Salto do Rosal is a beautiful waterfall with crystal-clear waters. It is located close to the shores of Furnas Lake and is part of the Mata-Jardim José do Canto.
This magnificent waterfall is located in the parish of Furnas, in the municipality of Povoação, in São Miguel.
So, to get to know this imposing waterfall’s unique beauty, we’ve prepared a guide with the most relevant information about this place and some tourist attractions you can’t miss in this part of the island.
What is Salto do Rosal?
Salto do Rosal is a waterfall with clear, icy water. It is located inside the Mata-Jardim José do Canto and is one of the most popular places for visitors to visit.
Despite the scarcity of water, tourists are surprised by the unique natural beauty of this space – this is certainly one of the best waterfalls on the island of São Miguel.
When you reach the waterfall, you’ll realise that this is the ideal place to take a short break, enjoying the view and the waterfall. You can also take a refreshing dip in the lagoon in front of Salto do Rosal.
Note: Enjoy the tranquillity of Salto do Rosal, savour a Bolo Lêvedo das Furnas and take some photographs to eternalise moments and memories.
What To Do In Salto do Rosal?
Exploring Salto do Rosal is always a good option for those looking for a unique experience to enjoy unforgettable moments with family or friends.
From activities that appeal more to your spirit of adventure, to permanent contact with nature that gives you more peaceful and relaxing experiences.
To complement your visit, we’ve decided to show you the activities you can’t miss during your time there.
Adventure on the Salto do Rosal Hiking Tour
To get to Salto do Rosal you’ll have to walk along a small path that leads from the Vale dos Fetos to the waterfall. The trail is approximately 3.5 kilometres long and is surrounded by an immensity of endemic flora species.
The route is moderately difficult and takes approximately 1 hour 05 minutes to complete.
Did you know
Here you can enjoy the lush vegetation and the sculptures carved into the volcanic rock by the icy water coming from the Salto do Rosal.
Also, on the way back to the starting point, it’s worth taking a short diversion to the Tornino Spring and enjoying the Ginkgo Biloba.
Best Time To Visit Salto do Rosal
Temperatures in São Miguel are generally mild all year round. However, in the autumn and winter months, periods of rain and lower temperatures become more frequent.
In this sense, the best time to visit Salto do Rosal is during the summer months, between May and September, when the days are warmer and more inviting for swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the waterfall and for nature walks. However, it is between December and May that you can contemplate the beauty of the camellias in bloom in the extensive gardens of Mata-Jardim José do Canto.
However, it’s important to note that cloudy skies are a common feature of all the islands of the Azores archipelago, regardless of the season, so you may sometimes find it difficult to appreciate the beauty of some viewpoints.
Plan Your Visit To Salto do Rosal Waterfall
As mentioned above, Salto do Rosal is located inside the José do Canto Forest Garden. In addition to the waterfall, you’ll also have access to an extensive garden area with a huge variety of botanical species, a neo-Gothic hermitage and two beautiful rural tourism buildings.
To enjoy this unique experience, we recommend that you plan your visit to Mata-Jardim José do Canto in good time, considering the following information:
- Timetable:
- Winter (October to March): open every day from 10h00 to 17h00;
- Summer (April to September): open every day from 10h00 to 18h00.
- Prices:
- Adults: 4 euros;
- Children (aged 8 to 12) / People older than 65 / Ponta Delgada residents: 2 euros;
- Children (up to 8 years old): free entry.
It’s also advisable to book flights and accommodation in advance to get more deals and better value for money, taking into account your tastes.
How To Get To Salto do Rosal?
If you’re travelling from the city of Ponta Delgada to Salto do Rosal, you’ll have a variety of alternatives in terms of means of transport and route.
You can choose to travel by car (own/rented vehicle or taxi), bus or bicycle. To reach your destination, you’ll have to travel around 35 kilometres along the EN1-1A.
The journey takes approximately 35 minutes by car, 1 hour and 23 minutes by bus and 2 hours and 50 minutes by bicycle. In any case, you can make this journey on foot, but you should expect to walk for around 8 hours.
What To Bring To Salto do Rosal?
Have you planned your visit to Salto do Rosal? Now it’s time to find out what essential items you can’t do without if you want your experience to be the best it can be.
In this regard, we recommend that you take comfortable clothes, and equally comfortable footwear suitable for the trail – hiking shoes, and a swimsuit if you want to dive into the waterfall.
You should also take a rucksack with you:
- An extra warm garment;
- Waterproof or windbreaker;
- Towel so you can dry off and sit on the floor;
- Camera to eternalise moments;
- Sun cream;
- Some snacks;
- Water.
What To Do Around the Salto do Rosal Waterfall?
Have you already walked the footpath and taken a dip in the famous icy waterfall? Don’t worry, your adventure doesn’t end here – take the opportunity to visit other tourist attractions in the region.
Salto do Rosal is a paradise that attracts thousands of visitors, but the parish of Povoação has much to offer and you can easily find your next ideal destination.
To help you in this selection process, we’ve highlighted other tourist attractions located within Mata-Jardim José do Canto that we think would be an excellent choice for our readers, regardless of their tastes.
Explore Mata-Jardim José do Canto
Mata-Jardim José do Canto is on the south side of Furnas Lake and was planted by the man who gave it its name in 1861, in an arid area affected by the Lagoa Seca volcano, silent since 1630.
