Azores Guided Tour to Volcano and Crater of Sete Cidades

Discover the Natural Marvels of São Miguel with the Azores Guided Tour to the Volcano and Crater of Sete Cidades

If you’re seeking an immersive experience in the Azores, this guided tour offers a fantastic way to see the most iconic natural site on the island—Sete Cidades. For around $74 per person and approximately 4 hours long, you’ll visit the largest volcanic crater in the Azores, see the famous green and blue lakes, and enjoy breathtaking viewpoints along the way. The tour includes visits to a pineapple plantation, several scenic lookouts, and a charming village.

What we love most about this experience is how it combines top-notch views with informative commentary, thanks to guides who clearly know their stuff. The stops at Miradouro do Pico do Carvão and Vista do Rei give you postcard-perfect photos, while the visit to Sete Cidades itself is a highlight that truly captures the island’s volcanic beauty. Another perk: the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics hassle-free.

A possible consideration is that the tour duration may feel tight for some, especially if you like to linger longer at each stop. Also, some reviews mention that the drive time is significant, which might eat into the time spent at each site. Still, if you’re after a comprehensive snapshot of São Miguel’s highlights in a manageable timeframe, this tour suits travelers eager for a balanced mix of sightseeing and local insights.

This experience is particularly well-suited for first-time visitors or anyone wanting to see the highlights comfortably without renting a car. It’s also ideal if you appreciate guided commentary and want to learn about the island’s volcanic origins and local culture from knowledgeable guides.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: From viewpoints like Vista do Rei and Miradouro do Pico do Carvão, you’ll capture postcard-worthy photos.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Rui and Denis are praised for their knowledge and friendly manner.
• Authentic Experiences: Visiting a pineapple plantation offers a taste of local agriculture.
• Scenic Variety: The tour includes lakes, volcano craters, and charming villages, offering diverse scenery.
• Value for Money: At $74, the tour provides a well-rounded, guided experience with hotel pickup and drop-off.
• Time Management: It’s a busy schedule, so be prepared for some driving and short stops.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting in the early morning, the tour kicks off with a visit to a local pineapple plantation. This stop lasts about 30 to 45 minutes and is a chance to see how the Azores grow their famous strawberry-like pineapples. As one reviewer noted, hearing the story of how pineapples arrived in São Miguel added depth to the experience, and it’s a good way to get a glimpse into local agriculture.

Next, the drive takes you along the Southwest coast, climbing up to Miradouro do Pico do Carvão. This viewpoint, lasting about 15 to 20 minutes, offers sweeping vistas of the island’s rugged coastline and lush landscape. The panoramic views here are often praised as a perfect photo opportunity, and guides tend to share interesting tidbits about the landscape.

The tour then proceeds to Lake of Canario, situated in a volcanic crater at about 800 meters above sea level. This stop lasts approximately 20 to 25 minutes, providing an intimate look at a less-visited but equally dramatic volcanic lake. As one reviewer mentioned, the scenery here is quietly spectacular, with a feel of untouched nature.

Following this, the View of the King (Vista do Rei) offers a stunning lookout over the Sete Cidades crater, with the famous twin lakes as a backdrop. The name itself hints at its iconic status. Expect about 20 to 30 minutes here, giving enough time for photos and taking in the view.

Down the road, you’ll visit Lake of Santiago, related directly to the volcanic formation of the crater. It’s a smaller but charming lake, measuring about 700 meters by 475 meters, and about 30 meters deep. This stop is brief—around 15 minutes—but it’s a nice quiet spot to absorb the volcanic history.

One of the most memorable parts of the tour is crossing the bridge that separates the green and blue lakes—a striking sight that’s often featured on postcards. The guide will narrate the story behind the bridge, built in 1967, and you’ll get a good look at the lakes from within the village of Sete Cidades.

You’ll have the opportunity to pause in the village itself for about 30 minutes. Some travelers take this chance to enjoy a coffee or visit the Igreja de São Nicolau, a charming small church built in the 17th century with a surrounding alley of cryptomerias. This spot has earned praise for its quaintness and historical charm.

The final scenic stop is at the Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado, built on a cliff on the island’s west coast. About 15 to 20 minutes here, you’ll enjoy spectacular sea views and perhaps catch one of the island’s famous sunsets, according to guide commentary.

The tour wraps up with a quick stop back in Sete Cidades for additional photo opportunities or a last stroll, then heads back along the southwest route to your hotel or meeting point.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The Guided Commentary – Guides like Rui and Denis are repeatedly praised for their friendly, knowledgeable approach. They not only point out scenic spots but also share insights about the volcanic origins of the lakes, local history, and anecdotes that make the landscape come alive. Their enthusiasm makes the experience more engaging.

The Vistas and Photo Opportunities – The combination of scenic viewpoints like Vista do Rei and Miradouro do Pico do Carvão ensures you capture memorable photos. The contrast of lush greenery with the distinctive twin lakes makes it a photographer’s dream.

Authentic Local Flavor – The stop at the pineapple plantation highlights the island’s agricultural traditions, giving an authentic taste of local life beyond just the natural scenery.

The Downside

Some reviews mention that the tour feels a bit rushed, especially with the amount of ground covered. The drive time from one stop to another eats into the time available at each sight, meaning you might not be able to linger as long as you’d like. Also, a couple of guests noted that they were dropped off about 30 minutes earlier than planned, which could be frustrating if you wanted a longer visit.

Another consideration is the cost relative to the experience. While $74 includes hotel pickup, transportation, and a guide, some travelers felt the tour was somewhat overpriced considering the driving involved and the short stops at each site.

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Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This tour is perfect for travelers wanting a rundown of São Miguel’s volcanic landscape without renting a car or planning individual excursions. It’s especially suitable for first-time visitors eager to see iconic sights with expert guidance. If you’re someone who enjoys spectacular viewpoints, learns from informative guides, and appreciates authentic local stops like the pineapple plantation, this tour will suit you well.

The Sum Up

This guided tour offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, cultural insight, and convenience. It’s a good choice if you want to see São Miguel’s most famous volcanic crater and lakes without the hassle of organizing multiple stops yourself. The guides’ friendliness and knowledge elevate the experience, making it both educational and visually stunning.

While the schedule might feel a little tight, especially with the driving involved, the scenic vistas and authentic stops provide excellent value for the price. You’ll leave with plenty of memorable photos and a deeper appreciation of the island’s volcanic origins.

This tour is ideal for first-timers, nature lovers, and those wanting to comfortably experience the best of Sete Cidades with expert guidance. If you’re seeking a well-organized, scenic, and authentic day on São Miguel, this tour will deliver.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, including stops, sightseeing, and transportation.

What sites are included?
You’ll visit a pineapple plantation, viewpoints like Pico do Carvão and Vista do Rei, lakes such as Canario and Santiago, and the village of Sete Cidades, including the bridge that separates the twin lakes.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off at four designated locations: Ponta Delgada, Lagoa, Capelas, and Ribeira Grande.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, camera, and weather-appropriate clothing. Bottled water is provided during the tour.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

Is the tour available in multiple languages?
Yes, guides speak English, Portuguese, German, and Spanish, allowing for a broader range of travelers.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Generally, yes. The stops are mostly scenic and gentle, but be prepared for some walking and a bit of a bus ride.

Embark on this journey for a comprehensive taste of São Miguel’s volcanic beauty, led by guides who know the island inside out. It’s an excellent way to capture the essence of the Sete Cidades and the surrounding landscapes—all in a manageable, well-organized day.

You can check availability for your dates here: