Água de Alto

Travel Guide

I took this in March in the Azores Islands, Portugal! It's at Lagoa do Fogo, a crater lake within the Água de Pau Massif stratovolcano. This is one of the most iconic spots on São Miguel Island! And the highest lake on the island, too. And I was there on a beautiful misty day :). In fact, I liked it so much there I visited it twice! It's incredible to be high up, but also down at the lake too which I was :). There is so much pristine beauty here. As in most of this island!
I took this in March in the Azores Islands, Portugal! It's at Lagoa do Fogo, a crater lake within the Água de Pau Massif stratovolcano. This is one of the most iconic spots on São Miguel Island! And the highest lake on the island, too. And I was there on a beautiful misty day :). In fact, I liked it so much there I visited it twice! It's incredible to be high up, but also down at the lake too which I was :). There is so much pristine beauty here. As in most of this island!
This lake is located at altitude and sometimes you'll see the clouds gently tumble over the sides of the volcanic crater inside which it's located.
I honestly thought I'd never actually get to gaze down upon this lake. Every time we checked the webcam (there are webcams dotted all over the island, allowing you to do live weather checks) all I could see was thick cloud.

But after a particularly clear morning up at nearby Castelo Branco, we thought we'd chance it.

When we arrived there was still quite a bit of cloud around but we *could* see the lake. 

However when we left 10 minutes later, the skies had cleared, allowing me to capture this wonderful shot 😊
Lagoa do Fogo is my favorite lagoon of them all and one of my favorite places not only in São Miguel, but also in the whole planet. 

After a thirty-minute hike down in a dodgy trail, we had a wild beach just for ourselves. Down there, a beautiful sensation of peace – the only sound was of the seagulls in the spectacular green cliff in the opposite lagoon shore. It’s the kind of gorgeous that grabs hold of you tightly. The way up is much more challenging physically, but totally worth the effort.

#portugal #azores #hiking #nature #lakes

More about the Azores:
http://www.geekyexplorer.com/sao-miguel-island-in-4-days/

Eid al-Fitr Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels. Plan this year’s big trip and save.
Pestana Bahia Praia Nature & Beach Resort

Pestana Bahia Praia Nature & Beach Resort

4 out of 5
Praia de Agua d'Alto Vila Franca do Campo
The price is SAR 451 per night from Feb 21 to Feb 22
SAR 451
SAR 487 total
21 Feb - 22 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Vila Franca do Campo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
Pestana Bahia Praia Nature & Beach Resort
Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico

Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico

5 out of 5
Avenida Infante D. Henrique 113 Ponta Delgada
The price is SAR 500 per night from Feb 22 to Feb 23
SAR 500
SAR 538 total
22 Feb - 23 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Ponta Delgada. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
The hotel from the second we walked in was amazing. The staff, the room, the restaurant and bar everything was not only great, but exceptional. Everything was clean. The rooms are very nice and have all the amenities you could want. All of the staff are amazing and anyone staying there would be lucky. ...

Reviewed on 15 February 2026

Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico
Pedras do Mar Resort & SPA

Pedras do Mar Resort & SPA

5 out of 5
Rua das Terças, 3 Ponta Delgada
The price is SAR 425 per night from Feb 26 to Feb 27
SAR 425
SAR 460 total
26 Feb - 27 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Ponta Delgada. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (909 reviews)
We clearly went in the off season, mid January, so there were few guests, which we didn’t mind at all. Free Breakfast buffet was excellent as was the hotel’s service the entire time.

Reviewed on 19 January 2026

Pedras do Mar Resort & SPA
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hotel Gaivota Azores

Hotel Gaivota Azores

4 out of 5
Avenida Infante Dom Henrique, 103 Ponta Delgada
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Ponta Delgada. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a marina. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (515 reviews)
The staff is incredibly nice and helpful

Reviewed on 3 February 2026

Hotel Gaivota Azores
Casa do Contador - Suites & Pool

Casa do Contador - Suites & Pool

3 out of 5
Rua do Contador, 41 Ponta Delgada Azores
Book a stay at this family-friendly apartment in Ponta Delgada. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a beach shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (119 reviews)
Casa do Contador had character, beauty, AND comfort. The breakfast especially was a fantastic experience, delivered to our room each day in a traditional wicker basket. We've never experienced anything like it! The staff were friendly and helpful, and recommended a really great tour to the east of ...

Reviewed on 19 December 2025

Casa do Contador - Suites & Pool
ANC Resort

ANC Resort

4 out of 5
Quinta Do Mirante, Cerco Lagoa
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Lagoa. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions Praia Lagoa ...
ANC Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit