Azores Instagram Spots – Our Top 10 Favorites

Azores Instagram Spots: Picking just ten of the best was seriously tough – this island is so stunning we could have easily made a “Top 50” list. From epic cliffs and volcanic lakes to lush forests and those iconic black sand beaches, São Miguel has photo-worthy views everywhere you look. Each of these spots shows off the Azores’ natural beauty in its own way, so you really can’t go wrong!

Pro Tip: Make sure to only head to these spots when the weather is clear. You can check the webcams on Spotazores.com , which are set up around the islands to give you a live view of the weather and visibility. This is super helpful, so you don’t waste time driving to a viewpoint only to find it hidden in clouds or fog. Even if it looks clear along the coast, the higher viewpoints and crater lakes can be covered in mist, giving you an entirely different scene than expected.

If you want the full scoop on our Azores adventure, check out our post on exploring the island with our two kids over New Year’s – it was unforgettable!

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7 Pomar das Caldeiras

8 Mosteiros

9 Gorreana Tea Plantage

10 Santa Barbara Beach

1 Lago do Forno

GPS Coordinates: 37.7510° N, 25.4893° W

About 30 minutes from Ponta Delgada, Lagoa do Fogo is a wild, untouched spot surrounded by lush green hills that feels like a world away. There’s a small parking lot near the viewpoint, but it fills up fast, especially during peak hours. You’ll find a few pull-offs along the winding road, though space is pretty tight. Near the main viewpoint, Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo, there’s a bit more parking, and from there, a narrow hiking trail leads closer to the lake. Perfect for capturing those moody, nature-rich vibes, Lagoa do Fogo is ideal if you’re looking for dramatic backdrops with a touch of mystery – the ultimate tip for our Azores Instagram spots

2 Miradouro da Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth Viewpoint)

GPS Coordinates: 37.8647° N, 25.7708° W

About a 35-minute drive from Ponta Delgada, you’ll find one of most iconic Azores viewpoints: Miradouro da Boca do Inferno! You’ve probably seen it in every Azores travel guide and blog, and for good reason – it’s a total must-see with its famous walkway leading to stunning twin lakes. To get there, park at Lagoa do Canário (we’ve linked it for you on Google Maps), then take a super easy 30-minute stroll to the viewpoint. Honestly, it’s more of a walk than a hike, with hardly any elevation, and it was totally doable even with our two little kids in tow. This spot is one of the most epic views on the island, and your pics here will capture the Azores’ magic like nothing else!

3 Sete Citades (Twin Lakes)

GPS Coordinates: 37.8640° N, 25.7751° W

If you type Sete Cidades into your navigation, it’ll take you straight to the cozy village at the bottom of the crater, right between the twin lakes – not to the viewpoints. It’s a great place to park and explore, plus there’s a bridge between the lakes that’s perfect for drone shots, giving you some unique angles on this surreal landscape!

If you’re after the best views from above, head to Miradouro do Cerrado das Freiras. There’s limited parking (space for around ten cars), but people don’t usually stay long. For the classic, panoramic shot of both lakes, Vista do Rei is the spot. With a bigger parking lot, it’s usually crowded, but the view from here captures both lakes in all their glory from above – ideal for that iconic Azores shot!

4 Faro do Arnel

GPS Coordinates: 37.8152° N, 25.1328° W

About a 50-minute drive from Ponta Delgada, Farol do Arnel sits right on a cliff edge with one of the island’s most dramatic coastal views. Getting there is part of the thrill – the road is one-way, super steep, and narrow, so cross your fingers that no one’s coming up while you’re heading down! Some people park at the top and walk, but if you’re up for the drive, there’s limited parking at the bottom.

Once you’re down, it’s worth the adventure. Not only do you get close to the lighthouse, but there’s also a waterfall that flows almost directly into the ocean – a perfect spot for epic photos. And if you’ve got a drone, this place is next-level for capturing the rugged cliffs, the waves, and the waterfall in one shot. Just be sure to check the weather first; clear days mean unbeatable views, but it can get misty down there!

5 Ponta do Sossego Viewpoint

GPS Coordinates: 37.8476° N, 25.1285° W

Ponta do Sossego is one of the most iconic and family-friendly viewpoints on São Miguel Island, especially if you’re exploring the Nordeste area, famous for its breathtaking coastal views. After visiting nearby spots like Poço Azul, Salto da Farinha, or Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, make sure to head east to this easy-to-reach viewpoint.

Getting here is super straightforward, with plenty of parking right next to the viewpoint, making it perfect for families with young kids. The whole area is easy to navigate, so it’s a breeze even if you have little ones in tow. From here, you’ll get sweeping views of the northern coast, the Nordeste mountains, and landmarks like Fajã do Araújo, Ponta da Madrugada, and Ponta da Marquesa.

The viewpoint, renovated in 1995, is surrounded by a beautifully designed 13,000m² garden spread across different levels, filled with palm trees, colorful flowers, and even bushes shaped like animals. There’s a picnic area where you can relax and enjoy the views, and a small shop at the entrance for snacks or souvenirs. This spot is as easy and enjoyable as it gets, offering a relaxing stop with incredible views the whole family will love!

