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My Top Three Hikes in São Miguel

The green island has no shortage of breathtaking hiking trails. Here are my favourites!


1. Janela Do Inferno

A lush green forest landscape with a crevice evident in the rock, similar to a window. There is a small stream of water that expands from the crevice, cascading down to a pool 3 meters below, a very interesting and unique waterfall.
Janela Do Inferno (Hell's Window)

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Length: 7.7KM

Elevation: 274M


This interesting trail has no shortage of surprises along the way. You park at the base of the road to Lagoa Do Fogo. After walking along some farmers fields and being greeted by many "moo's" you happen upon the first of many spooky tunnels. You traverse through a lush green forest, under and on top of man made arches, as well as some pipes and other interesting structures. The trail culminates with the Janela do Inferno (hell's window in english) which is pictured here. I felt like the subject in some kind of adventure movie on this hike, its beauty reminiscent of something once seen on a screen.


2. The Lost Village of Sanguinho

A white and grey cat sits on a cobblestone street. There are old style stone houses in the background, and lush green trees frame the landscape. The cat is next to a stone step that is covered in bright green moss.
A Cat from the Lost Village of Sanguinho poses for a photograph.

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 4.7KM

Elevation: 221M


This hike begins like many in the Azores, wandering through lush green forests, with a few pals of the Chicken variety along the way. Eventually, you happen upon the beautiful Salto Do Prego waterfall, which you can get a view of from both below and above. This is a great place to stop for a snack, or maybe even a swim in the summer. Continuing on the trail, you will reach the village of Sanguinho which seems to appear out of nowhere in the forest. It's previous inhabitants abandoned this unique settlement in the 70's in search of a better life. Nowadays, it is being redeveloped as a very unique tourist accommodation. After petting the resident cats, you continue down a steep and winding cobblestone path, taking in the sprawling views of Faial De Terra and the Atlantic Ocean.


3. Salto Do Cabrito

A large stone cliff covered with lush green trees with a crack in the middle. There is a waterfall stream that has two different pools that it stops in on its way to the largest pool on the bottom. There are grey stones on the floor and a two people can be seen walking on the stones to get closer to the impressive waterfall.
The Salto Do Cabrito Waterfall

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 7.4 KM

Elevation: 257M


You are rewarded with this beautiful double waterfall after a short 15 minute walk down from the parking lot. After taking it in, notice the set of small and steep stairs to the right of the waterfall. If you are brave enough to climb these, you will discover a pipeline bridge that gives stunning views of the waterfall from the top. This one isn't great for those with a fear of heights!





Have you explored these hikes in the Azores? Let me know what you think! If you want more video footage, make sure to head over to our TikTok!


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