Empadadas Lagoon – São Miguel Island

The Empadadas Lagoon is located in the municipality of Ponta Delgada, in the parish of Capelas, on São Miguel Island.

This volcanic lagoon is divided into two bodies of water separated only by a strip of land. The lagoon is also known as “The Secret Lagoons of São Miguel.”

Lagoas Empadadas, Sete Cidades
Fotografia de Rodrigo Pereira Aguiar

History

The Azores Archipelago was formed by volcanic eruptions, with the most recent occurring at the end of the 20th century. When volcanic activity ceases and the volcanoes become dormant, it is common for lagoons to form in volcanic craters due to rainfall.

Empadadas Lagoon was born from the volcanic craters of thousands of years ago.

See also: History of the Azores

Characteristics

Empadadas Lagoon consists of two lagoons surrounded by a beautiful forest comprised of cryptomeria and other typical Macaronesian forests.

It originates from two different volcanic craters that are connected by a narrow strip of land. The area around the lagoon also features various azaleas and aquatic plants.

Lagoas Empadadas
Fotografia de Rodrigo Pereira Aguiar

The northern lagoon of Empadadas is deeper, with a depth of about 5.3 meters, a length of approximately 250 meters, and a width of 85 meters. The southern lagoon is about 3 meters deep, with a length of 85 meters and a width of 80 meters.

There are dirt paths around the entire lagoon that can be traversed on foot or by car.

Access

A few kilometers from the main road is the access point to Empadadas Lagoon. Access can be made by car or on foot. If you wish to walk, it is only a short stroll from the entrance gate to the lagoon. Due to the dirt roads, it is recommended to drive only on drier days.

The path to the lagoon is peaceful and very beautiful. It is surrounded by greenery and is rich in fauna and flora. The beauty of the place is astonishing, and the silence and calm enhance the charm of the environment.

Serenity.
Fotografia de Rodrigo Pereira Aguiar

Further ahead, there is a viewpoint where you can observe the lagoons from above and appreciate the immense beauty and tranquility of this location. Although access can also be made by car, the walk is highly recommended. The few minutes of walking connect you to nature and prepare you for what lies ahead.

Even on misty days, the charm of the lagoon remains intact, making it an excellent place to stroll and spend quality time with family and friends.

Curiosities

If you enjoy curiosities, here are a few we discovered about Empadadas Lagoon:

• Empadadas Lagoon is also nicknamed the Secret Lagoons of São Miguel, as it is not as well-known and does not receive as many tourists compared to other attractions on São Miguel Island.
• The waters of these two lagoons helped supply the fountains of Ponta Delgada. The water was transported through a stone aqueduct known as O Muro das Nove Janelas.
• To visit Empadadas Lagoon, it is necessary to adhere to visiting hours, which vary depending on the season and days of the week.

Video

Although Empadadas Lagoon is not featured in many tourist guides, it is a place worth visiting. It is close to other lagoons and boasts a unique and enchanting beauty. The short walk helps uncover a hidden treasure that deserves to be discovered and appreciated.