Guided Visit to the Crater and Volcano of Lagoa das Sete Cidades

If you’re planning a trip to São Miguel and want to see some of the island’s most iconic sights, this guided tour around Lagoa das Sete Cidades might catch your eye. It’s a well-reviewed, roughly four-hour excursion that packs in a variety of viewpoints, volcanic lakes, and a touch of local culture—all for around $67 per person. Whether you’re into breathtaking scenery, learning about local agriculture, or just want a hassle-free way to see the highlights, this tour offers a lot of what you’re looking for.

Two things we really like about this experience are the knowledgeable guide and the stunning viewpoints. Multiple reviews praise the guidance — with guides like Rui and Carla earning high marks for friendliness and insight. Plus, the views from spots like Vista do Rei are genuinely postcard-worthy. One potential drawback is that, because it’s a small group tour, there might be some wait times if others are late or if the group size expands unexpectedly, as some reviews have noted. Still, for travelers who want a structured, efficient way to navigate the island’s volcanic landscapes, this tour could be a good fit.

This experience suits those who appreciate a mix of nature, culture, and convenience, especially if you’re on a tight schedule or prefer guided tours that cover a lot in a short time. It’s also perfect if you’re traveling with others who enjoy scenic overlooks and learning about local agriculture (like the pineapple greenhouses). But if you’re looking for a private, more flexible experience, that’s something to keep in mind.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covers the best viewpoints, lakes, and cultural sites around São Miguel.
• Knowledgeable guides provide informative commentary and local insights.
• Small group size (max 8 travelers) creates an intimate experience—though this can sometimes mean waiting for late arrivals.
• Value for money is notable, especially with multiple stops, bottled water, and transport included.
• Stunning scenic views from viewpoints like Vista do Rei and Miradouro do Pico do Carvão make for memorable photos.
• Some reviews mention comfort concerns due to group size and vehicle for larger groups, but overall, most find it manageable.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Introduction to the Tour Experience

This guided tour offers a layered look at São Miguel’s volcanic landscape, from lush lakes to sweeping vistas. It’s tailored for travelers wanting to see the highlights without the hassle of arranging transport and logistics themselves. The tour’s core appeal is its combination of nature’s beauty and local culture, with stops at key viewpoints and sites that tell the story of the island’s volcanic origins.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Plantacao de Ananas dos Acores

We start with a visit to a pineapple greenhouse, which is truly a window into the island’s agricultural history. Here, you’ll watch a short video explaining how pineapples made their way to São Miguel in the 19th century and how they’re cultivated today. It’s a fascinating insight into how this fruit went from a botanical curiosity to a local staple and export product. The greenhouses are quite charming, and many reviews mention the extra stop at the pineapple plantation that wasn’t in the original itinerary, which adds value.

While some might find this stop somewhat touristy, most appreciate the opportunity to learn about local farming practices and see the unique glasshouse cultivation methods that the island employs. The admission is included, and expect around 45 minutes at this stop.

Stop 2: Miradouro do Pico do Carvão

Next, you’ll head to a panoramic viewpoint in Arrifes, Ponta Delgada, where the views extend across the volcanic mountains of the Sete Cidades massif. This spot is ideal for getting an expansive look at the island’s volcanic cones, lagoons, and the highest point, Pico da Vara. A large expanse of landscape opens up here, giving you a sense of São Miguel’s volcanic complexity.

Travelers often comment on how this viewpoint offers a “very wide view” and the chance to appreciate the island’s scale. It’s a quick stop—about 20 minutes—but it’s a picture-perfect moment. The scenery, even on a cloudy day, provides a sense of the island’s raw volcanic energy.

Stop 3: Lagoa do Canario

Housed in a volcanic crater in Serra Devassa, Lagoa do Canario is a tranquil lagoon surrounded by native Macaronesian forests. At 800 meters altitude, the peaceful setting here provides a different perspective—more lush, more secluded. It’s notable for the cryptomeria plantations and the forested landscape, which some reviews highlight as a “beautiful and peaceful” spot.

Expect to spend about 20 minutes here. It’s a chance to step out of the van, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and enjoy the quiet beauty of this crater lake.

Stop 4: Miradouro do Cerrado das Freiras

This viewpoint offers a stunning vista over Lagoa das Sete Cidades, with the small village of Sete Cidades in the background. The views here are framed as “breathtaking” by many, perfect for photos and simply soaking in the landscape. It’s a brief 20-minute stop, but it’s one of the most memorable points of the tour.

Stop 5: Vista do Rei Miradouro

Arguably the most famous viewpoint, Vista do Rei has historical significance—visits from Portuguese royalty in 1901. The panoramic view shows the twin lakes of Lagoa das Sete Cidades, with their contrasting colors, nestled in the volcanic crater. It’s frequently described as one of the best postcard spots on the island. Many reviews highlight this as a “must-see” spot that lives up to its reputation.

