Guided Tour to the green & blue Lake of Sete Cidades

If you’re planning a trip to São Miguel in the Azores, the guided tour to Sete Cidades promises a chance to see one of the most iconic natural sights on the island. This experience takes you inside the largest volcanic crater in the Azores, offering views that are as breathtaking as they are unique. From the moment you start the day, you’re in for a mix of panoramic vistas, volcanic geology, and charming village stops.

What really makes this tour stand out is its focus on the distinctive green and blue lakes, a rare sight that you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, with a mix of scenic viewpoints and cultural stops, it offers a well-rounded glimpse into this volcanic landscape. But like any tour, it has its trade-offs—mainly fitting everything into just four hours. That said, if you’re after an efficient yet memorable experience, this could be just right.

We love the way this tour combines natural beauty with accessible ease, especially with hotel pick-up and drop-off included. It’s clear the experience is designed for travelers who want to see iconic sights without the hassle of planning every detail. One thing to keep in mind: the tour is quite packed, so if you’re after a more relaxed, longer exploration, you might want to look at full-day options. Overall, it’s best suited for those who want a snapshot of Sete Cidades’ most famous spots in a manageable timeframe.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: The tour showcases some of the most iconic vistas of São Miguel, especially from Vista do Rei.
• Convenient and Comfortable: Hotel pickup, drop-off, and included transportation make it easy to relax and enjoy the day.
• Diverse Stops: From pineapple plantations and volcanic lakes to charming villages and lookout points, variety keeps the experience interesting.
• Moderate Duration: At four hours, it’s a good taste of the area without being overly long or tiring.
• Value for Money: At $74 per person, it offers a solid mix of scenery, cultural insights, and convenience.
• Not Exhaustively In-Depth: If you’re a serious geology or landscape buff, you might find the limited time somewhat rushed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Detailed Experience

Starting Point and Overall Structure

This tour kicks off around 9:00 AM with hotel pick-up, which is a big plus. If you’re staying in Ponta Delgada, Lagoa, Ribeira Grande, or Capelas, you’ll be conveniently collected and dropped off at your accommodation, easing the logistics of a busy day. From there, the adventure begins with a visit to the Arruda Pineapple Plantation. This 30 to 45-minute stop isn’t just about seeing the lush plants—guided tours here often include some shopping, so you might pick up a sweet souvenir or sample fresh pineapple, which is renowned in the Azores.

Scenic Drive Up to the Volcano

Next, your guide will take you along the southwest coast, heading inland and up toward the volcanic landscape. One of the first highlights is the Pico do Carvão, a lookout offering sweeping views of the island’s terrain. It’s a quick stop—about 15 to 20 minutes—but enough to appreciate the raw beauty of São Miguel’s volcanic slopes.

Lago do Canário and Volcanic Lakes

The tour continues with a visit to Lago do Canário, situated in a volcanic crater at about 800 meters above sea level. It’s a relatively short stop—around 20 to 25 minutes—but one that allows for some great photos and a sense of how volcanic activity shaped the landscape. The crater lakes are often less crowded than the main lakes, but just as impressive.

Then, you’ll make your way to Vista do Rei, arguably the most famous viewpoint over the Sete Cidades crater. From here, you’ll see the blue and green lakes nestled within the volcanic caldera—a postcard-perfect scene that truly defines the Azores. Expect around 20 to 30 minutes to soak in the views, take pictures, and maybe even have a quick chat with your guide about the geology behind this natural wonder.

More Great Tours Nearby

Lagoa de Santiago and Sete Cidades Village

Descending from the viewpoint, you’ll visit Lagoa de Santiago, a volcanic lake with a peaceful, secluded vibe. It’s a 15-minute stop, just enough to appreciate the calm waters and volcanic origins.

The highlight of the tour is passing over the bridge that separates the green and blue lakes, built in 1967. You’ll stop in the village of Sete Cidades for about 40 minutes—here, you can explore the charming streets, relax with a coffee, or visit the Church of São Nicolau, a lovely neo-Gothic building from the 17th century. The village’s small size makes it perfect for a quick look, but it’s enough to get a feel for local life amid such striking scenery.

Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado

The final scenic stop is at the Ponta do Escalvado lookout, perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic. Here, the views of the coast and the open sea are spectacular, especially if you arrive just before sunset. You’ll have about 15 to 20 minutes to appreciate this dramatic vista before the tour wraps up and you’re driven back to your hotel.

What to Expect from the Tour

Throughout the four hours, you’ll be immersed in a landscape shaped by volcanic activity, with plenty of opportunities for photos and brief educational snippets from your guide. The stops are well-spaced, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed. The use of a comfortable van and the inclusion of bottled water make the journey pleasant, while the small-group format means you won’t be lost in a crowd.

The tour’s pace is brisk but manageable, especially considering the number of stops. The itinerary covers a broad swath of the island’s highlights, making it ideal for travelers who want a rundown within a limited timeframe.

The Experience at Sete Cidades

The core of the tour is the Sete Cidades crater, which is truly a sight to behold. Seeing the green and blue lakes from the Vista do Rei vantage point is a highlight that visitors tend to remember. The lakes’ contrasting colors are caused by mineral content and sunlight, creating an otherworldly effect.

You’ll also pass over the bridge that separates the lakes, giving you an up-close look at this natural division. The village of Sete Cidades itself is small but charming, with a peaceful atmosphere and historic charm. The church and local cafes offer a taste of local life amid jaw-dropping scenery.

Practical Considerations and Value

At $74 per person, this tour offers a good value for the convenience and variety packed into four hours. You get hotel pickup and drop-off, a knowledgeable guide, and several scenic stops that showcase the island’s volcanic beauty. If you’re short on time but want a solid overview of Sete Cidades, this tour is a smart choice.

However, keep in mind that it’s a fast-paced experience, so if you prefer to linger longer at each site or dive deep into volcanic geology, you might find it a bit rushed. The tour also doesn’t include lunch or extended stays at each stop, so plan accordingly.

Who would love this?

This experience suits travelers who want a snapshot of São Miguel’s most famous landscape without dedicating an entire day. It’s ideal for those with limited time, families looking for an easy excursion, or anyone wanting a guided overview with manageable logistics. The scenic viewpoints and charming village stops make it especially attractive for first-timers.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from designated locations like Ponta Delgada, Lagoa, Ribeira Grande, and Capelas.

How long does the tour last?
It’s approximately 4 hours, which covers all the stops and transportation.

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

What is the price per person?
It costs $74 per person, which includes transportation, a guide, bottled water, and some entrance fees.

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

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, and perhaps a light jacket—though most stops are outdoors and involve some walking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a smooth, scenic introduction to the iconic Sete Cidades Lakes, this guided tour offers a good balance of convenience, natural beauty, and cultural insight. It’s not the most in-depth exploration, but it hits all the major highlights and leaves you with plenty of stunning photos and memorable views.

Perfect for those new to São Miguel or travelers on a tight schedule, it provides a well-rounded snapshot of one of the Azores’ most famous sights. Just be prepared for a busy, efficient ride rather than a leisurely, in-depth adventure. If you want to truly savor every detail, consider extending your stay or choosing a full-day option. For a quick but memorable glimpse of this volcanic wonder, this tour hits the mark.

Enjoy your trip and the incredible views of the Green and Blue Lakes of Sete Cidades—they truly are a sight to behold.

You can check availability for your dates here: