Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo: tour of iconic lagoons and viewpoints

Discover the Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo tour in the Azores, Portugal, offering an 8-hour journey through some of the region’s most iconic landscapes. This tour starts from Ponta Delgada and takes you across volcanic lakes, scenic viewpoints, and charming villages. With a focus on natural beauty and panoramic vistas, it’s ideal for travelers eager to see São Miguel’s most recognizable sights in a single day.

The tour includes stops at Pico do Carvão, Sete Cidades Village, Lagoa de Santiago, and several dramatic viewpoints like King’s Viewpoint, Hell’s Mouth, and Canary Viewpoint. The day ends with a visit to Lagoa do Fogo, a pristine crater lake known for its clear waters and untouched environment—subject to weather and access conditions. The experience is led by professional guides who speak Portuguese, English, and Spanish, ensuring engaging commentary along the way.

While the tour offers incredible landscapes and photo opportunities, it’s worth noting that it’s not suitable for travelers with mobility impairments. Practical advice includes bringing comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and outdoor clothing to handle the varied terrain and weather. This tour provides a comprehensive look at São Miguel’s volcanic scenery, making it a great choice for those wanting an active yet manageable exploration of the island’s top sights.

Key Points

• Duration: The tour runs for 8 hours, making it a full but manageable day trip.
• Start Point: Departure from Ponta Delgada ensures easy access for most travelers.
• Main highlights: Includes Lagoa do Fogo, Sete Cidades, and multiple scenic viewpoints like Boca do Inferno and Escalvado.
• Stops at key locations: Explore Sete Cidades Village and Lagoa de Santiago, with views of Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde.
• Scenic viewpoints: Capture panoramic shots from King’s Viewpoint, Hell’s Mouth, and Canary Viewpoint.
• Weather consideration: Access to Lagoa do Fogo depends on weather and conditions.

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Starting Point: From Ponta Delgada to Pico do Carvão

The tour kicks off in Ponta Delgada, the main city of São Miguel, from where a comfortable vehicle transports guests towards the island’s northern and southern coasts. The first stop is Pico do Carvão, a viewpoint that offers a sweeping view over both coasts. Here, the scenery reveals the island’s volcanic topography and lush landscapes, giving travelers a first taste of São Miguel’s geographical diversity.

The viewpoint is well regarded for its privileged vantage point, perfect for photos and orientation. The ascent to this area is smooth, though comfortable shoes are recommended to navigate any uneven terrain. This initial stop sets the tone for the day, emphasizing breathtaking panoramas and geological features.

Exploring Sete Cidades Village and Its Colorful Lagoons

After appreciating the views from Pico do Carvão, the tour moves to Sete Cidades, a picturesque village famous for its two volcanic lakes: Lagoa Azul (Blue Lake) and Lagoa Verde (Green Lake). Guests can walk through the charming streets, observing the traditional architecture and local character.

The lakes are inside a volcanic caldera, and the views of their vivid colors are extraordinary. This area is a highlight for photography, with the contrast between the crystal-clear blue waters and the emerald green surroundings. The village offers a peaceful atmosphere amid iconic landscapes, perfect for a relaxed exploration or quick local snack.

Visiting Lagoa de Santiago and Its Tranquil Waters

Continuing the journey, the group stops at Lagoa de Santiago, a serene lake within the volcanic caldera. It provides a natural haven with calm waters and lush scenery. From this vantage point, travelers can observe Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde from a different perspective, appreciating the water’s clarity and the volcanic landscape that surrounds it.

This stop emphasizes quiet beauty and offers a moment to breathe amid the scenic wonders. The views of Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde from here showcase why this region is such a defining feature of São Miguel.

Iconic Viewpoints: King’s Viewpoint, Hell’s Mouth, and Canary Viewpoint

The tour features stops at several legendary viewpoints, each offering distinct perspectives of the island’s volcanic terrain.

• King’s Viewpoint provides an expansive vista of the crater lakes and the surrounding caldera, ideal for panoramic photos.
• Hell’s Mouth (Boca do Inferno) is a dramatic cliffside lookout where the ocean crashes into volcanic formations, creating a spectacular scene.
• Canary Viewpoint offers a wide view of the island’s dramatic coastline and volcanic islands, perfect for capturing the vastness of São Miguel’s landscape.

Each viewpoint is carefully chosen for its unique scenic value, giving visitors a comprehensive understanding of the island’s volcanic heritage.

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Escalvado Viewpoint and the Village of Mosteiros

On the return leg, the Escalvado Viewpoint provides a panoramic look at the village of Mosteiros and the Mosteiros Islets. The rugged coastlines and volcanic formations stand out from this high vantage point, offering a different perspective on the island’s diverse scenery.

This stop is excellent for photos of the coastline, as the Atlantic waves crash against volcanic rocks below. The view complements the earlier inland vistas with a dramatic seascape that highlights São Miguel’s volcanic coast.

Lagoa do Fogo: The Pristine Crater Lake

The final major stop is Lagoa do Fogo, one of the most impressive lakes in the Azores. Located in a nature reserve, it features crystal-clear waters and an untouched environment. The lake is inside a volcanic crater, with surrounding greenery and steep slopes.

Access to Lagoa do Fogo depends on weather and conditions, but when possible, it offers a peaceful, scenic setting to end the day. The lake’s pristine waters and natural surroundings make it a highlight for nature lovers. The tour may include some walking or viewing options, but it’s mostly appreciated from a distance if weather limits access.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

This 8-hour tour departs from Ponta Delgada and includes stops at multiple viewpoints, villages, and lakes. The trip is led by live guides speaking Portuguese, English, and Spanish, providing informative commentary throughout.

To make the most of the day, travelers should bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and outdoor clothing, as some stops involve walking or standing outdoors. The tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments, mainly due to terrain and accessibility limits.

Booking options include free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour and reserve now, pay later flexibility, allowing travelers to plan with confidence.

Final Thoughts on the Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo Tour

This full-day experience offers a comprehensive introduction to São Miguel’s most iconic volcanic landscapes. The combination of lakes, viewpoints, and villages captures the diverse beauty of the island, perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike.

The guided approach ensures engaging commentary about geological features and local highlights. The tour is well-paced, with enough stops to enjoy each location without feeling rushed, although some may find the weather-dependent access to Lagoa do Fogo a consideration.

If you seek a balanced exploration of São Miguel’s volcanic scenery, this tour delivers value and variety in just one day. It’s particularly suited for travelers who appreciate scenic viewpoints, natural lakes, and cultural stops in a comfortable, guided setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
The tour involves outdoor stops and walking, so it’s more suitable for older children and families comfortable with a full day of sightseeing.

What should I bring for the tour?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, outdoor clothing, and a camera are recommended to enjoy the scenic stops and take photos.

Can I visit Lagoa do Fogo if the weather is bad?
Access to Lagoa do Fogo depends on weather conditions; if the weather is poor, the visit may be limited or replaced with alternative viewpoints.

How long is each stop during the tour?
Stops typically last enough to explore the area and take photos, usually around 15-30 minutes per location, depending on the site.

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation between stops is part of the tour, with guides leading the group throughout the day.

Can I cancel or reschedule the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now with the option to pay later.

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