São Miguel Island in the Azores has many lakes to discover. Volcanic activity has formed some lakes in craters. Others are considered part of Portugal’s wonders. Some are green, and others are deep blue. You can genuinely find natural gems on the green island! Lagoa de São Brás is no exception.
Although this lake isn’t famous among tourists, you should definitely explore it! Fewer people means more natural beauty for you. Locals love to go there for a picnic or take their dogs swimming in the lake. Before going there, review everything you need to know about this lake. Then, keep reading about how to get there and the best time to visit.
What is Lagoa de São Brás
Located 610 meters above sea level, Lagoa de São Brás is about 330 meters long, 200 meters wide, and 2 meters deep. Although it is not among the Azores’ biggest or deepest lakes, its peacefulness makes it worth a visit.
Around the lake, you can see pastures filled with the Azores’ famous milk cows. Ducks also swim in the clear waters. You can also occasionally spot some fish and many bird species. Lagoa de São Brás is also one of the beautiful places where the Azores Rally takes place once a year, just like in Sete Cidades.
Check all our articles about each one of the most relevant points of interest in Sete Cidades: Caldeira Seca | Janela do Inferno | Miradouro da Grota do Inferno | Lagoa das Empadadas | Sete Cidades | Lagoa das Sete Cidades | Lagoa de Santiago | Lagoa do Canário | Lagoa do Congro | Miradouro das Cumeeiras | Monte Palace Hotel | Sete Cidades Legend | Miradouro da Vista do Rei | Lagoa de Santiago Viewpoint | Pico da Vara | Caldeira das Sete Cidades
Plan Your Visit to Lagoa de São Brás
How to Get to Lagoa de São Brás
This lake is in Ribeira Grande, north of São Miguel Island. The fastest way to reach Lagoa de São Brás is to rent a car in Ponta Delgada and drive to Ribeira Grande. Once on the North shore, continue on the main road EN1-1A eastwards until you reach the locality of São Brás. You will then see more signs for the lake. A parking space is right beside the lake.
Quick Info
No public transportation, like buses, goes directly to the lake, but you can take a taxi. It is about 40 minutes by car from Ponta Delgada and 20 minutes from Ribeira Grande.
Planning a trip to the Azores? These articles will help you: How to Get to the Azores 🗺️ | Azores airports 🛬 | Flights between islands ✈️ | Ferries between islands ⛴️ | Which island to choose? 🏝️ | What airlines fly to the Azores? 🛩️
Best Time to Visit
You can visit Lagoa de São Brás anytime during the day, in any season. It is always open. However, authorities prohibit wild camping, so don’t plan to stay overnight.
Consider the summer months for better chances of good weather. However, this is also the high season, which means more people can visit. But remember, this isn’t one of the most touristy places on the island, so it is unlikely to have large crowds like Lagoa do Fogo or Sete Cidades.
Check out all our articles about the weather in the Azores throughout the year 🌤️ ☔️: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
Pro Tips
Grab some food before heading out to picnic on the lake’s shore, nestled between the water and the surrounding forest. Experts do not recommend swimming in lakes because no one controls or tests the water’s pollution levels. Locals in the Azores prefer to swim in the ocean rather than in lakes.
Azores Guide Book
Azorean Language & Phrases 🗣️ | Currency & Banks 💵 | Credit Cards & Traveler’s Cheques 🏧 | Driving in the Azores 🚗 | Electricity 🔌 | Experiences & Tours 🗺️ | Health & Safety 🩺 | Internet & Wi-Fi Access 🛜 | Phones & Mobile Service 📞 | Post Offices & Buying Stamps ✉️ | Public Holidays 🏖️ | Shopping 🛒 | Time & Daylight 🕒 | Whale Watching Guide 🐳 | Best Island to Visit 🏞️
Where to Eat
If you need somewhere to eat near Ribeira Grande, click here. Here, you’ll find TripAdvisor’s 10 best restaurants.
Where to Stay
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Nearby Attractions
Praia dos Moinhos
Praia dos Moinhos, set in beautiful, typically Azorean scenery on the island’s north coast, where the sea is usually rougher, is located in the parish of Porto Formoso, in the municipality of Ribeira Grande. The town and the green slopes border the volcanic beach. It has a long stretch of sand, and the transparent waters invite swimming and diving—here, you can explore an underwater islet.
Did you know
The seawater is pleasantly warm in summer, averaging around 22°. C.
Recognized annually with the Blue Flag, Praia dos Moinhos is a safe, well-protected beach where you can enjoy this leisure space in peace during the hottest months.
It has many facilities to support bathers, such as a bar, showers, a free car park, and access for people with reduced mobility.
Check all our articles about each one of the most relevant points of interest in Ribeira Grande: Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande | Ribeira Grande | Miradouro da Bela Vista | Lagoa de São Brás | Porto de Santa Iria | Poços de São Vicente | Praia dos Moinhos | Salto do Cabrito | Miradouro de Santa Iria | Rabo de Peixe | Pico da Barrosa | Areal de Santa Bárbara | Miradouro Vigia da Baleia | Jardim Municipal da Ribeira Grande | Waterfalls of Ribeira Grande | Porto Formoso Tea Factory | Rabo de Peixe Harbor | Best Surf Spots in the Azores
Porto Formoso Tea Factory
The Porto Formoso Tea Factory, founded by Amâncio Machado Faria e Maia, operated between the 1920s and the 1980s. It is located in the parish of Porto Formoso, Ribeira Grande, and is considered part of the region’s Industrial Heritage.
