Miradouro da Grota do Inferno (Hell’s Cave viewpoint) – also known as Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth), located in the western part of São Miguel Island, is one of the most popular and picturesque viewpoints on the green island. Don’t be fooled by the name, this place is more like paradise.
From here, visitors can enjoy stunning panoramic views over the verdant countryside, with the surrounding mountains and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. You will also have a wonderful panorama of the famous twin crater lakes of Sete Cidades. They are considered one of the seven natural wonders of Portugal.
This place is one of the most popular tourist spots on the island. It is so spectacular that you can see this image everywhere on the internet, or many postcards. Due to its altitude of 730 meters above sea level, it offers one of the most beautiful landscapes. Let’s see all you need to know about Miradouro da Grota do Inferno.
What is Miradouro da Grota do Inferno?
Geology & Volcanology
Everything that you can see at the viewpoint was created by volcanic eruptions. That is why the name refers to hell. All the volcanic craters inside the big Sete Cidades volcanic complex turn the landscape authentic. From there you can see Lagoa de Santiago, Lagoa Rasa, Sete Cidades village and the two-coloured lake inside.
Sete Cidades Volcano as we know it today formed about 36,000 years ago when the main part collapsed. It had a total of around 17 eruptions in the last 5,000 years, making it the most active volcano in the archipelago.
History & Geography
Sete Cidades was settled relatively after the East of the island. But eventually became an important centre for agriculture, with farmers cultivating corn, wheat and tobacco mostly, in this fertile volcanic soil. Since the 19th century, Sete Cidades has played a key role in the development of the dairy industry in the Azores. The rich milk from the cows raised outside is used to make a variety of delicious cheeses.
Miradouro da Grota do Inferno overlooking these green pastures is located on the North Western Part of São Miguel island. It is right on the volcanic walls of the crater, allowing us to observe a big part of the volcanic complex.
Fauna & Flora
The viewpoint of Grota do Inferno is located inside the Protected Landscape Area of Sete Cidades. This is a rich spot in terms of biodiversity. The forest surrounding the viewpoint displays beautiful Macaronesia endemic vegetation. That is why we ask visitors to please walk only on the track to not destroy plants around.
At the viewpoint you will be able to see several bird species like the blackbird, or the common chaffinch. If you are lucky you might even find rabbits.
What To Do at Miradouro da Grota do Inferno
Admire the View Over Sete Cidades Volcanic Complex
There is a whole lot you can see from Miradouro da Grota do Inferno, the view is breathtaking. Indeed, enjoy unique scenery from the green Lagoa do Canario (canary lake), to the blue Lagoa Rasa (shallow lake), and finally, Lagoa das Sete Cidades divided between the blue and green.
You will also see the small village of Sete Cidades by the lake and part of Serra Devassa, a beautiful trail leading through the forest. Let’s not forget the deep blue Atlantic Ocean behind the high green walls of the crater. In one word: Magical.
Take Sunset Pictures
A wonderful time to visit Miradouro da Grota do Inferno is sunset time. The sky changes colours and turns into this beautiful live painting with the sun setting behind the volcano, over the ocean.
If you like taking pictures, then enjoy this wonderful scenery in such a unique place. In the end, it’s not every day that you get to be inside a volcano watching the sun going down.
Explore the Forest Paths Around
Locals love to be at the Forest Park of Canário, the site where Grota do Inferno is located. It is great to walk, have a picnic or simply enjoy the views surrounded by beautiful nature. Inside the forest around the viewpoint, there is rich flora to be explored.
If you like to hike, there is a trail called Mata do Canário, also called Cumeeira Grande. It goes from the parking lot near Lagoa do Canário around Sete Cidades crater, down to the village. This hike offers amazing views from various angles around the volcano. Note that it is about 3 hours long, for 12 km.
Discover Lagoa do Canário
Only a few minutes away from the main road, Lagoa do Canário is a beautiful lagoon surrounded by the forest, with an interesting shape. You will need to walk down to the edge of the lake. The trail can be muddy, especially if it rained before.
After visiting the lake, you will have to walk for about 15 minutes to reach Miradouro da Grota do Inferno. Or simply go back to the parking lot on the main road and take your car to the viewpoint if the gate is open.
Best Time To Visit Miradouro da Grota do Inferno
Best Time of the Day
For a spectacular end of the day, prefer visiting the viewpoint in the late afternoon for a great sunset. Photography-wise, it is also interesting to come early in the morning for the first hours of light of the day.
Another good reason to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon is because mostly during the summertime, this place easily gets crowded with tourists. If you want to enjoy the viewpoint to yourself then avoid the rush hours.
Plan Your Visit To Miradouro da Grota do Inferno
How To Get To Miradouro da Grota do Inferno
Miradouro da Grota do Inferno is located insite the Parque Florestal da Mata do Canário. It belongs to the parish of Santo António, Ponta Delgada county. From the city of Ponta Delgada, follow the main road EN1-1A until you will see directions towards Sete Cidades right after Relva village. You will pass by the town of Covoada. Always follow the main road up the mountains until you reach the parking lot. It is a 40-minute drive for about 20 km.
From there, if the gate is closed you can go by foot to Grota do Inferno viewpoint. It is about 15 to 20 minutes, for only 5 minutes by car. Although, it is easily accessible with a well maintained relatively flat trail. The gate is usually open from 8:30 am to 7 pm on the weekdays of summertime, 10 am to 7 pm on the week-end and special holidays, and 8:30 am to 3 pm in the wintertime (November to April), although the times can be subject to changes.
