São Miguel Azores: Explore the dramatic crater of Sete Cidades

Exploring São Miguel’s Sete Cidades: An Honest Review of the Popular Volcano Tour

If you’re planning a trip to the Azores, chances are you’ll want to see the iconic Sete Cidades. This tour promises an engaging journey through some of the most remarkable landscapes on São Miguel, and based on the glowing reviews, it seems to deliver exactly that. While we haven’t done this particular tour ourselves, the detailed feedback from travelers paints a compelling picture of what you can expect.

What we love about this experience is how it combines amazing scenery with local insights. The tour is designed to give you a good sense of the island’s natural beauty without feeling rushed. Plus, the fact that it’s customizable means you can tailor it to your interests. On the flip side, keep in mind that the duration is around three and a half hours; if you’re craving a more in-depth exploration, this might feel a bit brief. Still, for most travelers, it’s a solid way to hit the highlights. This tour suits those who want a well-organized, scenic overview and appreciate knowledgeable guides.

Key Points

• Beautiful landscapes: The tour showcases the stunning crater lakes and viewpoints that define São Miguel.
• Expert guidance: Guides like Gabriel and Carla receive high praise for their knowledge and friendliness.
• Flexible and customizable: The itinerary can be tailored to suit your preferences.
• Convenient logistics: Pickup and drop-off are included, making the day smooth and hassle-free.
• Good value: At around $92.49, you get multiple stops and insights, making it a worthwhile option.
• Limited group size: Max of 8 travelers, ensuring more personalized attention.

What the Tour Covers: A Deep Dive into the Itinerary

Stop 1: Sete Cidades

This is the star of the show—and for good reason. The Sete Cidades volcanic crater is enormous, measuring about five kilometers across, with two interconnected lakes—Lagoa Azul (Blue Lake) and Lagoa Verde (Green Lake). The lakes’ contrasting colors are caused by mineral content, and they’re a must-see for anyone visiting São Miguel.

Travelers consistently rave about the views here, with many quoting how breathtaking the scenery is. One review mentions, “We had the best time on this tour! Gabriel was so knowledgeable and friendly! The sites on Sao Miguel are breathtaking.” The admission is free, and you’re allowed plenty of time (around 1.5 hours) to soak in the atmosphere, take photos, or simply enjoy the tranquility.

Stop 2: Vista do Rei Miradouro

Next, you’ll visit the Vista do Rei, a viewpoint famous for its panoramic vistas of the crater and lakes. It’s regarded as a must-see spot, offering a sweeping perspective that makes the entire landscape feel even more dramatic.

This stop lasts about 25 minutes, with the admission included—so no extra costs or fuss. Visitors often mention how this is one of the most beautiful viewpoints on the island and a prime photo opportunity.

Stop 3: Miradouro do Cerrado das Freiras

This viewpoint is a favorite among those who love a good overlook. It’s a bit off the beaten path but worth the visit for its stunning views. The site offers an excellent vantage point for appreciating the natural layers of São Miguel.

With 20-minute stops, you’ll get a quick but impactful taste of the island’s rugged beauty. Reviewers like Gabriela note, “Our experience was way better than what we expected, thanks to the amazing Carla! She made sure we saw the best sights and educated us thoroughly.”

Stop 4: Lagoa de Santiago

This lesser-known lake, Lagoa de Santiago, offers a peaceful scene of lush greenery surrounding a volcanic crater filled with vibrant green water. The roadside viewing platform allows for a quick but beautiful glimpse, perfect for a short break.

The 15-minute stop adds a touch of tranquility and natural beauty to the tour. Many travelers remark on how lovely this spot is, even if it’s a bit quieter than the main lakes.

Stop 5: Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado

This viewpoint provides a different perspective—overlooking the village of Mosteiros and the thermal waters of Ferraria. Formerly a whale lookout, it’s now a great spot to appreciate the rugged coastline and the panoramic views of the Atlantic.

The 15-minute visit offers a mix of scenic views and cultural context, with many review comments emphasizing the guide’s local knowledge enhancing the experience.

Stop 6: Monte Palace Hotel Ruins

Before concluding, you’ll visit the ruins of the Monte Palace Hotel, a historic building that once offered luxury and panoramic views of Sete Cidades. Though now in ruins, the site remains a fascinating piece of the island’s past, with views that make it worth the visit.

This 30-minute stop is a nice way to round off your journey, combining history and scenery. Travelers appreciate the opportunity to glimpse into the island’s past while enjoying spectacular vistas.

Logistics: What to Expect from the Tour

The tour begins at the Posto de Turismo de Ponta Delgada—a convenient meeting point if you’re staying nearby. The group size is limited to 8 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience. The vehicle is sanitized before and after each trip, with amenities like a USB charging port, making the journey comfortable.

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours 30 minutes, which is quite efficient considering the variety of stops and viewpoints. Expect to be picked up and dropped off at the same location, which is especially helpful if you’re on a tight schedule or arriving via cruise.

Pricing at $92.49 per person offers good value when you consider that entry to the viewpoints and lakes is free, and the guide’s local expertise adds significant worth to the experience. Many travelers mention how guides like Gabriel and Carla go above and beyond, providing insights into the island’s geography and culture.

The Guides and Reviews: Why People Love This Tour

From the reviews, guides like Gabriel and Carla receive high praise for their friendliness, knowledge, and ability to make the trip memorable. One traveler said, “Gabriel was super friendly, informative, and overall a great guide,” while another appreciated how Carla managed to make the experience even better than expected.

Travelers also mention the ability to see hidden gems—less crowded viewpoints and unique spots—thanks to guides who custom-tailor the itinerary. This kind of personalized touch is a big plus.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who loves natural beauty combined with local insights, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for travelers who want an efficient but rundown of the Sete Cidades area, especially if they prefer small groups and a personal touch.

While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the slow-paced nature and scenic stops make it suitable for most ages. It’s also well-suited to cruise visitors who need a reliable, organized way to see the highlights without stress.

Final Thoughts: Is This the Right Tour for You?

This tour stands out because of its expert guides and spectacular viewpoints. It offers a fantastic snapshot of São Miguel’s volcanic landscapes with enough flexibility to customize. The limited group size and high review scores suggest you’ll get personalized attention and a memorable experience.

If you’re after a well-organized, scenic trip that emphasizes natural beauty and local knowledge, this tour will likely be a highlight of your Azores visit. The price is reasonable, especially considering the number of stops and the quality of the guide. Plus, the positive reviews from past travelers attest to its consistency and appeal.

However, if you’re seeking an in-depth, longer exploration or want to visit many more offbeat spots, you might find this experience somewhat brief. Still, for most visitors, it’s a highly satisfying way to enjoy São Miguel’s crown jewel—the crater of Sete Cidades.

FAQs

Is pickup included in this tour?
Yes, this tour offers pickup from a convenient meeting point, making logistics straightforward, especially if you’re staying nearby.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts about 3 hours 30 minutes, including all stops, which provides enough time to see the main sights without feeling rushed.

What’s the cost per person?
The tour costs $92.49 per person, and considering the included viewpoints, guide expertise, and ease, it’s good value.

Are all the viewpoints included?
Yes, all viewpoints listed—Vista do Rei, Cerrado das Freiras, Lagoa de Santiago, Ponta do Escalvado, and the Monte Palace Hotel ruins—are included in the price.

Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes, the number of people and the itinerary can be tailored upon request, so you can discuss specific interests with the provider.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not explicitly marketed as family-specific, the scenic stops and small group setting make it suitable for most age groups, including those traveling with children.

What is the guide like?
Based on reviews, guides like Gabriel and Carla are praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and ability to make the experience engaging and informative.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable clothing, camera, and perhaps some snacks or water. The vehicle is sanitized, and the stops are brief but scenic.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

If stunning volcanic landscapes, personalized attention, and knowledgeable guides appeal to you, this Sete Cidades tour is worth considering. It’s a solid way to capture the essence of São Miguel’s natural beauty without overloading your schedule.