours (Chá Gorreana): Monday to Friday 08:00-16:00, weekends 09:00-18:00
- Chá Porto Formoso opening hours: Monday to Saturday 09:00-17:00
Lagoa do Congro – A Tranquil Volcanic Lake
To end the day, we headed inland to Lagoa do Congro, one of the most peaceful volcanic lakes in São Miguel. Formed around 3,900 years ago by a phreatomagmatic eruption in the volcanic massif of Achada das Furnas, this almost perfectly round lake sits in a secluded crater surrounded by dense, non‑endemic forest planted by past landowners.
The trail down winds through thick greenery, with birdsong and the scent of damp earth guiding the way. As the trees parted, the still green water appeared, reflecting the steep crater walls like a mirror. Unlike the island’s more famous crater lakes, Lagoa do Congro feels untouched and rarely crowded, making it a true hidden gem.
We lingered by the shore, listening to the forest and watching ripples distort the reflection of the cliffs above. It was a calm, almost meditative end to a day filled with waterfalls, hot springs, and visits to the São Miguel tea plantations.If you are seeking tranquility and natural beauty, Lagoa do Congro is one of the most rewarding detours on a central São Miguel road trip.
Why São Miguel Tea Plantations And Highlands Are Worth Visiting
What makes this loop so rewarding is not only the variety of sights but also the way it captures the spirit of São Miguel. The highlands reveal the island’s volcanic power with steaming springs, crater lakes, and ridges where the Atlantic seems endless. The tea plantations add a cultural layer, connecting you to a tradition unique in Europe, where century-old machines still hum and green leaves are transformed into fragrant Azorean tea. At Lagoa do Congro, silence itself becomes the attraction, broken only by the rustle of the forest and reflections on the water.
If Sete Cidades offers São Miguel’s most iconic postcard view, the highlands and tea route uncover its deeper contrasts: fire and water, wilderness and cultivation, drama and calm. Combiend with a side trip to Nordeste, these places show why São Miguel is more than a collection of viewpoints. It is a place that stays with you long after you have left the island.
👉 This trip is best done by your own car, but there is this amazing day trip to Sao Miguel tea plantations and Furnas for those without a car.
Travel Tips for the Central São Miguel Loop
- Start early at Lagoa do Fogo: The crater lake is often covered in clouds by midday, so mornings offer the best chance for clear views and quieter trails. Arriving early also means easier parking at the small lot and better lighting for photos of the caldera.
- Wear proper hiking gear: Comfortable shoes are essential for the short trails around waterfalls, crater lakes, and viewpoints. A light rain jacket or windbreaker is useful because the weather in the central highlands can change quickly from sun to fog. For some waterfalls, like Salto do Cabrito, the trail can get slippery after rain, so shoes with good grip are recommended.
- Prepare for the hot springs: If you plan to soak at Caldeira Velha, bring a bathing suit, towel, and water shoes. The pools are warm but the forest around them is humid and can be muddy. Consider bringing a dry bag for your phone and camera if you plan to take photos near the waterfalls.
- Plan for photography stops: Late afternoon light works best for Lagoa do Congro and north coast viewpoints such as Miradouro de Santa Iria. For Gorreana Tea Factory, mornings are quieter and the sunlight on the tea rows is ideal for photos. Don’t miss small hidden viewpoints along the route, like Miradouro do Cintrão, which are less crowded but offer dramatic coastal vistas.
- Car and driving tips: Some roads, especially near waterfalls and highland loops, are narrow and winding. A mid-range or stronger car is recommended if you plan to drive the full loop. Fuel stations are limited in the central highlands, so top up in Ponta Delgada before leaving.
- Food and water: There are few cafés or restaurants along the highlands loop. Pack snacks, water, and a small picnic if you want to take your time at viewpoints or near Lagoa do Congro.
- Time management: This loop can easily take 6–8 hours including short hikes and stops at tea plantations. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, consider skipping one minor viewpoint to allow extra time at Caldeira Velha or the tea plantations. I have accounted for an extra day in my Sao Miguel itinerary to move activities if necessary.
Last Updated on 23/10/2025 by Panos
