Miradouro das Lagoas - Poço do Bacalhau

Miradouro das Lagoas–Poço do Bacalhau descends from the central Flores plateau to Fajã Grande. It begins near Negra and Comprida lakes, occupying explosion craters formed through interaction between magma and water. Lagoa Negra is exceptionally deep and belongs to a group that also includes Seca and Branca. The walk therefore opens in a wet upland landscape dominated by water, peat, moss and endemic vegetation.

The crossing passes the Morro Alto and Pico da Sé nature reserves and the protected landscape of the Central Zone and West Coast Cliffs. Azorean juniper, holly, blueberry and sphagnum carpets accompany the first kilometres. The westward descent gradually opens views toward Fajã Grande and its great fossil cliff, roughly 300 metres high and crossed by numerous watercourses.

The finish approaches Poço do Bacalhau, a waterfall about 100 metres high beside Fajã Grande. In only seven kilometres, the route changes from misty plateau to coast, yet its grade is hard because of the descent, saturated ground and weather exposure. Water defines the entire experience in different forms: lakes, peat, rain, streams and waterfall. Few routes show the island's vertical transition so directly.

Reach the lake viewpoint by the regional road across the island's interior and begin beside Negra and Comprida lakes. Follow the markings west across the plateau, staying with posts through peatland and vegetation. The route passes the other crater areas and enters the long descent toward the coast. Do not take shortcuts to lake margins or viewpoints. Continue through the protected landscapes by the signs for Fajã Grande. On reaching lower ground, follow the final section to Poço do Bacalhau, where the trail ends. Start and finish lie at different locations and elevations; leave transport in Fajã Grande or arrange collection before travelling to the plateau.