Volcanic lakes hidden in emerald craters. Blue hydrangeas lining narrow roads. Clouds drifting over dramatic cliffs. The Azores are one of the most beautiful and underrated destinations in Europe for landscape photography.
This remote Portuguese archipelago lies in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Each of its nine islands has a unique atmosphere, with shifting light, lush vegetation and raw volcanic textures.
In summer 2024, I spent 10 days exploring three of them: São Miguel, Pico and Terceira. With my camera in hand, I chased misty mornings, colorful sunsets and silent moments by the ocean.
In this article, I share my full itinerary with Google Maps links, tips, and my favorite photo locations. If you’re planning a trip to the Azores and want to slow down, observe and create, this guide is for you.
Terceira Island – 4-Day Itinerary & Best Photo Spots (Azores)
Day 1: Exploring the south coast of Terceira
We landed on Terceira around midday and picked up our rental car straight away. With just a few hours left before sunset, we focused on the island’s south coast, where two easy-to-access spots offered great potential for long exposure photography under a cloudy sky.
Miradouro da Cruz do Canário
Just a few minutes from Angra do Heroísmo, this viewpoint overlooks Ilhéus das Cabras, two rocky islets off the coast. The walk from the car park is short and easy, making it perfect for a quick photo session in changing weather. Despite its proximity to town, the place feels quiet and remote. The light was soft that day, and the moody atmosphere made the scene even more dramatic.
➜ Miradouro da Cruz do Canario photo spot
Zona Balnear da Fajã do Fischer (Serretinha)
A little further along the coast, we stopped at the natural swimming pool of Serretinha. With no one else around, it was the ideal moment to slow down and take in the scene. This spot faces Ilhéus das Cabras too, but the angle is completely different.
The contrast between the still water of the pool and the wild Atlantic just behind the wall created a unique setting for long exposures. I can imagine it being beautiful at sunrise or sunset, especially with stormy skies.
➜ Zona Balnear da Fajã do Ficher (Serretinha)
Day 2: Discovering central Terceira
Our second day was dedicated to exploring the heart of Terceira, starting in the early morning with the peaceful Lagoa das Patas. We then followed the trail through Mistérios Negros, visited the impressive Algar do Carvão lava tube, and ended with a sunset session at the panoramic Serra do Cume viewpoint.
Lagoa das Patas Lake
At dawn, we arrived at Lagoa das Patas, a tranquil lagoon fed by mountain waters and surrounded by moss-covered trees. The silence of the place, broken only by ducks and chickens wandering around, created a gentle rhythm for our morning session. It felt like stepping into a storybook.
Hydrangeas and azaleas frame the lake in summer, adding a burst of colour. The reflections on the calm water, the soft forest light, and the drone view from above made this a perfect start to the day. I highly recommend arriving early, especially on weekends, as locals often gather here for BBQs later in the day.
➜ Car park Lagoa das Patas Lake
Mistérios Negros
Only a short drive away, the Mistérios Negros trail leads into one of Terceira’s most photogenic forests. It’s a 5 km loop filled with mossy trees, volcanic rocks, and striking contrasts of red bark and green ferns. This was one of my favourite hikes on the island, not just for the scenery but for the quiet, immersive atmosphere.
Even under a light rain, the place had a magical energy. We took our time, spending almost four hours exploring, composing, and enjoying the changing light. If you love photographing forest textures, this trail is a must.
➜ Car park hike Misterios Negros
➜ Informations about the hike
Algar do Carvão
A short drive from the forest brought us to Algar do Carvão, a dramatic lava tube hidden inside an extinct volcano. This was one of the photos that inspired our whole trip to Terceira.
Photographing the interior can be challenging due to low light and restricted tripod use, but the view from below, looking up at the ferns and stone walls, is unforgettable. It’s a unique location, and even though it gets busy, it’s worth the effort for one striking frame.
➜ Car park Algar do Carvão
➜ Informations about Algar do Carvão
Furnas do Enxofre
After the lava tube, we stopped at Furnas do Enxofre, a small geothermal area with steaming fumaroles and a short loop trail. The walk is easy and informative, with signs along the way explaining the volcanic activity.
There may be longer hikes nearby, but we were happy to keep things relaxed and save our energy for the evening session.
➜ Car park Furnas do Enxofre
➜ Informations about Furnas do Enxofre
Sunset at Miradouro da Serra do Cume
For sunset, we headed to Serra do Cume, hoping to capture the famous patchwork fields bathed in golden light. This viewpoint is one of the most iconic on the island, but it’s often shrouded in fog.
