Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lagoon) is São Miguel’s scenic alpine landscape. It is a protected nature reserve, where a 10-kilometer hiking trail rewards visitors with gorgeous unspoiled scenery. Look north from the weather station atop the volcano’s rim to spot the quaint village of Ribeira Grande. With its neatly arranged flower gardens, traditional fishing boats and sheltered beach, life hasn’t changed much in the last 150 years.