Hiking Serra Devassa: A 2025 Half-Day Review

You know, when you first arrive in São Miguel in the Azores, the sheer greenness of the place is, like, the first thing that really strikes you. It’s almost an unreal color, so deep and full of life that your eyes kind of have to adjust. We were honestly looking for a hike that captured that specific feeling, something that was more than just a walk but wasn’t, you know, an all-day epic. As a matter of fact, the ‘Hiking Serra Devassa – Half Day’ tour kept popping up, and to be honest, it sounded pretty much perfect. It’s actually a trail that promises crater lakes, sky-high views, and a little piece of the island’s unique volcanic soul, all wrapped up in just a few hours. So, we obviously decided to see if it lived up to the hype for 2025.

First Steps on a Trail Made of Mist and Moss

Alright, so the hike itself sort of starts out gently, which is a really nice way to ease into it. The path you follow is more or less a well-trodden dirt track, which apparently can get just a little slick and muddy if it’s been raining, so you definitely want to watch your step. You are, you know, immediately surrounded by this incredibly thick, green world. Frankly, the air itself feels different here; it’s a bit cool and damp and smells really fresh, like wet earth and sweet flowers all mixed together. The hydrangeas, even when not in full bloom, create these massive, lush walls along the path, and literally everything is coated in a very soft-looking layer of moss. It’s incredibly quiet, but, like, it’s a living quiet. Anyway, you’ll hear birds you can’t see and the wind moving through the tall Japanese cedars that, in some respects, seem to stand guard over the trail.

The initial part of the climb is actually pretty gradual. You’re gaining elevation, but, you know, it’s not so steep that you’re gasping for air. Instead, it just feels like a very steady upward walk. You’ll likely find yourself stopping a lot, not because you’re tired, but basically because every turn in the path reveals another view that’s slightly more beautiful than the last. Sometimes the famous Azorean mist will roll in, and for a moment, you’re just walking inside a cloud. At the end of the day, it’s a very magical feeling, like the island is kind of sharing one of its secrets with you. It’s in these moments that you can really appreciate how wild and sort of untamed this part of the island still feels, which is a pretty special thing to experience.

Discovering the Crater Lakes One by One

Okay, so after a bit of walking, you basically get your first big reward: the lakes. It’s almost like you come around a corner, and there it is. The first one you’ll typically see is Lagoa Rasa, and it’s a really stunning sight. The water is often this incredibly deep, dark blue, sort of sitting perfectly calm inside its small volcanic crater. What’s so amazing is how it just appears out of nowhere, you know, like a secret pool hidden away from the world. You’ll definitely want to just stop here for a while, maybe sit on the edge and just take it all in. The silence around the lake is, frankly, something else; it’s a very peaceful, almost reflective moment that feels far removed from everything else.

As you continue on, the trail then leads you up and around the rim of the craters. You’re actually walking on the high ground, with more lakes popping into view below you. You can see Lagoa das Éguas and other smaller, unnamed pools of water, each with its own character and shade of blue or green. It’s from this higher vantage point that you really get a sense of the geology here. You’re literally walking on the remnants of old volcanoes, and these beautiful lakes are, you know, the legacies of their fiery past. There’s something very powerful about that realization, that you’re treading on land that was shaped so dramatically. The views are just, you know, constantly changing, with the clouds and light creating different patterns on the water’s surface, so it’s a good idea to have your camera ready.

Walking Along the Historic Wall of Nine Windows

Just when you think you’ve seen the main highlights, the trail sort of presents another surprise. You’ll eventually reach a long, stone structure that cuts across the landscape, which is actually the Muro das Nove Janelas, or Wall of the Nine Windows. Basically, this is a part of an old aqueduct that was built in the 19th century to carry water, and walking beside it is honestly a pretty cool experience. The stone wall is, you know, covered in moss and ferns, making it look like it’s been a part of this scenery forever. It feels a bit like stepping into a different time, and you can sort of imagine what it must have been like for the people who built it all those years ago.

Following the aqueduct is a very different part of the hike. The path here is nearly flat, so it’s a nice change of pace after the climbs. To your left, you have the historic wall, and to your right, the view just opens up in a really spectacular way. On a clear day, you can actually see all the way over to the Sete Cidades massif and the ocean beyond. It’s arguably one of the best panoramic viewpoints of the entire hike. You can see the rolling green hills, the patchwork of farms in the distance, and the huge volcanic caldera that holds the famous blue and green lakes of Sete Cidades. It’s a moment that, you know, really connects you to the sheer scale and beauty of the island as a whole.

Some Practical Advice for Your 2025 Hike

So, if you’re planning on doing this hike, there are a few things to keep in mind to make it really enjoyable. First, the weather in the Azores is famously unpredictable; you could literally experience all four seasons in a few hours. Because of that, dressing in layers is really the way to go. You’ll probably want a light t-shirt, a fleece, and absolutely a waterproof and windproof jacket. You’ll likely be taking that jacket on and off, so just be prepared for that.

Footwear is probably the most important thing to get right. You absolutely, definitely need a good pair of waterproof hiking boots with solid grip. The trail can be uneven, rocky, and as I was saying, quite muddy and slippery in places, so your regular gym shoes just aren’t going to cut it, to be honest. Also, you know, be sure to bring a backpack with some essentials. Water is a must, of course, and a few snacks like granola bars or fruit will give you a nice energy boost. And seriously, don’t forget your camera or phone, because the photo opportunities are pretty much non-stop. For the best light and maybe clearer skies, starting the hike in the morning is usually a good bet, as clouds can often build up later in the day.

Is the Serra Devassa Hike Right for You?

At the end of the day, this half-day hike is sort of the perfect taste of what makes São Miguel so special. It’s got a really nice mix of everything: incredible nature, breathtaking views, a little bit of a physical challenge, and a touch of fascinating history. It’s not an overly strenuous hike, so it tends to be accessible for most people with a decent level of fitness, including families with older kids who are used to walking. You just get so much visual reward for your effort, which, you know, isn’t always the case with hiking. It really feels like you’re exploring the heart of the island’s volcanic landscape in a very direct and beautiful way.

“I just felt like I was walking through a postcard. Honestly, every view was more amazing than the last, and the peace and quiet around the crater lakes was just, well, something I really needed.”

• Difficulty: More or less moderate, with some steady inclines and uneven ground.
• Best For: Nature lovers, photographers, and anyone looking for stunning views without a full-day commitment.
• Key Sights: Actually, the highlights are Lagoa Rasa, Lagoa das Éguas, the Muro das Nove Janelas aqueduct, and panoramic views of Sete Cidades.
• Duration: It’s basically a 2 to 3-hour walk, so it fits perfectly into a morning or afternoon.
• Top Tip: Definitely wear waterproof hiking boots and bring a rain jacket, you know, just in case the weather turns.

Read our full review: [Hiking Serra Devassa – Half Day Full Review and Details]
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