We actually came back here three times during our stay. The first time, the fog was too thick to see anything. The second, it rolled in too quickly. On this third attempt, the sky finally opened up enough to enjoy the view. My advice: check local webcams before making the drive. But if conditions are good, the reward is spectacular.
➜ Car park Miradouro da Serra do Cume
Day 3: Sunrise and Volcano Views
Our third day began with a peaceful morning light over the iconic volcano Pico do Joana. From there, we explored the central and northern coasts of Terceira, ending with a sunset session by the lava rocks at Zona Balnear do Negrito.
Pico do Joana Volcano
Although I don’t mind waking up at 5:30 a.m. for work, I find it much harder on vacation. Still, that morning, I made an effort to catch the golden light over Pico do Joana, one of the island’s most scenic volcanoes.
This place is best appreciated from above. The patchwork fields and grazing cows, the curve of the volcano, and even Ilhéus das Cabras in the background, all become visible from the sky. If you have a drone, I highly recommend using it here. I didn’t try this location at sunset, but I imagine the light would be beautiful then too.
View of the Patchwork Fields from Serra Ribeirinha
After photographing Pico do Joana, we stopped at Serra Ribeirinha to capture a different perspective of Terceira’s patchwork fields. From here, you can also spot the Miradouro da Serra do Cume.
Although I had already taken photos the night before, I wanted to explore new angles. The light wasn’t ideal anymore, but if you come here earlier or later in the day, you could get some lovely golden hues. You’ll also find roadside stops to frame Ilhéus das Cabras from a higher point of view.
➜ Photo spot for the patchwork fields of Terceira
Lava cliffs at Miradouro de Alagoa
Around noon, we reached the northern part of the island, where we stopped at Miradouro de Alagoa to enjoy lunch with a view. The road was a bit rough, but the cliffs made up for it.
At first, I didn’t plan on photographing because the light was too harsh. But the waves crashing into the lava cliffs were so powerful that I couldn’t resist. I asked my friend to walk down and stand between two rocks to give a sense of scale. Sometimes, the unexpected shots are the ones you end up loving the most.
➜ Car park Miradouro de Alagoa
Sunset at Zona Balnear do Negrito
For the evening, I chose Zona Balnear do Negrito, a coastal spot known for its black lava rocks. I had hoped for a fiery sunset, but the sky stayed quite calm.
Instead, I experimented with long exposures. The contrast between the dark volcanic rocks and the soft blur of the water created an abstract and dramatic mood. It turned out to be a quiet and creative way to end the day.
➜ Car park Zona Balnear do Negrito
Day 4: Forest and Mountain Views
On our fourth day on Terceira, we explored a forest filled with red-trunked trees and ended the afternoon at the island’s highest point, hoping to catch a clear view of Mount Pico in the distance.
Reserva Florestal de Recreio do Viveiro da Falca
We began the day at Reserva Florestal de Recreio do Viveiro da Falca, a quiet picnic area surrounded by forest. The place reminded me a bit of Lagoa das Patas, with its mossy ground and tall trees, but it had a different atmosphere, more open and peaceful.
I was on a mission to find purple hydrangeas, and this forest didn’t disappoint. While searching, we stumbled across a beautiful alley of pine trees with reddish trunks. It was completely silent. The path was just a few minutes from the car park, and I spent quite a while wandering there with my camera. I didn’t want to leave.
➜ Car park Reserva Florestal de Recreio do Viveiro da Falca
➜ Photo spot
Miradouro da Serra de Santa Bárbara
In the afternoon, we drove up the winding road to Miradouro da Serra de Santa Bárbara, the highest point on Terceira. I had originally hoped to shoot sunset here, but each evening the summit was covered in clouds. So we decided to go earlier, while the weather was still clear.
From the top, the views stretch all the way to the coast, and on a good day, you can even spot Mount Pico in the distance. It felt special to stand there and look toward the next island we would visit. The light was bright, but the atmosphere was calm, and it was one of those moments where you just stop and take it all in.
➜ Car park Miradouro da Serra de Santa Bárbara
Day 5: Last moments on Terceira
Sunrise at Miradouro da Serra do Cume
Before catching our early morning flight to Pico Island, we made one last stop. I couldn’t leave Terceira without trying one more time to photograph the iconic view from Miradouro da Serra do Cume. The previous evenings had been too foggy, so we took our chance with the sunrise light.
