Seven Citys Tour: Sete Cidades Crater Lake Shore Excursion

Exploring the Sete Cidades Crater Lake Shore Excursion: A Practical Guide

If you’re planning a trip to São Miguel in the Azores, chances are you’ve seen photos of the famous twin lakes of Sete Cidades—brightly colored and surrounded by lush greenery. This tour, offered by Azores Magic Tours, promises a well-rounded experience that takes you inside one of Portugal’s most iconic natural wonders.

What we love about this tour is how it balances stunning scenery with engaging stops that showcase both the natural beauty and local charm of the island. It’s especially good for those who want a comprehensive, guided experience with an emphasis on authentic sights and scenic viewpoints.

A possible consideration is that at just 4 hours, the tour is somewhat condensed, so if you’re after a deeper or more leisurely exploration, you might want to look into longer options. Still, for a half-day adventure, it offers value-packed sightseeing suitable for most travelers. Whether you’re a nature lover, photography enthusiast, or someone simply wanting a taste of São Miguel’s highlights, this tour fits well for those who appreciate guided commentary and scenic stops.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Who is this tour best suited for?

This experience is ideal if you want an efficient yet thorough introduction to Sete Cidades and its surrounding sights. It’s perfect for travelers with limited time but who still want to see the most iconic spots. It also works well for those who appreciate expert guides and scenic drives, especially since the tour is available in multiple languages including English, Portuguese, German, and Spanish.

Key Points

• Iconic Sights: Visit the world-famous Sete Cidades lakes, offering the best views of the green and blue waters.
• Variety of Stops: Includes a pineapple plantation, scenic viewpoints, volcanic lakes, and a charming village.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides help bring the landscape and history to life.
• Authentic Experiences: Opportunities to visit a 17th-century church and enjoy a local coffee in the village.
• Value for Money: For $74, the tour covers a lot of ground in just four hours, including transportation, guide, and water.
• Breathtaking Views: Stops at Miradouro do Pico do Carvão and Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado promise some of the island’s best vistas.

The Itinerary and What You’ll Experience

Starting Point and Pickup

The tour begins with hotel pickup from four key locations—Ribeira Grande, Capelas, Ponta Delgada, or Lagoa—making it convenient no matter where you’re staying. This personalized touch means you won’t have to worry about navigating or finding meeting points, which is a relief in a place where roads can be winding.

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Pineapple Plantation—A Sweet Introduction

The first stop is at a Pineapple Plantation for about 30 to 45 minutes. Here, we loved the way this stop offers a glimpse into local agriculture—pining for pineapples is a common sight, and seeing how they’re grown in volcanic soil is quite fascinating. It’s a chance to stretch your legs and perhaps buy some fresh produce or souvenirs.

Miradouro do Pico do Carvão—Scenic Overlook

Next, we ascend the island’s mountains, stopping at Miradouro do Pico do Carvão for about 15 to 20 minutes. This viewpoint offers sweeping vistas over the southwest coast, and you’ll get a sense of São Miguel’s volcanic landscape. The views here are especially photogenic, with rugged cliffs meeting the ocean, perfect for snapping memorable pictures.

Lago do Canário—Volcanic Lake in a Crater

Climbing further, the group visits the Lago do Canário, situated about 800 meters above sea level. This volcanic lake in a crater offers a serene setting, and we appreciated how this stop showcases the island’s volcanic origins. Spending around 20-25 minutes here, you can enjoy the tranquility and take in the misty mountain landscape.

Vista do Rei—The Heart of the Iconic View

Arguably the highlight, Vista do Rei looks over the Sete Cidades crater with its twin lakes. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the Azores—and for good reason. The panoramic views here allow you to appreciate how the lakes, separated by a narrow bridge, are uniquely vibrant and contrasting in color. Many reviews mention how breathtaking the scenery is, with one saying it’s “the best postcard of the Azores.” Expect to spend about 20 to 30 minutes soaking in the views and learning about the landscape from your guide.

