Santiago Lagoon – São Miguel Island

The Santiago Lagoon is located in the Municipality of Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island. With greenish waters surrounded by a pine forest, it is located very close to the stunning Sete Cidades Lagoon.

This deep lagoon, located in the Serra Devassa, occupies a volcanic crater within the Sete Cidades Massif and lies 334 meters above sea level. Many years ago, it was not visible to the public, as the surrounding lands were privately owned and access was prohibited.

Seven Cities
Fotografia de Rodrigo Pereira Aguiar

Fortunately, today any visitor can appreciate this beautiful natural wonder from a viewpoint nearby or from the Boca do Inferno Viewpoint.

Lagoa de Santiago
Fotografia de Paulo Branco

The Lagoon

Santiago Lagoon is located in a crater 28 meters deep, with its highest edge reaching 590 meters. Surrounded by a dense forest, the lagoon stretches 660 meters north-south and 450 meters east-west at its widest points.

The lagoon can be enjoyed from a viewpoint located on the main road leading to Sete Cidades and is nestled among typical Macaronesian forests and stands of Japanese cedar. Amidst this dense forest, there is a trail leading to the lagoon’s edge.

Lagoa de Santiago
Fotografia de Carla Dias

This secluded and seemingly inaccessible lagoon, with its high banks, lush vegetation, and uniquely green waters, offers a grandeur like no other. As you descend toward the parish, it’s well worth a stop.

Santiago Lagoon lies on the left side of the ER-9-1 for those traveling from Ponta Delgada to Sete Cidades. It is approximately 300 meters past the Cerrado das Freiras Viewpoint.

Santiago Lagoon – View from the Miradouro

Santiago Lagoon is stunning, with its beautiful green hues surrounded by even greener, rugged mountains. The richness of the local flora and fauna complements this breathtaking scenery. It’s the perfect place to reflect on the wonders of nature, as water now fills a crater where a volcano once stood thousands of years ago. Do you need any more reasons to stop here?

Santiago Lagoon – View from the Miradouro

Location on the Map

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