São Miguel West Full Day Tour with Setes Cidades Including Lunch

Exploring the west side of São Miguel offers a captivating mix of volcanic landscapes, lush waterfalls, and panoramic coastlines. This full-day tour, priced at $86.46 per person, is designed for travelers who want a comprehensive experience without the hassle of driving themselves. Starting at 9:00 am, the tour lasts approximately 8 hours and includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Ponta Delgada, making it a convenient way to see the island’s highlights. The tour’s small-group size, limited to 8 travelers, ensures personalized attention and a more relaxed pace. With positive reviews emphasizing knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery, this trip is highly recommended for first-time visitors or anyone eager to explore the west side of São Miguel comfortably and thoroughly.

Key Points

• Small-group tour with a maximum of 8 travelers for personalized experience
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Ponta Delgada, with an 8-hour itinerary
• Visit iconic stops such as Sete Cidades, Lago Fogo, Salto do Cabrito Waterfall, and Lagoa do Fogo
• Enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch with drinks, dessert, and coffee included
• Guides are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling
• Many stops offer breathtaking viewpoints and photo opportunities

Discover São Miguel’s West Side with Ease and Comfort

This full-day tour from Pure Azores offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, culture, and scenic beauty. Travelers are picked up in Ponta Delgada, with the tour covering notable spots across the island’s west coast. The 8-hour schedule makes it a convenient way to see multiple highlights without feeling rushed, and the small-group setting guarantees more interaction with the guide and plenty of time at each location.

The price of $86.46 includes lunch, drinks, dessert, and coffee, plus hotel pickup and drop-off in Ponta Delgada. The tour is perfect for first-time visitors eager to get an overview of São Miguel’s diverse landscapes, from lush lakes to rugged coastlines. The reviews consistently highlight expert guides, stunning viewpoints, and delicious meals, making this a well-rounded choice.

From Ribeira Grande to Coastal Cliffs: Starting the Day

The journey begins in Ribeira Grande, the island’s second main town, known for its charm and picturesque streets. A brief 30-minute stop allows visitors to appreciate its beauty and get a sense of local life before heading to the coast. Next, at Ponta da Cintrao, travelers are treated to dramatic cliffs and striking ocean views, setting the tone for a day filled with natural spectacles.

These early stops introduce travelers to the island’s volcanic beauty and rugged coastlines, with free admission at each location. The guides often share insightful stories about the landscape, enriching the experience without taking up too much time.

Encounter the Power of Salto do Cabrito Waterfall

One of the highlights of this tour is the Salto do Cabrito Waterfall, standing among São Miguel’s most impressive waterfalls. Surrounded by lush, wild vegetation, this spot offers a peaceful break and excellent photo opportunities. The 20-minute stop emphasizes the natural beauty of the island’s waterfalls, which are often praised for their pristine, unspoiled appearance.

This waterfall provides a glimpse of São Miguel’s volcanic origin, with abundant greenery framing the cascading water. Visitors appreciate the short walk to this viewpoint, making it accessible even for those with limited mobility.

Lagoa do Fogo: The Most Preserved Large Lake

Another key stop is Lagoa do Fogo, renowned for being the most untouched of São Miguel’s large lakes. This 20-minute visit allows for scenic views and photo moments of the lake’s calm waters and surrounding volcanic landscape. The preservation status of Lagoa do Fogo appeals to nature lovers who enjoy seeing unspoiled environments.

This stop often sparks admiration for the island’s volcanic activity, with guides sharing facts about the region’s geological past. It’s a favorite for those seeking tranquility and authentic natural scenery.

Panoramic Views from Miradouro da Barrosa and Vista do Rei

The tour includes visits to spectacular viewpoints such as Miradouro da Barrosa, offering sweeping panoramic views of the island’s outline, and Vista do Rei, known worldwide as the classic postcard picture of Sete Cidades twin lakes. The 25-minute stop at Vista do Rei allows visitors to marvel at the vivid Lago Azul and Lago Verde, set against volcanic crater walls.

