Nestled inside a lush forest in the middle of São Miguel, Lagoa do Congro is not as famous as the other lakes on the island. Even though the access is harder, it is worth the trip!
Once you arrive at the lake, you are immersed in an all-green scenery, entering a real-life fairy tale. The peaceful silence and the pure nature give Lagoa do Congro a unique beauty.
In this post, discover everything about Lagoa do Congro, from its history to the best travel tips. We will see how to get to this wonderful place with great landscapes for photography enthusiasts.
What is Lagoa do Congro?
Lagoa do Congro is a hidden gem and one of the most beautiful lakes on São Miguel island. Almost perfectly round and with a perimeter of 1.25 kilometers, the lake is up to 16 meters deep.
Despite not being on the typical tourist route, Lagoa do Congro is a special place that provides a true connection with nature.
The Origin of Lagoa do Congro
Lagoa do Congro is located in the volcanic massif of Achada das Furnas, part of the Fogo and Furnas volcanoes. It is one of the most active seismic areas of the Azores.
The lake is in a crater of Maar type, which is a broad and low-relief volcanic crater resulting from a Phreatomagmatic eruption. This type of eruption means that the magma interacted with water, producing big explosions. It is believed that the lake was formed about 3,900 years ago.
Lagoa do Congro is quite different from the other lakes of São Miguel. Most of them are at the top of a volcanic cone, while Lagoa do Congro is in a relatively flat area, inside a hole and surrounded by a lot of vegetation.
The name comes from a tribute to the old lake owner, André Gonçalves Sampaio, also called ‘O Congro’. Congro — in English, the European Conger — is a fish that lives in deep waters. When this former owner passed away, two more families owned the lake. They significantly changed the landscape, importing many peculiar plants, which explains why most of the vegetation is not endemic.
Furthermore, note that the lakes of this area get their water from torrential streams and three springs.
Fauna and flora of Lagoa do Congro
Lagoa do Congro is an area rich in biodiversity. About its flora, a lush forest surrounds the lake, hiding the walls of the volcanic crater. Among the dense vegetation, you can mostly see Kahili ginger, Sweet pittosporum, Eucalyptus, Azalea, Cryptomeria, and hydrangeas blooming in the summer. But you can also spot some plants from the Azores, like the Chain fern, the Royal fern, the Lysimachia azorica, the Azores juniper, and the Azores laurel.
Thanks to this abundant vegetation, there is also a lot of wildlife near Lagoa do Congro. First, birds:
- São Miguel goldcrests;
- Common buzzards;
- Grey wagtails;
- Azores wood pigeons.
Moreover, in the water, you can see lots of fish jumping. The different species of fish present in Lagoa do Congro evolved through time. In 1890, carp were introduced into the lake. Then, in 1941, it was the turn of the Rainbow trout. In 1986, goldfish were registered. But today, two species live in Lagoa do Congro: the carp (Cyprinus sp.) and the perch (Perca fluviatilis).
What to Do at Lagoa do Congro
The good thing about Lagoa do Congro is that there are few things to do at the lake. It is a great choice if you only have a few hours to spare in São Miguel. As it is in the central part of the island, it is practical to go to other places after visiting the lake.
Lagoa do Congro Hike
Once you arrive at the parking lot, there is still a short but steep hike through the forest to the lake shore. The path is about 700 meters long but completely worth the walk.
Access is not as easy as it is in the middle of almost untouched nature, and it can also be very muddy depending on the weather conditions. You will go down for about 15 minutes, and then it is the same way back up. There is only one trail. On the way, you will find some fallen trees, but it is overall a clear trail. Count one hour in total for the hike down, enjoying the views of the lake, taking pictures, and why not taking a swim, and then hiking up back to the car.
There are several other trails around the area, but most of them are not clear and with harder access. You can also walk a bit around Lagoa do Congro’s shore, but the trail doesn’t have good indications.
Go to the Smaller Lagoa dos Nenúfares
The access is harder, and you can easily get lost or stuck in the mud if you don’t know the area. We advise always following the main trail and not going alone.
Did you know
Near Lagoa do Congro is a smaller, lesser-known lake called Lagoa dos Nenúfares (Water lilies lake).
It is a beautiful lake with water lilies, but the vegetation is quite wild, so it looks more like a swamp. Most visitors to Lagoa do Congro will not even know that there is another lake close to it, and hardly any people walk this path.
Best Time to Visit Lagoa do Congro
Short answer: Lagoa do Congro is a good place to visit at any time of the year and any time of the day. But let’s see the differences between the seasons and the hours.
Best Season of the Year
Summer is when you have more chances of a sunny day, so if you don’t like the rain, this is your best bet to get better weather. Furthermore, in June, hydrangeas bloom, adding shades of blue to the green landscapes.
However, during the summer, the islands are filled with visitors. Parking lots get full, and the tourist spots can be crowded. Luckily, Lagoa do Congro is not a typical tourist place. But even so, if you want the lake for yourself, you might want to come in the wintertime.
Our winter in the Azores is not like winter on the mainland. Temperatures are always positive, and there is no big temperature difference between summer and winter.
Best Time of the Day
If you are coming during the summer, you might want to get there early or late afternoon to enjoy the place with a few people. Otherwise, you can also opt to stay longer at the lake and have a picnic there. It is such a great place to have a break and listen to the sounds of nature.
