Best lake trails in Portugal

This trail starts on a beaten earth track, in a zone of pastures. Walk until you reach a water tank. Then turn to the left and start ascending trough a forest of Eucalyptus, Australian Cheesewood (Pittosporum undulattum), Accacias (Acácia sp.) and Kahila Garland lilies (Hedychium gardneranum). A bit further you will also find a few species of “Espadana”, a plant from New Zealand, which was woven and spun in an ancient factory whose ruins you can still visit. Follow the signs until you reach the beginning of a “levada” (water channel), along which the trail runs. Be careful because the trail might be muddy. Along the “levada” you will find many species of endemic plants like: “Uva-da-Serra” (Vaccinium cylindraceum), Green Heather (Erica azorica), Laurustinus (Viburnum tinus), “Tamujo” (Myrsine retusa), etc. During the ascent there are several places from where you can enjoy a magnificent view towards the Southern coast of S. Miguel, the Vila Franca do Campo, its islet and Ribeira da Praia. After walking for about 2 kms along the “levada”, you will reach an open area, with big slopes on both sides and after walking a bit further you will reach the bank of Lagoa do Fogo. In this area it is necessary to be careful with the seagulls, as they might be very aggressive, especially during the nesting period (April to May). The return is made on the same track. Almost all of the trail is included in an area classified as a community site and nature reserve. It is our responsibility to ensure its biodiversity by conserving this natural habitat.Show more

This short and steep hike has beautiful views, plenty of parking and an easy to find trailhead. You will make your way down to the lake, Lagoa da Fogo. The trail is very steep and can be slippery and/or muddy on way down.Show more

A walk through the Seven Cities lagoons: Blue Lagoon, Green Lagoon and Santiago Lagoon. Most of the trail is on a dirt road, ending with a bit of paved road. Spectacular views of the lakes and the coast. The abandoned hotel is definitely worth a visit - be careful when investigating the building.Show more

This trail begins and ends in the town of Furnas and takes around 3 h. The route begins in Três Bicas and continues on through this area until it begins to climb on a tarmac road that leads to Lagoa das Furnas. Following the signs carefully you will reach Caldeiras da Lagoa which is about 2.5 km into the trail. You will often see tourists here watching local inhabitants use the high temperatures in the ground to cook traditional dishes. The trail continues along the lakeside, circling the lake on an easily accessible beaten earth path. After about 3 kms walking you will reach the Hermitage of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias, built in the nineteenth century in Gothic style. Then continue along the edge of the stoned paved regional road for about 1.5 km until you come to a turning to your right that leads down to the town of Furnas. Continue along this route and in 30 m you will reach the end of the trail.Show more

As of December 2020, users reported that the trail is initially difficult to find and is not well marked. So have your application and maps downloaded handy. Other than that, a very pleasant trail with beautiful views!Show more