Pico da Barrosa is a magnificent peak located in the eastern part of São Miguel Island, which is one of the nine islands that make up the Azores archipelago. The peak, which stands at 947 meters above sea level, is one of the highest points on the island. It offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Pico da Barrosa will provide your first stunning view over Lagoa do Fogo, one of the most beautiful places in the whole archipelago. An innumerable number of people pass by this mountain every day when visiting this beautiful central region of São Miguel.
In this article, we will explore the geological history of the Pico da Barrosa, its significance to the local community, and the various activities that visitors can do while exploring this incredible natural wonder.
What is Pico da Barrosa?
Geology & Volcanology
Pico da Barrosa is not only an elevation, but also a polygenetic volcano with its beautiful caldera. This geological accident rises to 947 meters, the viewpoint being a little lower (899m).
It is the highest point of Serra de Água de Pau, a magical forest where you can discover many other natural wonders like fumaroles, hot springs and waterfalls. Also, several rivers are flowing in the slopes of this peak. For instance Ribeira da Praia, a Ribeira das Três Voltas, a Ribeira das Barreiras, e a Grota das Pedras.
The peak is made up of basaltic rock, which is a type of volcanic rock that is formed from the rapid cooling of lava. The volcanic activity that created Pico da Barrosa played a significant role in shaping the island’s central landscape.
History & Geography
The volcanic peak was formed during the last phase of volcanic activity on the island. This occurred approximately 15,000 years ago, during the final stages of the island’s formation. However, the current configuration you can see formed around 5,000 years ago. This is the youngest caldera of the green island and the last eruption occurred in 1563.
Pico da Barrosa is located more or less in the central area of São Miguel island in the Azores. It is quite close to the main city of Ponta Delgada.
Fauna & Flora
Being located inside a Natural Reserve of approximately 900 hectares, Pico da Barrosa is home to a diversity of fauna and flora. For the fauna part, you will mostly encounter cattle animals like cows. There are also many birds like seagulls, the Azores wood pigeon or the common blackbird.
Flora-wise, some endemic plants can be found. For example, the Azorean heather, the Azores juniper, Frangula azorica, and the Azorean laurel. All around Pico da Barrosa, you will also find many agricultural fields. The fertile volcanic soil is used for growing diverse vegetables.
What To Do At Pico da Barrosa
Admire the View of the Island
From the top of the mountain, you will have a wonderful panoramic view over the island of São Miguel. With great weather, you will even be able to see Pico da Vara to the East, the highest point of the island and Sete Cidades volcanic complex, the western part of the island.
If you go to the area before the parking lot, you can admire both the south and north coasts of the green island, with the cities of Ponta Delgada and Ribeira Grande and many little volcanic cones in between.
Look At the Breathtaking Lagoa do Fogo
From this viewpoint, admire the famous volcanic lake of Lagoa do Fogo with its clear blue waters surrounded by the high green walls of the crater. This lake is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the Azores.
This natural gem has been a protected natural reserve since 1974. Enjoy the view, as it is much easier to look at it than go on the hike for a closer look. For those who don’t have good physical conditions, or with not have much time to explore, this viewpoint allows them to have a perfect view of the lake and is accessible to all.
Walk Up To the Antenna
On the highest point of Pico da Barrosa, there is a Radio tower and a camera to see live weather. From the parking lot, follow the dirt road on the left walking up on the hill. Once you walk a bit, you will begin to see the islet of Vila Franca do Campo on the south and then the city itself, bathed by the Atlantic Ocean.
Hiking to the summit of the peak offers incredible panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It is considered moderate to challenging depending on the route taken and your physical capacities. You can walk for as long as you wish as the trail continues around the peak. But you will need to come back on the same path.
Watch the Sun Set Over São Miguel
This is one of the best spots on São Miguel island to see breathtaking sunsets, and also sunrises by the way. The sun will be going down in the crater of Sete Cidades as the sky fills with many colours. What a wonderful vision surrounded by amazing landscapes.
This place is also incredible to see the stars at night as there is not so much artificial light around. If the clouds are away, you can even see the Milky Way. Also, when the weather conditions are good you can see many paragliders taking off from the sloped of Pico da Barrosa and landing at Santa Barbara beach.
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Best Time To Visit Pico da Barrosa
Best Time of the Day
The best times of the day to go to Pico da Barrosa are sunrise or sunset hours. It is a very special moment to observe São Miguel island in different colours. Also, golden hours are great for photography lovers.
