Miradouro da Grota do Inferno

Today was a long working day BUT the sky was clear as water. So I jumped into the car, because I've been waiting for exactly such a day for a long time.

I drove up to the craters and over the bridge between the twin lakes to Miradouro da Grota do Inferno. This is one of the most breathtaking viewpoints on São Miguel.

Perched high above the Sete Cidades volcanic complex, this scenic overlook offers a perfect panorama over four crater lakes.

You can see the twin lakes of Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde, whose contrasting blue and green waters sit inside the vast crater of the ancient Sete Cidades Caldera as well as Lagoa de Santigo and the smallest Lagoa Rasa.

It's hard to catch a clear day like this during winter but if you do, the scene feels almost unreal: steep crater walls, rolling green hills, and the shimmering lakes below.

Despite its dramatic name (Grotto of Hell Viewpoint), the atmosphere here is peaceful. The viewpoint is accessible via a short hike from nearby parking areas along the Serra Devassa trail network.

You already know weather in the Azores changes quickly, so on misty days the lakes disappear beneath a sea of clouds, which visitors might still find magical. If it was raining - like often here - proper footwear makes sense because the last part of the trail might be slippery.

By far the most amazing viewpoint here.Read more