Tour to Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo and Furnas

Exploring São Miguel’s Natural Wonders: A Deep Dive into the Tour to Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, and Furnas

If you’re planning a visit to São Miguel in the Azores and looking to see the island’s most iconic sights, this private tour might just be what you need. While we haven’t personally taken this exact experience, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary paint a promising picture of a day packed with incredible views, interesting stops, and local flavor.

What really catches our eye is how this tour combines the island’s most famous lakes with volcanic activity sites, all with the comfort of an experienced guide and a tasty included lunch. Plus, the fact that it’s a private experience means you get a tailored day—not a crowded bus with a hurried schedule.

One thing to keep in mind is the full-day commitment—it’s about eight hours—so it’s best suited for travelers who want a rundown and don’t mind a busy schedule. If you’re after a relaxed, slow-paced day or traveling with very young kids, this might be less ideal. But for those eager to pack a lot into one trip, this could be a perfect introduction to São Miguel.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you enjoy scenic drives, breathtaking viewpoints, and learning about the island’s geography and culture from a knowledgeable guide, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially great for visitors who want an efficient yet personal experience, with the chance to see multiple highlights in just one day.

Key Points

• Focused on the island’s most famous lakes and volcanic sites, providing a well-rounded view of São Miguel’s natural beauty.
• Private tour format ensures a personalized experience, with only your group involved.
• Expert guide (Artur) gets rave reviews for knowledge, friendliness, and flexibility.
• Good value for money considering the comprehensive itinerary, included lunch, and private service.
• Flexible planning allows for some adjustments, especially useful in unpredictable weather.
• Ideal for those wanting a full-day overview rather than a leisurely or slow-paced exploration.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Lagoa das Sete Cidades: The Star of the Day

The tour kicks off with a visit to Lagoa das Sete Cidades, the largest lake on São Miguel and arguably its most photographed spot. The lake is famous for its striking two-tone water, with one side green and the other blue—an incredible sight that’s best appreciated with your own eyes.

The review mentions that this is “the largest freshwater reservoir in the region,” and the view from the viewpoints is breathtaking. You’ll have around 30 minutes here, plenty of time to take photos, soak in the scenery, and learn about the old hotel Monte Palace ruins, which add a touch of history to the landscape. While admission is free, the real value is the perspective you get from the viewpoint and the opportunity to appreciate the size and tranquility of this massive crater lake.

Lagoa do Fogo: The Second Largest and Elevated Wonder

Next stop is Lagoa do Fogo, located at a high point on the island. Here, you’ll have the chance to admire the deep blue lagoon from multiple viewpoints, which are often praised for their “breathtaking” views. The tour includes climbing up the mountain range that surrounds the lagoon, offering a sense of the island’s volcanic origins.

Travelers who’ve been there describe it as “beautiful” and note the chance to see Ribeira Grande from above. The 30-minute stop may not be enough to explore every trail or walk down to the water, but enough to appreciate the stunning crater lake and the surrounding lush landscape. It’s a highlight for many, especially if you love landscapes that feel untouched and wild.

Lagoa das Furnas: Volcanic Activity and Local Life

The third major stop is Lagoa das Furnas, a place famous for its geothermal activity and the traditional cooking of “Cozido das Furnas,” a stew slow-cooked underground with volcanic heat. The tour includes a visit to the lake itself, the Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitória—an architectural gem—and the volcanic area where secondary volcanism is active.

While the review mentions only a 30-minute duration here, it’s enough to get a sense of the geothermal phenomena and the local life centered around this volcanic crater. Visitors praise the included admission to the area, making this stop both educational and scenic.

Caldeira das Furnas and Additional Sites

The tour also takes you to Caldeira das Furnas, a place to observe volcanic activity phenomena like hot springs and fumaroles. It’s a quick 20-minute stop but offers a visceral sense of the island’s fiery past.

Next, is a visit to Capela de Nossa Senhora das Vitorias, a neo-Gothic chapel that’s of architectural interest. It’s another quick stop, but many reviews highlight how the stops are well-paced and rich with photo opportunities or interesting facts.

