Private Tour – All of the West & Sete Cidades Volcano

Experience the Best of São Miguel’s West Coast with a Private Tour

Imagine spending half a day discovering the most captivating sights of São Miguel, Portugal’s lush and volcanic island. For $137.57 per person, this private half-day tour offers an intimate exploration of the island’s western side, including Sete Cidades lakes, scenic viewpoints, volcanic beaches, and hot spring baths. Led by knowledgeable guides, this experience is ideal if you want flexibility, personalized attention, and authentic scenery without the rush of large groups.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it combines breathtaking natural beauty with insightful commentary. Guides like Carlos and Rita are lauded for their deep knowledge and friendly approach, making the journey both educational and enjoyable. It’s a great choice for travelers wanting a tailored experience, away from cookie-cutter group excursions. The tour’s duration of about five hours feels just right—long enough to see the highlights, but not so long that it becomes exhausting.

One thing to keep in mind: since the tour covers outdoor scenic spots and natural pools, the weather can influence your experience. Some reviews mention early weather challenges but highlight guides’ perseverance in finding beautiful locations regardless. Also, it’s a full-on sightseeing experience—not really for those seeking a relaxed, at-your-own-pace day lounging around, but perfect for active, curious travelers.

This tour is especially well-suited for those who value local insights and flexibility. Whether you’re a first-timer or returning visitor, the personalized nature makes it stand out. If you love stunning landscapes, authentic local spots, and engaging guides, this trip offers excellent value for the experience packed into a half-day.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Private tour means your group gets exclusive attention and flexibility.
• Stunning Views: Visit iconic viewpoints like Miradouro da Boca do Inferno and Vista do Rei for postcard-worthy scenery.
• Natural Hot Springs: Soak in Ferraria’s ocean thermal pools, a unique Azorean highlight.
• Cultural & Natural Mix: Combines scenic overlooks, volcanic lakes, small villages, and volcanic beaches.
• Excellent Guides: Highly praised guides like Carlos and Rita bring island stories to life.
• Good Value: For around $137, you get a comprehensive, personalized tour with many highlights and included entrance to Ferraria.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

What’s Included and How It’s Organized

This is a private tour offered by Azores Like Locals, meaning it’s just your group and your guide. The pickup service ensures convenience, starting around 9:30 am, with most travelers booking this experience 64 days in advance—indicating how popular and well-loved it is.

Pricing at $137.57 per person gives you access to a flexible, curated itinerary, with no crowded buses or group schedules to follow. The tour duration of about 5 hours strikes a balance—long enough to explore thoroughly, but not so long that you’ll tire out. Your guide will tailor the stops based on your interests, but the general route covers the coast, lakes, beaches, and thermal pools.

Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll See

Stop 1: Miradouro da Boca do Inferno
The most famous viewpoint on the island, this spot offers panoramic views of the coast and the Atlantic. It’s about a 30-minute walk to reach the viewpoint, and it’s free to enjoy. The views here are often considered the best introduction to the island’s dramatic landscape.

Stop 2: Lagoa do Canario
A quick 10-minute stop to admire this peaceful lagoon nestled in the volcanic landscape. It’s a perfect photo spot and provides insight into the island’s volcanic origins.

Stop 3: Vista do Rei Miradouro
This is the most visited viewpoint and presents the classic view over Sete Cidades lakes. It’s easy to see why—bright blue and green waters sit within the crater of a dormant volcano, framed by lush greenery.

Stop 4: Lagoa de Santiago
Another scenic overlook, this spot offers a different perspective of the lakes, emphasizing the island’s volcanic geography.

Stop 5: Lagoa Verde / Lagoa das Sete Cidades
This is the highlight for many visitors. From within the crater, you get a close-up view of the twin lakes, with their contrasting colors—blue and green—set against the volcanic crater walls. Expect about 30 minutes here to absorb the views and snap plenty of photos.

Stop 6: Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado
A dramatic cliffside viewpoint offering spectacular coastal views, perfect for those Instagram-moment shots.

Stop 7: Mosteiros & Black Sand Beach
A small village known for its dark volcanic sands and natural pools. During summer, many take the chance to enjoy a swim in the ocean’s thermal pools, a favorite among travelers. This stop is about 30 minutes, allowing enough time to walk around, take photos, and relax.

