Top 12 Lakes around Capelas

The most popular lakes accessible from Capelas are the iconic Sete Cidades lakes (Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde), the serene Lagoa do Fogo, and the geothermally active Furnas Lake. The Vista do Rei viewpoint offers panoramic views of Sete Cidades, and the Dam Between Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde provides a unique perspective on their distinct colors.

The Sete Cidades lakes are unique for their contrasting colors: Lagoa Azul (Blue Lake) appears blue due to the reflection of the sky, while Lagoa Verde (Green Lake) takes on a greenish hue from the vegetation within it. They are separated by a narrow causeway and are steeped in local legends. The caldera itself is a stunning natural amphitheater.

Lagoa do Fogo, or 'Lake of Fire,' is special for its wild beauty and tranquility. It's part of a Protected Nature Reserve, known for its pristine natural environment, endemic flora and fauna, and absolute silence. Hiking trails lead down to its white sand beach, and viewpoints offer spectacular scenic views.

Furnas Lake is famous for its vibrant geothermal activity. Visitors can witness the unique culinary tradition of the 'Cozido das Furnas,' where traditional Azorean stew is cooked underground using volcanic heat. The lake is surrounded by lush vegetation, fumaroles, and hot springs, and features the neo-Gothic Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias.

Yes, there are several easy walking trails near the lakes. For example, you can find easy hikes around Lagoa Empadadas and Lagoa Rasa. You can explore more options on the Easy hikes around Capelas guide, which includes routes like the 'Empadas Lagoon – View of Lagoa de Empadadas loop'.

Beyond hiking, the area around the lakes offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy road cycling, with routes like 'Sete Cidades, Lagoa Azul e Lagoa Verde — circular route on Ilha de São Miguel'. Running trails are also popular, such as the 'Sete Cidades from Mata do Canário'. For more details, check the Road Cycling Routes around Capelas and Running Trails around Capelas guides.

While Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, and Furnas are well-known, smaller lakes like Lagoa Empadadas, Lagoa de Santiago, Lagoa do Canário, and Lagoa Rasa offer equally captivating experiences. Lake Canário, for instance, is a beautiful small lake often visited on the way to Lago Azul and serves as a starting point for walks around the Caldeira.

Many of the lakes and their surrounding areas are family-friendly. The Vista do Rei viewpoint at Sete Cidades and the Dam Between Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde are easily accessible and offer stunning views for all ages. Lake Canário also has family-friendly aspects, including its natural park and trails.

Yes, several viewpoints offer accessible options. The Vista do Rei viewpoint at Sete Cidades is a prime example, providing panoramic vistas that are generally accessible. The View of Lagoa Azul from Sete Cidades Ridge is another famous lookout point with good accessibility.

The best time to visit the lakes around Capelas is generally during the warmer, drier months, typically from late spring to early autumn (May to October). This period offers more stable weather conditions, making it ideal for hiking, sightseeing, and enjoying the vibrant colors of the lakes.

All the major lakes offer incredible photographic opportunities due to their dramatic volcanic landscapes and unique features. Sete Cidades, with its contrasting blue and green lakes, is particularly iconic. Lagoa do Fogo's pristine natural setting and Furnas Lake's geothermal activity also provide stunning subjects. Viewpoints like Vista do Rei are excellent for capturing wide-angle shots.

Yes, there are circular hiking routes available. For instance, the 'Sete Cidades, Lagoa Azul e Lagoa Verde — circular route on Ilha de São Miguel' is a popular option for road cycling, and similar circular trails exist for hiking. The Easy hikes around Capelas guide lists routes like 'Empadas Lagoon – View of Lagoa de Empadadas loop'.