Miradouro do Cerrado das Freiras provides a different perspective of Sete Cidades with a less frequented vantage point, giving a fresh angle on the twin lakes. These lookout points are highly praised for their breathtaking scenery and are frequent photo hotspots.

Exploring Sete Cidades and Its Twin Lakes

The highlight of the day is the visit to Sete Cidades, where travelers see the Lago Azul and Lago Verde. The tour stops at Lagoa Azul, with its striking blue waters, and the town of Sete Cidades, which sits along the shores of the blue lake.

This section offers impressive views and photo opportunities, complemented by the scenic backdrop of volcanic craters. The guides often share stories about the legends and formation of these lakes, enriching the visual experience.

Coastal Highlights at Mosteiros and Natural Pools

The tour continues to the Ponta do Escalvado lookout, where expansive views of Mosteiros and nearby islets are on display. This 20-minute stop showcases the rugged coastline and is a favorite for capturing coastal scenery.

Next, visitors can explore Piscinas Naturais, ancient lave flows that have created natural pools along the west coast. These pools are used locally for cooling swims during summer, and although the visit lasts only 20 minutes, it’s often praised for its unique geological formations.

At Ilheus Dos Mosteiros, a brief 15-minute stop allows for close-up views of the charming islets near the coast, adding to the scenic variety of the tour.

Lunch and Local Flavors Included

A key part of this tour is a traditional Portuguese lunch included in the package. The meal features a selection of food, drinks, desserts, and coffee, offering a taste of local cuisine in a relaxed setting. Many reviews highlight the quality and plentifulness of the meal, which provides a satisfying break amidst sightseeing.

The lunch is a relaxing time to enjoy local flavors, and guides often share insights about Azorean culinary traditions, making it more than just a meal but an integral part of the experience.

The Expertise of the Guides and the Tour Logistics

Throughout the tour, guides are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling skills. Names like Joao, Manuel, Gonçalo, and Catia frequently appear in positive reviews, with travelers appreciating their ability to share insights about the island’s history, culture, and natural features.

Pickup in Ponta Delgada takes place between 9:00 am and 9:20 am, with drop-off in Ponta Delgada at the end of the day. The small group size ensures a more personalized experience and the opportunity for questions at each stop.

Weather considerations are important, as tours require good weather to operate. If canceled due to poor conditions, a full refund or a different date is offered.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This São Miguel West Full Day Tour offers excellent value for those seeking a comprehensive, relaxed exploration of the island’s west side. The inclusion of lunch, hotel pickup, and small-group size makes it practical and enjoyable. Visitors who love scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, lakes, and coastal vistas will find this tour especially rewarding.

The positive reviews emphasize knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and delicious meals, confirming that this tour is a reliable choice for first-timers or anyone wanting a well-rounded day on São Miguel. It’s less suitable for travelers seeking intense physical activity or those with mobility issues, given some walking at viewpoints and natural sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a traditional Portuguese lunch with food, drinks, dessert, and coffee.

What is the duration of this tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am and ending in the early evening.

Does the tour pick up in hotels?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Ponta Delgada are included. Additional pickup locations may incur extra charges.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely, guides like Joao, Manuel, Gonçalo, and Catia receive high praise for their friendliness, storytelling, and local expertise.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people are in each group?
The group is limited to 8 travelers, ensuring a more personal and attentive experience.

Are the stops suitable for all ages?
Most stops are accessible and require minimal walking, making this suitable for a wide range of travelers, though some natural sites involve uneven terrain.

What are the main highlights of this tour?
Key highlights include Sete Cidades twin lakes, Lago Fogo, Salto do Cabrito Waterfall, Lagoa do Fogo, and scenic viewpoints like Vista do Rei and Miradouro da Barrosa.

Can I book this tour in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book around 37 days in advance due to popularity, and instant confirmation is provided.

Is this tour good for first-time visitors?
Definitely. It offers a solid overview of São Miguel’s west side, perfect for those new to the island who want an organized, enjoyable day.

This São Miguel West Full Day Tour promises a well-paced, scenic, and informative experience that highlights the island’s natural beauty, complemented by expert guides and delicious local cuisine.