Sete Cidades / Lagoa do Fogo – Full Day Tour

Discover the Best of Sao Miguel: Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo in One Day

This full-day guided tour offers a comprehensive journey through Sao Miguel’s most stunning volcanic landscapes for $80.98 per person. The tour lasts around 8 hours and includes visits to Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo, two of the island’s crown jewels. It’s ideal for travelers who want to see iconic viewpoints, lush lakes, and charming towns without the hassle of planning each stop individually.

One of the tour’s standout features is its carefully curated itinerary, which combines nature, culture, and local craftsmanship. A knowledgeable guide leads the way, ensuring the experience is both informative and relaxed. The tour also includes lunch at a local restaurant, making it a convenient way to enjoy a full day of sightseeing.

While the itinerary is packed, the tour is designed with easy access to viewpoints and attractions, making it suitable for most visitors. However, it’s important to note that entry tickets for certain sites, like the Caldeira Velha thermal pools, are not included. Nonetheless, with positive reviews praising the views and guide, this tour offers a well-balanced blend of adventure and comfort.

Key Points

• Comprehensive day tour covering Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, and local attractions
• Price of $80.98 per person, lasting approximately 8 hours
• Includes lunch with vegetarian and vegan options available
• Visit to pineapple plantation, pottery factory, and liquor factory for cultural insights
• Multiple viewpoints with stunning views of lakes, volcanoes, and coastal scenery
• Small group size of up to 8 travelers for a personalized experience

Starting the Day at Arruda Pineapple Plantation

The tour begins with a visit to the Arruda Pineapple Plantation, where visitors gain insight into local pineapple cultivation. The visit lasts about 35 minutes and is free of charge, offering a fascinating look at how this key agricultural product is grown in the Azores. The plantation provides a glimpse into the island’s farming traditions and the importance of pineapple as a regional specialty.

This stop is perfect for those interested in local agriculture and offers photo opportunities amidst lush green plantations. It also serves as a gentle introduction to the day’s scenic and cultural highlights.

Panoramic Views from Miradouro do Pico do Carvao

Next, the tour reaches the Miradouro do Pico do Carvao, a mountain viewpoint that offers sweeping views of Sao Miguel. Located within the Sete Cidades area, this viewpoint is 20 minutes from the previous stop and free of charge.

From this vantage point, visitors see the island’s volcanic landscape and expansive vistas, making it an excellent spot for photography. The location’s elevated position allows for a panoramic view of the island’s terrain, setting the tone for the many scenic vistas ahead.

Exploring Lagoa do Canario in the Natural Park

The Lagoa do Canario is a highlight for nature lovers. This natural park features Lagoa do Canario, a striking lake famous for its natural beauty and lush surroundings. Visitors enjoy an easy 35-minute walk inside the park, allowing for an up-close view of the lake.

The park’s easy trail makes it accessible for most visitors, and the tranquil environment provides a perfect spot for some peaceful moments amid nature. The lake’s clear waters and surrounding greenery are picture-perfect, offering excellent photo opportunities.

Admiring the View from Miradouro da Boca do Inferno

A short walk within the Lagoa do Canario natural park brings visitors to Miradouro da Boca do Inferno. This 35-minute stop is famous for its breathtaking views over the Sete Cidades lakes. The viewpoint’s small walking trail provides an accessible way to appreciate the vast volcanic crater landscape.

Travelers can expect spectacular scenery, with views that showcase the green and blue lakes nestled within the volcanic caldera. It’s a popular spot for photos and absorbing the tranquility of this unique setting.

Panoramic Vistas from Cerrado das Freiras

Next, the tour visits Miradouro do Cerrado das Freiras, a very accessible viewpoint. This site offers 20 minutes to admire the green and blue lakes of Sete Cidades from a convenient location. The spot is ideal for quick stops, providing easy access to breathtaking scenery.

The view highlights the contrast of colors in the lakes, set against lush greenery. It’s a quick but rewarding experience that emphasizes the island’s volcanic beauty.

Exploring the Heart of Sete Cidades

The tour includes a 20-minute visit to the center of the Sete Cidades parish, where visitors can experience local life and see the charming village environment. This stop offers a chance to observe the local architecture and perhaps enjoy a quick walk through the quiet streets.

Although brief, this stop complements the panoramic viewpoints with a glimpse of the local community living within this volcanic crater. It adds a cultural touch to the scenic exploration.

Viewing the Lakes from Vista do Rei

The Vista do Rei viewpoint is renowned for its stunning vistas of the green and blue lakes of Sete Cidades. With easy access and just 20 minutes allocated, this spot is often considered the most iconic view of the area.

From here, the vast caldera and lakes are laid out before visitors, showcasing the volcano’s formation and the vivid colors of the lakes. Many find this viewing platform to be the highlight of the crater’s landscapes.

Lunch in Lagoa Town

After a morning of sightseeing, the tour stops in the city of Lagoa for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. The included lunch is served at a local restaurant with a buffet featuring two types of fish, two types of meat, along with fresh salads, drinks, coffee, and dessert.

