Top 12 Lakes around Covoada

The most iconic lakes near Covoada, all located on São Miguel Island, include Lagoa das Sete Cidades (with its famous twin lakes, Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde), Lagoa do Fogo, known for its pristine beauty and nature reserve status, and Lagoa das Furnas, famous for its geothermal activity and unique culinary traditions.

For breathtaking views, visit Vista do Rei viewpoint, which offers a regal panorama of Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde. Another excellent spot is View of Lagoa Azul from Sete Cidades Ridge. For Lagoa Rasa, the Miradouro da Lagoa do Canario provides a great perspective.

Lagoa das Sete Cidades is unique for its twin lake system, Lagoa Azul (Blue Lake) and Lagoa Verde (Green Lake), situated within a volcanic crater. The striking color difference is due to the reflection of the sky and surrounding vegetation. A narrow strait, crossed by the Dam Between Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde, connects these two ecologically distinct lakes.

Lagoa do Fogo, or 'Lake of Fire,' is the island's highest crater lake, celebrated for its pristine beauty and untouched natural landscapes. Since 1974, the entire area has been a nature reserve, preserving one of the most unspoiled environments in the Azores, making it ideal for those seeking raw natural beauty.

At Lagoa das Furnas, you can witness significant geothermal activity, with active fumaroles at its edges. A unique cultural experience is the traditional 'Cozido das Furnas' stew, cooked underground using the earth's heat. The lake also features the Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias and a Monitoring and Research Center dedicated to environmental education.

Yes, there are numerous hiking opportunities. The Sete Cidades area offers trails around the crater rim and down to the lakeshores. Lagoa do Fogo also has trails leading into the crater. Be aware that some trails, like the Lakeside Trail at Lago Verde, Sete Cidades, can be quite challenging with slippery sections and require good footwear. For more hiking options, explore the Running Trails around Covoada guide.

Many areas around the lakes are family-friendly. Viewpoints like Vista do Rei viewpoint and the Dam Between Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde are easily accessible. Lake Canário is a small, beautiful lake that is also suitable for families. Always check specific trail difficulties for younger children.

Beyond hiking, the region offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for cycling and mountain biking around the lakes and across São Miguel Island. There are also dedicated running trails that allow you to explore the stunning volcanic landscapes.

The best time to visit the lakes near Covoada is generally during the spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October). During these periods, the weather is typically mild, and the landscapes are lush. Summer months can also be pleasant, but may see more visitors. Winter can bring more unpredictable weather, including fog and rain, which can obscure views.

While Covoada itself is a small parish, public transport options are available from Ponta Delgada, the main city on São Miguel Island, to the Sete Cidades area. It's advisable to check local bus schedules as services may be less frequent, especially outside of peak tourist season. Taxis and guided tours are also popular options for reaching the lakes.

The difficulty of trails around the lakes varies. Many viewpoints and short walks are intermediate and family-friendly. However, some trails, such as the Lakeside Trail at Lago Verde, Sete Cidades, are considered challenging due to fallen trees, roots, slippery sections, and steep slopes, requiring good footwear and surefootedness. Always check the trail difficulty before embarking on a hike.

Visitors consistently praise the stunning natural beauty and the unique geological features of the lakes. The contrasting colors of Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde, the untouched nature of Lagoa do Fogo, and the active geothermal sites at Lagoa das Furnas are frequently highlighted. The panoramic views from spots like Vista do Rei viewpoint are also a major draw, offering truly memorable experiences.