5. Patas Lagoon

Patas Lagoon is a small lagoon located in the interior of Terceira, within the Patas Lagoon Forest Reserve. It is a peaceful spot, surrounded by forest, perfect for a break in nature and even for enjoying its recreational area with picnic tables and restrooms — making it a great place to stop for lunch if you are visiting this part of the island.

This lagoon is artificial and is fed by water flowing down from the Santa Bárbara Mountain Range. Ducks and geese live here (Patas means ducks in Portuguese, hence the name), so you'll likely spot them strolling along the shore or among the water lilies.

The entire area is surrounded by cryptomerias and vegetation typical of the Azores. Right behind the lagoon lies a large peat bog, an ecosystem that acts as a natural water reserve and is part of what makes this area so ecologically valuable.

If you feel like walking, this is the starting point for the Patas Lagoon Forest Reserve trail, a circular route of about 5 km and moderate difficulty that passes through forest, riverbanks, and areas of endemic vegetation.

Patas Lagoon is also very close to must-see spots such as Algar do Carvão, Gruta do Natal, and Furnas do Enxofre. You can take advantage of a visit to this area to combine them all in the same day and also add the Serra de Santa Bárbara Viewpoint, a must-see that you'll find by following the road heading west.

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