Serra Devassa

The trail starts at the Muro do Carvão, a section of the old aqueduct that locals call Muro das Nove Janelas. It comprises around 150 metres of perfectly arched stonework, built to channel water from the Canário and Empadadas lakes to Ponta Delgada, along a route stretching over 10 kilometres.

From here, the path crosses a wetland area of great ecological and landscape value, dotted with lakes and ponds. It passes by Lagoa do Carvão, Lagoa do Caldeirão Grande, now waterproofed and serving agricultural water supply, the Lagoas do Caldeirão Pequeno (North and South) and the Lagoas Empadadas.

The climb to Pico das Éguas takes you to one of the most prominent elevations of the mountain range, reaching around 873 metres in altitude. In the craters at the summit are the Lagoas das Éguas North and South, the highest lakes on the entire island of São Miguel, and the effort is rewarded with expansive views over the surrounding landscape.

Further ahead, in Mata do Canário, an important area of water springs and public water supply intake, it’s worth stopping at Lagoa do Canário. The name has nothing to do with the small birds: it instead recalls the time when people from the Canary Islands used to graze their livestock there. The highlight of the route is the Miradouro da Grota do Inferno, offering a stunning panorama over Caldeira das Sete Cidades and the Lagoas Azul, Santiago and Rasa. Along the way are other places of significant natural value such as Canto dos Carneiros, Caldeira do Alferes, Pico da Cruz and Grota do Inferno itself, a deep ravine carved out by rain erosion over time.

Serra Devassa is particularly rich in water springs and plays an essential role in São Miguel’s water supply system, which requires rigorous management and preservation practices. As the route runs near protected landscape and water intake areas, walkers are asked to make a clear commitment to biodiversity conservation: respect the environment, do not disturb local ecosystems and help protect this valuable natural heritage.