Guided Tour to the green & blue Lake of Sete Cidades

Exploring the Heart of São Miguel: Guided Tour to the Green & Blue Lake of Sete Cidades

This 4-hour guided tour takes you into the very soul of São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores. For $74 per person, you’ll visit the famous Sete Cidades, a site that perfectly captures the island’s volcanic personality and natural beauty. Your guide, whose enthusiasm and knowledge come highly recommended, will lead you through a series of stops that highlight the area’s most striking landscapes, culminating at the crater lakes and the spectacular viewpoints that have made this spot a postcard favorite.

What we love about this experience is how it combines scenic drives with short walks and authentic local encounters—like stopping at a pineapple plantation and enjoying a coffee in the village. The tour’s focus on diverse viewpoints and geological highlights makes it a well-rounded way to get a feel for São Miguel’s volcanic origins without feeling rushed.

A potential drawback? Some travelers might find the schedule a bit tight, especially if they love lingering at each stop or want more time in the village of Sete Cidades itself. But for those wanting a rundown packed into a manageable four hours, this tour hits the sweet spot.

This tour suits visitors who appreciate stunning vistas, want a guided snapshot of the island’s volcanic landscape, and prefer organized transportation to maximize their sightseeing. It’s perfect if you’re limited on time but eager to see some of the most iconic scenery São Miguel has to offer.

Key Points

• Iconic Views: The tour focuses on the famous Sete Cidades crater lakes, offering multiple viewpoints for memorable photos.
• Diverse Stops: From pineapple plantations to volcanic lakes and scenic overlooks, each stop adds a new dimension to your understanding of São Miguel’s geology.
• Expert Guidance: The guide provides insightful commentary, making complex volcanic features accessible and engaging.
• Convenient Transportation: Hotel pickup and drop-off make the experience hassle-free, especially for visitors unfamiliar with local transport.
• Authentic Experience: Short visits to local spots like the neo-Gothic Church of São Nicolau and the village of Sete Cidades give a glimpse of local life.
• Flexible Cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, adding peace of mind to your plans.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience: A Deep Dive into the Tour Itinerary

The adventure begins with a pick-up from your hotel or designated meeting point, usually around 9:00 AM, setting a comfortable tone for the day. We loved the fact that the tour starts with a visit to a pineapple plantation—a real treat for anyone curious about local agriculture. The guided tour here lasts about 30 to 45 minutes, giving just enough time to learn about the island’s unique pineapple cultivation and even pick up some souvenirs.

From there, the journey takes us along the southwest coast, where our guide took time to point out scenic spots and share local insights. The first significant stop is Pico do Carvão, a viewpoint offering sweeping vistas of the island’s volcanic landscape. Spending around 15 to 20 minutes here, we were able to take some photos and get a sense of São Miguel’s rugged terrain.

Next, the tour moves to Lago do Canário, situated about 800 meters above sea level inside a volcanic crater. The 20 to 25-minute stop allowed us to appreciate the conical volcanic formations and the lush greenery that surrounds it. It’s a quieter spot, perfect for taking in the scenery away from the crowds.

The highlight of the tour is the Vista do Rei lookout, which provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the famed Sete Cidades crater lakes. Here, the views are postcard-perfect, with the twin lakes—one green, one blue—lying side by side in the volcanic basin. Our guide shared stories that brought the landscape to life, and many in the group commented on how this view alone justified the trip.

Descending from the viewpoint, we stopped at Lagoa de Santiago, a smaller volcanic lake related to the Sete Cidades crater complex. This 15-minute pause gave us a chance to explore a different volcanic feature, with the lake’s calm waters and surrounding greenery offering a peaceful contrast to the scenic viewpoints.

Further into the tour, we crossed over the bridge that separates the green and blue lakes, built in 1967. Standing in the middle, it’s easy to marvel at how the contrasting colors of the lakes are a natural phenomenon, but the bridge makes for an interesting photo opportunity.

The village of Sete Cidades itself is a charming stop, where we visited the Church of São Nicolau—a tiny neo-Gothic relic from the 17th century. We had time to enjoy a coffee or stroll through the village, soaking in the local atmosphere before heading to the Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado. This rugged cliffside viewpoint offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the sunset, if timing permits.

The tour wraps up with the return to your accommodation, about 45 minutes after the last stop, leaving you with plenty of incredible photos and a good sense of São Miguel’s volcanic heart.

Authenticity and Value

While the price of $74 might seem modest for a guided experience, it packs in diverse scenery and expert insights that would be hard to replicate on your own. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off is particularly valuable, saving you time and effort in navigating public transport or car rental.

The tour’s emphasis on scenic viewpoints—especially Vista do Rei and Ponta do Escalvado—means you’ll leave with images that will stay with you long after your trip. It’s an experience that balances geological education with the chance to relax and take in extraordinary landscapes.

The reviews reflect a generally positive experience, with Elena praising the guide for “lots of information,” indicating a knowledgeable and engaging host. The ability to see the contrasting colors of the lakes from various vantage points is often highlighted as a major highlight, making this tour especially appealing for photography lovers or anyone wanting iconic scenery.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who loves stunning natural vistas and wants a structured, guided approach, this tour will suit you well. It’s ideal if your time on São Miguel is limited but you still want a rundown of the volcanic scenery and some local highlights.

However, if you prefer to linger longer at each site or explore more deeply into local villages and cultural sites, you might want to look for alternative options or extensions. But for a balanced snapshot with professional guidance and good value, this tour hits the mark.

The Sum Up: Why Choose This Tour?

This guided trip to Sete Cidades is perfect for travelers wanting to see the best of São Miguel’s volcanic landscapes without the hassle of planning every detail. The stunning views, especially of the famous twin lakes, make it a memorable highlight of any trip to the Azores.

The tour’s focus on geological features and scenic vistas is balanced with manageable stops and informative commentary—great for those who want to learn while enjoying beautiful surroundings. The hotel pickup and drop-off add convenience, making it especially appealing for visitors unfamiliar with local transportation.

While it’s not the longest or most in-depth tour available, it offers excellent value for the price and a solid introduction to the natural wonders of São Miguel. It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate spectacular scenery, guided storytelling, and organized logistics—especially if time is tight but quality scenery is a priority.

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FAQ about the Guided Tour to the Green & Blue Lake of Sete Cidades

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from designated locations, making it easy to join and leave without extra hassle.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts around 4 hours, including transfers, stops, and sightseeing.

What is the price of the tour?
It costs approximately $74 per person, which covers transportation, guide service, water, and some stops.

Are the stops flexible or are there set times?
The itinerary is fixed, but the schedule allows for brief stops at each site, with times ranging from 15 to 45 minutes.

What languages are available for the guide?
Guides speak English, Portuguese, German, and Spanish, catering to a diverse group of travelers.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund—giving you flexibility if your plans change.

Is there free time in Sete Cidades?
Yes, you’ll have about 40 minutes in the village, enough to walk around, visit the church, or enjoy a coffee.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
While not explicitly mentioned, the stops and scenery are family-friendly; just keep in mind the 4-hour duration and walking involved.

This tour offers a well-rounded and manageable way to see São Miguel’s most iconic volcanic scenery. For those eager to capture stunning views and learn about the island’s volcanic history, it’s a reliable choice.

You can check availability for your dates here: