Walking tour to Sete Cidades with picnic lunch

Discover the Beauty of Sete Cidades on a Guided Walking Tour with Picnic Lunch

If you’re visiting São Miguel and looking to truly experience one of its most stunning natural sites, this tour to Sete Cidades might just be what you need. While I haven’t done it myself, I’ve read lots of reviews and tour details, and it seems like a solid choice for anyone eager to combine gentle hiking, breathtaking vistas, and a relaxed vibe — all with expert guidance.

What really stands out are the spectacular viewpoints like Pico do Carvão, offering panoramic views, and the delicious picnic lunch overlooking the twin lakes. Plus, the small-group setup means more personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere. But a word of caution: the total walk length can vary from 7.5 to 11 km, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with some walking, even if it’s mostly flat and easy terrain.

If you’re after an immersive, scenic day that balances activity with comfort, this tour could be a great fit. It’s especially ideal for travelers who enjoy natural beauty, want a bit of guidance to maximize their views, and appreciate a relaxed, intimate experience.

Key Points

• Small-group experience with a maximum of 8 people for a more personal touch
• Expert guide who shares knowledge and keeps the day engaging
• Leisurely hike with accessible terrain and diverse viewpoints
• Panoramic stops like Pico do Carvão and Grota do Inferno for breathtaking photo opportunities
• Picnic lunch served with a view of the famous twin lakes
• Hassle-free logistics with hotel pickup and round-trip transport from Ponta Delgada

What to Expect from the Tour

This tour kicks off with a convenient pickup from the tourism office in Ponta Delgada around 9:15am. From there, your small Mercedes-Benz van, equipped with air conditioning for comfort, whisks you across the island to begin your adventure.

The Journey to Pico do Carvão

One of the first highlights is the Pico do Carvão viewpoint. This spot offers sweeping views of nearly the entire island, giving you a solid sense of how São Miguel’s landscape was shaped. Travelers appreciate this stop because it sets the tone for the day — vast, beautiful, and filled with diverse terrain. As one reviewer put it, “you will be able to see almost the entire island and understand how it was formed.” It’s a fantastic way to orient yourself before heading into the more detailed exploration.

The Guided Hike into Sete Cidades

Next, the guided walk along the southern side of the volcano takes you through gentle terrain most of the way. The total trail length varies depending on your chosen starting point but ranges between 7.5 and 11 km — manageable for most with good shoes. The terrain is mainly flat and even, so it’s accessible, but it still offers a variety of perspectives and photo spots of the lakes, farming fields, and surrounding villages.

Throughout the walk, your guide will highlight key points of interest, share insights about the landscape, and point out the best viewpoints. As one reviewer shared, “Paulo is very knowledgeable and flexible,” making the experience engaging and adapted to your pace. The diverse scenery means you’ll get views of the lakes from multiple angles, along with glimpses of local farms and parishes, providing a well-rounded picture of this volcanic area.

A Picnic Overlooking the Lakes

The highlight for many is the picnic lunch with a view of the twin lakes — Blue and Green — which are already breathtaking by themselves. The included meal is enjoyed during or after the walk, giving you a chance to relax, soak in the scenery, and fuel up. The picnic adds a leisurely touch to the day, turning the outdoor adventure into a full sensory experience.

Visiting the Sete Cidades Parish

After the walk, the tour continues with a visit to the Sete Cidades parish, close to the lakes. Here, you’ll have time to explore some of the points of interest and get a feel for local life. The area is charming and authentic, a perfect ending to an active day.

Why This Tour Stands Out

The combination of personalized guidance, stunning vistas, and the relaxed pace makes this tour particularly appealing. From the reviews, it’s clear that the guide, Paulo, adds a level of passion and knowledge that elevates the experience. Many travelers speak highly of his ability to make the day both informative and fun.

The small-group size ensures you won’t be lost in a crowd, and the comfortable transportation makes the logistics easy. Plus, with a price around $82.69 per person, you’re paying for a full day out with transport, guide, and a scenic picnic — a reasonable value for the quality of the experience.

However, a few travelers noted that the walk can be on the longer side, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with moderate physical activity. The terrain is mostly flat and even, but the distance can be a consideration if you’re not used to hiking or prefer very short excursions.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

9:15 AM – Hotel Pickup in Ponta Delgada

Your day starts with a pickup from the city center, making it easy to begin without any stress. The guide and driver will be ready in an air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz van, ensuring comfort throughout the day.

Drive to Pico do Carvão

The first stop is the Pico do Carvão viewpoint, offering sweeping views of São Miguel. This is often highlighted as a favorite for its panoramic scope, helping you grasp the island’s volcanic origins and layout.

Guided Walk Begins

From here, the walking begins on the south side of Sete Cidades. The trail is designed to be accessible, with most parts not steep or challenging, making it suitable for most travelers. The walk offers multiple perspectives of the lakes, farm areas, and villages, with your guide sharing insights along the way.

Picnic Lunch

About halfway or at the end of the walk, you’ll settle down for the included picnic lunch, served with stunning views of the twin lakes. It’s a chance to relax, chat, and take in the scenery away from crowded viewpoints.

Exploration of Sete Cidades Parish

Post-lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the local parish, giving you a closer look at the area’s charm and history. This part of the tour is relaxed, with time to take photos, look around, or simply enjoy the peaceful setting.

Return to Ponta Delgada

The day wraps up with a comfortable drive back to your hotel, typically arriving in the late afternoon. The overall duration is around 8 hours, making it a full but rewarding day.

What the Reviews Say

Reviewers consistently praise Paulo for his knowledge, flexibility, and friendly approach. One reviewer shared, “Paulo is so knowledgeable, and has the desire to share so much with you. It was the best tour we’ve had in the Azores.” Others appreciated how he tailored experiences and maintained a good pace for all ages, from young children to seniors.

Several mention the stunning views and the quality of the lunch, emphasizing how special it was to eat overlooking the lakes. Even when weather wasn’t perfect, Paulo was proactive: “He reviewed the weather and proposed a different plan,” which shows the attentiveness that makes this tour stand out.

The Practical Details

• Price: Around $82.69 per person, which covers transportation, guide, taxes, and the picnic lunch. Considering the full day and scenic spots, this offers good value.
• Duration: 8 hours, a nicely paced day without feeling rushed.
• Group Size: Limited to 8 travelers, creating a cozy and personalized environment.
• Accessibility: Terrain is mostly flat and manageable, but the length might be something to consider if you have mobility concerns.
• Weather: Operates in all weather conditions; dress appropriately for the day.
• Children: Must be accompanied by an adult, so this is suitable for families with older kids comfortable with walking.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children are welcome, but since the walk can be up to 11 km, it’s best suited for kids who are comfortable with some walking. The terrain is mostly flat, making it manageable for many families.

What should I wear?
Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes. The weather can change, and the tour operates rain or shine, so bring waterproof gear if needed.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, round-trip transport from Ponta Delgada is included, with air-conditioned comfort on a small Mercedes-Benz van.

Can I get vegetarian food for lunch?
Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at the time of booking.

What are the main viewpoints?
You’ll visit Pico do Carvão and Grota do Inferno, among others, which offer some of the most breathtaking views of the lakes and island scenery.

Is the tour flexible if I want to skip part of the walk?
The guide is known for being flexible and accommodating, so it’s worth discussing your preferences at the start.

Final Thoughts

This guided walk to Sete Cidades combines natural beauty, expert guidance, and a relaxed pace, making it a lovely choice for those who want to see the island’s highlights without the rush. The small-group format and personalized touches from guides like Paulo elevate it beyond a typical tour, turning it into a memorable, scenic adventure.

If you’re after panoramic views, a peaceful outdoor experience, and a taste of local culture with a picnic, this tour will likely meet your expectations. It’s especially good for travelers who enjoy a moderate walk in stunning surroundings, and who appreciate being in the company of knowledgeable guides who genuinely love sharing the Azores’ treasures.

For those with mobility issues or a preference for shorter, less demanding outings, consider your walking distance comfort level. But overall, this seems like a day well spent exploring one of São Miguel’s most iconic landscapes.

Enjoy your trip to São Miguel, and I hope this helps you decide if this scenic adventure fits your travel style.