Poço Azul is one of the most researched points of interest on the green island of São Miguel, Azores. Why? Well, for a simple reason. As you can guess, its name means ‘the blue well’, and once you get there, you will be transported to a magical scenery straight out of a fairy tale surrounded by unique natural beauty. Let’s learn more about this wonderful spot.
What is Poço Azul?
Welcome to the wonderland of the Azores. Poço Azul is an excellent start to your trip to São Miguel. This hidden gem will show you the singular beauty that is trapped in remote locations of the island.
Walking to Poço Azul is like entering another world. This clear-blue-water lagoon and its famous cave is a special landmark in São Miguel. There is even a waterfall. What a great way to begin the day in the Azores.
History & Geography
Poço Azul is located in Achadinha, county of Nordeste on the Northeastern part of São Miguel island.
The town of Achadinha lives mainly off agriculture (potato and corn for feeding the cattle) and milk production. From the 1950s to the 80s, Achadinha suffered a lot from emigration, mainly to the US and Canada.
To go to Poço Azul, you will pass by the Historical Standard of Alminhas, built-in 1957. This monument symbolizes the liberal forces from Terceira disembarking in São Miguel in August 1831, during the Portuguese Civil War.
Did you know
It was in this very village of Achadinha that the troops came during the final attack against the last Miguel (supporter of the legitimacy of King Miguel I of Portugal) in the Azores.
Culture & Festivities
In August, in Achadinha, there is the religious festival of Nossa Senhora do Rosário. From processions to masses, sharing soups and drinks while listening to live music, it is a great time to visit this little town where Poço Azul is located.
Walk to the magical Poço Azul in the morning and enjoy the local festivities after. You will discover local artists, stroll by the decorated streets, and even shop at a bazaar.
Fauna & Flora
While visiting Poço Azul, you will be able to spot several species of birds but also if you are lucky you might cross the path of a rabbit or two.
Poço Azul is located near the Tronqueira forest, home to one of Europe’s rarest birds: the Azores Bullfinch (Priolo). So open your eyes and look up for some beautiful wildlife.
What to do at Poço Azul
Poço Azul is a beautiful place to spend half a day exploring nature, exercising outdoors, and enjoying the quiet. We will see the different possibilities to visit the famous blue lagoon of the Azores.
Hike the trail to Poço Azul
You can venture to Poço Azul only or take this opportunity to do longer hikes. Indeed, the beautiful lagoon can be encountered through 3 different hikes:
- Poço Azul Trail: About 30 minutes, 1.3 km. Begin with the historical standard of Alminhas in the centre of Achadinha. You will find indications to follow to go to Poço Azul. On the way, you will also have a view of the ocean. This is the easiest and shortest option.
- Terras do Nosso Senhor Trail: About 2h, 4 km. On this trail, you will not only see Poço Azul, but also many landscapes that you cannot encounter on the first trail. The departure point is the same as the one mentioned for the first trail.
- Padrão das Alminhas Trail: About 2.5h, 5 km. This is the most complete hike in terms of the variety of landscapes. It links Achadinha and Salga towns, passing by beautiful landmarks such as the coast, a water stream, waterfalls, or the beach. The trail begins at the historical standard of Alminhas, then passes by the Cultural House of João Melo before heading towards Poço Azul. Dare to cross the wooden bridge, and you will be rewarded with Salto da Farinha, a 40-meter waterfall. To finish the hike, at the beach, you will find a small swimming pool where you can swim in if the ocean is too rough.
👉 Post related Best Beaches in the Azores Islands. Read more
Chase the waterfalls
If you venture a bit further, Poço Azul, you will find beautiful (and rather small) waterfalls. As the area is crossed by several water channels like Ribeira do Cachaço and Ribeira das Coelhas, it is possible to follow the water a bit and stumble upon many cute tiny waterfalls. They are not as popular as the Blue Lagoon, which makes them the perfect spot for pictures without too many people on them.
Take a dip
For the bravest souls, you can always take a dip in Poço Azul or the waterfalls around. However, note that the water is freezing and that none of these areas are controlled or supervised by lifeguards.
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Best time to visit Poço Azul
The trails to Poço Azul are open all year round, so you can technically decide to go at any time of the year. Let’s see what are the differences between seasons and also the best time of the day to go to the ‘blue well’.
Best season
Going with good weather is always much nicer. The sunniest days in the Azores happen during the summer, however, it is also the high season for tourism, so you might not be alone to admire the natural beauty of Poço Azul.
Moreover, as the pond is located in the valley created by the river, you can notice a significant difference in the amount of water during the winter and summer. In fact, in the summer, there is less water, and the small lagoon is dryer than in the wintertime.
🌦️ 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
Best time of the day
Poço Azul is quite popular among tourists. So, to enjoy the peaceful scenery, it is better to go early in the morning, during lunchtime, or at the end of the day. If you want to get a warmer temperature to gain some courage and swim in the fresh waters, then midday is a good time to go if the weather is good.
Plan your visit to Poço Azul
Now, let’s see how to get to the beautiful Poço Azul and everything else you need to know before your visit.
How to get to Poço Azul
There are several ways to get to Achadinha, where the trail toward Poço Azul starts.