If you want to avoid the crowds, as this is quite a popular spot, then go early in the morning or the late afternoon, especially during the summertime. You can also go during lunchtime and have a picnic with a view.
Plan Your Visit To Pico da Barrosa
How To Get To Pico da Barrosa
You can access Pico da Barrosa driving up the mountain from the towns of Lagoa or Ribeira Grande. It depends on which side of the island you are on. From the main city of Ponta Delgada, it takes about 25 minutes by car to reach the viewpoint. Once you arrive, there are several parking spaces by the antennas on both sides of the road.
The only way to get there is by driving, or going by taxi, and also with a guided tour. There is also a public project in progress to offer a shuttle service but it is not active yet.
What To Bring
Depending on what you are planning to do at Pico da Barrosa, you might want to bring hiking shoes for walking around, or your camera to take good pictures. A rainjacket is always a must-have in the Azores as the weather can change very fast.
If you are planning to go to the hot springs down in the same mountain, then don’t forget your swimsuit but make sure it is not white or a clear color as the iron-rich waters can stain it.
Where To Eat Near Pico da Barrosa
If you need somewhere to eat near Pico da Barrosa, click here. In this link, you’ll find the 10 best restaurants on Tripadvisor.
Where To Stay Near Pico da Barrosa
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Pro Tips
Before heading to Pico da Barrosa, when on the highway, look if you can see the top of the mountain. If not, it is not worth it to head all the way up as the view will be all white, you will be in the clouds and see nothing.
If you have time, we recommend walking up to the highest point of the mountain to have different views of the island.
What To Do Around Pico da Barrosa
Discover Lagoa do Fogo
Lagoa do Fogo, the second-largest lagoon on São Miguel Island, rests inside the crater of the Água de Pau Volcano. With its azure waters and surrounded by dense, lush vegetation, this serene spot is a true natural gem.
Since 1974, the lagoon has been classified as a nature reserve. It boasts various endemic plants such as cedar, laurel, heather, and horehound. At an elevation of 949 meters, Lagoa do Fogo is the highest lake on the island, with a maximum depth of 30 meters. It offers a peaceful escape into nature.
Explore the Caldeira Velha
Caldeira Velha lies in the crater of the Fogo Volcano and is part of the São Miguel Natural Park. It has held the status of Natural and Regional Monument since 2008.
This site, recognized as a biosphere reserve, plays a vital role in the fauna and flora of the Laurissilva forests. It is home to tree ferns and other unique species.
The area features three hot water pools from the Lagoa do Fogo Volcanic Complex. Visitors can also explore fumaroles, gasification areas, a thermal spring, and a scenic hiking trail.
Dive into Salto do Cabrito Waterfall
Salto do Cabrito Waterfall is a beautiful natural monument that will never leave its visitors indifferent. The site has a small natural lake where you can bathe peacefully.
The imposing waterfall stands approximately 40 meters high, with crystal-clear waters that become irresistible on the hottest days. On warm days, visitors often can’t resist taking a refreshing dip in its deliciously cool waters. Surrounded by vegetation, the place is perfect for its freshness and tranquility.
Quick Info
If you want another view of Salto do Cabrito, climb the metal stairs flogging the waterfall. At the top, you’ll find a viewpoint from which you can enjoy the fantastic scenery nearby.
Visit the Liquor Factory Mulher de Capote
Not so far from Pico da Barrosa, the liquor factory of Mulher de Capote in Ribeira Grande was created in 1993 but has over 80 years of experience. There, you will find some of the most delicious local alcoholic drinks on the green island.
Among its most famous drinks are passionfruit liquor, cream liquor, and many natural Azorean fruit liquors – some of them even won international awards. This is a good visit to have to see how these delicacies are made and it even includes a tasting at the end!
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 of Pico da Barrosa
Conclusion
Pico da Barrosa is without any doubt a place you should visit when travelling to São Miguel island. The viewpoint in itself is one of the most popular places for tourists, but if you walk a bit further you will find yourself most likely alone with the cows.
It provides amazing views of one of the most beautiful places in the whole archipelago – Lagoa do Fogo – but also over the island with both south and north coasts separated by only 8 kilometres at its most narrow point.
Pico da Barrosa is an amazing spot for sunset lovers but also the sunrise enthusiasts. However, you can go there all day long and all year long for different landscapes. We hope you found this article useful and may it guide you on your trip to Pico da Barrosa.
