Lagoa dos Nenúfares literally means “The water lilies lake” and is called this way due to the large amount of the aquatic plant, Nymphaea alba. It is quite a small lake in comparison to the most popular ones on the green island, but if you go to the Lagoa do Congro area, then you must take a detour to explore Lagoa dos Nenúfares, which is right nearby.
Not so many people know about this secret lake, which is now more of a swamp as the plants have taken over, and you can’t see water anymore. It is definitely a relaxing spot even during the busy high season.
Let’s unravel all the secrets of Lagoa dos Nenúfares in São Miguel Island!
What is Lagoa dos Nenúfares
Lagoa dos Nenúfares is a small lake located at an altitude of 445 m, with a length of about 50m and a width of 30 m. Its most profound depth is around 3.5m in the center. Along with Lagoa do Congro, its neighbor lake, Lagoa dos Nenúfares, is situated right inside a wide volcanic crater with a diameter of 500 meters, featuring trachyte and basalt walls that rise to 120 meters high. The volcano is still considered active, and the crater visible today was formed approximately 3800 years ago.
Historically speaking, the two lakes belonged to several families, including the Canto family. José do Canto was a plant enthusiast who imported a wide variety of fascinating vegetation from around the world to this area.
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Nowadays, you can still observe some of them, like camellias, azaleas, Japanese cedars, maples, a Norfolk Island pine, and some cedars.
Breathe the pure air around Lagoa dos Nenúfares and hear nature. Around the lake, you can find many birds like the common blackbird, the Azores wood pigeon, the Azores chaffinch, as well as some migratory birds. In terms of mammals, if you are lucky, you can find some rabbits, endemic bats (Nyctalus azoreum), and ferrets. Inside the water, some goldfish, frogs, and newts can be seen.
Plan Your Visit to Lagoa dos Nenúfares
How to Get to Lagoa dos Nenúfares
In order to see Lagoa dos Nenúfares, you need to hike a little bit. It is located in the central part of São Miguel island, in the Vila Franca do Campo county. Drive your rental car towards Furnas and follow the indications towards Lagoa do Congro, on the EN4-2A road. You will have to park your vehicle before the dirt road if it is too damaged. Ensure your car is parked in a safe location and avoid blocking any access to pastures.
From there, you will see signs leading towards the lakes, passing by a lush forest. First, you will see Lagoa do Congro, and then you can take the trail towards Lagoa dos Nenúfares. The trails can be in poor condition, as it is not an official hiking trail. Be cautious, as some trees may block the way.
Planning a trip to the Azores? These articles will help you: Airports in the Azores ✈ | How to Get to the Azores 🗺️ | Travel Between Islands: Ferry ⛴️ | Travel Between Islands: Flights 🛫 | Airlines to the Azores 🛬 | Which Island to Choose? 🏝️
Best Time to Visit
Lagoa dos Nenúfares and Lagoa do Congro are great spots for a hot summer day, as you will find plenty of shade there. You can even have a picnic by the lake.
Back in the days, on June 24, many people from Vila Franca do Campo would hike there to have a picnic and a celebration in honor of São Jõao.
Check 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
In 2010, an offer was presented to the Regional Government to improve the care of this place, but it was unsuccessful. In the meantime, it is necessary to be extremely careful on the trail. Those are in the wild, and if it rained a lot in the previous days, the ground is often full of mud. You need to come equipped with good hiking shoes in order to visit Lagoa dos Nenúfares. There is absolutely no way to go to the lake by car.
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Nearby Attractions
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. Although the access is more challenging, it is entirely worth the trip!
Once you arrive at the lake, the all-green scenery immerses you, and you enter 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 fantastic landscapes for photography enthusiasts.
Vila Franca do Campo
Vila Franca do Campo is a parish and municipality located in the south of São Miguel. The town was built in the 15th century, shortly after the discovery of the Azorean archipelago. This was the first capital of São Miguel for many years until a strong earthquake in 1522 destroyed the town. However, despite being rebuilt, Ponta Delgada became the island’s new capital.
After this tragedy, however, the city was rebuilt, and today you can see some unmissable tourist attractions on your visit to the island.
Check all our articles about each one of the most relevant points of interest in Vila Franca do Campo: Vila Franca do Campo | Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Paz | Ilhéu de Vila Franca | Praia da Amora | Praia da Vinha da Areia | Praia de Água D’Alto | Lagoa do Congro | Lagoa dos Nenúfares | Miradouro do Castelo Branco
Lagoa de São Brás
Among the magnificent lakes that you can explore on São Miguel Island, Lagoa de São Brás is a good option for a city escape without the crowds. This lake is less popular than Lagoa do Fogo, Furnas, or Sete Cidades, but it still comes with some beautiful views. This is ideal for a quiet picnic lunch.
This lake is located approximately 610 meters above sea level, measuring 330 meters in length and 200 meters in width. The medium depth is around 2 meters. Around the lake, find the typical milk cows, some rabbit,s and ducks.
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
Lagoa das Furnas
Lagoa das Furnas is one of the most iconic spots in the Azorean archipelago. It is a must-see destination on the island of São Miguel. This stunning Portuguese lagoon is situated in the parish of Lagoa das Furnas, within the village of Povoação.
Set within an ancient volcanic crater, Lagoa das Furnas occupies a significant portion of the caldera of the Furnas Volcano. Renowned for its scenic beauty and distinctive features, the lagoon provides visitors with an unforgettable experience.
Lagoa das Furnas stands as a testament. Surrounded by intense volcanic activity, including the Caldeiras das Furnas and fumaroles, the region showcases its geothermal power. Despite this, the Furnas Volcano has been dormant since 1630.
Here, you can enjoy various activities, such as picnicking with family or friends. You can also stroll through vibrant flower gardens and appreciate the different botanical species that define the region.
Check all our articles about each one of the most relevant points of interest in Furnas: Caldeiras das Furnas | Furnas | Capela da Nossa Senhora das Vitórias | Castelo Branco Viewpoint | Lagoa das Furnas | Lagoa das Furnas Viewpoint | Mata-Jardim José do Canto | Parque Terra Nostra’s Thermal Pool | Pico do Ferro Viewpoint | Poça da Dona Beija | Ribeira Quente | Praia do Fogo | Salto do Cavalo Viewpoint | Salto do Rosal | Terra Nostra Garden
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 to São Miguel (PDL), Terceira (TER), Faial (HOR), Pico (PIX), and Santa Maria (SMA) available. 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.
Conclusion
Even if Lagoa dos Nenúfares is relatively small, and you can’t actually see water, the lilies make it a unique sight on the green island. It is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area. For those who visit Lagoa do Congro, it would be a shame not to see its sister lake.
However, this is not an easy walk, mainly because of the conditions of the abandoned trails. Mud, fallen trees, and other factors can make it harder to see Lagoa dos Nenúfares. If you are in good physical condition and are well-equipped, you could go without much trouble.
There are plenty of hidden gems on São Miguel island, and Lagoa dos Nenúfares is definitely one of them. Have a good adventure in the Azores!
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.
FAQs
Lagoa dos Nenúfares is located on São Miguel Island in the Azores, near the Vila Franca do Campo area and other iconic lagoons.
The name comes from the water lilies (nenúfares) that cover part of its surface, creating a unique and picturesque scenery, especially in spring and summer.
Its peaceful setting, surrounded by lush vegetation, combined with the water lilies floating on calm waters, makes it one of São Miguel’s most charming hidden gems.
