São Miguel West: Sete Cidades and Fogo Tour with Lunch

Discover the Best of São Miguel with the West: Sete Cidades and Fogo Tour

This full-day tour on São Miguel Island offers an immersive experience of the island’s most stunning natural sights for $95 per person. With a carefully curated itinerary lasting 8 hours, it includes visits to iconic viewpoints like Vista do Rei, inside Sete Cidades volcanic crater, and at Pico da Barrosa. Guided by knowledgeable locals, this tour highlights the island’s volcanic beauty, lush landscapes, and unique agricultural practices, such as pineapple cultivation in greenhouses.

The tour makes multiple stops across the island’s west side, combining breathtaking scenery with cultural insights. A hot springs visit at Caldeira Velha is optional, and a lunch included in the price ensures you get a taste of local cuisine. The group is limited to 8 participants, offering a more personal experience, and the tour is suitable for most physical abilities, featuring stops at easily accessible viewpoints.

While the tour impresses with its variety of sights and informative guides, weather conditions such as fog can obscure higher elevations. However, the guides adapt to ensure travelers enjoy the most scenic and meaningful parts of São Miguel’s landscape. This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive, expertly guided exploration of the island’s west side, combining natural wonders and cultural highlights.

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Key Points

• Full-day experience covering São Miguel’s west side, including Sete Cidades and Fogo
• Price of $95 per person, including lunch and transportation
• Guided by local experts with personalized small-group size (up to 8)
• Multiple scenic stops, viewpoints, and cultural visits
• Optional visit to Caldeira Velha hot springs (entry not included)
• Stops at pineapple plantations to learn about local agriculture

Start at Pico do Carvão for Spectacular Views of the North and South Coasts

The tour begins with a visit to Pico do Carvão, one of the island’s most celebrated viewpoints. From here, travelers enjoy panoramic views of Ribeira Grande on the north coast and Ponta Delgada on the south coast, set against a backdrop of volcanic cones. The landscape beyond features the Sete Cidades volcano and the Fogo volcano, both towering over the island.

This initial stop provides a perfect opportunity for photos and an overview of São Miguel’s volcanic terrain. The guide explains the significance of these formations and what makes this island so geologically unique. The drive to Pico do Carvão is scenic, offering glimpses of lush greenery and volcanic landscapes along the way.

Exploring the Iconic Viewpoint Vista do Rei

Next, the tour takes visitors to Vista do Rei, one of São Miguel’s most famous viewpoints. Known for its sweeping vistas over Lagoa das Sete Cidades, this spot offers spectacular sights of the twin lakes within the volcanic crater. The viewpoint is ideal for capturing the vibrant colors of the lakes and surrounding slopes.

Here, the guide shares stories about the legend of the Seven Cities, adding cultural context to the natural beauty. This stop is a highlight for many guests who appreciate the dramatic scenery and the chance to photograph the lush crater below. The easy access and stunning scenery make Vista do Rei a must-visit on the tour.

Inside the Sete Cidades Volcano and Its Lagoon

A significant part of this tour is entering the interior of the Sete Cidades volcano. Visitors walk amid the epic paths and slopes adorned with hydrangeas, offering a peaceful setting away from the busy coast. The highlight is the Lagoa das Sete Cidades, a vast caldera featuring the Seven Cities Lagoon, divided by a bridge.

The guide explains how the lagoon formed inside the volcanic crater, providing insights into its geology. The tour includes a stop at a viewpoint overlooking the center of the crater, giving a closer look at the lakes’ vibrant hues. Traveling through this volcanic landscape reveals why São Miguel’s geology is so captivating.

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Visiting São Nicolau Church and the Quiet Parish of Sete Cidades

The tour pauses at São Nicolau Church, located within the peaceful parish of Sete Cidades. This small church adds a cultural touch to the day, representing local religious heritage. Travelers have time to breathe in the tranquil atmosphere, reflect on the natural surroundings, and take photos.

This stop emphasizes the blend of natural beauty and local culture that defines São Miguel. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to step away from the viewpoints and see a more authentic part of the island’s rural life.

Admiring the Escalvado Viewpoint and Its Volcanic Cliffs

Continuing the journey, travelers reach the Escalvado viewpoint on a pyroclastic cliff. From this vantage point, the views extend over Mosteiros and Ferraria, both shaped by volcanic activity. The cliffs offer a dramatic setting, with panoramic vistas of the rugged coastline and the Atlantic Ocean.

