São Miguel: Sete Cidades and Crater Lakes Hike

Key Points

• Price: $74 per person for an 8-hour guided tour
• Highlights: Visit one of Portugal’s 7 Natural Wonders, enjoy lakes, viewpoints, legends, and thermal baths
• Start & End: Pickup and drop-off included at or near Ponta Delgada
• Physical Level: Moderate hiking suitable for those with a reasonable fitness level
• Includes: Accredited guides, picnic lunch, transfer, and trekking poles
• Weather & Tides: The itinerary may adjust based on weather and tide conditions, especially at Ferraria

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discover the Unique Charm of São Miguel’s Sete Cidades Volcano

The Sete Cidades and Crater Lakes Hike offers a comprehensive exploration of São Miguel’s western region, focusing on the Sete Cidades volcanic complex. Priced at $74 per person and lasting approximately 8 hours, this tour combines scenic hiking, cultural stories, and relaxing thermal baths.

This experience is ideal for those seeking to see one of Portugal’s 7 Natural Wonders up close while enjoying breathtaking views on both sides of the island. The tour emphasizes active exploration with a mix of walking, sightseeing, and visits to key viewpoints, making it suitable for travelers with a moderate fitness level.

While the tour offers a rich mix of natural beauty and local tales, it’s good to keep in mind that the itinerary can change depending on weather and tide conditions, especially when visiting Ferraria. This flexibility ensures a safe and enjoyable experience, but it also means some stops may vary day-to-day.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out: The Sete Cidades Complex

The Sete Cidades volcanic complex forms the core of this tour, offering a chance to see lush green landscapes interwoven with rocky soils. The journey begins with a hike through this vibrant area, where you climb to one of the highest points for a sweeping view over the center of the island and its lakes.

This part of the tour highlights panoramic vistas and the chance to learn about the region’s stories and legends. The terrain varies from green pastures along the south coast to dense cryptomeria forests, providing diverse scenery for photography and nature immersion. The hike passes through moss-covered areas and vibrant vegetation, adding texture and color to your experience.

Travelers appreciate how guides explain the significance of each location while maintaining a steady pace designed for comfort and enjoyment. The highlight is reaching Viewpoints like Grota do Inferno and Vista de Rei, where the layered lakes and volcanic formations provide iconic photo opportunities.

Exploring the Lakes: Lagoa das Empadadas and Lagoa do Canário

After ascending the volcanic complex, the tour descends toward several lakes accessible by foot. Lagoa das Empadadas is a key stop where visitors can enjoy scenic views and a guided visit. The trail then continues toward Lagoa do Canário, a picturesque lake surrounded by lush greenery.

These lakes are notable for their clear waters and tranquil atmosphere. The walk along these lakes offers a peaceful moment in nature, with plenty of chances for photos. The presence of diverse vegetation, including moss blankets and surrounding flora, enhances the natural beauty.

Each lake provides a different perspective of the volcanic landscape, making this walk both visually rewarding and informative. The guide shares insights into the formation and legends of these lakes, adding depth to the experience.

Iconic Viewpoints: Grota do Inferno and Vista de Rei

Two key viewpoints are central to this tour: Grota do Inferno and Vista de Rei. At Grota do Inferno, visitors can marvel at one of the most stunning vistas on São Miguel, overlooking the crater lakes and surrounding volcanic terrain.

Vista de Rei offers sweeping views over the blue and green lakes of Sete Cidades, with visible ruins of the Monte Palace hotel nearby. These spots are perfect for capturing iconic images of the island’s volcanic landscape. The viewpoints are accessible after a manageable hike and provide a dramatic backdrop for sightseeing.

The tour includes a picnic lunch at Sete Cidades, giving travelers time to relax and enjoy the scenery before heading to further viewpoints and the coastal area of Mosteiros.

More Great Tours Nearby

Driving to Mosteiros and Ferraria’s Thermal Pools

After exploring the crater lakes, the tour continues by van to Mosteiros, a charming fishing village. Here, a short stop allows for photos of the colorful harbor and volcanic coastline. The scenery from this spot reflects São Miguel’s rugged beauty.

The highlight of the afternoon is visiting Ferraria’s thermal pools. These natural pools are heated by volcanic activity and occur right next to the ocean, offering a unique combination of salt water and thermal springs. The pools are renowned for their volcanic origins and are a perfect way to relax after a full day of hiking.

It’s important to note that tide conditions influence the water temperature in Ferraria. High tide can reduce the thermal effect, while low tide might make the water excessively hot. The tour guides monitor these conditions and may adjust the schedule accordingly, ensuring safety and comfort.

Logistics: Pickup, Drop-off, and Group Size

The tour departs from five pickup locations in Ponta Delgada, including central points like Praça do Município. The pickup service ensures convenience, with drop-off at the same locations after the tour concludes.

The experience is offered in small or private groups, allowing for personalized guidance and a more intimate atmosphere. The guides are accredited and fluent in English and Portuguese, bringing both local knowledge and storytelling skill to the journey.

Travelers are encouraged to bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, and swimwear for the baths. The tour includes trekking poles to assist during the walk, making it accessible to most physically active travelers.

Flexibility and Practical Tips for the Day

The 8-hour itinerary covers a lot of ground, so comfortable clothing and proper footwear are essential. The tour is designed with a moderate difficulty level, suitable for those with some physical fitness. It’s advisable to arrive prepared with sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and water.

Since the schedule depends on weather and tide conditions, travelers should be flexible with the timing of certain stops, especially Ferraria. The tour offers full flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance, making it a low-risk option if plans change.

The combination of guided walks, scenic viewpoints, and relaxing thermal pools provides a balanced day that mixes activity and leisure.

Why This Tour Is Worth Considering for Your São Miguel Visit

This Sete Cidades and Crater Lakes hike offers an authentic glimpse into São Miguel’s volcanic landscapes, with stunning vistas and lakes at every turn. Priced reasonably at $74, the experience includes guidance, transportation, a picnic lunch, and trekking poles, adding value for the price.

The guides’ local knowledge and ability to tailor the experience based on weather conditions shine through in reviews, emphasizing a friendly and professional approach. The small group size enhances the feeling of a personal adventure, perfect for those who enjoy active travel with a touch of storytelling.

However, travelers should be aware that some stops, like Ferraria, depend on tide conditions—meaning the experience might vary daily. The physical nature of the hike makes it best suited for those with a reasonable fitness level.

This tour is especially suited for adventurers, nature lovers, and those eager to see the volcanoes from multiple angles, ending the day with a soothing thermal bath by the ocean.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
No, the tour requires a reasonable level of physical fitness and involves moderate hiking, making it unsuitable for those with mobility impairments or very young children.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable shoes, a windbreaker, sun protection like sunscreen and a hat, swimwear, a towel, a reusable water bottle, and rain gear are recommended.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Will the itinerary change based on weather?
Yes, the schedule and stops, especially at Ferraria, may adjust depending on weather and tide conditions to ensure safety and comfort.

How long is the hike?
The entire activity lasts about 8 hours, with the walking sections covering diverse terrains and scenic routes.

What language are guides available in?
Guides operate in English and Portuguese, providing insightful commentary throughout the day.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby