Caiado Lagoon

Category: Nature > Lagoon

District: Açores > São Roque do Pico > Prainha de Cima

Location

Lagoa do Caiado is situated in the locality of Prainha de Cima, in the municipality of São Roque do Pico, in the center of Pico Island. It is located in a gentle valley, surrounded by hills covered with typical vegetation of altitude scrubland and patches of forest that create a transition between deep green and the lighter tones of the slopes. The water's surface rests on relatively flat terrain, allowing visitors to observe it easily from natural viewpoints nearby.

The surroundings are dominated by a sense of quietude; sounds come mainly from the wind and the singing of birds, and human presence is discreet. The sky, often with moving clouds, constantly alters the light on the lagoon and adjacent hills, offering a diversity of atmospheres even without leaving the same spot.

Origin and Formation

Lagoa do Caiado is a volcanic lagoon of natural origin, typical of the Azorean island landscape. It formed in depressions of volcanic origin where water accumulation occurred as a result of topography and natural soil retention. This genesis gives the lagoon an intimate relationship with the rest of the island's geological system, being an integral part of the network of elements that reflect Pico's volcanic history.

Its persistence and appearance depend on the combination of the island's climate, natural drainage, and surrounding vegetation, which helps stabilize the banks and maintain local ecological balance. The lagoon functions as a micro-habitat, influenced by the typical meteorological variations of the region, particularly sudden fogs and drizzles that appear at intermediate altitudes.

Landscape and Environment

The combination of the lagoon, rolling hills, and dense vegetation creates a visual composition of soft lines and varied colors. The water partially reflects the sky and the slopes, sometimes presenting a calm surface and at other times rippled by light breezes. Passing clouds alter the contrast and intensity of shadows, making observation an exercise in attention to subtle environmental changes.

Rich vegetation, with shrub species and areas of natural pasture adapted to the Atlantic climate, grows along the banks. The fauna is unobtrusive; it is possible to hear birds and notice small forms of life without them disturbing the serenity of the space. The presence of mosses and small wet areas near the water reinforces the feeling of freshness and connection with a balanced ecosystem.

On-Site Experience

Arriving at Lagoa do Caiado allows for unhurried stops and contemplation. Observing the reflection of the hills on the water, the changing light with the weather, and the silence broken only by natural sounds make this space a place for pause. From nearby observation points, it is possible to capture photographs with various frames: from wide shots that include the lagoon and the slopes, to details of the vegetation and the water's surface.

Visitors can sit by the shore, walk in the immediate surroundings without the need for marked trails, and simply follow the transformations of the scenery. Even with variable weather, this variation contributes to a dynamic experience, in which the place reveals itself differently according to the sky and the light. The presence of Mount Pico on the horizon, on clear days, creates a recognizable backdrop and adds depth to the view.

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