We had less than fifteen minutes at the viewpoint, just enough to set up the tripod and capture a few shots of the golden light on the patchwork fields. The early hour brought a soft calmness to the landscape. It felt like a quiet farewell to Terceira, before heading to the next island.
➜ Car park Miradouro da Serra do Cume
Pico Island – 2-Day Itinerary & Top Photography Locations
Day 5: Arrival and Exploration
Lava cliffs of Cachorro
After a short flight from Terceira, we arrived on Pico Island, home to Portugal’s highest mountain. As we landed, the view of Mount Pico piercing the clouds was breathtaking. The landscape felt different here—raw and rugged, with black lava walls framing the famous vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was the beginning of a new chapter in our photographic journey.
Our first stop was Cachorro, a dramatic site where ancient lava flows meet the Atlantic. The deep black cliffs carved by the sea create a powerful contrast with the ocean’s blue tones. Even though the sun was high and the light harsh, I was drawn to the bold textures of the volcanic rocks. If I were to return, I’d definitely go for sunrise or sunset, when the light softens the scene and enhances the details.
We didn’t stay long, as our base was in Lajes do Pico, but this place left a strong impression : wild and sculptural, just like the island itself.
➜ Car park Lava cliffs of Cachorro
A foggy afternoon at Lagoa do Capitão
After settling into our hostel, we headed inland to Lagoa do Capitão, hoping for cooler air and maybe a glimpse of Mount Pico. We didn’t check the weather, so when we arrived and found the lake shrouded in fog, it felt like a gift.
The trees stood like ghosts along the shore, their twisted trunks emerging from the mist. It was silent, still, and utterly atmospheric. We stayed for hours, walking around, taking photos, and soaking in the mood. I didn’t expect this place to be such a highlight, but it turned into one of the most memorable sessions of the trip.
Sunset at Lajes do Pico
Later that evening, we returned to Lajes do Pico and had dinner near the iconic red windmill by the port. We kept an eye on the sky, hoping for a chance to photograph the sunset.
Mount Pico was hidden most of the day, but at the last moment, some light broke through the clouds. The scene turned magical. I photographed the volcano from the pier, using the windmill as a strong foreground element. You can also climb into the windmill and shoot from inside. It’s a quiet, beautiful place to end the day.
➜ Red windmill of Lajes do Pico
Day 6: Sunrise and Terra Alta Exploration
On our second day on Pico Island, we planned a road trip through the central highlands of Terra Alta. This region is known for its volcanic lakes and ever-changing weather. The narrow road that crosses the island winds through mossy forests, open fields, and hidden craters. It felt like we were entering another world.
Sunrise at Lagoa do Capitão
We returned to Lagoa do Capitão just before dawn. This time, we were lucky, the sky was clear enough to reveal Mount Pico in the distance. As the first light touched the volcano, the twisted trees around the lake created elegant silhouettes. The mix of warm tones on the mountain and the cool blue lake made for a beautiful contrast.
We also used the drone to explore new perspectives. If you want to capture Mount Pico reflected in the water, a calm, windless morning is essential. And don’t forget to check the forecast, fog and clouds can hide everything in minutes.
➜ Car park Lagoa do Capitão
Lagoa do Paúl
Our first stop in Terra Alta was Lagoa do Paúl, tucked away at the end of a narrow road. When we arrived, the fog was already rolling in, adding a mysterious mood. A few cows grazed nearby, barely visible through the mist.
This is the only lake with a small pontoon, perfect for low-angle compositions. A tree with a twisted trunk leans over the water, adding a strong visual element. It’s a peaceful and slightly surreal place to photograph.
➜ Car park Lagoa do Paúl
Lagoa do Caveiro
Just a short drive away, Lagoa do Caveiro sits inside an ancient crater. A simple path leads to the lake from the car park. We found it veiled in soft fog, with blooming hydrangeas lining the shore. Their purple hues brought color to the subdued scene.
Even with limited visibility, the place felt magical. The quiet, the stillness, and the floral tones made it worth the stop.
➜ Car park Lagoa do Caveiro
Lagoa da Rosada
Next was Lagoa da Rosada, a teardrop-shaped lake hidden in the clouds. It’s said that Mount Pico can be seen from here on clear days, but we weren’t that lucky at first. We waited patiently, and the mist eventually lifted for a few minutes, just long enough to capture a few images before it rolled back in.
This kind of waiting game is common in the Azores. It can be frustrating, but when it works, it’s incredibly rewarding.
