Guided Tour to the Sete Cidades Volcano in São Miguel Azores

The Guided Tour to the Sete Cidades Volcano in São Miguel, Portugal offers an engaging way to explore one of the Azores’ most famous landmarks. Priced at $67.49 per person and lasting approximately 4 hours, this tour combines scenic viewpoints, cultural stops, and an insightful guide. It is ideal for travelers seeking a compact, informative experience of São Miguel’s natural beauty, especially those interested in iconic landscapes and volcanic formations.

While the tour provides a well-rounded overview of the Sete Cidades area, it has a maximum group size of 8 travelers, which helps maintain a personal touch. The inclusion of pickup and drop-off makes logistics easier, and the mobile ticket adds convenience. However, it’s worth noting that airport transfers are not included, and some reviews mention variability in guide engagement. This tour balances highlights and practicality, suitable for visitors wanting a structured yet flexible glimpse of the island’s most famed sights.

Key Points

• Visit the iconic Sete Cidades crater and its stunning lakes with expert guidance.
• Includes stops at viewpoints and lesser-known spots like Lagoa do Canario and Lagoa de Santiago.
• Visit a pineapple plantation with an educational video and greenhouse tour.
• Experience panoramic views from Miradouro do Pico do Carvao and Ponta do Escalvado.
• Small group size (up to 8 travelers) ensures a personalized experience.
• Tour duration is around 4 hours with a relaxed pace for sightseeing and photo opportunities.

The Tour Starts with a Visit to a Pineapple Plantation

The first stop takes you to the Plantacao de Ananas dos Acores, where visitors watch a short video and tour the greenhouses producing Açores pineapples. This fruit was introduced in the 19th century by the Portuguese, who initially cultivated it as an ornamental plant. The first industrial greenhouse opened in 1864 with a capacity for 800 plants, and São Miguel quickly became a significant pineapple producer. Learning about this history adds a layer of cultural context to the lush scenery.

This stop lasts about 45 minutes, and includes admission to the greenhouse. It offers insight into the island’s agricultural development, which remains relevant today. While some may prefer more time at this stop, the visit provides a good introduction to São Miguel’s botanical diversity and agricultural heritage.

Panoramic Views from Miradouro do Pico do Carvao

Next, the tour visits Miradouro do Pico do Carvao, located in the parish of Arrifes. This viewpoint offers sweeping vistas over the massif of Sete Cidades and the north and south coastlines of São Miguel. From this high vantage point, visitors can see volcanic cones, lagoons, and even Pico da Vara, the island’s highest point. The Fogo Volcano and surrounding Serra Gorda with an elevation of approximately 800 meters are also visible.

This 20-minute stop is perfect for photography and appreciating the island’s volcanic landscape. The expansive views also provide a sense of the island’s size and geological features, making it a favorite among those keen on natural scenery.

Lagoa do Canario and Serra Devassa Views

Following the panoramic stop, the tour heads to Lagoa do Canario, located in Serra Devassa. This lagoon sits 800 meters above sea level in a volcanic crater, surrounded by typical Macaronesian forests and cryptomeria plantations. The lagoon’s striking setting makes it a picturesque photo spot, with the lush greenery contrasting with the calm waters.

Close to this lagoon is the Miradouro da Lagoa do Canario, which offers additional viewpoints of the crater and surrounding forest. The visit lasts about 25 minutes and provides a peaceful, scenic environment for nature appreciation. Its altitude and volcanic origin make it a distinctive feature of the São Miguel landscape.

Iconic Vista do Rei Viewpoint

The Vista do Rei viewpoint is a highlight of the tour, named after a royal visit in 1901. From here, travelers get a breathtaking view of the Sete Cidades crater and its famous lagoon. This viewpoint is often featured in postcards and promotional images of the Azores, thanks to its dramatic overlook of the lush caldera.

Spending about 25 minutes at this site allows ample time for photos and taking in the sweeping landscape. The view showcases the crater’s twin lakes, with their vibrant blue and green hues, framed by volcanic cliffs. This spot captures the essence of São Miguel’s volcanic scenery and natural beauty.

Viewing the Lagoa das Sete Cidades from Cerrado das Freiras

Next, the tour stops at Miradouro do Cerrado das Freiras, which provides a closer view of Lagoa das Sete Cidades. The parish of Sete Cidades forms a scenic backdrop for this 15-minute stop. Visitors can admire the lake from a different perspective, emphasizing its size and the surrounding landscape.

This viewpoint offers a quieter, more contemplative experience, enabling visitors to appreciate the lagoon’s beauty without the crowds. It’s another chance to take memorable photographs of this iconic natural feature.

