On São Miguel island in the Azores, there are many lakes to discover. Volcanic activity has set some lakes in a crater. People consider others part of the wonders of Portugal. Some are green, and others are deep blue. You can truly find natural gems on the green island! Lagoa de São Brás is no exception.
This lake is not so famous among tourists, but you should explore it! Fewer people means more natural beauty for yourself. Locals love to go there for a picnic or take their dogs swimming in the lake.
Before going there, review everything you need to know about this lake. Then, keep reading about how to get there and the best time to visit.
What is Lagoa de São Brás?
Located 610 meters above sea level, Lagoa de São Brás is about 330 meters long, 200 meters wide, and 2 meters deep. It is certainly not among the biggest or deepest lakes of the Azores, but its peacefulness makes it worth a visit.
Around the lake, you can see pastures filled with the famous milk cows of the Azores. There are also some ducks swimming in the clear waters. You can also spot some fish and many bird species occasionally.
Lagoa de São Brás is also one of the beautiful places where the Azores Rally takes place once a year, just like in Sete Cidades.
Plan Your Visit to Lagoa de São Brás
How to Get to Lagoa de São Brás?
This lake is in the Ribeira Grande county, north of São Miguel island. The fastest way to go to Lagoa de São Brás is to rent a car in Ponta Delgada and drive towards Ribeira Grande. Once on the North shore, continue on the main road EN1-1A eastwards until you reach the locality of São Brás. You will then find more indications of the lake inside the land. There is a parking space right beside the lake.
Quick Info
There is no public transportation like buses that go directly to the lake, but you can also take a taxi. It is about 40 minutes by car from Ponta Delgada and 20 minutes from Ribeira Grande.
Best Time to Visit Lagoa de São Brás
You can visit Lagoa de São Brás anytime during the day or any season of the year. It is always open. However, authorities prohibit wild camping, so you should not plan to spend the night there.
Consider the summer months for better chances of good weather. However, this is also the high season, so more people can visit. But remember, this is not one of the most touristic places around the island, so it is not probable to have large crowds like in Lagoa do Fogo or Sete Cidades, for instance.
Pro Tips
It is a good idea to grab some food before you go to have a picnic on the lake’s shore, between the water and the surrounding forest.
Experts do not recommend swimming in lakes because no one controls or tests the pollution levels in the water. Locals in the Azores prefer to swim in the ocean rather than lakes.
Best Season to Visit São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island is in the Eastern Group of the Azores Archipelago. Here, you will notice the atypical characteristics of this climate. These result from many factors contributing to its plant exuberance and landscape value.
The climate is mild regardless of the season, and the average values do not present many changes. Temperatures vary between:
- 16 °C in spring;
- 21 °C in summer;
- 18 °C in autumn;
- 14 °C in winter.
For more info about the weather in the Azores, check the links below:
- 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
What to Do Around Lagoa de São Brás?
Go to the Beach at Praia dos Moinhos
Praia dos Moinhos, set in beautiful, typically Azorean scenery on the island’s north coast where the sea is usually rougher, is located in the parish of Porto Formoso, in the municipality of Ribeira Grande.
The town and the green slopes border the beach of volcanic origin. It has a good stretch of sand, and the transparent waters are inviting for swimming and diving — here, you can explore an underwater islet.
Did you know
The seawater has delightful temperatures in summer, averaging around 22°. C.
Recognized annually with the Blue Flag, Praia dos Moinhos is a guarded and safe beach where you can enjoy this leisure space in peace during the hottest months.
It has many facilities to support bathers, such as a bar, showers, a free car park, and access for people with reduced mobility.
Visit the Porto Formoso Tea Factory
The Porto Formoso Tea Factory, founded by Amâncio Machado Faria e Maia, operated between the 1920s and the 1980s. It is housed in the parish of Porto Formoso, in Ribeira Grande, and people consider it the region’s Industrial Heritage.
Did you know
People believe that in the second half of the 18th century, someone brought the first tea seeds from Brazil to the Azores. The Azoreans only used tea as a decorative plant in their gardens.
In 1998, the current owners began restoring the factory, and today, you can visit the estate’s various panoramic gardens, museum space, tearoom, shop, and tea factory itself.
São Miguel is home to Europe’s only industrial tea plantations. Porto Formoso tea has a sublime aroma and flavor, marked by the island’s temperate climate and rich volcanic soil.
Quick Info
Since January 2018, the Porto Formoso Tea Factory has been producing organic tea, making it the first certified organic tea on the island of São Miguel and in Europe.
Visit Miradouro de Santa Iria
The Miradouro de Santa Iria is located in Porto Formoso, in the municipality of Ribeira Grande, on the north coast of the island of São Miguel. From here, you can enjoy an excellent panoramic view of the coast.
Here you can contemplate the cliffs full of vegetation and the rough Atlantic Ocean. Don’t forget to take a camera with you to capture these moments.
This marvelous viewpoint reflects the green beauty of the stunning island of São Miguel, surrounded by the vast blue of the Atlantic Ocean.
Explore 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. Even though the access is harder, it is completely 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 see how to get to this wonderful place with great landscapes for photography enthusiasts.
Where To Eat Near Ribeira Grande
If you need somewhere to eat near Ribeira Grande, click here. In this link, you’ll find the 10 best restaurants on Tripadvisor.
Where To Stay Near Ribeira Grande
To make your life easier, we’ve filtered the search by:
Complementary Information
Useful Tools and Apps
The weather in the Azores is quite unpredictable. For this reason, there is a handy App that you can install on your mobile phone before visiting any of the 9 islands: Spotazores. The cameras installed in many of the biggest tourist attractions allow you to see the weather in real time and decide where to go.
To check the weather forecast for the next few days, use Windy or Windguru. They are the most accurate.
How to Get to São Miguel Island
There are many routes to the island of São Miguel by plane. The main entry points are via Lisbon, Porto (on the mainland), and Ponta Delgada (São Miguel island), but there are already many direct routes.
The best way to find a flight that works for you is to use a flight search engine like eDreams or Skyscanner. As you may already know, these sites allow you to compare prices and schedules of various airlines in one place.
Once you find a flight you like, all you need to do is book! And in a few hours, you’ll be on your way to one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the world.
Cultural Agenda on The Island of São Miguel
The island of São Miguel offers many cultural events all year round. The full list of events is available at the following link.
Video of Lagoa de São Brás (São Miguel Island, Azores)
FAQs
Where is São Brás Lagoon located?
Lagoa de São Brás is located in the municipality of Ribeira Grande, in the northern part of São Miguel Island. It is a 20-minute drive from the town, near Pico Moniz and Monte Escuro.
What is the size of Lagoa de São Brás?
The lagoon covers an area of approximately 0.06 km², with a length of 330 meters, a width of 200 meters, and a maximum depth of 2.3 meters.
What wildlife can be found around Lagoa de São Brás?
The surrounding area is home to cows grazing on the meadows, and you can occasionally spot ducks near the water. The lagoon is known for its serene natural beauty.
Is Lagoa de São Brás a popular tourist destination?
While not as well-known as other lagoons on the island, Lagoa de São Brás offers a peaceful escape and is often visited by those exploring the northern part of São Miguel. It also provides picturesque views during the Rali Açores.
Conclusion
Lagoa de São Brás is a stop on your itinerary around São Miguel island. It might not have the wow factor that other famous lakes on the green island have, but at least you can enjoy a pure and untouched landscape locals like.
This is a good place to sit down, hear the sounds of nature, and relax. You could do some meditation or just sit with your thoughts. It is centrally located on the island’s north shore, so you can visit many things.