For photography lovers, the morning lights at Lagoa do Congro are exceptional. Golden hour is when the sun shines on the lake, creating a unique atmosphere with the deep green landscape.
Plan your Visit to Lagoa do Congro
Now, let’s see how to get to Lagoa do Congro and the best tips from a local perspective for enjoying a great time at one of the most beautiful lakes of São Miguel island.
How to Get to Lagoa do Congro
Lagoa do Congro is located in the county of Vila Franca do Campo, south of São Miguel island. It is only a few kilometers from the city of Vila Franca. Follow the road towards Furnas and the signs to Lagoa do Congro from this town.
Then, you will find a dirt road on your left. You will drive about 1 kilometer to the parking lot area, where you will stop before walking down to the lake. The starting point of the hike is indicated with a sign.
The trail down is about 700m long, and it takes about 15 minutes to arrive at the lake through the enchanted forest.
The best way to Lagoa do Congro is by car, as there is no public transportation. You can also take a taxi from Ponta Delgada. Check here for the GPS point for the entrance of the dirt road to Lagoa do Congro’s parking lot.
Pro Tips
To preserve nature, please respect the marked trail and stay on the main path. This way, you won’t destroy the vegetation.
You should bring proper hiking shoes with a good grip because if it rains on the days before your visit, the path can be full of mud and very slippery.
Finally, as the lake is surrounded by lush vegetation, there are few lights. So, we recommend going before nightfall for your safety on the trail backup.
What to Do Around Lagoa do Congro
Lagoa do Congro is located right in the middle of São Miguel Island, so there are many spots of interest around. Let’s look at some of the best options for spending a great day on Green Island.
Relax on the Beach of Ilhéu de Vila Franca
The islet of Vila Franca do Campo is probably the best beach on São Miguel island. It is an old submarine volcano with crystal-clear waters in its crater, where you can swim and snorkel. For preservation purposes, this wonder of nature is open only from June to October.
👉 Post related Best Beaches in the Azores Islands. Read more!
If you visit the island outside the high season, you can still visit Vinha da Areia beach in Vila Franca do Campo. The black-sand beach is ideal to relax when the sun is shining.
See the Views from Castelo Branco
Castelo Branco is a small white tower that nowadays is a great viewpoint over the south coast of So Miguel island with Ilhéu de Vila Franca and the Atlantic Ocean. It also looks over the valley of Furnas and its lake.
You can enter the tower and climb onto the rooftop for a wonderful view. It is a mandatory stop when going to Furnas’s geothermal paradise.
Enjoy Furnas’s Hot Springs
Your best option if the weather is not so hot, or if it is raining, is to go to Furnas — where two idyllic hot springs are located.
Terra Nostra Park is one of the most dreamy hot springs. Situated inside a botanical garden, it offers a giant orange pool and two other smaller ones surrounded by vegetation.
Poça da Dona Beija is great at night. You can relax in the hot waters naturally provided by our active volcanic activity. Take a dark swimsuit because the orange waters can stain clear fabrics.
Useful Tools & Apps
To check the weather forecast for the next few days, use Windy or Windguru; they are the most accurate sites. However, here in the Azores, you will learn that the weather changes quickly.
If you want to check the live weather, you can use Spotazores. This site allows you to see the real-time weather in many locations around the islands, which is a good way to decide which way to go.
FAQs
What is Lagoa do Congro?
Lagoa do Congro is a crater lake on São Miguel Island, Azores. It is known for its serene environment, surrounded by dense forest, offering a tranquil retreat into nature.
Why is it called Lagoa do Congro?
Lagoa do Congro is named after the presence of the fish known as “Congro” (conger eel), which historically inhabited its waters. The name directly references the local fauna that once included this fish species.
How to get to Lagoa do Congro?
Lagoa do Congro can be accessed by car from Ponta Delgada, which takes approximately 30 minutes. A scenic forest trail leads from the parking area to the lake, and the walk is short.
Where is Lagoa do Congro located?
Lagoa do Congro is located near Vila Franca do Campo on São Miguel Island, Azores. You can find out more about its location on Google Maps.
Conclusion
So, as you can see in this post, Lagoa do Congro is a detour that is worth it. Despite not being on the typical tourist to-do list on São Miguel island, the lake and its singular beauty is the perfect place for those searching for a different experience, where few visitors go.
Because its access is more difficult than that of other touristy places, the nature around Lagoa do Congro is well-preserved and even inaccessible to some secondary trails.
It is a quick escape from the city, providing a peaceful moment surrounded by beautiful nature. This is the ideal place to go for people with a stopover in Ponta Delgada.
Authors’ Note
I’m pleased to inform you that all the recommendations in this article are based on my experience and observations. As the author, I have personally visited each attraction mentioned, ensuring that every suggestion is grounded in first-hand knowledge and genuine enthusiasm.
Video of Lagoa do Congro Hiking Tour
Gallery
References
- By Açores — Lagoa do Congro – Ilha de São Miguel
- Os meus trilhos — Lagoa do Congro, São Miguel | Açores
- Viagens e Passeios — Lagoa do Congro — Ilha de São Miguel, Açores
- Rui Soares, Sapo Viagens — Lagoa do Congro: Um Tesouro Verde Escondido no Centro de São Miguel
- Rita pelo Mundo — São Miguel, Açores | Lagoa do Congro
- Passaporte Açoriano — Lagoas do Congro e dos Nenúfares
