This is one of the spots that they tell you must be seen on a clear day. We set off with a questionable forecast and were delighted to have the skies clear somewhat as we arrived. This lake has been formed by the crater of a volcano and is the largest freshwater body on the islands. It is famous for its two colors…half blue and half green, each reflecting the light differently.
It was very crowded when we were there. There was a large cruise ship in port in Ponta Delgada, and it appeared that our timing exactly coincided with day trip tours and other tour buses. It made us very grateful to have our own vehicle and agency when traveling. The picture above was taken from the most popular of the viewing spots, by an old abandoned hotel, where there were many buses and a large lot. The one just below was taken from a small stop on the highway on the way down into the village. The final images with the walking path were taken from a remote spot way above, on the road past Lagoa do Canário.
Now, back to the abandoned hotel. It seems a bit criminal to become fascinated with a ghost building when in such a spectacular place of natural beauty. But it was wide open and intriguing. I cannot imagine a more amazing spot for a hotel, but the Monte Palace Hotel opened in the late 80s and closed in bankruptcy after a little more that a year. As gorgeous as the view was when we were there, it is often surround by a cloud, and the casino that had been planned never got approval. It was guarded for many years, but they have now given up. It was teeming with explorers.
The roads on the western side of the island didn’t have quite the same landscaping of highways and landscaped parks/viewing spots, but there was some. 