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 genuinely find natural gems on the green island! Lagoa de São Brás is no exception.
Although this lake isn’t famous among tourists, you should definitely explore it! Fewer people means more natural beauty for you. 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. Although it is not among the biggest or deepest lakes of the Azores, 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.
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
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
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, which means 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.
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
It is a good idea to grab some food before heading out to picnic on the lake’s shore, nestled 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 in lakes.
Where to Eat
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
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Nearby Attractions
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.
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 | Miradouro Vigia da Baleia | Jardim Municipal da Ribeira Grande
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.
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.
→ Explore the authentic flavors of Azorean cuisine in our articles: Bolos Lêvedos | Cozido das Furnas | Grilled Limpets | Massa Sovada | Pimenta da Terra | Gorreana Tea Plantation
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 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 incredible landscapes for photography enthusiasts.
Check all our articles about each one of the most relevant points of interest on São Miguel Island: 3-day itinerary for São Miguel | 5-day itinerary for São Miguel | Miradouros da Vigia da Baleia | Furnas | Lagoa | Lagoa do Fogo | Mosteiros | Maia | Nordeste | Ponta Delgada | Povoação | Ribeira Grande | Sete Cidades | Vila Franca do Campo
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 available 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 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.
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Conclusion
Lagoa de São Brás is a stop on your itinerary around São Miguel island. Although it may not have the wow factor of other famous lakes on the ‘Green Island’, you can still enjoy a pure and untouched landscape that locals appreciate.
This is a great spot to sit down, take in the sounds of nature, and unwind. You could do some meditation or just sit with your thoughts. It is centrally located on the island’s north shore, allowing you to visit many attractions.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
