Congro Lagoon

Category: Nature > Lagoon

District: Açores > Vila Franca do Campo > Ribeira das Taínhas

Location

Located in the central part of São Miguel island, in the municipality of Vila Franca do Campo, Lagoa do Congro is a natural refuge situated within a densely forested area. It is found in the locality of Ribeira das Taínhas, offering an immersive experience in the Azorean landscape. Access to the lake is via a pedestrian trail that crosses a lush forest, contributing to its serene and preserved atmosphere.

Geological Origin and Uniqueness

Lagoa do Congro stands out due to its unique geological formation. It occupies a maar-type explosion crater, resulting from a hydromagmatic eruption that occurred approximately 3800 years ago. This origin gives it a remarkable characteristic: unlike many volcanic lakes located at the top of cones, Lagoa do Congro forms a deep "depression" in a relatively flat area, with steep walls that can reach about 120 meters in vertical drop. This site of remarkable geological value is classified as a geosite of the Azores UNESCO Global Geopark.

The Natural Landscape

Around Lagoa do Congro, nature appears in its pure and exuberant state. Its intensely green and crystalline waters reflect the dense vegetation covering the crater walls, creating a scene of great beauty and an atmosphere of tranquility. Although the landscape has been shaped by the introduction of species such as Cryptomeria or Eucalyptus by former owners, it is still possible to observe native Azorean flora, such as the laurel, the cedar-of-the-forest, or the til, an endemic species.

The lake is an observation point for various bird species, including the goldcrest and the kite, also serving as a resting area for migratory birds, such as the grey heron. In its waters, fish species such as carp and river perch reside, and it is possible to spot the great crested newt, an amphibian that, despite not being native, is a species protected by the Berne Convention.

The Name and History

The name "Congro" is linked to André Gonçalves Sampaio, one of the lake's first owners, who was known by this nickname. Later, the surrounding lands were acquired by José do Canto, an important figure in the history of the archipelago, who promoted significant landscape interventions. It was under his influence that a landscaped forest was developed, with the introduction of various botanical species that today contribute to the distinctive character of the lake's surroundings.

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