Miradouro da Boca do Inferno

The perspective here is unmatched, framing the Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde within the steep, verdant walls of a collapsed caldera. On a clear day, the contrast between the deep crater forest and the shimmering lakes below provides a profound sense of the island's geological scale.

Skip this if you are hoping for solitude; the viewpoint is a major tour bus stop that can become crowded. If the island is covered in low-hanging clouds—a common occurrence in the Azores—the view will be entirely obscured by mist, rendering the trip pointless.

Walk the short, well-marked dirt trail from the parking area to the fenced viewing ridge. Take the time to walk slightly beyond the main platform to find clearer angles away from the dense clusters of tourists.

The viewpoint overlooks the Sete Cidades caldera, a massive volcanic complex formed over several eruptive phases. The site sits along the ridge of the crater rim, a structural remnant of the ancient collapses that created one of the island's most significant geological landmarks.

Access is via the road leading toward the Mata do Canário forest reserve. Follow signs for 'Boca do Inferno' off the main road; there is a designated dirt parking area near the trailhead.

The site is easily navigated on foot via a single main path, though it is unpaved and can become muddy or slippery after rain.

Many visitors arrive without checking the live webcams of the Sete Cidades area, leading to wasted drives in thick fog. Another mistake is failing to bring a light jacket, as the altitude on the crater rim makes it significantly cooler and windier than at sea level.

Travelers who despise crowds or those with limited mobility who may struggle with the uneven gravel path.

Wear sturdy shoes, as the path is gravel and can be uneven. Always check the 'SpotAzores' webcam app before departing to ensure the crater isn't socked in with cloud cover.