Lagoa do Fogo, also known as the Lake of Fire, is a stunning crater lake nestled within the Água de Pau Massif volcano on São Miguel Island. This picturesque spot is the highest lake on the island and is surrounded by lush vegetation and dramatic cliffs. Protected by strict regulations, Lagoa do Fogo is a must see!

Why Visit Lagoa do Fogo?

Stunning Scenic Views

Perched at an altitude of around 575 metres, Lagoa do Fogo offers unparalleled panoramic views of São Miguel’s rugged landscape. On a clear day, you can see the Atlantic Ocean, rolling green hills, and volcanic peaks stretching into the distance.

Pristine Nature & Serenity

Unlike other tourist spots, Lagoa do Fogo remains untouched by human development. As a protected nature reserve, it boasts crystal-clear waters, endemic plants, and diverse wildlife—a perfect place to connect with nature.

Best Hiking Trails to Lagoa do Fogo 🥾

1. Lagoa do Fogo Trail (PRC02 SMI)

Location: Água d'Alto
Duration: 4-5 hours
Distance: 11 km (round trip)

Difficulty: Moderate

This scenic hiking trail starts near the village of Água d'Alto and leads through dense forests, streams, and volcanic terrain before reaching the lake’s shores. It’s one of the most rewarding hikes on São Miguel!

2. Miradouro da Barrosa to Lagoa do Fogo

Location: Miradouro da Barrosa
Duration: 2-3 hours
Distance: 6 km (round trip)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

For a shorter hike, start from Miradouro da Barrosa, one of the best viewpoints in the Azores. This trail descends gently toward the lake, offering breathtaking views along the way.

3. Janela do Inferno to Lagoa do Fogo

Location: Remédios, Lagoa
Duration: 5-6 hours
Distance: 12 km (round trip)

Difficulty: Challenging

This challenging hike takes you through tunnels, waterfalls, and dense forests before reaching the lake’s stunning crater basin. An epic adventure for experienced hikers!

How to Get to Lagoa do Fogo

By Car: The easiest way to visit Lagoa do Fogo is by renting a car and driving to Miradouro da Barrosa or Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo, where you’ll find parking and spectacular viewpoints. Please note the road has time restrictions and can vary in season , so please check ahead of time!

By Tour: Many Azores tour operators offer guided excursions, including hiking tours and 4x4 jeep safaris to Lagoa do Fogo.

By Hike: If you're up for an adventure, take one of the scenic hiking trails mentioned above!

Best Time to Visit Lagoa do Fogo

The best time to visit is spring to early autumn (April–October), when the weather is mild and clear. Mornings offer the best visibility, as fog often rolls in during the afternoon.

Whether you're capturing the crater lake from above or hiking to its pristine shores, here are the best photo spots at Lagoa do Fogo and how to get there.

Best photo spots 📸

1. Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo – The Classic Viewpoint

Location: Along EN5-2A road

How to Get There: Drive along the EN5-2A road and stop at the Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint, which has parking available.

This is the most famous viewpoint for photographing Lagoa do Fogo. From here, you'll get a breathtaking panoramic shot of the entire crater lake, surrounded by rugged volcanic peaks and lush greenery. Best visited in the morning or late afternoon for perfect lighting.

2. Miradouro da Barrosa – A Higher Perspective

Location: Near the highest point of EN5-2A

How to Get There: Drive up the same EN5-2A road and stop at Miradouro da Barrosa, one of the highest points in the area.

For sweeping views of the lake, coastline, and rolling hills, head to Miradouro da Barrosa. This spot is perfect for wide-angle shots that capture the full scale and beauty of Lagoa do Fogo. If you're lucky, you might even see the clouds rolling over the crater—a magical sight!

3. Hiking Down to the Shores – Up Close & Personal

Location: Trail from Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo
How to Get There: Park at Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo and follow the hiking trail down to the lake (about 2 km, 30–40 min walk).

For the most intimate and serene photo opportunity, hike down to the lake’s shores. Here, you can capture crystal-clear water reflecting the sky, lush volcanic slopes, and a sense of pure tranquility. Ideal for nature photography, long exposure shots, and dreamy reflection images.

4. Lagoa do Fogo Trail – Hidden Angles & Unique Perspectives

Location: Starting from Água d'Alto
How to Get There: Take the Lagoa do Fogo hiking trail (PRC02 SMI) from Água d'Alto. It’s an 11 km round trip(moderate difficulty, 4–5 hours).

This scenic hiking trail offers some of the best hidden photo spots, including forested pathways, volcanic landscapes, and lesser-seen angles of the lake. A great way to capture different perspectives while enjoying a beautiful nature walk.

Best Time for Photography at Lagoa do Fogo

Morning (8–11 AM): Best for clear skies, soft lighting, and fewer tourists.
Late Afternoon (4–6PM): Beautiful golden hour glow over the lake.
Avoid Midday (12–3 PM): Harsh sunlight and potential fog rolling in.

Visiting Lagoa do Fogo is an unforgettable experience in the Azores! Whether you hike to its pristine shores, admire it from a viewpoint, or explore the surrounding volcanic landscapes, this hidden paradise will leave you speechless.