Private Tour – All of the West & Sete Cidades Volcano

This detailed review covers a highly-rated private tour of the western part of São Miguel Island in the Azores, designed for travelers seeking a personalized, authentic experience. While we haven’t taken this exact trip ourselves, the glowing reviews and comprehensive itinerary suggest it’s a fantastic way to see some of the most breathtaking sights on the island.

What we love about this tour is its flexibility and focus on quality over quantity—you get a handful of carefully chosen stops with expert guidance. The second highlight? The chance to indulge in thermal pools and volcanic beaches that are both scenic and refreshingly invigorating. A potential consideration is that the tour runs for about 5 hours, so it’s ideal if you’re not pressed for time but also don’t want a full-day commitment.

Perfect for those who want a customized experience, this tour is especially suited for visitors with limited time who want to pack in a diverse array of natural wonders and local highlights. Families, couples, or solo travelers looking for an informative yet relaxed outing will find this a comfortable fit.

Key Points

• Personalized experience with a private guide ensures flexible planning and tailored visits.
• Stunning viewpoints and lakes offer some of the best photo opportunities and scenic vistas.
• Unique volcanic sites like the Inferno Grotto and Ferraria pools provide authentic Azorean adventures.
• Well-reviewed guides like Rita and Carlos are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and attentiveness.
• All stops are free or included, offering good value for money at just over $137 per person.
• Variety of stops, from lakes and viewpoints to beaches and thermal pools, makes for a well-rounded day.

This private tour promises a blend of natural beauty, local culture, and geological marvels, all delivered with the flexibility that a group tour can’t match. It’s designed to give you a personalized experience with an emphasis on authentic sights and stories.

The Itinerary: A Closer Look

Miradouro da Boca do Inferno

Your adventure begins with the most famous viewpoint, offering an iconic panorama of São Miguel’s volcanic landscape. It’s about a 30-minute walk to this viewpoint, which is free of charge. You’ll get expansive views over the rugged coastline and cratered terrain, making it a perfect spot for photos and first impressions.

Reviewers love how guides like Rita or Carlos go the extra mile to make sure you get the best views—even if the weather isn’t cooperating. One reviewer noted that guides are very accommodating, showing flexibility if clouds roll in or if you want more time snapping pictures.

Lagoa do Canario

Next, expect a quick stop at Lagoa do Canario, renowned for its striking green waters framed by cliffs and lush vegetation. It’s a brief 10-minute visit, but the scenery leaves a lasting impression. It’s a favorite among visitors for its tranquility and photogenic qualities.

Vista do Rei Miradouro

This is perhaps the most visited viewpoint, overlooking the twin lakes of Sete Cidades within the crater. The abandoned hotel in the background adds a touch of mystery and history. From here, you’ll see the famous blue and green lakes—a sight that’s worth a thousand words. The 10-minute stop allows for photos and soaking in the breathtaking panoramic.

Lagoa de Santiago & Lagoa Verde / Lagoa das Sete Cidades

You’ll then descend into the crater itself for a 30-minute view of Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul (the Blue and Green Lakes). Many reviews highlight how special it is to literally see these lakes from inside the volcanic caldera, with the contrasts of colors and landscape truly remarkable.

Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado

Another scenic cliff view over the coastline provides a dramatic perspective of São Miguel’s volcanic coast. Just 10 minutes here, but it’s a must-see for lovers of rugged, untouched nature.

Mosteiros Beach & Natural Pools

In summer, this stop becomes a highlight, with an opportunity to swim in the dark volcanic sand and natural pools. One review enthusiastically noted that swimming in the Ferraria pools was an amazing experience, with the warm seawater mixing with hot springs—truly an authentic Azorean treat.

Ferraria Hot Springs

The tour culminates with a visit to Ferraria. You don’t just see it—you can enjoy a swim in the ocean’s hot springs, which are heated by volcanic activity. The tide and ocean conditions influence whether you can swim, but most reviewers find it worth the visit.

Guides and Personal Touches

Many reviews praise the guides like Rita and Carlos for their knowledge, friendliness, and flexibility. One reviewer called Rita “the best-ever guide,” relaying how she showed secret viewpoints and personalized the experience to their interests. Others appreciated Carlos’s in-depth knowledge of the island’s history and geology.

Having a private guide means you won’t be rushing between sights or stuck with a fixed itinerary. Instead, you can ask questions, linger at spots, or skip something if you prefer. This flexibility is a big part of why travelers find this tour so valuable.

Transportation and Timing

This tour lasts about 5 hours, starting at 9:30 am, which is convenient if you’re arriving on a cruise or have a limited window to explore. Since it’s private, your group enjoys exclusive transportation—likely comfortable and tailored to your pace. It’s noted as being near public transportation, but most travelers will prefer private pickup for convenience.

Price and Value

At a little over $137 per person, the price is quite reasonable considering the personalized service and the array of stunning sites included. Reviewers consistently mention the excellent value for money, especially given the level of attention and knowledge from guides. Plus, all the major viewpoints and natural attractions are included—no hidden costs.

What Travelers Say

The majority of reviews are 5-star, emphasizing outstanding guides, breathtaking views, and a good balance of activity and relaxation. Many mention how guides like Rita or Carlos “went above and beyond” or “took us to secret spots” that aren’t on typical tourist maps.

One traveler described the day as “an amazing tour,” with the guide’s kindness, knowledge, and ability to adapt making it memorable. Another noted how the tour included delicious local food and pineapple tastings, adding flavor to the day beyond just scenery.

Practical Considerations

This tour is suitable for most travelers, including families and older visitors, thanks to its moderate pace and short stops. It’s perfect if you want to maximize sightseeing without a full-day commitment. Keep in mind that the swimming depends on ocean conditions and tide, so it’s good to be flexible.

If you’re visiting São Miguel and want a personalized, well-rounded experience, this private tour hits many of the highlights without feeling rushed. The mix of stunning lakes, volcanic cliffs, and thermal pools offers both visual beauty and authentic Azorean adventures. The private guide’s local knowledge enhances the experience, making it more engaging and informative.

The value for money is solid, especially since the tour covers a broad range of sights without hidden costs. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer an intimate setting and detailed insights over crowded group tours. Plus, if you’re short on time but want to see the best of the west, this tour is practically perfect.

What is included in the tour?
You’ll visit key viewpoints, lakes, volcanic beaches, and thermal pools, with a private guide. Ferraria pools’ swim is included, but ocean conditions influence this.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts roughly 5 hours, starting at 9:30 am, making it suitable for a half-day adventure.

Is there transportation provided?
Yes, private pickup is offered, ensuring comfort and convenience for your group.

Can I customize the stops?
Since it’s a private tour, guides like Rita and Carlos are flexible and often accommodate your preferences or adjust based on weather conditions.

Are there any additional costs?
No hidden costs—admission to viewpoints and the Ferraria pools are included. Food stops or souvenirs are up to you.

Is swimming in the pools always possible?
Not necessarily, as ocean conditions and tides influence whether swimming is safe or feasible during your visit.

Who would this tour suit best?
It’s ideal for those wanting a personalized, scenic, and authentic Azorean experience in a manageable time frame, especially if you enjoy nature and stunning vistas.

This private tour of São Miguel’s west side offers a wonderful blend of natural beauty, geological marvels, and local flavor. With attentive guides like Rita or Carlos, you’ll feel well cared for and truly get to appreciate what makes this island so special. It’s a great choice for those who value flexibility, expert insights, and authentic scenery—a memorable half-day that captures the essence of the Azores’ volcanic heart.

Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, this tour is designed to leave you with lasting impressions of crater lakes, rugged coastlines, and warm thermal waters—all in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere that makes you feel more like a guest than a tourist.