Miradouro da Grota do Inferno (“Hell’s Cave” viewpoint), also known as Boca do Inferno (“Hell’s Mouth”), is located in the western part of São Miguel Island. It 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. They will also have a wonderful view of the famous twin crater lakes of Sete Cidades, considered one of Portugal’s seven natural wonders.
This place is one of the island’s most popular tourist spots. It is so spectacular that you can see this image everywhere online and on many postcards. At an altitude of 730 meters above sea level, it offers one of the most beautiful landscapes. Here’s everything you need to know about Miradouro da Grota do Inferno.
What is Miradouro da Grota do Inferno?
Geology & Volcanology
Volcanic eruptions created everything at the viewpoint, which is why the name refers to hell. The volcanic craters within the Sete Cidades complex make the landscape feel authentic. From there, you can see Lagoa de Santiago, Lagoa Rasa, Sete Cidades village, and the two-colored lake inside.
Sete Cidades Volcano, as we know it today, formed about 36,000 years ago when the central part collapsed. It has had 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 recently on the eastern part of the island. It eventually became an important agricultural center, 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 developing the dairy industry in the Azores. The rich milk from the cows raised outside is used to make various delicious cheeses.
Miradouro da Grota do Inferno, overlooking these green pastures, is located in the Northwest Part of São Miguel Island. It sits right on the crater walls, allowing us to see much of the volcanic complex.
Fauna & Flora
Grota do Inferno’s viewpoint is located inside the Protected Landscape Area of Sete Cidades. This is a biodiversity-rich spot. The forest surrounding the viewpoint displays beautiful Macaronesia endemic vegetation. That is why we ask visitors to please walk only on the track and not destroy the plants around. From this viewpoint, you can see several bird species, such as the blackbird and 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 the Sete Cidades Volcanic Complex
You can see a lot from Miradouro da Grota do Inferno. The view is breathtaking. Enjoy unique scenery, from the green Lagoa do Canário to the blue Lagoa Rasa, and finally Lagoa das Sete Cidades, divided between 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 at sunset. The sky changes colors, turning into a beautiful live painting as the sun sets behind the volcano over the ocean. If you like taking pictures, enjoy this incredible scenery in this unique place. Finally, it’s not every day that you get to be inside a volcano, watching the sun go down.
Explore the Forest Paths Around
Locals love the Forest Park of Canário, where Grota do Inferno is located. It is great for a walk, a picnic, or enjoying the views surrounded by beautiful nature. Inside the forest around the viewpoint, you’ll find rich flora to explore.
If you enjoy hiking, there is a trail called Mata do Canário, also called Cumeeira Grande. It goes from the parking lot near Lagoa do Canário, around the Sete Cidades crater, down to the village. This hike offers fantastic views of the volcano from various angles. Note that it is about 3 hours long and covers 12 km.
Discover Lagoa do Canário
Only a few minutes away from the main road, Lagoa do Canário is a beautiful lagoon surrounded by forest with an interesting shape. You will need to walk down to the edge of the lake. The trail can be muddy, especially after rain.
After visiting the lake, youwill need to walk about 15 minutes to reach Miradouro da Grota do Inferno. If the gate is open, you can return to the parking lot on the main road and drive to the viewpoint.
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 Miradouro da Grota do Inferno
Best Time to Visit
For a spectacular end to the day, choose to visit the viewpoint in the late afternoon for a stunning sunset. It’s also fascinating to arrive early in the morning for the first hours of light. Another good reason to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon is that, especially during the summer, this place can get crowded with tourists. If you want to enjoy the viewpoint for yourself, avoid rush hour.
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
How to Get to Miradouro da Grota do Inferno
Miradouro da Grota do Inferno is located inside the Parque Florestal da Mata do Canário. It belongs to the parish of Santo António, in the county of Ponta Delgada. From Ponta Delgada, follow the EN1-1A until you see signs for Sete Cidades, just after the village of Relva. You will pass by the town of Covoada. Always follow the main road up the mountain 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 walk to the Grota do Inferno viewpoint. It is about a 15- to 20-minute drive, or only 5 minutes. Although it is easily accessible, it has a well-maintained, relatively flat trail. The gate is usually open from 8:30 am to 7 pm on weekdays in summer, 10 am to 7 pm on weekends and special holidays, and 8:30 am to 3 pm in winter (November to April), although times may change.