What To Bring To Miradouro da Grota do Inferno
When visiting Miradouro da Grota do Inferno, it is important to be prepared for the natural environment and the weather conditions. Bring comfortable walking shoes as the area around the viewpoint can be muddy and uneven. Also, as the weather in the Azores can be unpredictable, it is a good idea to bring layers of clothing that you can add or remove depending on the temperature. A waterproof jacket is a must-have!
Some sunscreen and a hat can be helpful depending on the weather. Always have snacks and water with you if you wish to explore further. There are no facilities near the viewpoint, so it’s important to be self-sufficient. Last but not least, your camera will be indispensable to capture the picturesque view from Miradouro da Grota do Inferno.
Where To Eat Near Miradouro da Grota do Inferno
If you need somewhere to eat near Miradouro da Grota do Inferno, click here. In this link, you’ll find the 10 best restaurants on Tripadvisor.
Where To Stay Near Miradouro da Grota do Inferno
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Pro Tips
The main tricky thing about this viewpoint, just like any viewpoint in the Azores, is the weather. If it is too cloudy, the most probable scenario is that the view will be all white and you won’t see the lakes. So how is this a pro tip?
Well, first of all, you can check the camera for Sete Cidades on the website or app Spot Azores before heading there. This is very helpful to know where to go to have the best view. If sunny, then you are good to go.
Did you know
If you arrive on the spot and you see nothing, just be patient. Sometimes the clouds can pass very fast and give you a 20-second interval of awe when you can see the lakes.
What To Do Around Miradouro da Grota do Inferno
See the Aqueduct of Muro das Nove Janelas
The Muro das Nove Janelas (Nine Window Wall) is an aqueduct built between the 17th and 18th centuries. This large work, currently considered a heritage of historical value, was built to combat the scarcity of water that was felt in that area (who would say…).
This aqueduct captured the water in the area of Lagoa do Canário so that it could be distributed later to the surrounding parishes.
The Nine Windows Wall was submitted to several restoration works by the Municipal Services of Ponta Delgada, which allowed it to return to this place a monument once forgotten in time.
Hike the Serra Devassa Trail
The trail starts in the vicinity of the Mata do Canário Forest Park through the entire mountainous area southwest of the Sete Cidades Volcano Caldera and ends at what was your starting point.
It is considered a trail with an easy difficulty level – despite its 10.4 km length and duration of approximately 7 hours. During this time you will have the opportunity to glimpse countless landscapes of exceptional natural beauty and enjoy the tranquillity of the place.
The place allows the visit of people of any age – from 8 years of age. Soon this will be a great option to share leisure time with family and friends regardless of their age or physical condition.
Visit Sete Cidades Village
Sete Cidades is a small village of about 700 inhabitants living inside a volcano, by a beautiful lake. You can walk inside the town and see typical Azorean houses, and don’t miss the picturesque São Nivolau church.
You can also walk around the smaller green lake, and also to the sides of the blue lake. On the shore of the bigger lake, you will find Futurismo’s activity centre. There, you can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
Go To Monte Palace Abandoned Hotel
Monte Palace was a sumptuous 5-star hotel on São Miguel island in the Azores. It is located in the Vista do Rei viewpoint, in Sete Cidades – Ponta Delgada county.
The viewpoint is particularly famous for its panoramic view over the lakes of Sete Cidades as well as the village inside the volcanic crater.
Built into the hillside to take advantage of the view over the Atlantic Ocean or the coloured lakes, the hotel had a great chance to attract plenty of visitors and be successful.
However, it has been abandoned since 1990 and was only open for 18 months.
🧭 Recommended Experiences Check all the outstanding Tours you can do in Sete Cidades!
Monte Palace received the award for being Portugal’s finest hotel in the same week that it closed its doors for good. What was once one of the most luxurious achievements of the islands is now in a deteriorated state that one cannot imagine unless one sees it themselves.
Complementary Information
Useful Tools & Apps
The weather in the Azores can be variable, so it’s helpful to use some apps before visiting the islands. Spotazores offers live camera feeds from the main tourist attractions, letting you check the weather and plan your visit. For accurate weather predictions, use Windy or Windguru — they provide the most reliable predictions.
How to Get to São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island is easily accessible with numerous flight routes. Lisbon and Porto are the main entry points to the continent, with direct flights to Ponta Delgada available. To find the best flight, use search engines like eDreams or Skyscanner.
These platforms allow you to compare prices and schedules from different airlines in one place. For more details on how to get to the Azores, look at our guide. Once you find the perfect flight, book it! You’ll reach one of the world’s most beautiful island groups in a few hours.
Best Season to Visit São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island, part of the Eastern Group of the Azores Archipelago, has a unique climate shaped by various factors. This climate fosters the island’s lush vegetation and stunning landscapes. Temperatures stay mild year-round, with only slight variations.
In spring, temperatures average 16 °C, summer peaks at 21 °C, autumn cools to 18 °C, and winter hovers around 14 °C. For more details on the weather in the Azores, take a look at the following links:
- The weather in the Azores in January
- The weather in the Azores in February
- The weather in the Azores in March
- The weather in the Azores in April
- The weather in the Azores in May
- The weather in the Azores in July
- The weather in the Azores in August
Cultural Agenda of São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island hosts a wide range of cultural events throughout the year. The complete list of events is on the cultural agenda!
Video – Miradouro Grota do Inferno, Sete Cidades (São Miguel, Azores)
Conclusion
Overall, Grota does Inferno viewpoint is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to São Miguel Island. It offers some of the most awe-inspiring views of this beautiful green island in the Azores.
It is considered one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the whole archipelago. Once you are there, you will understand why.
We hope you have all your questions about this wonderful place answered in this article. And if you didn’t have this spot on your must-see list for your stay on São Miguel island, then you should add it.