Expect about 15 minutes here, but it’s enough to snap photos and appreciate the grandeur of the landscape.

Stop 6: Lagoa de Santiago

This deeper lagoon, located at 334 meters above sea level, is in the volcanic crater of Serra Devassa. It’s a less crowded but equally beautiful spot, surrounded by forests. The lake itself is sizable, with depths reaching 29 meters, and it’s a peaceful end to the series of viewpoints.

The Church and Sunset View

Igreja de São Nicolau

A small neo-Gothic church built in the 17th century, flanked by cryptomeria-lined alleys, offering a touch of local history and architecture. It’s a brief stop (around 30 minutes) but provides a cultural contrast to the natural scenery.

Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado

This cliffside viewpoint is perfect for a sunset (if timing aligns), offering sweeping views over the ocean and nearby islands. Many travelers find it a magical end to the day, with dramatic vistas and a sense of being on the edge of the world. It’s a short 15-minute stop, making it a lovely finale.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour offers good value considering the number of scenic stops, the guide, bottled water, air-conditioned transport, and hotel pickup/drop-off. The only notable exclusion is the airport pickup, so you’ll need to arrange your own transfer if you’re arriving directly for a short stay.

The small group size (up to 8 travelers) fosters a more personal experience and allows the guides to offer tailored insights. However, some reviews mention the vehicle’s comfort for larger groups, especially when the group exceeds four, which can sometimes result in a slightly cramped ride.

The Real Traveler Experience

The reviews paint a picture of a mostly positive trip with a few caveats. Many travelers, like Dawn and Donald, praise the guides for their friendliness and knowledge, calling it “a great overview” of the island’s volcanic features. The views, especially from Vista do Rei and Pico do Carvão, consistently earn high marks for their breathtaking nature.

A recurring theme in reviews is the value for money—the tour manages to pack in numerous viewpoints, a pineapple plantation, and cultural sites for a reasonable price. The inclusion of bottled water and transportation makes it a convenient, all-in-one option.

That said, some reviews note groups can sometimes be larger or include late arrivals, which might slightly extend wait times or reduce comfort for some guests. One review even recalls a negative experience with a missed tour due to poor organization, but that seems to be an outlier in this otherwise well-regarded experience.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This tour is ideal if you want a comprehensive yet manageable way to explore São Miguel’s volcanic landscapes and natural beauty. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate guide-led experiences for local insights and prefer to see many highlights without the stress of planning each stop. The variety of viewpoints, lakes, and cultural sites makes it suitable for anyone interested in the diverse geography of the island.

If you’re comfortable with a small group and don’t mind sharing space on a mini van, you’ll enjoy the intimacy and the ability to ask questions along the way. It’s particularly good for those on a layover or short trip, as it offers a quick but rich overview of what makes São Miguel special.

However, if you’re seeking complete flexibility or a private experience, you might find the group setting less ideal. The tour’s structure means some scheduled stops might feel rushed if the group is waiting on late arrivals or if you prefer a more leisurely pace.

Final Thoughts

This guided tour of Lagoa das Sete Cidades and São Miguel’s volcanic highlights offers a compelling mix of natural beauty, local history, and convenient planning. With highly praised guides, stunning viewpoints, and an efficient itinerary, it’s a solid choice for most travelers wanting to tick off the island’s top sights without the fuss of independent travel.

The value for money is clear, especially with multiple scenic stops and cultural insights included. Most reviews highlight how memorable the views are—particularly Vista do Rei—and how friendly and knowledgeable the guides are. Despite a few minor complaints about group comfort and timing, it remains a popular, well-reviewed option.

If your goal is to see the most photogenic spots and learn a bit about the island’s volcanic origin, this tour can be a rewarding experience—whether it’s your first visit to São Miguel or a quick stop on a longer trip.

FAQs

Is pickup included in the tour? Yes, pickup and drop-off are included, but airport pickup is not part of this package.

How long is the tour? It lasts approximately 4 hours, covering several key viewpoints, lakes, and cultural sites.

What’s the group size? The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, fostering a more personal experience.

Is it suitable for families? The tour is generally suitable for most travelers, but consider comfort if traveling with very young children or those who prefer more space.

What’s the price? Around $67.36 per person, which includes transportation, guide, bottled water, and admission to sites.

Are there any hidden costs? No, all the main stops and amenities mentioned are included; just watch out for personal expenses like meals or souvenirs.

Can I cancel? Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

Is it a good value? Considering the number of viewpoints, cultural stops, and guide service, most travelers find it a good deal for exploring São Miguel’s highlights efficiently.