Miradouro da Lagoa is one of the best viewpoints on São Miguel Island. If you can’t resist a good panoramic shot, this spot is a total gem. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it.

How to Get to Miradouro da Lagoa 🚗

Miradouro da Lagoa is super easy to find—no confusing hikes or long detours. It’s located along the EN5-2A road, which runs through some of the most scenic parts of São Miguel. You can get there in about 30 minutes from Ponta Delgada, and once you’re on the road, just follow the signs (they’re pretty straightforward). Time restrictions do apply depending on season so please check ahead of time!

There’s a small parking lot right by the viewpoint, so you can park your car and take in the view without breaking a sweat. Honestly, the hardest part will be deciding which angle to shoot your photos from because there are so many perfect spots to snap that perfect shot.

What makes this viewpoint so special? 🏞️

From Miradouro da Lagoa, you get an unobstructed view of Lagoa das Sete Cidades. Looking out from the viewpoint, you’ll see the lake nestled in between two lush volcanic mountains. The colours are wild, the deep blue of the water contrasting against the vibrant green slopes is something you have to see to believe. On a clear day, the views go on for miles, and the entire landscape feels like a painting come to life.

Best time to visit 🌤️

To get the best possible view, I’d recommend heading up to Miradouro da Lagoa either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The light is soft during those times, and you’ll have a better chance of clear skies (fingers crossed!).

If you happen to visit and the weather’s a little cloudy, don’t stress too much. Sometimes the clouds rolling over the mountains create this dramatic effect that makes the whole scene look even more magical.

Best photo spots📸

• The Classic View of Lagoa das Sete Cidades
  From the viewpoint itself, you’ll get that iconic shot of the lake. Try to frame the lake between the two hills for a symmetrical, postcard-perfect shot.

• Behind the Stone Wall
  If you want a unique perspective, try taking a photo standing just behind the stone wall at the viewpoint. You’ll have the lake in the distance and the stone wall in the foreground for a more dynamic shot.

• Golden Hour Shots
  For the best light, head to Miradouro da Lagoa in the early morning or late afternoon. During golden hour, the light softens, making the colours pop even more.

• Looking Down Over the Lake
  For a different angle, walk a bit further along the viewpoint’s edge, where you can look directly down over the edge of the crater and the lake. This gives a slightly higher vantage point, making it great for shots of the lake from above. It’s a perfect way to capture the size and scale of the landscape.

• The Mountain Views
  Turn your camera the other way, and you’ll see the mountain slopes and winding roads. This view makes a fantastic contrast to the lake and offers a more expansive perspective of the island’s natural beauty. It’s ideal for wide-angle shots that show off the island’s lush terrain.

Miradouro da Lagoa isn’t just a great viewpoint—it’s a chance to see one of the most iconic landscapes in the Azores from an unbeatable perspective.