Lagoa do Peixinho
Our last stop was Lagoa do Peixinho, nestled high up in the hills. We could barely see it at first, the fog was thick and stubborn. We waited more than half an hour, and finally, the lake appeared for just five seconds.
It was worth it. The green tones of the water and surrounding grass were more vibrant than I expected. This was one of the most atmospheric scenes we photographed on Pico.
➜ Photo spot Lagoa do Peixinho
Sunset at Lajes do Pico
After a full day in the fog, we returned to Lajes do Pico and were happy to see the sun again. We had dinner close to the red windmill, then walked back to the pier for one last sunset.
That evening, the light turned pink behind the windmill, contrasting with the bright red structure and the green grass around it. It was one of those moments where everything aligns. Out of all the sunsets we experienced in the Azores, this one remains a favorite.
➜ Red windmill of Lajes do Pico
São Miguel – 4-Day Photography Itinerary & Best Landscapes
Day 7: Arrival and Relaxation
São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores, is often called the green island, a fitting name for its lush landscapes, volcanic lakes, and dramatic coastlines. It’s a dream destination for anyone passionate about landscape photography. After our time on Terceira and Pico, we were excited to slow down and take in the natural beauty of this vibrant island.
We arrived in São Miguel in the early afternoon. After picking up our rental car, we drove straight to our hotel: Senhora da Rosa, Tradition & Nature Hotel, located just outside the center of Ponta Delgada.
We had been moving a lot over the past days, so we decided to give ourselves a pause. The afternoon was spent by the pool, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Later, we discovered a hot pool hidden inside a pineapple greenhouse, an unexpected and relaxing experience.
That day, we didn’t take out the cameras. No chasing the light or looking for compositions. Just the pleasure of doing nothing. Sometimes, you need that too, even on a photography trip.
➜ Senhora da Rosa, Tradition & Nature Hotel
Day 8: Exploring the West of São Miguel
For our first full day on São Miguel, we set out to explore the island’s western region, which is home to some of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the Azores.
Lagoa Pau Pique
Our first stop was the small Pau Pique Lake, hidden in a pine forest. From the ground, it may look like an ordinary pond, but seen from above, it reveals its true beauty. This is one of those places where drone photography makes all the difference.
We parked near the base of the old volcanic cone and walked a bit to get a better view, but in the end, the best images came from the air. From above, the lake appears like a perfect green jewel surrounded by trees. It’s a peaceful and unique spot that truly comes to life from a bird’s-eye perspective.
Miradouro da Boca do Inferno
We then headed to one of the most famous viewpoints in all of São Miguel: Miradouro da Boca do Inferno. This spot offers panoramic views of Sete Cidades and its twin volcanic lakes.
We had already tried to see it twice, but both times it was completely lost in the fog. On this third attempt, we were determined. The weather was still uncertain, with misty rain and strong wind, but we decided to go for it. Waterproof jackets were essential.
The 2.6 km walk to the viewpoint is fairly easy and very popular. When we reached the edge, we finally got a glimpse of the caldera — a dramatic view that makes the effort completely worthwhile. I can only imagine how beautiful it must be during sunrise or sunset on a clear day.
➜ Car park Miradouro da Boca Inferno
➜ Miradouro da Boca do Inferno hike info
Lagoa do Canário
Just a few minutes from the Boca do Inferno trailhead, Lagoa do Canário is another gem of the region. Its distinctive shape, some say it looks like the Snapchat ghost, makes it especially interesting from the air.
From the parking area, you can either walk to the lake or fly your drone directly. We chose the latter since the fog was already coming back fast. In just a few minutes, the whole scene was swallowed again by the clouds. It was a short but rewarding shoot.
Sunset Praia dos Mosteiros
To end the day, I chose Praia dos Mosteiros for sunset photography. All afternoon, I checked the cloud cover and used the VIEWFINDR app to evaluate our chances. Things looked promising, so we drove to the northwest coast.
This beach is a classic for a reason. The sea stacks, black sand, and the angle of the sun make it a perfect place for sunset. We arrived early to scout the scene and find our composition before the light changed. It’s a popular spot, so it’s best to come ahead of time if you want to secure your place.
➜ Car park Praia dos Mosteiros
Day 9: Discovering the South-Eastern Part of São Miguel
We dedicated our ninth day to exploring the southeastern coast of São Miguel, focusing on quiet lakes, lush gardens, and peaceful forests.
