Lagoa do Fogo and Sete Cidades Private Full Day Tour

Exploring São Miguel Island with the Lagoa do Fogo and Sete Cidades Private Full Day Tour offers a relaxed, personalized way to see some of the island’s most breathtaking landscapes. Priced at $202.44 per group (up to 3 people), this 7 to 8-hour journey promises a flexible, private experience with pickup and drop-off at your accommodation. The tour is led by an experienced guide since 2015, who tailors the itinerary to suit your interests and ensures a smooth, stress-free day. It’s an ideal choice for those who want to avoid the stress of self-driving, especially given the island’s winding, narrow roads, and for travellers eager to deepen their understanding of local culture.

With two glowing reviews rating it perfect 5.0 out of 5, this tour excels in personalized attention, stunning viewpoints, and engaging explanations. The tour’s private setting guarantees an intimate experience, and the guide’s local knowledge shines through in both the carefully selected stops and the relaxed pace. A highlight is the inclusion of several famous viewpoints and cultural stops, complemented by visits to traditional sites like a pottery factory. This tour works best for those who appreciate a balanced mix of natural beauty, cultural insight, and comfort.

Key Points

• Private, customizable full-day tour with pickup at your accommodation
• Includes visits to Lagoa do Fogo, Sete Cidades, and scenic viewpoints
• Expert guide with practical local knowledge since 2015
• All stops are free to access, with optional visits to Caldeira Velha (entry not included)
• Lunch not included, but can be arranged at your choice for around 25 euros per person
• Flexible schedule and cancellation policy allowing full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance

Scenic Views from Miradouro do Pico do Carvao

One of the first stops on this tour is the Miradouro do Pico do Carvao, which offers panoramic views of the west coast crater. From this vantage point, you can see both shores of the island and the 42 volcanic craters that shaped this landscape. The 20-minute stop is perfect for snapping photos or just soaking in the impressive volcanic scenery. This spot is free to access and sets a dramatic tone for the day, showcasing São Miguel’s volcanic origins in a way that’s both accessible and awe-inspiring.

Visiting the Pineapple Plantations at A Arruda

The tour includes a visit to the Plantação Ananases A Arruda, where you get to see how São Miguel’s pineapples are cultivated inside greenhouses. The 40-minute stop provides insight into local techniques perfected over decades. You won’t pay for admission, and it’s a great chance to learn about an important part of the island’s agricultural scene. The guide explains the process in detail, making this a fun, educational experience, especially for those interested in local farming practices.

Exploring Lagoa do Canario and Its Hiking Trails

Next, the Lagoa do Canario offers a 20-minute glimpse into a protected landscape area known for its scenic beauty and hiking trails. This lagoon serves as a gateway to many of the island’s trails, and during this stop, visitors can appreciate the lush surroundings and volcanic landscape. The stop is free to access and perfect for capturing photos or planning a short walk if time allows.

Iconic Views at Vista do Rei Miradouro

The Vista do Rei Miradouro is a central highlight, providing a breathtaking view of the twin lakes inside the Sete Cidades crater. This lookout is often considered the most iconic viewpoint on the island. From here, you can see the small village of Sete Cidades, with its colorful houses and lush surroundings. The 30-minute stop allows ample time to enjoy the scenery and take photos of this postcard-perfect vista, which truly captures the essence of São Miguel’s volcanic beauty.

Different Perspectives at Miradouro do Cerrado das Freiras

Driving into the crater, the Miradouro do Cerrado das Freiras offers a completely different perspective on the lakes and village of Sete Cidades. From this stop, the view is more expansive and less crowded, providing a fresh angle on the same stunning landscape. The 20-minute stop is free and highly praised for offering a quieter, more intimate connection with the scenery.

Discovering the Village of Sete Cidades and São Nicolau Church

The tour allows a 30-minute exploration of the small village of Sete Cidades, including a visit to the São Nicolau church, notable for its tower. This stop provides a chance to stroll through the village, observe local life, and appreciate the charming architecture. It’s a peaceful spot that adds cultural depth to the day, beyond just sightseeing.

Westernmost Views at Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado

At the Ponta do Escalvado, the tour reaches the westernmost tip of the island, offering views facing the ocean. Originally used for whale watching, this viewpoint also provides a spectacular vista of the Mosteiros village, popular for sunset views. The 20-minute stop is an opportunity for scenic ocean views and a breath of fresh sea air, with free access.

Witnessing Traditional Pottery at Cerâmica Vieira

A visit to the Cerâmica Vieira pottery factory provides insight into five generations of family craftsmanship. During this 40-minute stop, visitors see the process of making traditional Azorean pottery. The factory is run by the same family, and the process is fascinating to watch — a perfect blend of culture and history. The visit is free, though the factory is closed on weekends and holidays.

Lagoa do Fogo: An Active Volcano and Scenic Lake

The Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo offers a 40-minute stop at one of São Miguel’s most spectacular lakes, situated just below an active volcano. The lake’s exquisite scenery showcases the island’s volcanic activity and natural beauty from a high vantage point. It’s a highlight for photography and appreciating nature’s power and serenity.

Optional Visit to Caldeira Velha Natural Park

The Centro de Interpretacao Ambiental Caldeira Velha is a natural park where visitors can explore secondary volcanic activity and geothermal features. The 30-minute stop offers a chance to walk through lush surroundings and witness volcanic phenomena firsthand. Entry tickets (not included) cost 3 euros for general access or 10 euros if you want to bathe in the thermal waters.

Ribeira Grande: The Island’s Northern Hub

The tour includes a 40-minute visit to Ribeira Grande, the only city on the north coast. Here, visitors can walk through the town center and visit a local shop offering samples of Azorean liquors (closed on weekends and holidays). This stop adds a cultural flavor and gives a glimpse into local life beyond the natural wonders.

Relaxing at Praia do Areal de Santa Barbara

The Areal de Santa Barbara beach is a 30-minute stop at the island’s main surf spot. Known for its dark sand and surf schools, it’s a lively and scenic place to relax, take photos, or watch the waves. The beach has basic amenities like bars and bathrooms, making it a convenient end to the sightseeing portion of the day.

Practicalities and What’s Included

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, allowing comfort during the long day of sightseeing. The guide, available since 2015, is praised for professionalism, punctuality, and a flexible approach, tailoring stops to your interests. The pickup and drop-off service ensures convenience, especially for travelers staying in Ponta Delgada. Children’s safety seats and booster seats are available upon request.

The tour does not include lunch, but you can choose a local restaurant and expect to pay around 25 euros per person. Entry tickets for the Caldeira Velha Park cost 3 euros for visiting and 10 euros for bathing, payable online or on-site. The cancellation policy offers full refunds if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Why Choose This Tour?

This private, tailored experience suits travelers who prefer an intimate exploration of São Miguel, with personalized attention from a guide. The stops are carefully curated for stunning views, cultural insights, and natural beauty, all without the hassle of self-driving. The positive reviews highlight the guide’s knowledge, punctuality, and ability to adapt the schedule to client desires, making for a memorable, stress-free day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in this tour?
No, lunch is not included. You can select a restaurant of your choice, with an average cost of around 25 euros per person.

Can I visit Caldeira Velha during this tour?
Yes, the Caldeira Velha Natural Park can be visited as an optional stop. Entry tickets cost 3 euros for general access, or 10 euros if you want to bathe in thermal waters.

How flexible is the schedule?
The itinerary is flexible and can be adjusted according to your interests and timing, with the guide available for changes if needed.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is suitable for most travelers, and child safety seats or boosters can be provided upon request.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, this tour is booked about 51 days in advance, highlighting its popularity.

What makes this tour stand out compared to others?
The private, personalized approach, the expert guide, and the carefully selected stops for scenic views and cultural insights are key strengths.

This Lagoa do Fogo and Sete Cidades Private Full Day Tour offers an engaging way to see São Miguel’s highlights comfortably and with expert guidance. It combines natural beauty, cultural discovery, and flexibility, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a well-rounded experience on this stunning island.