São Miguel West Full Day Tour with Setes Cidades Including Lunch

Discovering São Miguel’s West Side: An Honest Look at the Full-Day Tour with Sete Cidades

If you’re planning a trip to São Miguel and want a solid overview of the island’s highlights, this West Full Day Tour with Sete Cidades might be just what you need. While we haven’t been on this exact tour ourselves, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a clear picture of what to expect. It’s a well-reviewed option that’s especially popular among first-time visitors, and the reviews speak highly of its value, scenery, and guide expertise.

What we love about this experience is how it packs a wide variety of the island’s most iconic sights into an easy-to-manage day. From the breathtaking lakes of Sete Cidades to the wild coastlines and waterfalls, it offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural insights. Plus, the inclusion of a traditional Portuguese lunch and hotel pickup makes it feel stress-free and well-organized.

A potential consideration is the itinerary’s pace—while most reviews praise how thorough and unhurried it feels, some travelers might find it a bit packed if they prefer slow, relaxed sightseeing. The small group size (up to 8 travelers) means you get more personal attention from your guide, which we think adds a lot to the experience. This tour suits anyone eager to see some of the island’s most stunning scenery without the hassle of self-driving or planning.

This tour is particularly suitable for first-timers, nature lovers, and those who want a comprehensive snapshot of São Miguel’s west side in one day. If you’re after in-depth exploration of each stop, you might want to consider longer or more specialized options. But if you’re looking for efficiency, expert guidance, and memorable views, this tour could be a perfect fit.

<h3 id="section-0">Key Points

• Ideal for first-time visitors wanting an overview of São Miguel’s most notable sights
• Small groups provide a more personalized experience and guide attention
• Includes a traditional Portuguese lunch, adding local flavor to your day
• Coverage of key highlights like Sete Cidades, waterfalls, and stunning viewpoints
• Highly rated with a 5-star average from over 1,300 reviews
• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off in Ponta Delgada, simplifying logistics

An In-Depth Look at the São Miguel West Full Day Tour

This tour offers a full day of exploring São Miguel’s west side, combining scenic viewpoints, natural wonders, and cultural highlights. It’s designed to give travelers a well-rounded impression of the island’s rugged beauty and unique features—all within about 8 hours.

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins around 9:00 am with hotel pickup in Ponta Delgada. The small group size (a maximum of 8 travelers) means you’re not stuck in a giant bus, which often makes for a more intimate and relaxed experience. The guide, described as knowledgeable and attentive in reviews, drives you from spot to spot at a comfortable pace, giving plenty of time for photos and questions.

First Stops: Ribeira Grande and Coastal Views

The journey kicks off in Ribeira Grande, the island’s second-largest town. Here, you’ll get a quick taste of local life in a town often praised for its charm. Afterward, a stop at Ponta da Cintrao offers some of the most striking coastal views on São Miguel—cliffs that seem to drop into the ocean, with waves crashing below.

Waterfalls and Lakes: Salto do Cabrito and Lagoa do Fogo

Next, you’ll visit the impressive Salto do Cabrito waterfall—one of the highest on the island. The lush surroundings make it feel like stepping into a green paradise, and many reviews mention how wild and untouched this spot feels. It’s a great photo op and a reminder of São Miguel’s volcanic origins.

Lagoa do Fogo, often called the most untouched lake, is next. While the stop here lasts about 20 minutes, it offers a chance to appreciate nature’s pristine side. Some visitors have noted it’s a highlight, especially if you love serene, unspoiled landscapes.

Panoramic Viewpoints: Miradouro da Barrosa and Vista do Rei

For panoramic vistas, the tour includes stops at Miradouro da Barrosa—a high peak with sweeping views of the island—and Vista do Rei, the classic lookout over Sete Cidades. The famous twin lakes are often the star of the show, with many reviews quoting how breathtaking the view is, especially after a clear morning.

Another lesser-known perspective is Cerrado das Freiras, which offers a different angle on the lakes, giving a more complete picture of these twin bodies of water.

Sete Cidades: The Jewel of the Tour

The highlight for most visitors is the trip to Sete Cidades. The tour includes visits to Lagoa Azul, the blue lake, and Lago Verde, the green lake, each with its distinct hue. You’ll also stop at the Ponta do Escalvado lookout for stunning coastal views over Mosteiros, a quaint fishing village.

