Natural Pool / Simão Dias Pool – São Jorge Island

Simão Dias Natural Pool, better known as Poça Simão Dias, is one of the most beautiful natural pools in the Azores. It is the largest natural pool on São Jorge Island and is located at Fajã do Ouvidor in the parish of Norte Grande, standing out as one of the island’s major attractions.

Poça Simão Dias is a must-visit on your itinerary. Its waters are crystal clear and mildly warm, providing a pleasant swimming experience for visitors who prefer warmer waters.

The pool is large and surrounded by rock formations derived from volcanic eruptions. It captivates attention with the beauty of its blue waters and the surrounding black cliff, creating the perfect contrast.

(C) Luís Godinho Photography (link)

History of Poça Simão Dias

Simão Dias Natural Pool is one of those exotic beauties hidden away. Fajã is a small flat land area by the sea, nestled between the mountain and the ocean.

Fajã do Ouvidor, where this and other natural pools are located, is one of the largest Fajãs on São Jorge Island. The contrast between the small land area and the towering 400-meter cliff impresses any visitor.

Fajã do Ouvidor is known for these geological formations along the coast, referred to as “poças.” These pools were formed by volcanic activity, creating these paradisiacal natural swimming spots.

(C) Luís Godinho Photography (link)

Poça Simão Dias

Poça Simão Dias is the largest and most beautiful natural pool on the island. Visitors are often amazed by the contrast between the black basalt cliff and the blue water.

The area is protected, allowing visitors to observe the intact fauna and flora with minimal human intervention.

For those who do not wish to swim, it is possible to view Simão Dias Natural Pool and others from a lookout point atop the mountain. The set of pools offers a stunning panoramic view of paradise.

Access

Access to this area is not very difficult. You will need to walk from Fajã do Ouvidor along one of the available trails.

A stone path leads to a deeper part of the pool, with another descent made through steps carved into the rocks. It is a peaceful spot with fewer crowds than many other beach and sun destinations.

Location on the Map

Curiosities and Tips

There are some interesting facts about this place worth sharing, as well as a few important tips to enhance your tourist experience:

• Besides the pools on the Fajã do Ouvidor coast, there are also some caves formed by marine erosion. One of them, called Furna do Lobo, is about fifty meters long. You can visit this cave by boat;
• Another natural pool worth visiting is Poça do Caneiro, located right next to Poça Simão Dias;
• The best time to visit the natural pools is in the summer;
• Because the pool is located right next to the towering cliff, it does not get direct sunlight in the morning, so for a better experience, there is no need to go too early;
• Fajã do Ouvidor has few houses, mostly whitewashed, but many remain closed during the year and are only inhabited in the summer by locals or seasonal tourists;
• Fajã do Ouvidor has a small port that frequently receives boats;
• The clear water, pleasant temperature, and depth make it perfect for snorkeling and diving;
• Fajã do Ouvidor is the most tourist-friendly Fajã, with cafés and a restaurant.

(C) Luís Godinho Photography (link)

What to Do

After enjoying the clear and calm waters of Simão Dias Natural Pool, there are a few other nearby attractions to explore:

Fajã do Ouvidor Lookout

This lookout offers a panoramic view of part of the cliffs and natural beauty of the island. For those who want to see part of the island from above and have an overview of its offerings, this viewpoint provides an incredible experience.

(C) Sapo Viagens

Pico do Pedro to Fajã do Ouvidor Hiking Trail

For the more adventurous who enjoy a closer experience with nature, there is the Pico do Pedro to Fajã do Ouvidor hiking trail. The trail starts at the base of Pico do Pedro and leads to São Jorge Island’s highest peak, Pico da Esperança, standing at 1053 meters above sea level.

The trail ends at Fajã do Ouvidor by the sea, with a descent taking approximately 4 hours. The experience is unique, and along the way, you can observe the stunning natural beauty of São Jorge Island.

The experience on São Jorge Island can be extremely enjoyable and inspiring. Simão Dias Natural Pools provide a unique experience that is rare in many places around the world, making them a must-visit.

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