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 excellent spot.
What is Poço Azul
Welcome to the wonderland of the Azores. Poço Azul is a majestic start to your trip to São Miguel. This hidden gem will show you the singular beauty trapped in remote locations of the island. Walking to Poço Azul is like entering another world. This clear-blue lagoon and its famous cave are unique landmarks 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 lives mainly off agriculture (potato and corn for feeding the cattle) and milk production. From the 1950s to the 1980s, Achadinha suffered greatly 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 village of Achadinha that the troops came during the final attack against the last Miguel (a supporter of King Miguel I of Portugal’s legitimacy) 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, and if you are lucky, you might even 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 explore the different possibilities for visiting 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 center of Achadinha. You will find instructions on how 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 see Poço Azul and many landscapes that you will not encounter on the first hike. The departure point is the same as the one mentioned for the first hike.
- 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.
Chase the Waterfalls
If you venture a bit further, Poço Azul, you will find beautiful (and relatively small) waterfalls. The area is crossed by several water channels, like Ribeira do Cachaço and Ribeira das Coelhas, so 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.
→ Related articles: Farol do Arnel | Ponta do Sossego Viewpoint
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 the differences are 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 more likable. 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 in admiring 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.
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
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
How to Get to Poço Azul
There are several ways to get to Achadinha, where the trail toward Poço Azul starts. The first and most practical way is by car. You can also take a cab, but depending on where you depart from, the price can be high. Some buses pass by Achadinha with the line going to Nordeste, although it takes more time to travel there, and the public transport network can be a bit confusing. Once you are in the town of Achadinha, the only way to Poço Azul is by foot, as there is no concrete road access. Start with the Historical Standard of Alminhas (Padrão Histórico das Alminhas). Then, you only need to choose one of the 3 trails mentioned above.
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
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
- This tip is essential. Your best chance to see the blue lagoon is on a sunny day. When the weather is too cloudy, it will appear gray or brownish — not so good for pictures!
- Another logical statement is to enjoy being so far from the center of the island and 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
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 incredible views over the ocean and the sympathy of the locals of Nordeste.
→ Related article: 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 unbelievable 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 there is also access to the ocean, where you can swim if the weather is good.
Hike Moinho do Félix
If you are a hiking lover and want another excellent hiking experience near Poço Azul, Moinho do Félix is a great spot. On this two-hour roundtrip trail, you will be immersed in the forest and find many waterfalls. It is located in the neighboring 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.
→ Related article: Ribeira dos Caldeirões
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.
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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 an excellent 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.
FAQs
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.
To get to Poço Azul in São Miguel, you can drive from Ponta Delgada, the central city on the island, which takes about 1 hour. To get to the natural pool, you must walk a short distance from the parking area.
At Poço Azul in São Miguel, visitors can swim in the transparent waters, snorkel to explore the local marine life, and relax in the surrounding areas. The area is ideal for enjoying nature and tranquility.
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 favorable for water activities. It is advisable to check local conditions before visiting.