Many reviews rave about the vivid colors of the lakes and the picturesque town of Sete Cidades, which sits along the shore of the blue lake. This part of the tour is often described as a “postcard scene,” and you’ll have enough time to soak it all in.

Coastal and Natural Pools

Heading west, the tour takes you to natural lava pools along the coast, where locals sometimes swim in summer. Although brief, these pools provide a taste of local life and geology—impressive ancient lava flows that have created natural swimming holes. The nearby islets of Mosteiros also make for a charming view from the coast.

Lunch and Food

A real highlight of the tour, according to reviews, is the lunch included. It’s a traditional Portuguese meal, with food, drinks, dessert, and coffee provided. Travelers have noted the lunch is plentiful and tasty, adding value to the experience. It also offers a chance to relax and refuel after a busy morning of sightseeing.

End of the Day

The tour wraps up with a drop-off back in Ponta Delgada in the early afternoon, leaving you with plenty of time to explore more of the island or relax after a full day.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The expert guides receive consistent praise for their friendliness, local knowledge, and attentiveness. Many reviews mention guides like João, Gonçalo, or Elaina, describing them as engaging, informative, and passionate about sharing their island. This personal touch enhances the experience and helps travelers feel more connected to the scenery and stories.

The scenery itself is what makes this tour a standout. From the lush waterfalls and volcano lakes to the dramatic coastal cliffs and quaint villages, São Miguel’s west side offers a visual feast. The stops at viewpoints like Vista do Rei or Cerrado das Freiras provide photo opportunities that will leave your camera full and your heart full too.

The value for money is notable—at around $86.46 per person, with lunch included and hotel transfers, it offers a lot without the hassle of organizing your own transport. Considering the comfort, variety of sights, and expert guidance, many reviewers agree it’s worth every penny.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour works well for travelers who prefer a structured day with all the logistics handled, especially those new to the island or those who want a quick, rundown. It’s also suitable for people who value local cuisine, as the included lunch is a nice touch.

Those interested in natural landscapes, scenic viewpoints, and volcanic lakes will find plenty to love. If you’re looking for a leisurely, relaxed pace, this tour generally offers enough time at each stop, though some may find it busy if they want to linger longer. It’s not specifically marketed as family-friendly, but older children and teenagers who enjoy nature and scenery will probably get a lot out of it.

Final Thoughts

This São Miguel West Full Day Tour with Sete Cidades is a solid choice for anyone wanting to see a broad slice of the island’s natural beauty in one day. The combination of stunning vistas, waterfalls, lakes, and the warm hospitality of local guides makes it a popular and dependable option. It’s especially excellent if you’re new to the Azores and want a manageable, well-organized way to get your first impressions of São Miguel.

While a few might wish for a bit more time at each site, most reviews confirm that the itinerary strikes a good balance between seeing a lot and not feeling rushed. The inclusion of a traditional meal and hotel pickup makes it an easy, stress-free way to learn about the island’s scenery and culture.

If you’re after a day of memorable views, helpful guides, and a taste of local food—all in a small-group setting—this tour is likely to tick your boxes.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup is offered in Ponta Delgada, Lagoa, and Ribeira Grande. If you’re staying elsewhere, inquire about additional pickup options.

What is the tour duration?
Approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am and returning in the early afternoon.

How many people are in each group?
Maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience and guide attention.

Does the tour include lunch?
Yes, a traditional Portuguese lunch with food, drinks, dessert, and coffee is included.

What sights are visited during the tour?
Stops include Ribeira Grande, Ponta da Cintrao, Salto do Cabrito Waterfall, Lagoa do Fogo, viewpoints like Vista do Rei and Cerrado das Freiras, Lake Sete Cidades (Lago Azul and Lago Verde), coastal views at Mosteiros, lava pools, and scenic lookouts.

Is it suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as family-focused, the sights and short walks make it accessible for most travelers.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How much does the tour cost?
$86.46 per person, which reflects great value given the sights, guide, and meal included.

Are the viewpoints accessible?
Most stops are designed for easy access, but some viewpoints may involve short walks or slight inclines.

This tour blends the best of São Miguel’s natural scenery with the comfort of guided logistics. Whether you’re a first-timer or looking for a reliable way to see the island’s highlights, it’s worth considering for your trip.