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 is located on the west side of the island of São Miguel in the Azores archipelago, more precisely, in the parish of Sete Cidades in the municipality of Ponta Delgada.
Suppose you prefer a more complete adventure to 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.
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 size of this place alone is worth visiting; however, what truly makes it enchanting is the fact that the crater, where the lagoon is located, is surrounded not only by intense greenish forests typical of Macaronesia but also by cryptomeria plantations, which further enhance its unique charm.
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.
This Lagoa de Santiago Viewpoint offers breathtaking views and is located in one of the most coveted locations on the island of São Miguel and throughout the Azores. Several viewpoints (Cerrado das Freiras, Grota do Inferno, and Lagoa Rasa) surround it, along with forest trails, spots for short walks, and areas perfect for family picnics. It is a relaxing and complete setting that you cannot miss.
Authors’ Note
I’m pleased to inform you that all the recommendations in this article are based on my 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 | Grota do Inferno Viewpoint | 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
Complementary Information
Best Season to Visit the Azores
The Azores Archipelago enjoys a unique climate that shapes its lush landscapes and makes it a splendid year-round destination. With mild temperatures and minimal fluctuations, every season has something unique to offer. 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 allow you to compare prices and schedules from different airlines in one place.
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!
Azorean 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 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.