Did you know
The project was designed by Barrillet-Deschamps, a “pop star” of French landscaping who had already signed such hits as the gardens of the Champs-Elysées in Paris (co-author).
This ten-hectare woodland garden includes centuries-old camellias, sequoias, and the Salto do Rosal trail — a 2-kilometre path that takes you to a crystal-clear waterfall. The site has been open to the public since August 2014.
The flora at Mata-Jardim is exceptional. Here you can see a vast collection of camellias, planted along the property’s extensive boulevards and in the new “camalieto”, coexisting with lots of remarkable trees and endemic plants, some indigenous and others from temperate and subtropical regions.
Visit the Ermida de Nossa Senhora das Vitórias
The Ermida de Nossa Senhora das Vitórias is a unique neo-Gothic chapel, the only one of its kind in the Azores. Built-in the 19th century, it graces the south shore of Furnas Lake and forms part of Mata-Jardim José do Canto.
Quick Info
José do Canto commissioned the chapel as an act of faith, hoping to aid his wife, Maria Guilhermina, in recovering from a serious illness. Later, both were laid to rest within its walls.
Inspired by the grand neo-Gothic churches of Europe’s capitals, this architectural masterpiece is a testament to devotion and artistry. Be sure to step inside to admire its remarkable design and craftsmanship.
A woodland garden surrounds the chapel, enhancing its charm. Stroll through the area to discover intricately carved tree trunk statues and information plaques about the local flora.
Explore the Vale dos Fetos
The parents of the current owner of Mata-Jardim José do Canto created Vale dos Fetos in the mid-20th century. This stunning garden is home to countless fern species and endemic plants, offering visitors a lush botanical paradise.
The original fern valley, initially located outside the property, suffered destruction. Ernesto Hintze Ribeiro and Maria Josefa Gabriela Borges de Sousa Jácome Corrêa replanted it within the estate. Their work restored its beauty and preserved its legacy.
Today, Vale dos Fetos features an extraordinary collection of plants, including:
- Ferns like angiopteris evecta, cibotium glaucum, woodwardia radicans, and dicksonia antarctica;
- Graceful palms, such as New Zealand palms, Canary palms, fan palms, and windmill palms;
- Many other remarkable species contribute to the valley’s vibrant diversity.
Vale dos Fetos is perfect for botany lovers or anyone seeking a peaceful retreat. Visitors can explore the rich diversity of plant life and enjoy nature’s beauty in this magical garden.
Visit Casa dos Barcos and Casa da Lagoa
Casa dos Barcos, originally a cottage inspired by Nordic (Anglo-Flemish) architecture, is now a charming rural tourism resort. Formerly known as the Navigation Pavilion, it combines elegance with a nod to maritime history.
Casa da Lagoa, also converted into a rural tourism space, began as the “Fishing Pavilion.” This Franco-Swiss chalet reflects the picturesque architectural style of its era, offering guests a unique blend of charm and history.
Both lodgings within the Mata-Jardim José do Canto on the southern shore of Lagoa das Furnas provide an unforgettable experience. Surrounded by exceptional botanical diversity, the garden is also home to the stunning Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias.
Whether exploring São Miguel or seeking a peaceful retreat, these rural accommodations offer a perfect escape. They combine stunning natural beauty with historical charm. Together, these features create a memorable experience for every visitor.
Enjoying the Tranquility of Furnas Lake
Furnas Lake is an ex-libris of the island of São Miguel, known for its tranquil setting and permanent contact with nature. This is why it attracts thousands of visitors annually who explore the region.
Located in an ancient volcanic crater, Furnas Lake occupies a considerable part of the Furnas Volcano caldera.
Did you know
Although Furnas Lake is surrounded by constant volcanic activity, Furnas Volcano has been “dormant” since its last eruption in 1630.
In this landscape, we can still see several intra-caldera volcanic cones, domes, thermal springs with medicinal properties, mud or clear water boilers with high temperatures, geysers, and volcanic fumaroles. There are also the well-known natural kitchens where the famous Furnas stew is made.
With the large influx of tourists, entry to the lagoon costs €3 per person.
Where To Eat Near Salto do Rosal
If you need somewhere to eat near Salto do Rosal, click here. In this link, you’ll find the 10 best restaurants on Tripadvisor.
Where To Stay Near Salto do Rosal
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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 – Salto do Rosal, Mata-Jardim José do Canto (São Miguel, Azores)
Conclusion
The Salto do Rosal waterfall is a beautiful cascade of crystalline waters that fascinates all who visit it. It is therefore considered a must-see for anyone visiting the stunning island of São Miguel.
Salto do Rosal is surrounded by beautiful natural surroundings. Here you can enjoy leisure moments with your family and friends, surrounded by nature.
Then set off to discover the town of Furnas and enjoy its vast cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, gastronomy and thermal springs full of health benefits.
What are you waiting for? Book your visit to Mata-Jardim José do Canto and Salto do Rosal now to discover this and many other iconic tourist attractions on the island!
References
- Mendonça, L. (2017). Questions and Answers on the History of the Azores. 2nd Edition, Letras Lavadas. Ponta Delgada.
- Forjaz, V., Ribeiro, L., Almeida, L., Pereira, N. and Rodrigues, J. (2019). Volcanoes of the Azores (4th Edition). Letras Lavadas. Ponta Delgada.