The first, and the most practical way, is by car. You can also grab a cab but depending on where you are departing from, the price can be high.
Then, some buses pass by Achadinha with the line going to Nordeste, although they take more time to travel there and the public transport network can be a bit confusing.
Once you are in the town of Achadinha, there is no other way to go to Poço Azul than walking as there is no concrete road access. Start by the Historical Standard of Alminhas (Padrão Histórico das Alminhas). Then you only need to choose one of the 3 trails mentioned above.
If you are traveling with kids or elder people
The trail is mostly in good condition during the drier days. If it has been raining on the preceding days, then it is likely covered in mud. Just remember to be careful while on the trail and always bring appropriate material with you.
What to bring
A waterproof rain jacket is a must-have for a holiday in the Azores, as we can get the four seasons in a day. You should bring it with you everywhere you go to stay dry.
Furthermore, hiking shoes are essential to have a good grip and not fall if the ground is wet.
Finally, if you want to swim in the lagoon, please remember your swimming suit and towel!
Where to eat near Poço Azul
If you need a place to eat near Poço Azul, click here. In this link, you will find the Top 10 restaurants on Tripadvisor.
Where to Stay near Poço Azul
To make it easier for you, we already filtered the search on:
- Airbnb
- and Booking.com
Useful Tools & Apps
The weather in the Azores is quite unpredictable. For this reason, there is a very useful tool you can use before going to visit any place on the 9 islands: Spotazores. Thanks to cameras installed in many spots, you can see the real-time weather and decide where to go.
To check the weather forecast for the next few days, use Windy or Windguru, they are the most accurate sites.
Pro Tips
This tip is essential. Your best chance to see the blue lagoon is to go on a sunny day. When the weather is too cloudy, it will appear grey or brownish. Not so good for the pictures!
Another logical statement is to enjoy being so far from the center of the island to visit the surrounding area: Nordeste. This is one of the prettiest regions of São Miguel island, with many wonderful places to explore.
What to do around Poço Azul
There are many things to do in the northeastern part of São Miguel. From picturesque little towns to the tallest waterfalls, and magical hikes to adventurous canyoning, your day will be filled with emotions.
Visit the town of Nordeste
Nordeste is a small town by the ocean. On the way there, you can find iconic viewpoints like Ponta do Sossego, quiet black sand beaches like Praia do Lombo Gordo, and also the photogenic lighthouse of Arnel, the first one ever built in the archipelago. Enjoy the great views over the ocean and the sympathy of the locals of Nordeste.
Go to Salto da Farinha
Located in the middle of a lush forest, the 40-meter waterfall Salto da Farinha can be seen via a viewpoint in Salga or a trail. For an incredible sight worthy of a Jurassic Park movie, you should go there after rainy days to see the waterfall with more water.
Right next to the waterfall is a picnic area, and also access to the ocean where you can swim if the weather conditions are good.
Hike Moinho do Félix
If you are a hiking lover, and you want another great hiking experience near Poço Azul, then Moinho do Félix is a great spot. On this 2-hour roundtrip trail, you will be immersed in the forest and find many waterfalls. It is located in the neighbouring village of Lomba de São Pedro.
Stop at Ribeira dos Caldeirões
Ribeira dos Caldeirões Park is very popular among tourists who love chasing waterfalls and local families who want to spend a good afternoon surrounded by nature. Take a stroll along the river, visit the open-air museum, photograph the countless waterfalls or taste the local ice cream at the shop. For those who want more sensations, then take a canyoning tour to jump, slide, zip line, and rappel down the waterfalls.
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 Poço Azul
FAQs
What is Poço Azul in São Miguel?
Answer: Poço Azul in São Miguel, Azores, is a natural swimming pool formed by crystal-clear, intensely blue waters. Located near the parish of Ribeira Quente, it is renowned for its natural beauty and the opportunity to swim in clear waters.
How to get to Poço Azul in São Miguel?
To reach Poço Azul in São Miguel, you can drive from Ponta Delgada, the main city on the island, which takes about 1 hour. A short walk from the parking area is required to reach the natural pool.
What activities can I do at Poço Azul in São Miguel?
At Poço Azul in São Miguel, visitors can swim in the transparent waters, snorkel to explore the local marine life, and simply relax in the surrounding areas. The area is ideal for enjoying nature and tranquillity.
What is the best time to visit Poço Azul in São Miguel?
The best time to visit Poço Azul in São Miguel is during the summer months, from June to September, when temperatures are milder and weather conditions are favourable for water activities. It is advisable to check local conditions before visiting.
Conclusion
As you might have understood already, a visit to Poço Azul is a must during your stay in the Azores. Not only because it is a wonderful spot, but also because its location is perfect for visiting other wonders nearby in the Northeastern part of São Miguel island.
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.
References
- By Açores – Poço Azul – Achadinha, Ilha de São Miguel
- Discover Azores – Uma pequena viagem da Achadinha ao Poço Azul
- All Trails – Trilho do Poço Azul
- Portugal de Norte a Sul – O trilho do Poço Azul um dos locais mais bonitos de Portugal
- Município do Nordeste – Festa de Nossa Senhora do Rosário – Achadinha
- Sapo Viagens – Salto da Farinha uma queda de água espetacular na ilha de São Miguel
