Fire Lagoon

Category: Nature > Lagoon

District: Açores > Ribeira Grande > Conceição

Location

Lagoa do Fogo is serenely situated in the heart of São Miguel island, in the Azores, nestled within the municipality of Ribeira Grande. Located high on the island's central plateau, this volcanic lake offers a unique perspective on the surrounding landscape, which stretches from the lush green slopes to the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean. Its remote position contributes to the feeling of a natural sanctuary, often enveloped by a mist that accentuates its mysterious atmosphere.

Origin and Natural Environment

Lagoa do Fogo is a body of water of extraordinary purity, nestled within the caldera of an extinct volcano. Its crystal-clear waters, a blue that varies with the intensity of light, are fed exclusively by precipitation and small springs, which attests to its condition as an almost untouched environment. The slopes embracing it are densely covered by rich endemic vegetation, serving as a habitat for various species of Azorean flora and fauna, contributing to its valuable biodiversity.

Scenic Landscape and Conservation

Recognized as one of the archipelago's most breathtaking landscapes, Lagoa do Fogo is an emblem of the wild and untouched nature of the Azores. Its status as a Nature Reserve ensures the full protection of this delicate ecosystem, where human intervention is minimal to preserve its essence. Observing this lake offers an experience of profound tranquility and contemplation, with the landscape subtly changing throughout the day as sunlight dances upon the water's surface and clouds move over the caldera.

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