The Lagoa de Santiago Viewpoint is one of the most extraordinary places on the island of São Miguel. From here, you will have a panoramic view of the entire Lagoa de Santiago and the green crater that surrounds it. Find out more about this paradisiacal place and its history, and you may be able to reach this coveted viewpoint.
Where is the Lagoa de Santiago Viewpoint?

The Lagoa de Santiago Viewpoint sits on the west side of São Miguel Island, in the Azores. It lies within the parish of Sete Cidades, part of the municipality of Ponta Delgada.
Suppose you prefer a more complete adventure in this place. In that case, you can take a small trail (Trilho das Lagoas Rasa and Lagoa de Santiago), which allows you to observe both Lagoa de Santiago and Lagoa Rasa, as they are only a few meters apart.
To finish your visit to this viewpoint and its surroundings on a high note, we recommend having a small picnic at Picnic Volta do Salto.
How to Get to Lagoa de Santiago Viewpoint
This wonderful place is located at 477 meters above sea level on the ER 9-2ª road, approximately 30 minutes by car from the city of Ponta Delgada and 7 minutes from the center of the parish of Sete Cidades. It has access to its car park for people with reduced mobility.
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? 🛩️
What Makes the Lagoa de Santiago Viewpoint a Unique Location?

Lagoa de Santiago is located in the Massif of Sete Cidades volcanic formation. It measures 700 meters long, 475 meters wide, and nearly 30 meters deep. The vast size of this place makes it worth visiting. However, its real charm lies in its surroundings. Lush Macaronesian forests and cryptomeria plantations embrace the crater where the lagoon rests, creating an enchanting and unique landscape.
Did you know
For many years, it was not possible to observe Lagoa de Santiago, and entry was prohibited, as the surrounding land was privately managed.
The Lagoa de Santiago Viewpoint offers breathtaking views and sits in one of São Miguel’s most coveted locations. Moreover, it stands among several nearby viewpoints, including Cerrado das Freiras, Grota do Inferno, and Lagoa Rasa. In addition, forest trails, scenic walking paths, and picnic areas make this spot perfect for families and nature lovers. It is a relaxing and complete setting that you cannot miss.
Authors’ 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 have personally visited each attraction mentioned, ensuring that every suggestion is grounded in first-hand knowledge and genuine enthusiasm.
Nearby Attractions
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
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 to the continent, with direct flights available 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 enable you to compare prices and schedules from various airlines in one convenient location.
For more details on how to get to the Azores, take a look at 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
The weather in the Azores can be variable, so it’s helpful to use some apps before visiting the islands. 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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