The Best and Most Beautiful Waterfalls on São Miguel Island

Info, advice, coordinates and a map of our favorite Waterfalls on the Azores largest island, São Miguel.

The aptly nicknamed Green Island (Ilha Verde) is home to a fantastic array of waterfalls, I picked out some of the most impressive for you to visit during your time here.

Salto do Prego, Faial da Terra

Why it’s one of the best:

• It’s a hike with two waterfalls and a stream!
• There are a few hiking routes you can take through the lush Azorean nature and treating you to views over the ocean and the tiny town of Faial da Terra.
• If you’re like me and try not to return using the same route you came from, you’ll be happy to know that the trail is a loop starting and ending in the same spot.

The trails are of varying toughness, rated as ‘medium difficulty’ and can take a few hours. Wear some good stomping shoes.

Sound like the one you’re looking for? Google maps will take you there.

If you’re looking for something more idyllic? Check this out.

Poço Azul, Salga

Why it’s one of the best:

• It’s totally beautiful.
• The waterfall pools into an breathtaking aqua blue.
• You wont be far from Salto de Farinha (next on our list)

There is a nice half-kilometer walk to these playful falls. Don’t expect thunderous water cascades but more of a meditation meets The Hobbit vibe.

Sound like the one you’re looking for? Google maps will take you there.

Go a little further up the road and find something bigger.

Salto da Farinha, Achadinha

Why it’s one of the best:

• It’s a waterfall and a viewpoint.
• The waterfall is a whopping forty meters!
• From the viewpoint to the waterfall just takes five minutes, and after that it’s just anther five minute walk to the beach.

The walk between the viewpoint and the waterfall is an easy one and should be safe enough even after heavy rainfall, which is a great time to go because that waterfall will be thundering down.

Sound like the one you’re looking for? Google maps will take you there.

Did you want to start at the viewpoint? Here it is.

Looking for something more unique? Try the hot waterfall of Ribeira Quente.

Cascata da Ribeira Quente

Why it’s one of the best:

• It’s a little warm. The hype is a bit misleading but the flow does come from a Thermal Spring area!
• It’s got a good twenty five meter drop.
• It’s somewhat hidden giving you a much higher chance to experience it alone.

So the hike can be a little difficult and dodgy at times. Be prepared, bring good walking shoes and protection from the Azores cloudbursts, look out for traffic on corners and enjoy!

Sound like the one you’re looking for? Google maps will take you there.

Want more thermal waters? Salto do Cabrito is right by the Termas das Caldeiras hot springs.

Salto do Cabrito, Ribeira Grande

Why it’s one of the best:

• It’s a hike and a Waterfall!
• It’s about 4km interesting hike from the starting point and the waterfall is worth it.
• It’s close to the Termas das Caldeiras the cheapest of the Thermal baths on the island.

The walk is part natural and part manmade, using walkways that lead over and along pipelines from the hydroelectric power plant that’s close to the waterfall, prepare yourself for high walkways and plenty of steps. Some love this trek, others not so much, but for me personally it’s very beautiful.

Sound like the one you’re looking for? Google maps will take you there.

That’s our top five Waterfalls for backpackers on São Miguel island! Stay safe out there, do exactly what TLC told us not to and check us out more as the website develops.