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 to Bring
When visiting Miradouro da Grota do Inferno, be prepared for the natural environment and weather conditions. Bring comfortable walking shoes, as the area around the viewpoint can be muddy and uneven. Also, because the weather in the Azores can be unpredictable, bring layers you can add or remove as needed. A waterproof jacket is a must-have!
Depending on the weather, sunscreen and a hat can help. Always bring snacks and water if you want to explore further. No facilities are available near the viewpoint, so it’s crucial to be self-sufficient. Finally, your camera will be indispensable for capturing the picturesque view from Miradouro da Grota do Inferno.
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Where to Eat
If you need somewhere to eat near Miradouro da Grota do Inferno, click here. Here, you’ll find the 10 best restaurants on TripAdvisor.
Where to Stay
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Pro Tips
The main tricky thing about this viewpoint, similar to 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, you can check the camera for Sete Cidades on the Spot Azores website or app before heading there. This helps you find the best spot for the best view. If it is sunny, then you are good to go.
Did you know
If you arrive on site and see nothing, just be patient. Occasionally, the clouds can pass quickly and give you a 20-second window of awe when you can see the lakes.
Nearby Attractions
Muro das Nove Janelas
The Muro das Nove Janelas (Nine Window Wall) is an aqueduct built between the 17th and 18th centuries. This significant work, now considered a valuable historical artifact, was built to address the water scarcity felt in the area (who would say…).
This aqueduct captured water in the area of Lagoa do Canário and later distributed it to the surrounding parishes. The Nine Windows Wall underwent several restoration projects by the Municipal Services of Ponta Delgada, allowing it to return to its place as a monument once forgotten in time.
Serra Devassa Trail
The trail starts near the Mata do Canário Forest Park, runs through the mountainous area southwest of the Sete Cidades Volcano Caldera, and ends at your starting point.
It is considered an easy trail despite its 10.4 km length and approximately 7 hours of duration. During this time, you will have the opportunity to glimpse countless landscapes of exceptional natural beauty and enjoy the place’s tranquility.
The place welcomes visitors of all ages, starting at 8 years old. Soon, it will be an excellent option for spending leisure time with family and friends, regardless of age or physical condition.
Sete Cidades Village
Sete Cidades is a small village of about 700 inhabitants, located inside a volcano and by a beautiful lake. You can walk inside the town and see typical Azorean houses, and don’t miss the picturesque São Nicolau church. You can also walk around the smaller green lake and along the sides of the blue lake. On the shore of the bigger lake, you will find Futurismo’s activity center. There, you can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
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
Monte Palace Abandoned Hotel
Monte Palace was a sumptuous 5-star hotel on São Miguel Island in the Azores. It is located at the Vista do Rei Viewpoint in Sete Cidades, Ponta Delgada county. The viewpoint is particularly renowned for its panoramic views of the lakes of Sete Cidades and the village within the volcanic crater.
Built into the hillside to take advantage of views of the Atlantic Ocean or the colored lakes, the hotel had a strong chance of attracting plenty of visitors and succeeding. However, it was abandoned in 1990 after only 18 months.
Monte Palace received the award for Portugal’s finest hotel the same week 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 for themselves.
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
Overall, the Grota do Inferno viewpoint is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling 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 stunning viewpoints in the whole archipelago. Once you are there, you will understand why. We hope this article answers all your questions about this wonderful place. If this spot isn’t on your must-see list for your stay on São Miguel Island, add it.
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
The viewpoint is located in the parish of Santo António, in the municipality of Ponta Delgada, within the Mata do Canário Forest Park.
From this viewpoint, you can admire the Lagoa das Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Canário, Lagoa Rasa, Lagoa de Santiago, Serra Devassa, and the Atlantic Ocean in the distance.
From Ponta Delgada, take the EN1-1A road toward Sete Cidades. After passing through Covoada, continue to the Mata do Canário Forest Park. If the gate is closed, a 1.2 km trail leads to the viewpoint.
Visit at dawn or dusk, avoiding peak times to enjoy the view in peace.