Drone Photography of Vila Franca do Campo Island
We began the day with a drone session above Vila Franca do Campo Island, a circular islet formed from a collapsed crater. Although it’s possible to visit by boat, the real magic happens from the air. The island’s natural swimming pool reveals itself fully only when viewed from above. It’s a short flight but definitely worth including in any drone itinerary.
➜ Vila Franca do Campo Island
Lagoa das Furnas
Our next stop was the famous Furnas Lake. Nestled in a volcanic crater, it offers lush surroundings and beautiful reflections when the light is soft. We drove up to Miradouro do Pico do Ferro for a panoramic view of the green lake below. This viewpoint is ideal for wide compositions and aerial shots.
Later, we explored the lake’s shores, especially around the Mata Jardim José do Canto, a peaceful garden tucked into the forest. This area is perfect for slower, more intimate photography, with mossy trees, soft light, and calm water.
➜ Car park Miradouro do Pico do Ferro
Parque Terra Nostra
Late morning, we headed to Parque Terra Nostra, one of the most iconic places on the island. The thermal pool and botanical gardens are full of photographic opportunities, from giant ferns and flowing water to twisted trees and vibrant flowers.
We hadn’t planned to stay long, but the park’s atmosphere pulled us in. Between the warm water, the reflections on the yellow river, and the architectural details, we spent several hours exploring every corner.
Alameda dos Plátanos
Our final stop for the day was Alameda dos Plátanos, a lesser-known location that truly surprised me. This tree-lined road feels like stepping into another world. The plane trees form a natural tunnel, and in summer, the hydrangeas add a splash of color to the undergrowth. It’s a peaceful and slightly magical spot, perfect for quiet compositions.
➜ Car park
Day 10: Central and Northern São Miguel
For our final full day, we focused on three key spots that represent the diversity of São Miguel, a volcanic lake at sunrise, a tea plantation from above, and a hidden lagoon in the forest.
Sunrise at Lagoa do Fogo
We woke early and made our way to Miradouro do Pico da Barrosa, hoping to catch the first light over Lagoa do Fogo. This lake, perched in the Água de Pau massif, is often hidden behind fog, but we were lucky.
For about thirty minutes, the view remained clear, allowing me to photograph the lake with my Nikon D810 and to fly the drone. The turquoise water and dramatic crater slopes looked magical in the soft morning light. Eventually, the fog rolled in and erased everything, a reminder of how fleeting these moments can be.
Note that between June and September, the road is partially closed to private vehicles. You’ll need to use a shuttle or book with a local guide.
➜ Car park
➜ Shuttle Bus for Lagoa do Fogo
Gorreana Tea Plantation
Later in the day, we visited Gorreana, Europe’s oldest tea plantation. From the ground, it’s already a charming place, but from the air, the tea rows form incredible geometric patterns that make for stunning photographs.
The plantation is open to visitors, and you can walk through the fields or enjoy a cup of tea in the small café. As a drone photographer, I was mostly interested in capturing the curves and textures from above.
➜ Car park
➜ Gorreana tea plantation info
Poço Azul Blue Lagoon
To end the day, we headed to Poço Azul, a hidden gem in the forest near the village of Achadinha. Reaching it requires a short 30-minute hike through a shaded trail. The descent is easy, but keep in mind that you’ll need to come back uphill.
When we arrived, I was immediately struck by the color of the water, an unreal turquoise that glowed against the dense green vegetation. This small lagoon felt like a secret oasis, and I spent a long time refining compositions and taking in the peaceful atmosphere.
Poço Azul turned out to be one of my favorite photo spots of the entire trip, not only for its color but for the sense of intimacy it offers after ten days of wide, open landscapes.
➜ Start of hike
➜ Poço Azul info
Conclusion: the Azores, a photographer’s dream
After ten days of traveling across Terceira, Pico, and São Miguel, I left the Azores with a sense of quiet wonder. Each island has its own rhythm, its own light, its own voice. From volcanic lakes and misty forests to dramatic coastlines and peaceful gardens, the Azores offer a diversity of landscapes that constantly inspire the eye and invite reflection.
What struck me most was how unspoiled everything felt. Even at the most iconic viewpoints, there was often silence, space, and the chance to simply watch the light change. It reminded me why I love photography,not just for the images, but for the way it slows you down and connects you to a place.
If you’re looking for wild beauty, soft light, and an atmosphere that feels both grounded and poetic, the Azores might just be your next favorite destination. They certainly became one of mine.
Published on August 20, 2024 by Jennifer Esseiva