In 1998, the current owners began restoring the factory, and today you can visit the estate’s panoramic gardens, museum space, tearoom, shop, and the tea factory itself. São Miguel is home to Europe’s only industrial tea plantations. Porto Formoso tea has a sublime aroma and flavor, marked by the island’s temperate climate and rich volcanic soil.
Quick Info
Since January 2018, the Porto Formoso Tea Factory has been producing organic tea, making it the first certified organic tea on the island of São Miguel and in Europe.
→ Explore the authentic flavors of Azorean cuisine in our articles: Bolos Lêvedos | Cozido das Furnas | Grilled Limpets | Massa Sovada | Pimenta da Terra | Gorreana Tea Plantation | Queijadas de Vila Franca do Campo | Porto Formoso Tea Factory
Miradouro de Santa Iria
The Miradouro de Santa Iria is located in Porto Formoso, in the municipality of Ribeira Grande, on the north coast of São Miguel Island. From here, you can enjoy an excellent panoramic view of the coast.
Here, you can take in the vegetation-covered cliffs and the rough Atlantic Ocean. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture these moments. This marvelous viewpoint captures the green beauty of the stunning island of São Miguel, set against the vast blue of the Atlantic Ocean.
Lagoa do Congro
Nestled inside a lush forest in the middle of São Miguel, Lagoa do Congro is less famous. Other lakes on the island are more well-known. Even though access is harder, it is entirely worth the trip!
Once you arrive, the all-green scenery immerses you in a real-life fairy tale. The peaceful silence and 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 also explore how to access this wonderful place, which offers incredible landscapes for photography enthusiasts.
Check out our articles on the most relevant points of interest on São Miguel Island: 3-day itinerary for São Miguel | 5-day itinerary for São Miguel | Discover the Azores | Traditional Azorean Clothing | Tipping in the Azores | Do People Speak English in the Azores? | Miradouros da Vigia da Baleia | Furnas | Lagoa | Lagoa do Fogo | Mosteiros | Maia | Nordeste | Ponta Delgada | Povoação | Ribeira Grande | Sete Cidades | Vila Franca do Campo | Best Surf Spots in the Azores
Complementary Information
Best Season to Visit the Azores
The Azores Archipelago boasts a unique climate that shapes its lush landscapes, making it a splendid year-round destination. With mild temperatures and minimal fluctuations, each season offers something unique. Spring averages 16 °C, summer reaches 21 °C, autumn cools to 18 °C, and winter remains mild at 14 °C.
→ For a detailed breakdown of the weather by month, check the following links 🌤️☔️: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
How to Get to the Azores
The Azorean Archipelago is easily accessible through numerous flight routes. Lisbon and Porto are the main entry points, with direct flights to São Miguel (PDL), Terceira (TER), Faial (HOR), Pico (PIX), and Santa Maria (SMA). To find the best flight, use search engines like eDreams or Skyscanner. These platforms let you compare prices and schedules from multiple airlines in one convenient location.
For more details on getting to the Azores, check out our complete guide. But what if you want to explore beyond your arrival island? We’ve got you covered!
- Azores airports 🛬
- Flights between islands ✈️
- Ferries between islands ⛴️
- Which island to choose? 🏝️
- What airlines fly to the Azores? 🛩️
→ Once you’ve found the perfect route, book your tickets and get ready to experience one of the world’s most stunning island groups!
Travel Essentials
Essential Information for your Azores trip: Azorean Language & Phrases 🗣️ | Currency & Banks 💵 | Credit Cards & Traveler’s Cheques 🏧 | Driving in the Azores 🚗 | Electricity 🔌 | Experiences & Tours 🗺️ | Health & Safety 🩺 | Internet & Wi-Fi Access 🛜 | Phones & Mobile Service 📞 | Post Offices & Buying Stamps ✉️ | Public Holidays 🏖️ | Shopping 🛒 | Time & Daylight 🕒 | Whale Watching Guide 🐳 | Best Island to Visit 🏞️
Useful Tools & Apps
Weather in the Azores can be variable, so it helps to use a few apps before visiting. Spotazores provides live camera feeds from the main tourist attractions, allowing you to check the weather and plan your visit. For accurate weather predictions, use Windy or Windguru; they provide the most reliable predictions.
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Conclusion
Lagoa de São Brás is a stop on your São Miguel Island itinerary. Although it may not have the wow factor of other famous lakes on ‘Green Island’, you can still enjoy a pure, untouched landscape that locals appreciate.
This is a great spot to sit down, take in the sounds of nature, and unwind. You could meditate or just sit with your thoughts. It is centrally located on the island’s north shore, making it easy to visit many attractions.
Author’s Note
I am pleased to inform you that all the recommendations in this article are based on my personal experience and observations. As the author, I visited each attraction mentioned to ensure every suggestion is grounded in first-hand knowledge and genuine enthusiasm.
FAQs
Lagoa de São Brás is located in the municipality of Ribeira Grande, in the northern part of São Miguel Island. It is a 20-minute drive from the town, near Pico Moniz and Monte Escuro.
Lagoa de São Brás covers about 0.06 km², measuring 330 meters long, 200 meters wide, and reaching a maximum depth of 2.3 meters.
The surrounding area of Lagoa de São Brás is home to cows grazing on the meadows, and you can occasionally spot ducks near the water. The lagoon is known for its serene natural beauty.
While not as well-known as other lagoons on the island, Lagoa de São Brás offers a peaceful escape and is often visited by those exploring São Miguel’s northern part. It also provides picturesque views during the Azores Rally.