Lagoa de Santiago—A Volcanic Gem

Descending from the highlands, you’ll stop at Lagoa de Santiago, a volcanic lake related to the Sete Cidades volcanic formation. At 15 minutes, this is a quick but informative stop that adds depth to your understanding of the island’s volcanic history.

The Village of Sete Cidades—Culture and Charm

As your journey approaches the village, you’ll pass over the bridge that separates the iconic green and blue lakes, built in 1967. In the village, there’s time to visit the Church of São Nicolau, a neo-Gothic gem built in the 17th century, rich in character. Travelers have appreciated this stop, with one reviewer calling it a “small temple with a cryptomeria alley,” and noting it’s a peaceful spot to appreciate local architecture. The optional coffee break here is a great way to connect with local life and pick up some souvenirs.

Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado—Sunset Vistas

The final scenic stop is Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado, perched on a cliff in the island’s west. It’s renowned for spectacular sunsets, and we loved how this spot offers a final, quiet moment to admire the ocean and cliffs. The stop lasts about 15 to 20 minutes, giving enough time to take photos and enjoy the sea breeze.

Return and Drop-Off

After the last viewpoint, the tour ends with a 45-minute drive back to your hotel or accommodation, giving you a moment to reflect on the stunning landscapes you’ve just experienced.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

What Travelers Love

Many reviews praise the guide’s knowledge and friendliness, which makes a huge difference in how memorable the tour feels. One traveler mentioned that the guide “really made the day special,” highlighting the value of having a local expert to enhance the experience.

The scenic views are undeniably the star of this tour. Multiple reviewers noted how breathtaking the vistas are, even on cloudy days—one said, “we were able to see everything and all the breathtaking views,” despite the weather.

Possible Drawbacks

Some travelers might find that four hours feels a bit rushed, especially if they wish to linger longer at each viewpoint or explore more deeply. Plus, the tour does not include entry to Caldeira Velha, which might be a consideration for those interested in hot springs or thermal baths.

Value for Price

At $74 per person, the tour offers a solid value considering the transportation, multiple scenic stops, expert guide, and hotel pickup/drop-off included. It’s a practical way to see São Miguel’s highlights without the hassle of self-driving or planning each stop independently.

Final Thoughts

This Seven Citys Tour is a highly recommended way to experience the most iconic landscape of São Miguel—Sete Cidades. It’s curated to give you a taste of the island’s volcanic beauty, breathtaking viewpoints, and local culture, all within a manageable four-hour window. The combination of scenic drives, informative guides, and authentic stops makes it a solid choice for travelers who want a balanced, value-packed tour.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to the Azores, this tour offers enough variety and depth to satisfy your curiosity and love for nature. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate guided commentary and want to beat the crowds by visiting key viewpoints efficiently.

FAQ

What is included in the tour? The tour includes a van, an experienced guide, a bottle of water, hotel pick-up, and drop-off at your accommodation.

Are there any additional costs I should consider? Yes, the tour does not include entry to Caldeira Velha, so if you want to visit hot springs, you’ll need to pay separately.

How long is the tour? It lasts approximately 4 hours, with scheduled stops and scenic viewpoints.

What languages are available for the guide? The tour is offered in English, Portuguese, German, and Spanish.

Are there any physical requirements or considerations? The tour involves some walking at stops like the church and viewpoints, but overall it’s accessible for most travelers with average mobility.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for families? Yes, it’s family-friendly, especially since it involves scenic drives and short walks, but always check with the provider if you have very young children.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, a camera, sunglasses, and a sense of curiosity are recommended. Weather can change quickly, so a light raincoat or jacket might be useful.

Final Verdict

In the end, the Seven Citys Tour offers a well-rounded, scenic, and culturally engaging experience in São Miguel. It’s especially good for those who want to see the best viewpoints, learn from a knowledgeable guide, and enjoy a manageable half-day trip. For around $74, you’re getting a snapshot of the island’s most photogenic sites—an excellent investment for your Azores adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: