Full Day Scenic Tour Lake Sete Cidades Fogo | Pineapple Farm

Key Points

• Duration and Price: This full-day tour lasts 7.5 hours and offers excellent value with flexible payment options.
• Main Highlights: Features breathtaking views of Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, and the Pineapple Farm, plus panoramic stops like Pico da Barrosa.
• Location Focus: Covers half of São Miguel Island, emphasizing natural landscapes and geological wonders.
• Comfort and Accessibility: Uses a 9-seat van for small groups up to 8 people, and a minibus for larger groups up to 22, with a convenient meeting point.
• Weather Flexibility: The tour date can be changed at no extra cost depending on weather conditions to ensure optimal views.
• Language and Booking: Live guides speak English, Portuguese, and Spanish, with options to reserve now and pay later or cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring São Miguel’s Breathtaking Lakes and Volcanoes

The Full Day Scenic Tour Lake Sete Cidades Fogo, offered by ANC Azores Holidays, delivers a comprehensive look at two of São Miguel Island’s most iconic natural attractions. With a rating of 4.7, this tour is praised for its accessible yet in-depth exploration of the island’s stunning landscapes. The 7.5-hour itinerary provides a balanced mix of scenic viewpoints, geological marvels, and local culture.

This tour is perfect for travelers eager to see half of São Miguel’s natural wonders in one day, from peaceful lakes to volcanic craters. It offers a relaxed pace, with plenty of time for photos and explanations from knowledgeable guides. The inclusion of a pineapple farm visit adds a unique flavor, blending natural beauty with local agriculture.

Meeting Point at Avenue João Bosco Mota Amaral

The journey begins at ANC Azores Holidays, with a meeting point at the Kiosk in front of Hotel Marina, coordinates 37.7406, -25.6606. The group is expected to gather for a brief guided walk in Ponta Delgada, giving an overview of the island before heading out for the day.

The guidance during the tour is provided in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, making it accessible for diverse visitors. The small group size ensures personalized attention, with 9-seat vans for up to 8 people and larger minibuses for bigger parties.

Traverse the Scenic Routes to Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo

After departing from the meeting point, the tour heads towards the famous Sete Cidades lakes, which are often considered the island’s most recognizable natural sights. The Vista do Rei viewpoint is a highlight, offering sweeping views of the twin lakes set within a volcanic caldera. The legend that these lakes were formed from the tears of a shepherd and a princess adds a poetic touch to the scenery.

Following this, the tour moves to the Lagoa do Fogo, an extinct volcano crater filled with a vast blue lake. The 1563 eruption that created the caldera is a key part of the landscape’s geological history. The tour guides emphasize the size of Lagoa do Fogo, which is approximately 2 km long and 1 km wide, and describe the volcano’s eruption as a pivotal event shaping the island’s terrain.

Visiting the Pineapple Plantation: A Taste of Local Agriculture

Along With the lakes, the tour includes a visit to a pineapple plantation. This stop provides an opportunity to observe how pineapples are cultivated on São Miguel. Visitors can appreciate the scale and methods of local farming, adding a cultural dimension to the natural sights. The plantation visit is a chance to learn about regional agriculture and perhaps sample fresh pineapple.

More Great Tours Nearby

Pano da Barrosa: Panoramic Views and Photo Opportunities

A highlight of the tour is the stop at Pico da Barrosa, a lookout point offering spectacular panoramic views. This spot allows for stunning photographs of the island’s volcanic landscape, lakes, and coastline. The guide typically explains the geological features visible from this vantage point, enriching the visual experience with contextual insights.

Weather-Dependent Flexibility and Group Sizes

One of the tour’s notable features is its flexibility regarding weather conditions. If the weather changes, the date can be rescheduled at no extra cost, ensuring travelers experience the best possible views. The group size varies with the number of participants: small groups (up to 8) travel in a 9-seat van, while larger groups (up to 22) are accommodated in a minibus. This flexibility helps maintain a comfortable and intimate atmosphere.

Practical Details and Booking Options

Booking the Full Day Scenic Tour Lake Sete Cidades Fogo is straightforward, with the options to reserve now and pay later. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, adding peace of mind. The tour runs multiple times daily, with available starting times listed on the booking platform.

This activity does not suit wheelchair users due to terrain and vehicle restrictions. However, the tour’s ease of access and small group sizes make it a popular choice for those seeking a comfortable yet comprehensive natural experience.

Comparing Similar Excursions in São Miguel

For those interested in more explorations, several similar experiences are available, such as buggy tours around Sete Cidades, shore excursions to volcano lakes, and whale-watching trips. These options often complement the full-day scenic tour, providing additional perspectives on the island’s natural beauty.

Final Notes on the Tour’s Value and Suitability

The Full Day Scenic Tour Lake Sete Cidades Fogo stands out for its balanced itinerary, blending stunning viewpoints, geological insight, and local farming. The expert guides enhance the experience with informative commentary, and the flexible scheduling ensures good weather conditions. This tour is especially suitable for travelers looking to see key natural landmarks without rushing, in a comfortable group setting.

While it focuses on half of the island, the tour effectively captures the essence of São Miguel’s volcanic landscapes. The inclusion of unique stops like the pineapple farm and Pico da Barrosa makes it a well-rounded introduction to the island’s natural and cultural highlights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts 7.5 hours, providing enough time to explore multiple key sites comfortably.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers transportation, guided commentary in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, and visits to the lakes, viewpoints, and pineapple farm.

Can I change the tour date if the weather is poor?
Yes, the tour date can be rescheduled at no extra cost depending on weather conditions.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and some terrain may be challenging for those with limited mobility.

Where does the tour start?
It starts at ANC Azores Holidays, with a meeting point at Avenue João Bosco Mota Amaral, in front of Hotel Marina.

Are lunch or meals included?
The data does not specify meals, so lunch is likely not included; visitors can plan accordingly.

How many people are in each group?
Groups are small, with a maximum of 8 people in a 9-seat van, or up to 22 in a minibus.

What languages do guides speak?
Guides are fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Is there a specific season when the tour operates?
The tour can be scheduled flexibly, with the possibility to change dates based on weather, ensuring good visibility.

This detailed look at the Full Day Scenic Tour Lake Sete Cidades Fogo highlights its focus on natural beauty, geological interest, and cultural insights, making it a compelling choice for visitors eager to experience São Miguel’s awe-inspiring landscapes.

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