6 Miradouro do Salto da Farinha

GPS Coordinates: 37.8679° N, 25.2253° W

Located about a 45-minute drive from Ponta Delgada, Salto da Farinha Waterfall is a hidden gem in the Nordeste region of São Miguel Island. This 40-meter waterfall cascades powerfully down a lush, green landscape, especially impressive after a good rain. If you’re a nature lover, adding Salto da Farinha to your itinerary is a no-brainer!

The waterfall sits between the villages of Achadinha and Salga and is often visited alongside Poço Azul, another natural beauty nearby. To get there, drive along the road from Achadinha toward Salga for about 2.5 km, then turn right to reach the parking lot for the Salto da Farinha Viewpoint. From here, you’ll get panoramic views of both the waterfall and the coastline.

For those wanting a closer look, there’s a well-maintained trail that takes about 10 minutes to reach the base of the waterfall. Once you’re down there, you’ll find a viewpoint that lets you see the falls from below – perfect for capturing stunning photos! Just remember that the waterfall flows strongest after rainfall, so plan your visit accordingly.

If you’re up for a longer adventure, the PR21 SMI Trail from Padrão das Alminhas to Salto da Farinha is an amazing hike. This 4.9 km trail (one way) winds through lush landscapes and even passes by Poço Azul, another must-see. The hike takes around 2 hours each way, so plan for a round trip, but it’s well worth it for the scenery and fresh island air!

7 Antigo Pomar das Caldeiras da Lagoa das Furnas

GPS Coordinates: 37.7690° N, 25.3215° W

Antigo Pomar das Caldeiras da Lagoa das Furnas feels like a true hidden gem – we hadn’t even heard about it before arriving! It’s a bit tucked away, and most people seem to head straight to Furnas without stopping here. But it’s definitely worth the visit, with a large parking lot, public restrooms, and a small entrance fee.

From here, you get an incredible view of Lagoa das Furnas and easy access to explore the lake’s surroundings. There are also a few hiking trails that let you dive deeper into the lush landscape. For anyone looking to experience Lagoa das Furnas from a different angle, this spot is a fantastic find – and the peaceful vibe is a nice bonus!

8 Mosteiros

GPS Coordinates: 37.8896° N, 25.8314° W

We couldn’t get enough of Mosteiros – we ended up heading there at least four times just to catch the sunset! This black sand beach, with its iconic sea stacks rising from the ocean, is an incredible spot to watch the day end. The whole place glows with warm colors as the sun dips down, creating a dramatic vibe that’s perfect for photos or just soaking in the view.

If you’re looking for a good place to park, Rio do Castelo is the spot to aim for. There’s a free parking lot here, and it’s conveniently close to Ponta do Castelo. The small village nearby also has a few cafés and restaurants, so you can easily grab a snack or drink while you wait for the sunset. Mosteiros became one of our absolute favorites on São Miguel – a stunning mix of rugged coastline, quiet beach, and those unbeatable sunset views that kept us coming back.

9 Gorreana Tea Plantation

GPS Coordinates: 37.8221° N, 25.3484° W

About a 30-minute drive from Ponta Delgada, Gorreana Tea Plantation is a unique spot to explore – and it’s a paradise for photography lovers. Known as Europe’s oldest tea plantation, this place offers a real, working tea farm experience. You can visit the factory, where you’ll see how the tea is produced and even sample some for free.

But the best part? Walking through the lush, green tea fields. The rows of tea plants stretching across the hills are stunning, especially with the island’s mountains in the background, making it a dream location for capturing that perfect shot. There’s plenty of parking, so it’s easy to take your time and wander around. For anyone looking to experience São Miguel’s unique landscapes and get some great photos, Gorreana is a must-visit!

10 Santa Bárbara Beach

GPS Coordinates: 37.8170° N, 25.6077° W

Just a quick 20-minute drive from Ponta Delgada, you’ll find one of the next Azores Instagram Spots: Santa Bárbara Beach. This beach became our “home beach” during our stay at the nearby resort. This long stretch of black sand has a relaxed, down-to-earth vibe, perfect for spending the day by the ocean. There’s plenty of parking near the entrance, so it’s easy to park and head straight to the beach.

Santa Bárbara also has a surf center right on the beach, where you can rent gear or take a quick lesson if you’re up for trying the waves. A cozy café nearby serves up snacks, drinks, and coffee, giving you a spot to relax while taking in the beach views.

With its unique black sand and open coastline, this beach was a favorite for us. The sunsets here are beautiful, and the easy access made it a great spot to unwind and enjoy the Azores’ coastal vibe.

And many more…

There are so many amazing places on São Miguel that we can’t name them all! Some of the gems that didn’t make it into our top 10 are still absolute must-sees. Furnas is one of those spots – just be sure to get there early because the parking fills up fast. Between the steamy hot springs and the unique volcanic vibe, it’s a place like no other. Another spot worth the climb is Our Lady of the Peace Chapel. With its iconic staircase and stunning views, it’s a peaceful spot that really captures the spirit of the island. São Miguel has so much to offer, from hidden viewpoints to quiet villages – every corner has something special waiting to be discovered. Enjoy every moment of exploring!

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