Places to Visit in Lagoa – São Miguel Island

Lagoa is a town on the southern coast of São Miguel Island, composed of five parishes: Água de Pau, Cabouco, Nossa Senhora do Rosário, Ribeira Chã, and Santa Cruz.

It began to be settled soon after São Miguel Island was discovered, with its founders establishing themselves near what is now the Church of Santa Cruz and next to a lagoon that once existed there, hence the town’s name. From Porto dos Carneiros, the first domestic animals, such as cattle and sheep, arrived on the island.

In 1522, Lagoa was elevated to the status of a village. At the time, it was considered one of the best agricultural regions on São Miguel Island, with a port that played a key role in exporting wheat and fish. The introduction and subsequent export of oranges brought prosperity to the village of Lagoa and Água de Pau.

In the 19th century, the first ceramics and alcohol distillation factories emerged, followed by new factories in the 20th century for vegetable oil, soap, and animal feed.

Lagoa was designated a city in 2012, with various educational and cultural spaces, including the Azores Volcanological and Geothermal Observatory, the Ribeira Chã Museum Center, and the Central Grocery Store – Traditional House. The area also boasts one of the largest swimming pool complexes on São Miguel Island: the Lagoa Municipal Pools.

Below are the must-see locations during your stay:

Lagoa Municipal Pools

The Lagoa Municipal Pools are located in the Rosário parish and offer pleasant moments of leisure and sport. This complex is considered one of the best on São Miguel Island, featuring an indoor pool, several natural pools, a semi-Olympic natural pool, children’s pools, and support facilities with changing rooms and a bar.

There is also a spa with a hydrotherapy pool, water jets, and a jacuzzi for relaxation and therapy.

Cerâmica Vieira

Cerâmica Vieira was founded in 1862 by Bernardino da Silva and has remained in the family ever since. It is a must-stop for everyone visiting Lagoa.

The artisanal manufacturing process has been preserved since the beginning, and visitors can follow all stages of pottery and tile-making. There is also a shop where you can purchase “Lagoa Pottery.”

Caloura

Caloura is a small, elegant parish located in the Vale de Cabaços, in Vila de Água de Pau, Lagoa. It receives many visitors in summer, thanks to its magnificent blue coastline and natural pools by the sea, along with stunning panoramic views.

Surrounded by lush nature, it is a perfect place for relaxation and a great swim.

Chã da Macela Park

The Chã da Macela Forest Recreation Reserve spans 28 hectares. Its highest point features a viewpoint offering a magnificent view of the central area of São Miguel Island, with its small volcanic cones and lush green pastures.

During the visit, in addition to the beautiful landscape and lush vegetation, visitors can admire the many animals living in the park and learn more about the species at the Macela Hunting Information Center. You can observe and learn about rabbits, quails, partridges, ducks, rock pigeons, woodcocks, and snipe.

Park Map

Hours

March 31 to May 31:
Monday to Friday: 8 am to 7 pm
Weekends and Holidays: 10 am to 7 pm

June 1 to September 15:
Monday to Friday: 8 am to 8 pm
Weekends and Holidays: 10 am to 8 pm

September 16 to October 31:
Monday to Friday: 8 am to 7 pm
Weekends and Holidays: 10 am to 7 pm

November 1 to November 30:
8 am to 6 pm

December 1 to January 31:
Monday to Friday: 8 am to 4 pm
Weekends and Holidays: Closed

February 1 to March 30:
8 am to 6 pm

Porto dos Carneiros

The Porto dos Carneiros, also known as Lagoa Port, connects to other parts of São Miguel Island. Its foundation is ancient, and by the 18th century, the Fort of Vila da Lagoa was established to protect incoming vessels.

Porto dos Carneiros hosts the annual Lagoa Bom Porto Festival in honor of Saint Peter González Telmo, featuring excellent food, music, and nautical activities.

Franciscan Convent

The Franciscan Convent is a beautiful architectural heritage built by the Order of Friars Minor between the 17th and 18th centuries. Its Baroque-style building is filled with meaning and symbolism and includes an adjacent garden.

Inside, there is a single nave, and the main altar features a gilded image of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.

Pisão Viewpoint / Picnic Area

The Pisão Viewpoint, located in Ribeira Chã, offers a stunning view of Caloura harbor and the southern coast of São Miguel Island. Amidst mountainous landscapes, cliffs, and beautiful golden beaches, there is also a picnic area with covered seating and grills, ideal for enjoying a tasty meal.

Baixa D’Areia Beach and Picnic Area

Baixa D’Areia Beach is located in Água de Pau, near Caloura. It has a sandy area of about 100 meters with fine sand. Recent upgrades have created a pleasant leisure space and picnic area.

Besides improved beach access, the site now includes covered areas with grills, restrooms, showers, and parking. It’s perfect for leisure and relaxation, especially for a refreshing summer swim.

See also: The Best Beaches on São Miguel Island >

Azores Volcanological and Geothermal Observatory

The Azores Volcanological and Geothermal Observatory is dedicated to promoting volcanology, seismology, geothermal studies, and the geo-environments of the Azores. Besides educating the general public and schools, the OVGA also conducts scientific research and publishes editorial work.

Although its headquarters are in Ponta Delgada, its exhibition halls and laboratories are located in Lagoa, along Avenida Vulcanológica. At the OVGA, visitors will find the Volcano House, the volcanology library, and the Lagoa Ecoteca. Modern equipment allows for “geological journeys” and access to volcanic events worldwide.

Hours

Monday to Friday:

• 9:30 am to 12:30 pm – Schools, universities, associations, and NGOs (advance booking required)
• 2:30 pm | 3:30 pm | 4:30 pm – Guided tours for the general public (no booking required)

Closed on weekends and holidays, except for pre-arranged group bookings, including volcanic field trips.

Price

• Children under 10 – free
• NGOs, schools, teachers, students, and OVGA members – free
• General public – €2.50/person

Central Grocery Store – Traditional House

The Central Grocery Store – Traditional House is located in Vila de Água de Pau. This cultural and tourist reference was founded in the 19th century and expanded in the 20th century with an additional floor.

The ground floor houses the grocery store, promoting regional products such as ceramics, gastronomic delights, and handicrafts. The upper floor is now a museum, showcasing the domestic life of a small local family.

Hours

Monday to Friday:

Winter (October 1 to March 29) – 9:30 am – 1:00 pm | 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Summer (March 30 to September 30) – 10:00 am – 1:30 pm | 2:30 pm – 6:00 pm

Contact Information
Central Grocery Store – Traditional House
Praça da República n.º 1-3
9560 Água de Pau
Phone: 296 913 718 / 96 25 81018

Ribeira Chã Museum Center

The Ribeira Chã Museum Center consists of the Museum of Sacred Art and Ethnography, the Maria Anjos Melo House Museum, and the Ethnographic Yard. This museum center is one of the legacies of Father João Caetano Flores and features beautiful representations of the culture and memory of Lagoa’s people.

In the Museum of Sacred Art, you can admire valuable religious pieces. The Ethnographic Yard showcases traditional economic activities like agriculture, and the Wine Museum. At the Maria Anjos Melo House Museum, visitors will find a typical São Miguel Island home setting.

These are just a few of the must-see locations during your stay in Lagoa. Explore Lagoa, and explore São Miguel Island.

See also: Places to Visit on São Miguel Island