Vegetarian and vegan options are available, making the meal accessible to diverse dietary preferences. This break provides a relaxed environment to recharge before the afternoon activities.

Visiting Cerâmica Vieira and Local Craftsmanship

Next, the tour visits the Cerâmica Vieira pottery factory. Here, visitors see inside the workshop and browse the shop for locally crafted ceramics. The 35-minute stop offers an insight into traditional pottery techniques and the chance to purchase souvenirs directly from the artisans.

This visit adds a cultural dimension, highlighting local craftsmanship and providing a unique opportunity to support small artisans.

Overlooking Lagoa do Fogo from Miradouro da Barrosa

The Miradouro da Barrosa offers easy access to one of the most impressive viewpoints of Lagoa do Fogo, a pristine crater lake. The 20-minute stop showcases panoramic views over the volcanic lake, surrounded by lush vegetation.

This vantage point emphasizes the unspoiled beauty of Lagoa do Fogo, giving visitors a sense of tranquility and scale. It’s an ideal spot for photos and soaking in the natural serenity.

Seeing Lagoa do Fogo Close Up

Following the previous viewpoint, the tour makes a 20-minute stop at a viewpoint directly overlooking Lagoa do Fogo. This close-up perspective highlights the lake’s size and the surrounding volcanic landscape.

While the site is easy to access, it provides one of the best visual encounters with this spectacular crater lake, often regarded as one of Sao Miguel’s most pristine lakes.

Relaxing in Caldeira Velha’s Thermal Pools

The Centro de Interpretacao Ambiental Caldeira Velha provides an optional experience with thermal baths and a waterfall. The visit lasts about 1 hour, but entry tickets are not included and cost €5 for just visiting or €10 for trying the hot pools.

Visitors can choose to relax in the thermal waters or simply enjoy the natural park setting. The site adds a luxurious element to the itinerary, perfect for unwinding amid geothermally heated pools.

Craft Liquors at Mulher de Capote

The tour concludes with a visit to the Mulher de Capote liquor factory, where local liqueurs are produced and sold. The 35-minute stop allows for a tour of the factory and browsing their shop for souvenirs.

This stop offers a chance to learn about regional spirits and purchase unique Azorean liquors to take home.

Exploring Ribeira Grande’s Coastal Charm

Finally, the Ribeira Grande city center is visited for 20 minutes, offering views of the northern coast and a brief walk through the historic town. The location provides a glimpse of local life with scenic ocean views, perfect for a quick photo and some last-minute sightseeing before returning.

Practical Details and Booking

This tour includes pickup from all cities of Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande, and Lagoa at 09:00 am. The air-conditioned vehicle is equipped with WiFi, and the tour operates daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. The group size is limited to 8 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

While the Natural Park of Caldeira Velha entrance fee is not included, the tour offers the flexibility to decide whether to visit the thermal pools for an additional €10 or just enjoy the surroundings for €5.

Why This Tour Is a Great Choice for Visitors

The Sete Cidades / Lagoa do Fogo – Full Day Tour appeals to those who want a balanced mix of scenic viewpoints, cultural visits, and local experiences. The tour’s small group size and expert guide ensure an engaging and relaxed day, while the diverse stops showcase most of Sao Miguel’s top sights.

The included lunch adds value and convenience, and the easy access viewpoints make the tour suitable for most physical abilities. The positive reviews highlight the knowledgeable guide, breathtaking views, and the tour’s well-paced itinerary.

Final Thoughts on the Sao Miguel Full Day Tour

This well-rounded tour offers a rundown of Sao Miguel’s volcanic beauty combined with local culture and craftsmanship. The $80.98 price point reflects a good value, considering the multiple stops, lunch, and personalized group size.

While the ticket for Caldeira Velha is an optional expense, the views, stops, and experiences provided make this tour a top choice for first-time visitors seeking to maximize their day. It’s especially suitable for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and those eager to see the most iconic landscapes without the need to rent a car or plan independently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, the tour features air-conditioned transport with WiFi included, with pickup from Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande, and Lagoa at 09:00 am.

Are the viewpoints accessible for all?
Most viewpoints, including Miradouro do Pico do Carvao, Cerrado das Freiras, and Vista do Rei, are easy to access. Some stops involve short walks, but overall, the tour is suitable for most visitors.

Can I pay for the thermal pools at Caldeira Velha?
Yes, visitors can choose to pay €5 for just visiting or €10 for enjoying the thermal baths. The ticket fee is not included in the tour price.

How long is the lunch break?
The lunch in Lagoa lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, giving ample time to enjoy a buffet meal and relax before continuing the tour.

What makes this tour stand out?
The small group size, knowledgeable guide, and diverse stops make this tour particularly memorable. The viewpoints of Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo are often praised for their spectacular scenery.

This full-day experience offers an immersive look at Sao Miguel’s volcanic landscapes combined with local culture, making it a highly recommended choice for visitors eager to see the island’s most breathtaking sights.