Black Lagoon

Category: Nature > Lagoon

District: Açores > Angra do Heroísmo > Santa Bárbara

Location

Lagoa Negra is located on Terceira Island, part of the parish of Santa Bárbara, in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo. It is set within a natural landscape marked by the exuberance of its vegetation and the volcanic geological characteristics so typical of the Azores. Its setting offers a sense of isolation and tranquility, inviting visitors to an immersive experience in the Azorean natural environment.

The site is nestled in an area that preserves the essence of the island's interior landscape, where the dominant green of the flora contrasts with the geological elements. It is a place where the quietude of nature can be felt, far from urban centers, providing a serene refuge.

Natural Characteristics

The name "Negra" (Black) of this lagoon is often attributed to the depth of its waters or the way light reflects on its surface, influenced by the dense surrounding foliage and the volcanic elements that make up its bed. Its waters can display dark hues, varying with sun incidence and atmospheric conditions, creating a singularly beautiful setting.

The lagoon's surroundings are a testament to the botanical richness of the Azores, with the presence of native flora thriving in this humid and fertile ecosystem. The serenity of the place is punctuated by the natural sounds of the forest, such as the rustle of the wind in the trees or the singing of various bird species that find their habitat there.

Geological Formation and Environment

The genesis of Lagoa Negra is intrinsically linked to the volcanic processes that shaped Terceira Island over millennia. It is common for lagoons of this type to form in ancient craters or depressions resulting from volcanic activities, which, over time, accumulate rainwater, giving rise to these natural bodies of water.

The predominant vegetation in the surrounding area is an example of the laurisilva forest, a type of subtropical humid forest that is a relic from past eras and constitutes an important natural heritage of the Azores. The atmosphere can often be enveloped by a gentle mist, a frequent meteorological condition at these altitudes, which lends an air of mystery and an ethereal beauty to the site.

Scenic Value

Lagoa Negra offers a setting of rare natural beauty, ideal for those seeking immersion in Azorean nature and an experience of tranquility. The views over the lagoon and the forest landscape that embraces it are particularly appealing, revealing different nuances of color and light in each season of the year.

The light, sometimes filtered by the dense foliage or the mist that can envelop the area, creates visual effects that enhance the mystical atmosphere of the place. It is a space that invites attentive observation and contemplation of the landscape, providing a moment of peace and connection with the pure natural environment of the Azores.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt