Lake of Fire on the volcanic island of São Miguel is not what it sounds like

The Lake of Fire (or Lagoa do Fogo in Portugues) is actually a crater lake in the centre of the island of São Miguel in the Azores. It’s location is within the Água de Pau Massif strato-volcano which is likely how it got its name.

The Portuguese island of São Miguel is also known as “The Green Island” (Ilha Verde in Portuguese) due to its lushness. It is the largest and most populated island in the Azores Archipelago, which is located 1525 km west of Portugal in the North Atlantic Ocean.

As you can see from the above photo, this volcanic island has picture perfect landscapes that include mountains, rolling hills, green plains, beautiful crater lakes, like the one pictured, and sandy beaches, all surrounded by a brilliant blue sea.

São Miguel is also a cosmopolitan island offering visitors a mix of modern life with historic architecture, monuments, parks and cobbled streets, combined with a contemporary marina, lovely restaurants, shopping areas, and vibrant bars, night-clubs and cafés by the ocean.

There are a ton of activities to do from whale watching, swimming with dolphins, diving and fishing, to walking and trekking, bird watching, and jeep safaris, to sailing, snorkeling, golf and many other outdoor and indoor activities.

Best times to visit are June and October, with November to January being pleasant but sometimes cool, February to May being the wettest season, and July to September the hottest.

São Miguel can be visited as part of an Iberian and Azores Cruise or as a port of call on a transatlantic cruise from North America to Europe. Or you can fly direct from Portugal and include a stay on the island as part of your next Portuguese vacation.