Part III - Azores, Portugal : Poço Azul, Boca do Inferno & Lagoa Do Fogo

7/12/20253 min read

Other sight-seeing spots around Ponta Delgada

Poço Azul:

Poço Azul is basically this small natural pool with the most incredible blue water you’ll ever see. It’s kind of hidden away near a village called Achadinha, in the northeast part of the island. The water is super clear and has this deep blue color that looks unreal.

You have to do a short hike, about 1.5 km or so, which took us around 35 minutes. The trail isn’t too hard, but you’ll want good shoes because some parts are a bit rocky. Along the way, you get to see a small waterfall and some nice views of the forest. It’s rather peaceful and not crowded at all.

Once you get to the pool, it’s perfect for a quick swim if you’re brave enough as the water is pretty cold! There aren’t any lifeguards or facilities, so just be careful and bring what you need with you. We took a quick dip since it is not everyday that you get such a natural pool of water all to yourself with no one around.

Also, one must keep an eye out for the Azores Bullfinch. It’s a rare bird that lives in the nearby forest. This species is endemic to the Azores and only found here.

While coming back from Poço Azul, we stopped at a botanical garden on the island’s outskirts and spent some time overlooking the mysterious Atlantic and the steep coastal cliffs.

View from Achadinha village

Wooden bridge over a stream on the hike route

The trail to Poco Azul

My brother at Poco Azul (1)

My brother at Poco Azul (2)

Me meditating inside the pool (or perhaps just pretending to...)

While coming back from Poço Azul, we stopped at a botanical garden on the island’s outskirts and spent some time overlooking the mysterious Atlantic and the steep coastal cliffs.

Viewpoint from the garden

Miradouro da Boca do Inferno

The Boca do Inferno Viewpoint (Miradouro da Boca do Inferno) is located on São Miguel Island in the Azores, overlooking the volcanic caldera of Sete Cidades. From this viewpoint, you get a panoramic view of the two famous crater lakes: Lagoa Azul (Blue Lake) and Lagoa Verde (Green Lake), nestled side by side at the bottom of the caldera. The lakes’ distinct colors come from the reflection of the sky and the surrounding vegetation. The view stays with you for the rest of your life.

Boca do Inferno viewpoint (1)

Boca do Inferno viewpoint (2)

Lagoa do Fogo

This lake sits high up in the mountains, right in the middle of the island, inside a massive volcanic crater. When you get to the main viewpoint, you’re hit with this incredible view

The weather up here is a bit unpredictable. The first time we came here, it was completely foggy and the lake was almost invisible. So, we had to come the next day when the weather cleared up.