Shore Excursions to the volcano and crater of Lagoa das Sete Cidades

Travelers heading to Ponta Delgada often look for experiences that showcase the best of São Miguel’s natural beauty. One of the most popular options is this guided tour of Lagoa das Sete Cidades, a highlight that combines breathtaking landscapes, cultural insights, and unforgettable viewpoints. While it’s not an all-day adventure—and at just four hours, it’s comfortably paced—the tour packs enough stops to make your visit meaningful without feeling rushed.

What makes this trip stand out? First, the expert guides enrich the experience with local stories and background, transforming a scenic drive into a deeper understanding of the island. Second, the variety of stops, from pineapple farms to panoramic vistas, keeps the journey dynamic. Third, the value for money is notable, especially considering the included entrance fees, bottled water, and transportation. One thing to consider is that the tour does not include pickup at the airport, so you’ll want to coordinate your arrival accordingly.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a well-rounded introduction to São Miguel’s iconic landscapes in a small, comfortable group. If you’re craving scenery, some local culture, and a taste of the island’s natural wonder, this tour likely suits your style.

Key Points

• Small group size (maximum 8 travelers) ensures a personalized experience.
• Expert guides with local knowledge add depth to each stop.
• Multiple scenic viewpoints provide ample photo opportunities.
• Entrance fees are included, making it straightforward and hassle-free.
• The tour offers great value with a mix of natural beauty and cultural sites.
• Not ideal if you’re looking for a longer, more in-depth exploration.

Discovering Lagoa das Sete Cidades: A Natural Gem

This tour centers around one of São Miguel’s most iconic sights—the Lagoa das Sete Cidades, a massive volcanic caldera featuring twin lakes with contrasting colors—green and blue. This image is often used in promotional materials for the Azores and has even been named one of Portugal’s Seven Wonders. Its popularity is well-earned: the visual drama of the lakes surrounded by lush green hills and volcanic landforms is truly captivating.

While weather can impact your experience (as some reviewers noted fog obscuring the views), the tour guides are skilled at making the most of whatever conditions arise. It’s worth noting that the views from Miradouro da Vista do Rei are a highlight, offering that classic panoramic shot of the lakes. Even if fog limits visibility, guides tend to share plenty of stories and additional insights to keep the mood lively.

Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Plantação de Ananas dos Açores

Your adventure begins at a pineapple plantation where a short film introduces the history and cultivation of Azorean pineapples. This agricultural specialty adds a charming cultural touch to the day. The admission is included, and you’ll get a glimpse into the island’s agricultural traditions. One reviewer, Mary, appreciated this stop, noting it was a great way to begin the tour and offered a chance to learn about something uniquely local.

Stop 2: Miradouro do Pico do Carvão

At 800 meters altitude, this viewpoint provides sweeping views of São Miguel’s northern coast. It’s an excellent spot to take in the island’s rugged coastline and rolling hills. Expect to spend about 15 minutes here, with admission included. The scenery is striking, especially for photography, and guides often point out interesting landmarks and explain the geological features.

Stop 3: Lagoa do Canário

Set inside a volcanic crater, Lagoa do Canário offers a more intimate vista of a lagoon nestled within rugged terrain. It’s a tranquil spot, perfect for photos or simply soaking in the peaceful environment. At around 25 minutes, it balances well with other stops. Reviewers have noted how peaceful and picturesque this crater lake is, making it a favorite for many.

Stop 4: Miradouro da Vista do Rei

Arguably the most famous viewpoint, this spot treats visitors to the classic view of the twin lakes. The blue and green waters are framed by lush volcanic landscape—an image often used to represent São Miguel. It’s a quick stop but packed with photo potential. Many guests comment on how stunning the scenery is, even if clouds occasionally hide part of the landscape.

Stop 5: Miradouro do Cerrado das Freiras

From this lower perspective, you get a different angle of the lakes and a glimpse of the nearby town of the Seven Cities. It’s a quieter spot, giving a fresh vantage point that many appreciate. The 15-minute stop offers a chance to appreciate the landscape from a less touristy angle.