Stop 8: Ferraria
The tour’s pièce de résistance—hot springs in the ocean where you can enjoy a warm swim, conditions permitting. The pools are shaped by volcanic activity and are a rare natural spa experience, included with admission. The timing here depends on tide and ocean conditions, but guides often coordinate just right for a memorable soak.

Authenticity and Personal Touches

One of the reasons this tour receives high praise is the knowledge and friendliness of guides like Carlos and Rita. They’re not just drivers—they’re storytellers, eager to share insights about local culture, geology, and even personal anecdotes. As one reviewer notes, Carlos was “very knowledgeable in history” and went “above and beyond” to ensure guests saw the best views.

Rita, in particular, is lauded for her local expertise—living on the island all her life, she knows secret viewpoints and local eateries. Several reviews mention her friendly, attentive manner, making the experience feel very personal, almost like exploring with a friend who knows all the best spots.

The Value of Flexibility and Personalization

Unlike large group excursions, a private tour allows you to skip or linger at spots based on your preference. Some travelers appreciated that guides like Rita adjusted their itinerary when weather was less cooperative, ensuring they still enjoyed stunning views and memorable experiences. This flexibility is especially valuable in a landscape as changeable as the Azores, where fog or rain can obscure some viewpoints.

What Travelers Love and What to Consider

The most common praise? The guides’ knowledge and friendliness. Comments like “Carlos was an encyclopedia,” and “Rita is the best,” highlight how important having an engaging guide is to the overall experience.

The scenic spots—Sete Cidades, volcanic beaches, cliffs—are genuinely breathtaking. The Ferraria hot springs are a highlight for many, offering a unique combination of volcanic activity and ocean that makes for a memorable swim.

A potential drawback? The weather can impact some parts of the tour, especially the hot springs and swimming opportunities. While guides do their best to adapt, some travelers might find their day less ideal if rain or fog dominates.

Who This Tour is Perfect For

This experience suits active travelers who want a comprehensive, personal introduction to São Miguel’s west side. If you value local insights, flexible schedules, and authentic scenery, this tour hits the mark. It’s excellent for those who prefer to avoid crowded buses and enjoy a tailored itinerary with a friendly guide.

Final Thoughts

This private tour offers value for money by packing an impressive variety of landscapes, scenic viewpoints, and natural springs into just five hours. The personalized nature ensures you get the most out of your limited time on the island, with guides like Rita and Carlos bringing the landscape to life through their stories and local knowledge.

Travelers who love stunning vistas, volcanic landscapes, and authentic local experiences will find this tour particularly rewarding. The combination of natural beauty, cultural insights, and the flexibility of a private guide makes it stand above many group excursions. Plus, the included entrance to Ferraria’s hot pools gives a memorable, relaxing finish to a day of exploration.

In short, if you’re seeking a well-rounded, engaging, and flexible way to see São Miguel’s west coast, this tour is hard to beat. It’s especially ideal if you appreciate guides who go beyond the script and enjoy exploring at your own pace.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but keep in mind that some walking is involved at viewpoints and scenic spots. It’s best for those comfortable with a moderate outdoor walk.

What is included in the price?
The tour price includes the guide, pickup, and entrance to Ferraria’s thermal pools. Other stops like viewpoints and beaches are free to enjoy.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, starting around 9:30 am, giving plenty of time to see key sights without feeling rushed.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, guides are usually flexible and willing to accommodate specific interests or adjust stops if requested.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes for walking, weather-appropriate clothing, and swimwear if you plan to enjoy the thermal pools or swim in the ocean.

Is pickup available from my hotel?
Yes, pickup is offered, making start time and location hassle-free.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 2 months ahead — the tour is popular, and early booking secures your spot.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Guides often adjust the itinerary to maximize the experience despite weather conditions, but some outdoor activities might be limited if rain or fog occurs.

Can this tour be combined with other activities?
Certainly, it pairs well with other island adventures like whale watching or local food tours—just check with the provider about timing and logistics.

This private tour of São Miguel’s west coast is a superb choice for those who want an authentic, flexible, and engaging way to explore the island’s natural wonders. With knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and the chance to enjoy volcanic hot springs, it delivers a memorable slice of Azorean paradise.