Close up of Lagoa da Santiago
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Lagoa do Canário

4.7
·532 reviews·, Portugal

A tranquil volcanic crater lake surrounded by lush woods, offering easy walks and scenic views. A peaceful stop on São Miguel.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Best light for photos

CrowdLow
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Close up of Lagoa da Santiago

Lagoa do Canário

Best Time

Morning

Best light for photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil volcanic crater lake surrounded by lush woods, offering easy walks and scenic views. A peaceful stop on São Miguel.

4.7
(532 reviews)

"Such an appetizer before the main course but oh so tasty... simply another natural gem of the island."

Vertical photo
TIP

Combine with Boca do Inferno

Visit Lagoa do Canário as a scenic stop on your way to the more famous Boca do Inferno viewpoint.

Easy Walk from Parking

The lake is just a short, easy walk from the designated parking area.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.7 · 532 reviews

Type

Natural Feature

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tranquil Crater Lake

Tranquil Crater Lake

Volcanic crater

A serene lake nestled within a volcanic crater, offering a peaceful natural escape.

Scenic Hiking Trails

Scenic Hiking Trails

Surrounding wooded landscape

Explore lush trails that wind through the wooded landscape surrounding the lagoon.

Appetizer to Boca do Inferno

Appetizer to Boca do Inferno

Near Boca do Inferno

A delightful prelude to the dramatic views of Boca do Inferno, worth the stop.

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Planning Your Visit

Combine with Boca do Inferno

Lagoa do Canário is often described as a beautiful appetizer before the main course. Plan to visit it as part of a larger itinerary, especially when heading to the nearby Boca do Inferno viewpoint for a more complete experience. Reddit

Easy Access, Moderate Expectations

While easily accessible from a parking lot, some visitors find Lagoa do Canário less captivating than other Azorean lagoons. Manage expectations and appreciate it as a scenic stop on your island exploration. Reddit

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Combine with other sights
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Have you already subscribed for earth premium? 😅🙌 | From this magnificent viewpoint, you have a fantastic view of Lagoa de Santiago, Lagoa Azul, and Lagoa Rasa. There are other beautiful viewpoints around the volcanic lakes, but this one is my favorite spot. | 📍Miradouro da Grota do Inferno, São Miguel, Azores islands | 📷 more incredible places @giuliogroebert | 🚐 exploring the world w/ @elena_w...
@giuliogroebert
2.5K likes • 65.2K views

Combine with Boca do Inferno

Visit Lagoa do Canário as a scenic stop on your way to the more famous Boca do Inferno viewpoint. Reddit

Easy Walk from Parking

The lake is just a short, easy walk from the designated parking area. Reddit

Discover the breathtaking Miradouro da Boca do Inferno on São Miguel Island! 🌿🌄 Get ready to be mesmerized by panoramic views of the Sete Cidades Lagoon, Lagoa de Santiago, and Lagoa do Canário. This easy hike offers some of the most stunning scenery in the Azores, perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike. ⏰ Tip: Visit in the morning for clearer skies, as clouds are less likely to roll i...
@s.x.traveler
2.4K likes • 79.9K views
reddit.com

Easy to moderate hike recommendations?

I'm headed to Sao Miguel in March. Looking for easy to moderate walk/hike recommendations. 3-5 miles.

Appreciate the Surroundings

Even if the lake itself is understated, enjoy the beautiful trails and wooded landscape. Reddit

reddit.com

Hello! I’m visiting Sao Miguel till Saturday and I am amazed by all the nature (will report back after with my highlights), though I would really love to visit Miradouro da Grota do Inferno but it’s constantly cloudy and oh the webcam on Spotazores it’s constantly covered in clouds.

Is it still worth visiting or should I wait till the webcam is a bit more clear? Thanks!

Tips

from all over the internet

Combine with Boca do Inferno

Visit Lagoa do Canário as a scenic stop on your way to the more famous Boca do Inferno viewpoint. Reddit

Easy Walk from Parking

The lake is just a short, easy walk from the designated parking area. Reddit

Appreciate the Surroundings

Even if the lake itself is understated, enjoy the beautiful trails and wooded landscape. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(532 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Lagoa do Canário is appreciated as a beautiful, easily accessible natural stop, often described as a lovely 'appetizer' to nearby attractions like Boca do Inferno. While some find it less spectacular than other Azorean lagoons, its surrounding wooded trails and tranquil crater setting are consistently praised. It's a worthwhile visit for those exploring the area, offering a peaceful moment amidst the island's dramatic scenery.

"Small lake you can visit. The lake is a short walk away from a big parking lot, which is a starting point also for different hiking routes. Worth visiting if you are nearby."

Marko Intihar

"Maybe less popular than others but you can't miss it heading to Boca do Inferno. Such an appetizer before the main course but oh so tasty... simply another natural gem of the island."

Lucca T.

"A small lake located just a short walk from the parking area. Very easy to reach, but honestly, nothing particularly interesting here."

Petr Weiss

What People Like

Easy access from parking
Tranquil crater lake
Beautiful surrounding trails

What People Dislike

Overshadowed by other lakes
Less spectacular than expected

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Lagoa do Canário is accessible by car, with a parking lot located nearby. It's often visited in conjunction with other attractions on São Miguel island. Reddit

Public transport options to Lagoa do Canário can be limited. Renting a car is generally the most convenient way to explore this area of São Miguel. Reddit

Yes, there are hiking trails that lead to and around Lagoa do Canário. It's a popular starting point for moderate hikes in the area. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Lagoa do Canário is generally free to visit, with no admission fee required. Parking is also typically free. Reddit

Lagoa do Canário is an outdoor natural attraction and is accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment. Reddit

No, there is no entrance fee to visit Lagoa do Canário. It's a natural site open to the public. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy a short walk to the lake, take in the views, and explore the surrounding hiking trails through the wooded landscape. Reddit

Yes, the short walk from the parking lot makes it accessible for families. The natural beauty is also enjoyable for all ages. Reddit

The viewpoints overlooking the lake and the surrounding lush greenery offer great photo opportunities. Consider visiting in the morning for the best light. Reddit

A short visit of 30-60 minutes is usually sufficient to see the lake and its immediate surroundings, especially if you're combining it with other nearby attractions. Reddit

Restroom facilities are typically limited at natural attractions like Lagoa do Canário. It's advisable to use facilities before you arrive or at a nearby visitor center. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Dining options are scarce directly at Lagoa do Canário. It's best to pack a picnic or plan to eat in a nearby town like Sete Cidades or Ponta Delgada. Reddit

Picnicking is possible in designated areas, but be sure to pack out all your trash to preserve the natural beauty of the site. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The morning hours often provide softer light and fewer crowds, making it ideal for capturing the serene beauty of Lagoa do Canário. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the landscape, and a polarizing filter can help enhance the colors of the water and foliage. Reddit

The main viewpoint near the parking lot offers a good perspective. Exploring the trails can lead to more secluded and unique photo opportunities. Reddit

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