The guide points out volcanic formations and explains the geological forces that created these features. Visitors can take in the fresh sea air and snap photos of the dramatic cliffs and distant volcanic islands.

Lunch at the Sete Cidades Restaurant

Midday, the tour makes a lunch stop in Sete Cidades, included in the tour price. The meal features starter, main course, drinks, dessert, and coffee, providing a relaxed break from sightseeing. The restaurant offers local dishes, allowing travelers to experience Azorean cuisine.

This pause not only refuels energy for the afternoon but also offers a chance to discuss the morning’s discoveries with the guide and fellow travelers. The included lunch ensures convenience and adds value to the overall experience.

Reaching Pico da Barrosa for Panoramic Island Views

After lunch, the guide leads travelers to Pico da Barrosa, the second highest point on São Miguel at 900 meters. From here, on clear days, visitors can see Ribeira Grande, Ponta Delgada, and the Lagoa do Fogo crater. The view extends over much of the island’s landscape, offering a comprehensive perspective.

This stop is particularly rewarding when weather permits, as it provides sweeping vistas of São Miguel’s volcanic and coastal scenery. The guide highlights key landmarks visible from this high vantage point, enriching the experience.

Scenic Stop at Lagoa do Fogo for Breathtaking Views

Descending along the north coast, the tour pauses at Lagoa do Fogo, a volcanic crater lake famous for its pristine waters and natural setting. The viewpoint offers a close look at the lake’s emerald-green surface, framed by steep slopes.

Travelers can enjoy free time to take photos and appreciate the tranquil beauty of this high-altitude crater lake. The guide explains its formation and ecological significance, adding depth to the visit.

Relaxing at Caldeira Velha Hot Springs (Optional)

The Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Center hosts natural hot springs pools, where visitors can relax and bathe. Entry to the pools is not included in the tour price, but guests can choose to enjoy this experience at their own expense.

The thermal waters are a popular spot for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. The natural setting, with lush greenery and volcanic rock, offers a soothing end to the active day.

Learning About Pineapples at the Greenhouse Plantations

The tour concludes with a visit to pineapple plantations, where guides teach the process of growing pineapples in greenhouses. Visitors see firsthand why pineapples are considered the King fruit of São Miguel and the Azores.

This cultural stop combines sightseeing with education about local agriculture. The greenhouses showcase the careful cultivation techniques used to produce pineapples in the island’s climate, giving visitors a new appreciation for this tropical fruit.

Practical Details: Logistics and Group Size

This small-group tour is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience. The tour starts at 9:00-9:20 am with pickup from multiple hotels and locations in Ponta Delgada, Lagoa, and Ribeira Grande. The pickup and drop-off are included, making logistics straightforward.

The tour is accessible for most travelers, with wheelchair accessibility available upon request. The guide provides water, chargers, and umbrellas, and child seats are available if requested beforehand. The day is paced for comfort, balancing sightseeing with relaxation.

Final Thoughts on the São Miguel West: Sete Cidades and Fogo Tour

This 8-hour guided tour offers a comprehensive look at São Miguel’s most striking natural and cultural sites on the island’s west side. The combination of viewpoints, volcanic craters, and cultural stops makes it an excellent choice for travelers seeking both scenic beauty and local insights.

The included lunch and small-group setting elevate the experience, while the variety of stops ensures plenty of photo opportunities. Weather conditions, such as fog, can occasionally obscure views, but guides are skilled at adjusting plans to maximize visibility and enjoyment.

This tour delivers a balanced mix of nature, geology, and local culture, making it ideal for those wanting an in-depth exploration of São Miguel’s volcanic landscape with expert guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, child seats are available by prior request, and the tour is generally accessible for most ages.

What is included in the lunch?
The full lunch includes starters, a main course, drinks, dessert, and coffee.

Can I visit Caldeira Velha hot springs?
Yes, but entry is not included and can be paid for on site if desired.

What should I bring for the tour?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, and beachwear (for optional hot springs) are recommended.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, accessibility is available upon request.

How many people are in the tour group?
The group is limited to 8 participants for a more personalized experience.

What viewpoints will we visit?
Key viewpoints include Pico do Carvão, Vista do Rei, and Pico da Barrosa.

Are there any optional activities during the tour?
Yes, visiting Caldeira Velha hot springs is optional, at your own expense.

What makes this tour different from others?
Its focus on São Miguel’s volcanic landscapes, combined with cultural insights and small-group intimacy, sets it apart.

When does the tour start?
Pickup begins between 9:00 and 9:20 am, with availability depending on the day.

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