Miradouro da Boca do Inferno in São Miguel - Sete Cidades Azores

Boca do Inferno — often also called Grota do Inferno — is the most breathtaking viewpoint on the northwestern tip of São Miguel and one of the most iconic places in the entire Azores. From the “Miradouro da Boca do Inferno,” you overlook the Sete Cidades crater lakes: Lagoa Azul, Lagoa Verde, and, right in front, Lagoa de Santiago and Lagoa Rasa. It’s a place every visitor should experience, and many consider it the most picturesque viewpoint on São Miguel.

Even photos cannot fully capture the beauty of this dramatic landscape. If you only have one day on the island, make sure you take a rental car or taxi to visit this viewpoint — your trip to São Miguel simply isn’t complete without it.

The first glimpse of Sete Cidades from a distance is already breathtaking, and the closer you get, the more impressive the scenery becomes. This is the Azores at their very best, which is why Boca do Inferno is often crowded during the day and parking can be challenging. However, with the right timing, you can enjoy this magical outlook with very few other visitors around.

If you haven’t been to Miradouro da Boca do Inferno (Grota do Inferno) in São Miguel, you haven’t truly experienced the Azores. In this guide I’ll share the precise location, where to park, and how to enjoy this viewpoint on a clear, sunny day — including a detailed trail description, a hiking map, and tips for checking the weather forecast.

Avoiding Crowds and Parking at Boca do Inferno (Grota do Inferno)

Boca do Inferno — also known as Grota do Inferno — is one of the most popular viewpoints on São Miguel, and crowd levels vary dramatically throughout the day. The best time to visit is early in the morning until around 10 a.m., or again in the evening. These are the only times when you have a realistic chance of finding a parking space near the entrance gate. Before you go, always check the local weather — the viewpoint sits at 800 meters, and clouds frequently cover the crater.

During midday, Boca do Inferno becomes extremely busy. Rental cars, taxis, guided tour vans, and even large buses stop here, creating heavy congestion around the small parking area. On many days, roadside parking far away is the only option. We experienced full traffic jams with desperate drivers circling for a gap. If you arrive at peak time, you simply need luck that someone leaves as you pull in.

Parking Google Maps

Despite the crowds, the viewpoint is magical in the right moment. Sunrise and sunset are often breathtaking, and the atmosphere becomes tranquil once the tours leave. We passed the parking and trailhead several times during our stay, and the difference between morning/evening and midday was enormous.

My Weather Forecast Tip for Boca do Inferno

Weather at Boca do Inferno changes quickly because the viewpoint sits at around 800 meters. Clouds and mist can roll in within minutes, so always check the local forecast before you drive up. Forecasts in the Azores are only reliable for today and tomorrow, but an hour‑by‑hour view helps you choose the best moment. Boca or Grota do Inferno weather forecast

During our visit, the prediction looked perfect, so we arrived early — and enjoyed clear views with almost no crowds. Just two hours later, the parking was chaotic and clouds were already forming. Timing and weather awareness make all the difference at this viewpoint. However, this unpredictability is exactly what makes the Azores so fascinating.

How to Get to Boca do Inferno (Grota do Inferno)

Finding the exact location of Boca do Inferno can be confusing because some online descriptions are outdated. The viewpoint is not directly marked — only Miradouro da Lagoa do Canário is shown. Use this lagoon as your reference point and follow the trail from the entrance gate.

Trailhead & Entrance Gate

The hike starts at a closed gate next to the small parking area. Years ago, cars could drive through, but the road is far too narrow for two‑lane traffic and buses. Today, it’s a walking trail only.

• Trailhead: Closed gate near Lagoa do Canário
• Walking time: 15–20 minutes
• Terrain: Dirt road through a beautiful cypress forest
•  Locus Pro Hiking Map

You simply follow the straight path until you reach a short staircase. Ignore the sign pointing left to the lagoon — continue straight.

Route Description

• Walk the dirt road through the cypress forest
• Reach a short staircase → climb up
• At the top, turn left
• After five more minutes, you arrive at the famous “Stairway to Heaven”
• The viewpoint opens up with drone‑like views over the Sete Cidades crater.

This is one of the most spectacular outlooks on São Miguel — a place you simply must see.

Circular Trail Option

Instead of walking back the same way, you can turn right after descending the staircase and create a 3 km circular trail.

• Duration: ~1 hour
• Conditions: Muddy and slippery in sections → wear proper shoes
• Highlights: Additional crater‑lake viewpoints and a stunning perspective of Boca do Inferno itself

Detour to Lagoa do Canário

If you return the same way, make a short detour to Lagoa do Canário — a small forest lake full of big fish and a peaceful contrast to the dramatic crater views.

