Areeiro Lagoon

Category: Nature > Lagoon

District: Açores > Vila Franca do Campo > Vila Franca Do Campo

Location:

The Lagoa do Areeiro is situated in Vila Franca do Campo, on the island of São Miguel, in the Azores archipelago, in an area at about 600 meters above sea level. It is located in an explosion crater associated with Pico da Dona Guiomar, in a relatively flat area near Monte Escuro.

The surroundings are dominated by dense forest, with tall trees that frame the lagoon and create a clear contrast between the deep green of the vegetation and the greenish-blue of the water. The lagoon's shape is practically circular, with slight irregularities on its edge, and within it, two small clusters of vegetation are observed, resembling vegetated islets.

Origin and Geology:

Lagoa do Areeiro is the result of a volcanic explosion, which explains its crater configuration. It is part of the characteristic geological landscape of São Miguel, where volcanic activity has shaped depressions that, in some cases, have accumulated water, forming lagoons. The presence of the crater gives the site a closed topography that limits water expansion and reinforces the sense of seclusion.

The surrounding soil and gentle topography indicate a transition between elevated areas (such as Monte Escuro) and flatter terrains, preserving vegetation that has adapted to this volcanic and humid environment.

Landscape and Environment:

The lagoon presents a homogeneous greenish-blue color, which varies depending on the light and the angle of observation. Its calm surface reflects some of the surrounding vegetation, although the density of the trees around it creates a natural frame that largely limits distant views, focusing attention on the lagoon itself.

The contrast between the serene interior of the water and the intense green ring of the edge gives the space a distinct visual identity. The presence of small vegetated "islets" in the center adds a note of complexity to the composition, gently breaking the uniformity of the water.

Visitor Experience:

The place conveys a sense of quietude, with the sound muffled by the dense vegetation. The lagoon's reduced size, combined with the absence of major interventions, reinforces the perception of a largely unaltered natural space. Observation can be done from the immediate surroundings, appreciating the nuances of the water, the texture of the edge, and the relationship between the crater and the tree cover.

Although there are no evident structures near the lagoon, this contributes to the authenticity of the environment. The presence of the surrounding forest and the closed configuration make the lagoon appear as a discreet contemplation spot, where attention is focused on the dialogue between water and nature.

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