Best Waterfalls in Sao Miguel – Salto do Cabrito, Salto do Prego and Moinho do Felix Cascatas
Best Waterfalls in Sao Miguel – Salto do Cabrito, Salto do Prego

Best Waterfalls in Sao Miguel – Salto do Cabrito, Salto do Prego

Portugal
Portugal

When Is the Best Time

When visiting the Azores, hiking through the lush forests to one of the many waterfalls in Sao Miguel is a must-do. I will give you all the details for three waterfall hikes, including the trailheads, locations, best times, crowds, and one hidden gem hike to three waterfalls and four pools for swimming.

Cascata da Gruta and no one around
A not well-known waterfall along Trilho TM6 - more below

Sao Miguel is the most famous island because it is the biggest and easiest to get to by direct flights. Swimming is permitted in the pools at these waterfalls, so bring a towel and a bather in your backpack. 

We prefer lightweight, absorbent and quick-dry cotton towels.

3 Waterfall Hikes in Sao Miguel

A swimmer in the pool of Salto do Prego waterfall
The crystal clear water of Salto do Prego.

1. Salto do Cabrito

Young visitors in the pool and in front of the waterfall.
The crowded Salto do Cabrito in the afternoon.

It is one of the most popular waterfalls because of social media. But, to enjoy the natural beauty of this exceptional area with its waterfall and pool, come early in the morning or late in the day; otherwise, give it a miss! This is my honest opinion. We arrived in the afternoon, and it was too crowded.

The parking lot on gravel
The parking close to Salto do Cabrito.

There is one short walk of less than 200 meters and a second longer and breathtaking hike to the waterfall.

A hiker on a narrow metal suspension bridge at the power station.
The more spectacular hike above the river that feeds the Salto do Cabrito.

This is a 3 km return hike: Hiking Map by Locus Map App. It takes roughly 2 ½ hours, including a break at the waterfall. This trail map also shows a circular tour in red; this is the PRC29 SMI, which is 7,5 km long.

A hiker next to the water pipe along the forest trail.
These red and yellow signs are the trail markers.

Luckily, we chose the three km return hike to Salto do Cabrito. The trail is easy to find, although not well marked. Parking close to the power station and dam (link above). From here, we followed the pipes down through the forest toward the waterfall.

A woman on the narrow hiking trail.
The hiking trail leads through lush vegetation.

We crossed the pipe on this small footbridge. Watch for these yellow and red marks and follow them. We walked along the trail until we reached the river and Salto do Cabrito Hydropower Plant. Here, we accessed a metal staircase and crossed the river on a metal footbridge.

The narrow Salto do Cabrito Gorge
The trail leads above the river and pipe secured by a railing.

Now came the most exciting part of this human-made small footbridge through the gorge above the river. We already heard the tumbling waterfall from the distance and followed the staircase down to the bottom of the waterfall.

A long staircase leading down to the bottom of the waterfall.
We descended two staircases to get to the waterfall.

We enjoyed this part a lot and met just one local couple walking their dog. We were disappointed when we reached the pool and waterfall because it was noisy and crowded. Check out my Azores video on YouTube, and you know what I mean.

2. Salto do Prego

A swimmer in the pool of Salto do Prego waterfall.

This waterfall is less popular with tourists and, therefore, worth hiking to. Nevertheless, it is a famous local spot for a swim in a huge refreshing pool, so avoid weekends in the summer. We visited Salto do Prego in September, and the estimated water temperature was 20°C or even colder.

A hiker on the muddy trail which is secured with a rope.
There are plenty of signs like this one to the left.
  • Parking and trailhead in Faial da Terra in the southeast of Sao Miguel. Google Maps Location 
  • Return trail length: 4 km to Salto do Prego
  • Return trail length: 7,5 km to Salto do Prego plus Salto do Cagarrão
  • Trail difficulty: medium – ascending to the waterfalls and descending on the way back.
  • Trail map by Locus Map App  
Several hiking signs for different directions and waterfalls.
The trail to the right leads to the waterfall and ascends further up in the other direction.

This trail is well-marked with signs, and it took us roughly one hour for two kilometres on the uneven path until we reached the bottom of the Salto do Prego waterfall. The trail is ascending and usually a little slippery and muddy.

A few more visitors on the hiking path to the waterfalls.

From here, the trail continues to the top of the waterfall and the stream to another waterfall: Salto do Cagarrão. We didn’t continue because of a landslide a few weeks ago.

3. Moinho do Felix Cascatas – Trilho TM6

A woman and a fun picture "trying" to hold a crooked tree.
You pass by this tree in the beginning.

This circular route is my top tip, and it was our highlight in Sao Miguel. This outstanding trail led along a stream to three waterfalls and four pools, which were fantastic for swimming. Best of all, we were mostly alone on this trail and in the pools. 

A hiker on a wooden footbridge along the trail.
The trail is muddy but well-maintained.
  • Parking and trailhead in Lomba de Sao Pedro - Google Maps
  • Our hiking app and map we used to find the correct trail: Locus Map App
  • We parked in this small village along the road near the hiking trail information board.
  • Circular trail length: 9 km - well marked
  • Difficulty: medium – shoes with good traction are essential for the uneven path.
  • Elevation difference: 280 m
  • Duration: 4-5 hours, including stops for swimming in several pools and a lunch break.
  • What to pack: Bring a towel and a bather in your backpack. We went swimming in three of the four pools. The water was absolutely refreshing during our sunny hike. 

First pool to the right: Poço da Truta 

The first pool and no one is around.
Poço da Truta - I went swimming in this deeper ppol.

Poço means puddle or here pool. This was a fantastic, deeper pool with a small cascade.

First waterfall and pool down to the left: Cascata da Gruta 

Picture taken from behind the waterfall to the pool and forest.
You are able to walk behind this waterfall.

This was one of the most breathtaking waterfalls – I could walk behind it and was utterly refreshed by the spray.

Second waterfall and pool: Cascata do Teófilo

Cascata do Teofilo and the shallow pool.
Markus went swimming at the foot of this waterfall.

This was another beautiful waterfall and a shallow pool, not too cold.

Next stop: Felix watermill ruins

The Felix watermill ruins along the trail.
A sign to the right indicates the direction for this trail.

The name for this trail came from this ancient watermill.

Third waterfall and pool: Cascata do Homem

The last waterfall of this hike close to the sea.
The pool of Cascata do Homem is smaller but also refreshing and nice.

The last waterfall with a smaller pool is located close to the sea. A narrow and paved road leads to the last waterfall. You can drive to this spot if you cannot walk this trail.

The sea and the waterfall can be seen from a miradouro.
View from Miradouro da Roca - Cascata do Homem to the right.

From there we went back on the road to the village and our car.

The road and paved way back to the trailhead.
The narrow paved road is accessible by cars and another hiking sign to the left.

Don't miss out on:

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

My Personal Hotel Tip

The Hotel Pedras do Mar with large pool at sunset

Pedras do Mar Resort & Spa has a fantastic location with spectacular mountains and Atlantic views. I highly recommend a room with a sea view. There is an indoor and outdoor pool, which is fantastic and great for swimming. In front of the hotel is a huge parking for rental cars. A bike rental is offered. A rich breakfast is included to start the day.

19 Best Places in the Azores
19 Things to Do Map for the Azores
My 19 Must-See for the Azores - Map high resolution

Don't miss out on my 9 Azores Guides; hikes, waterfalls, things to see and do, the best time, and my personal tips.

Best Months to Visit

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Location and Tips

Azores, Sao Miguel
Portugal
Portugal

On the Azores Islands, it is a Must-Do to explore the beautiful and lush vegetation and the breathtaking waterfalls. We already spent several vacations on these unique islands, and I compiled a hiking guide with the most popular and terrific waterfalls from Sao Miguel for you. Salto do Cabrito may be the most famous but not the best. I will give you honest advice and a detailed description of how to find these waterfalls, the best time, and a hiking map link. Most of my family lives in Portugal, making it easier for me to get tips for hidden gems.

I took all these pictures and went to the Azores several times. If you wish to use any of my photos, contact me, but I will take action against picture theft.

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Created by
Micha Herber-Bleich
Micha Herber-Bleich
I am always open, curious about new…