Sete Cidades Caldera Facts

👉 Viewpoint Carrado das Freiras Google Maps

Caldera das Sete Cidades is:

• Over 5 km long
• Around 2 km wide
• Up to 630 meters deep
• Formed more than 36,000 years ago by volcanic explosions

The village Sete Cidades lies on the crater floor, accessible via the road and bridge dividing Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde. This scenic road is lined with hydrangeas in full bloom from May/June until August and is famously known as Estrada Hortênsia.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

We’ve visited Boca do Inferno multiple times — even taking our nephew there on a weekend trip. The scenery is mind‑blowing, especially at sunset, when most visitors have already left and the crater glows in warm colours.

If you haven’t been to Boca do Inferno to see the Sete Cidades crater lakes, you haven’t truly been to the Azores.

My Personal Hotel Tips for São Miguel

São Miguel offers plenty of hotels and rental homes, but choosing the right location matters. The island is about 64 km long, so staying on the north coast or in Ponta Delgada keeps driving times manageable. After exploring the island, we always enjoyed a swim — either in a hotel pool or one of the safe piscinas naturais.

Pedras do Mar Resort & Spa is one of my favourite places to stay because of its dramatic Atlantic views, quiet location, and excellent indoor and outdoor pools. The sea‑view rooms are absolutely worth it, and the large parking area makes it convenient for rental cars.

If you prefer staying in Ponta Delgada, ILHA Hostel & Suites is a charming and surprisingly quiet option right in the centre. We spent two nights here before leaving the Azores, and the owner truly went the extra mile to make our stay comfortable.

For a more classic hotel experience, the Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico is perfectly located across from a huge piscina natural. It’s ideal if you want easy access to the marina, restaurants, and the waterfront while still enjoying a refreshing swim right in front of the hotel.

Don’t Miss Out on These São Miguel Highlights

• Discover São Miguel’s lush interior in my guide to the Best Waterfalls on the island, including Salto do Cabrito and Salto do Prego.
• Learn how to plan your visit to the geothermal pools at Caldeira Velha Hot Springs, including time‑slot entry tips.
• Explore the dramatic crater lake and viewpoints in my detailed guide to Lagoa do Fogo.
• Browse all my Azores Islands Guides for more inspiration.
• And don’t miss our Ultimate Azores Video – 19 Must‑Visit Places on YouTube.

👉 Azores Map high resolution with my favourite places.

We are real travellers; we took all these pictures and footage ourselves. I provide honest content from our own experience — not generated by AI.

These are my recommended tours via GetYourGuide with an excellent cancellation policy. Thx for booking via my website! With your support, I am able to provide all the information first-hand. Tour prices are at no extra cost!​

Weather – Azores, Sao Miguel

We often speak about the Azores High or the North Atlantic Subtropical High in Europe. The Azores, located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, is the most westerly point of Europe. Much of the European weather develops here. We frequently experienced three seasons in one day. The weather is changeable, but it rarely rains for days. Due to the high rainfall, the Azores are lush green the whole year. These weather patterns create the Azores' unique landscape. Like in Madeira or the Canary Islands, the southern part of each island is drier than the north.

The temperatures are pleasant throughout the year; the winter is mild, and the summer is not too hot. The sea temperature ranges between 20°C/68°F in June and 24°C/75°F in August and September. Usually, you can take a bath until November.

Spring (March-mid-June)

From March until May, day temps range from 14°C-16 °C/ 57-61°F, and nights are colder at around 10°C/50°F. During the sunshine, you can easily wear a T-shirt. In late April, the hydrangea starts blooming. This colourful flower is almost everywhere along the roads in the mountains. May and June are excellent months for hiking, not too hot and crowded.

Summer (mid-June-September)

Mid-June to mid-September is the peak season in the Azores. The weather is lovely; average temps in the shade in summer are around 22°C/72°F only, but in the sun, it feels like 26°C/79°F and higher. It also depends on the wind. You can wear summer clothes during the day and long trousers in the evening. June to September are the driest months. The sea temperatures are fabulous, reaching 24°C/75°F.

Fall (October-November)

The crowds thin out, and it is less busy in Sao Miguel and at the Boca do Inferno lookout. Day temps reach almost 20°C/68°F in October and, on average, 16°C/61°F in November. Already increasing precipitation in October and November.

Winter (December-February)

The wintertime is the wettest time of the year. Nevertheless, you never know how the weather will be. Beautiful sunny days also occur at this time of the year. Mild day temps around 14°C/57°F are common, and nights are bearable, on average, at 10°C/50°F. Snow occurs in high elevations like Mount Pico only.