Stop 6: Igreja de São Nicolau

This small neo-Gothic church from the 17th century offers a cultural interlude. Surrounded by cryptomeria-lined alleys, it provides a taste of local architecture and history. The 35-minute visit here is a pleasant break and provides excellent photo opportunities for those interested in architecture or history.

Stop 7: Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado

The final scenic stop offers views of the Atlantic coast from the west of the island. It’s a dramatic, rugged spot where the ocean crashes against cliffs—an excellent place for reflection and photos. The 20-minute exposure is enough to take it in without feeling rushed.

Stop 8: Feteira

The tour concludes with a scenic drive along the southwest coast passing through several small parishes, including Ginetes, Candelária, and Fereiras. It’s a 45-minute ride that offers a taste of local life and landscapes, and it’s included in the tour price at no extra cost. Travelers often mention this relaxing drive as a perfect way to end the day.

Transport & Group Size

The tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle, which adds to comfort during the roughly 4-hour journey. With up to 8 travelers, the small group format fosters a friendly atmosphere and allows for more personalized attention from guides. Reviewers praised guides like Carla, who had lived on the island all her life and shared fascinating insights.

Price & Value Evaluation

At around $68.28 per person, this tour is quite reasonable considering the number of stops, entrance fees included, and the intimate group size. The value is clear: you get a well-paced, scenic overview of the island’s highlights without the hassle of planning multiple excursions or paying extra for entrance fees.

Some travelers might find the pineapple plantation less engaging (especially if you’re not into agricultural tours), but overall, the mix of natural beauty and cultural points adds balance. The inclusion of bottled water, guide service, and transportation further enhances the experience’s convenience.

Authentic Experiences and Local Insights

Guests like Rick appreciated the guide’s knowledge, mentioning how their driver’s storytelling more than compensated for foggy views. Mary enjoyed the small group setting, which allowed more time at each stop and fewer crowds to contend with. Jeanette highlighted the opportunity to see the lakes from multiple perspectives and learn about local pineapple cultivation, thanks to Carla’s expertise.

On the flip side, a less positive review pointed out that some stops, like the pineapple plantation and Lagoa de Canário, might feel underwhelming for those seeking solely natural scenery. The same traveler also expressed dissatisfaction with the vehicle, describing it as an older van with poor suspension, which affected comfort and the ability to hear the guide. However, this appears to be an isolated comment, and most reviews praise the overall organization and guide knowledge.

This tour offers a balanced, engaging way to explore São Miguel’s iconic Lagoa das Sete Cidades and surrounding sights. It delivers a mix of natural beauty, panoramic views, and local culture, all within a manageable four-hour window. The small group size and knowledgeable guides help create a friendly atmosphere and deepen your understanding of the island’s landscape and history.

It’s especially well-suited for travelers who want a comprehensive yet relaxed introduction to the island’s main attractions without the expense of private tours or the hassle of multiple bookings. Whether you’re snapping photos from Miradouro da Vista do Rei or learning about Azorean pineapples, this trip packs a lot into a short time.

If you’re after quality, value, and authentic insights into São Miguel, this tour could be just what you need. Be prepared for possible weather variations—sometimes the clouds roll in—but even then, local guides make the most of those moments, sharing stories and background that enrich the experience.

FAQs

Is airport pickup included?
No, the tour does not include pickup from the airport. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 4 hours, which includes multiple scenic stops and a comfortable pace.

What is the group size?
A maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all entrance fees for stops like the pineapple plantation, Miradouro viewpoints, and church are included in the price.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but check with the provider if you have specific mobility concerns or young children.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, camera, and a sense of adventure. Bottled water is provided.

Does the tour guide speak English?
Yes, guides like Carla are fluent in English and share extensive local knowledge.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance.

What if the weather is foggy or rainy?
While weather can affect views, guides do their best to share stories and insights. Some stops, like viewpoints, may be obscured but the overall experience remains rewarding.

How much does the tour cost?
$68.28 per person, offering good value considering the inclusions and the intimate group setting.

This guided excursion to Lagoa das Sete Cidades provides a well-balanced taste of São Miguel’s stunning landscapes, charming sites, and local culture—perfect for those looking to get a memorable snapshot of the Azores without overloading their itinerary.