Lagoa de Santiago and Forest Surroundings

The next stop explores Lagoa de Santiago, located in Serra Devassa. This deep lagoon is situated 334 meters above sea level and measures approximately 700 meters long, 475 meters wide, and 29 meters deep. It is part of the volcanic formation of the Sete Cidades massif and is surrounded by typical Macaronesian forests and cryptomeria trees.

Located near Lagoa do Canario, this lagoon offers a tranquil environment that emphasizes the volcanic origins of the island’s lakes. Visitors spend about 15 minutes here, enjoying the peaceful scenery and the lush vegetation that surrounds the lagoon.

Exploring the Igreja de São Nicolau

The tour then visits the Igreja de São Nicolau, a small neo-Gothic church built in the 19th century. Notable for its cryptomeria-lined alley leading to the entrance, this church provides a glimpse into local religious architecture and history. Its modest size and historic charm make it a calming stop before the final viewpoints.

This 30-minute visit combines cultural interest with scenic surroundings, adding depth to the overall experience of the island’s heritage.

Sunset Views from Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado

The final stop is the Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado, built on a cliff, offering spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. This site is especially known for its beautiful sunsets, providing a picturesque ending to the tour. From here, visitors can see Ponta da Ferraria and Ilhéus dos Mosteiros, two prominent natural landmarks.

Spending about 20 minutes here allows time to enjoy the sea views, take photos, and reflect on the day’s sights. It’s a dramatic, open-air finale that captures the rugged beauty of São Miguel’s coastline.

Practicalities and Logistics

This guided tour is operated by Azores Magic Tours, with a maximum group size of 8 travelers. The tour includes air-conditioned vehicle transport, bottled water, pickup, and drop-off at designated locations. All stops are included in the 4-hour itinerary, with no additional costs for the entrance tickets to viewpoints and sites.

It is important to note that airport pickups are not part of the package. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with confirmation received within 48 hours, and most participants can join. However, some reviews mention uneven guide engagement, and the pacing may feel slow for those seeking a more intense experience.

The Strengths and Limitations of This Tour

The main strength of this tour lies in its well-curated stops at iconic viewpoints and cultural sites. The stops at Sete Cidades viewpoints, the pineapple plantation, and Lagoa de Santiago offer a comprehensive look at São Miguel’s volcanic landscape and local heritage. The personalized group size enhances the experience, allowing for more interaction with the guide.

On the downside, some reviews suggest that guide enthusiasm varies, and the pacing might not suit everyone. The duration of 4 hours is fairly tight for the number of stops, and some visitors find the stops somewhat short. Still, the included admission to all sites and the convenient transportation make this a good value for seeing the highlights without a full-day commitment.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors to São Miguel who want a structured overview of the island’s most famous sights. It’s also suitable for those who prefer a small group experience and appreciate personalized attention. The focus on viewpoints, lakes, and cultural stops makes it a great choice for nature lovers and photographers.

However, travelers looking for a more adventurous or extensive exploration may prefer full-day or private options. This tour provides a comprehensive snapshot of São Miguel’s volcanic scenery and cultural sites, balanced with comfort and convenience.

Final Thoughts on the Guided Sete Cidades Volcano Tour

This 4-hour guided tour offers a cost-effective and efficient way to explore São Miguel’s most celebrated natural features. The highlights, including Sete Cidades viewpoints, Lagoa do Canario, and the pineapple plantation, showcase the island’s volcanic grandeur and agricultural history. The small group size ensures a more intimate experience, and the included transportation simplifies logistics.

While the pace and guide engagement may vary, the sightseeing opportunities remain compelling. The tour suits travelers wanting a beautiful, educational overview of the volcanic heart of São Miguel, especially those with limited time.

In summary, this tour provides a balanced mix of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and practical convenience, making it a solid choice for visitors eager to see the most iconic sights of the Azores with minimal hassle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, covering multiple scenic stops and viewpoints.

What is the price?
The tour costs $67.49 per person, including all site admissions and transportation.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included; the tour primarily covers sightseeing and stops.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, an air-conditioned vehicle is included with pickup and drop-off arranged.

What stops are part of the itinerary?
Stops include the Plantacao de Ananas dos Acores, Miradouro do Pico do Carvao, Lagoa do Canario, Vista do Rei, Cerrado das Freiras, Lagoa de Santiago, Igreja de São Nicolau, and Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but the physical demands are minimal, making it appropriate for families.

Are there any physical requirements?
The stops are mostly accessible, but some involve walking to viewpoints. No strenuous activities are involved.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Is airport transfer included?
No, airport transfers are not included in this tour.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 8 travelers, providing a more personal experience.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a camera for photography. Bottled water is provided.

Is guide commentary available in multiple languages?
The data does not specify language options, but the guide is described as knowledgeable.

This guided tour of the Sete Cidades volcano delivers a compact, scenic, and culturally enriching experience of São Miguel’s most famed sights, making it well-suited for those seeking a well-organized overview of the island’s volcanic landscape.