What Travelers Are Saying: Authentic Perspectives

The glowing reviews consistently praise the knowledge and friendliness of the guide, Artur, who is described as both “fantastic,” “very knowledgeable,” and “down-to-earth.” Multiple travelers mention how he takes extra care to stop at scenic spots, make the experience more meaningful, and even help with taking pictures.

One review highlights how the tour was “one of their favorite parts of the entire trip,” emphasizing the “excellent” lunch and the insightful commentary. Several mention how the guide’s flexibility allowed them to adapt the day based on weather conditions, especially helpful given the island’s often unpredictable weather.

A common thread is the value packed into the eight-hour experience: you get breathtaking views, cultural insights, and delicious local food all in one go. The inclusion of the lunch is especially appreciated, often praised as “generous” and “very good,” giving a real taste of local cuisine.

Some reviewers did suggest that the last lake, Lagoa de Santiago, might be less visible or accessible most of the year, so it might not be worth the extra time — a consideration if you prefer more time at the key sights.

Practical Details: What You Should Know

The tour starts promptly at 9:00 am, with pickup offered, making it convenient for travelers staying in São Miguel. It’s a private experience, so your group won’t be mixed with strangers, allowing for a more relaxed and personalized day.

Costing around $149.03 per person, the price covers transportation, the guide, all the stops, and the included lunch. Given the extensive itinerary, knowledgeable guide, and the private nature, many consider it good value. However, keep in mind that it’s a full day of sightseeing, so it’s best suited for those who want to maximize their time and pack in significant highlights.

The tour is recommended for most travelers who can handle an active day with some walking and car rides. It’s not explicitly family-focused, but with careful planning, families with older children would enjoy it.

The Bottom Line: Is This Tour Right for You?

This private tour is an excellent choice if you’re after a comprehensive, flexible, and insightful way to explore São Miguel’s most famous lakes and volcanic sites. The combination of stunning viewpoints, volcanic phenomena, and a taste of local cuisine makes it a well-rounded experience.

The expert guide, Artur, seems to be a key part of why many travelers rate this so highly—his friendliness and knowledge add genuine value. It’s perfect for those wanting to see the highlights efficiently, with the comfort of a private, personalized day.

However, if you prefer a slow-paced, less structured visit or have very young children, you might find the full-day itinerary a bit rushed. Also, be prepared for potential weather changes—many reviews mention fog and rain, which is common on the island.

This tour offers a meaningful glance at São Miguel’s natural beauty. It’s best suited for curious travelers eager to see several key sites in one go, with the benefit of local insight and a delicious meal along the way.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not explicitly marketed as family-focused, many reviews mention traveling with children and enjoying the stops, especially older kids. The full-day schedule may be tiring for very young children, so consider their stamina.

What’s included in the price?
The cost covers transportation, a knowledgeable guide, all the stops listed in the itinerary, and a traditional local lunch.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am, with multiple scenic stops and a break for lunch.

Can I customize the tour?
Since it’s a private experience, the guide is known for some flexibility. You can potentially discuss adjustments based on weather or interests.

What are the main highlights?
Lagoa das Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, Lagoa das Furnas, and volcanic activity sites like Caldeira das Furnas. Plus, scenic viewpoints and local architecture.

Is it worth the price?
Many travelers say yes, especially considering the personalized service, the included authentic lunch, and the chance to see São Miguel’s top sights comfortably.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable shoes, layered clothing for variable weather, camera, and perhaps a small backpack for personal items.

What about the weather?
Expect possible fog or rain, common on the island. The guide’s flexibility can help you adapt, but check the forecast beforehand.

Is there any free time during the tour?
The stops are timed, but the guide ensures you have enough time to enjoy each site and take photos.

How do I book?
You can reserve via Viator or contact the provider directly. The experience is bookable as a private tour with confirmation upon booking.

This tour offers a solid way to get acquainted with São Miguel’s most iconic sights, delivered with local expertise and a friendly touch. Whether you’re after stunning landscapes, volcanic phenomena, or just a hassle-free way to see the major highlights, it’s worth considering for your Azores trip.