Sete Cidades is one of Portugal’s most striking sights, famous for its twin lakes, volcanic craters, and lush surroundings. It’s an ideal spot for a variety of tours and experiences that let you get up close and personal with this stunning landscape. Whether you’re into active adventures like e-biking, scenic drives in a jeep, or peaceful moments on a paddleboard, there’s something for all. We especially like the E-bike Sete Cidades Tour with Guide, which combines a fun ride with expert insights, and the SUP Yoga in the Lagoa das Sete Cidades for a relaxing, mindful experience.
Sete Cidades isn’t just about the lakes; it’s about discovering the volcanic beauty, small villages, and panoramic views that make this place special. These tours offer a mix of adventure, cultural insight, and tranquility, making it easy to find the right fit for your interests and energy level.
Quick Overview of the Best Tours & Experiences in Sete Cidades
This list covers everything from active e-bike rides to luxury jeep tours, with options that include half-day exploration, full-day adventures hitting lagoons and volcanoes, and even calming SUP Yoga sessions. For a more structured trip, consider the Ponta Delgada guided trip, which combines lake views with local tasting. Each offers a unique way to experience this landscape, whether you prefer active exploration, scenic drives, or peaceful paddling.
Below, we’ll walk through each tour in detail, helping you decide which is the best fit based on your interests, fitness level, and time constraints.
1. E-bike Sete Cidades Tour with Guide
This E-bike Sete Cidades Tour with Guide is a fantastic way to see the lakes and volcanic craters while enjoying some physical activity. Priced at $77 per person and lasting about 3 hours, it’s perfect for travelers who want a mix of adventure and scenery without too much exertion. The guided ride takes you along the crater rim, offering spectacular ocean views and close-up looks at the Blue, Green, and Santiago Lakes, which are famous for their contrasting colors and volcanic origins.
What really sets this tour apart is the guided commentary from a local guide, who shares insights about the geology and history of the area. The ride is designed to be fun and accessible, with a detailed safety briefing beforehand. Expect to pedal through mountain trails, soaking in lush valleys and vibrant lakes. The small group size ensures personalized attention, making it ideal for those who want to explore at a relaxed pace.
Bottom Line: If you enjoy biking and want to see Sete Cidades from a different perspective, this guided e-bike tour offers excellent value and memorable scenery.
2. Half Day Sete Cidades
At number 2, the Half Day Sete Cidades tour offers a 4-hour private exploration mainly focused on the island’s west side. For $77 per person, you’ll travel comfortably in an SUV or Jeep, which provides better panoramic views than standard bus tours. This experience emphasizes off-the-beaten-path routes and alternative roads, making it feel more personalized and less commercialized.
The tour includes visits to prominent sites like Pico do Canto, Muro das Nove Janelas, and Vista do Rei, each offering stunning vistas of lakes and volcanic landscapes. The guide is experienced, and the tour includes multiple stops, providing plenty of opportunities for photos and quick walks. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer a private, comfortable experience that showcases both popular and lesser-known spots.
This tour is especially good if you want a shorter but in-depth look at the area, with flexible options for pickup in Capelas, Ribeira Grande, or Ponta Delgada. The inclusion of off-road routes makes it a unique way to experience the island’s diversity.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a private, scenic overview with the flexibility to explore both main sights and hidden gems in just half a day.
3. Full day Sete Cidades Lagoa de Fogo
The Full day Sete Cidades Lagoa de Fogo tour is a comprehensive journey that covers some of the Azores’ most iconic volcanic features in one 8-hour day. Starting from Ponta Delgada, you’ll visit seven key spots, including Pico do Carvão, Lagoa do Fogo, and the famous Sete Cidades caldera.
This tour is about enjoying volcanic geology and lush landscapes. The itinerary includes guided walks at scenic viewpoints, a traditional Azorean lunch, and visits to local craft shops like Cerâmica Vieira. Highlights include the beautiful Lagoa do Fogo, a crater lake with crystal-clear waters, and the famous Sete Cidades lakes. The guide’s expertise helps bring the landscape to life with stories about the islands’ volcanic past.
Rated 4.9/5 by past travelers, the tour is praised for its personalized service and stunning photo opportunities. It’s suited for those who want a full, active day of sightseeing but still value comfort and local knowledge.
Bottom Line: A good choice if you want to see both the lakes and volcanoes in a single, well-organized day, with plenty of opportunities for photos and cultural insights.
4. Ponta Delgada: Sete Cidades and Fenais da Luz Guided Trip
This guided trip offers a 7-hour experience combining the awe-inspiring Lagoa das Sete Cidades with a visit to the quaint parish of Fenais da Luz, where land meets ocean. Starting from Ponta Delgada, the tour includes stops at the Vista do Rei viewpoint, walking trails around the lakes, and seasonal tastings of local products.
What makes this tour stand out is the blend of natural beauty and local culture, offering a relaxed pace with time to enjoy the scenery and sample regional delicacies. The guide’s knowledge enhances the experience, helping you understand the landscape’s significance and local traditions. It’s a great choice for travelers who want a comprehensive yet intimate day trip with the option to relax and soak in the views.
Ideal for those with limited time but wanting a well-rounded view of the area’s highlights and local flavors. The tour includes walking trails, scenic stops, and tasting opportunities, making it both scenic and flavorful.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a balanced mix of scenery, culture, and local tastes in a manageable 7-hour window.
5. São Miguel: Sete Cidades & Pineapple Plantation Tour
On a half-day São Miguel: Sete Cidades & Pineapple Plantation Tour, you get to combine the stunning lake views with a visit to a traditional pineapple plantation. Priced for about 4 hours of touring, this trip is ideal for those who want a taste of nature and local agriculture.
It features stops at Pico do Canto and Vista do Rei, offering panoramic views of the lakes and volcanic landscapes. Then, you’ll visit a pineapple plantation to learn how this iconic fruit is cultivated on the island, which adds a sweet, educational element. The walk along the shores of Sete Cidades offers peaceful moments, perfect for photos and reflection.
The guide provides insights into the island’s agricultural history, making it a good choice for curious travelers who want to combine natural beauty with local farming traditions. The experience is praised for its relaxed pace and engaging storytelling.
Bottom Line: Great for those wanting a mix of scenery and local agriculture, especially if you’re interested in learning how Azoreans grow their famous pineapples.
6. Jeep Full Day Sete Cidades & Firelake (Lagoa do Fogo)
The Jeep Full Day Sete Cidades & Firelake tour provides an immersive experience of the island’s biodiversity and volcanic landscapes. For $89 per person, you get an 8-hour adventure with a knowledgeable guide, traveling on alternative roads to visit hidden and less accessible spots like Salto do Cabrito and the Ribeira Grande Caldeiras.
This jeep tour focuses heavily on off-the-beaten-path locations, ensuring you see parts of the island most travelers miss. Stops include Pico do Carvão, Vista do Rei, and Lagoa do Fogo, with plenty of scenic viewpoints and photo opportunities. The tour is suitable for those who enjoy adventure and want a more comprehensive view of the island’s natural features.
Guests appreciate the private, comfortable ride and the ability to customize stops based on interests. The tour’s focus on biodiversity and natural reserves makes it a great match for nature lovers.
Bottom Line: Ideal for adventurous travelers who want a full-day, off-road exploration with plenty of scenic vistas and natural highlights.
7. SUP Yoga in the Lagoa das Sete Cidades
Finally, for those seeking peaceful connection with nature, the SUP Yoga in the Lagoa das Sete Cidades offers a 1.5-hour class on paddleboards. For $83 per person, you’ll start at Baía do Silêncio, where your instructor will guide you through yoga poses on a stand-up paddleboard in the middle of the lagoon.
This experience is all about mindfulness, balance, and serenity. The instructor ensures a supportive environment, so beginners and experienced paddlers alike will feel comfortable. Practicing yoga on water creates a unique sense of tranquility and helps deepen your connection to the landscape.
Past participants describe the class as a calming, inspiring way to experience the lakes, with many noting how it enhances their appreciation of the scenery. It’s perfect for travelers looking for a relaxing, restorative activity or a memorable way to start or end your day.
Bottom Line: A must-try for wellness-minded travelers or anyone wanting a peaceful, scenic experience in one of Portugal’s most beautiful settings.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, fitness level, and interests. Active travelers who enjoy biking will love the E-bike Tour, while those looking for a full-day adventure should consider the full-day Lagoa de Fogo and Sete Cidades. If you prefer a relaxed, cultural experience, the guided trip combining scenery and tasting is great.
For a special, calming activity, the SUP Yoga offers serenity in a spectacular setting, while the jeep tours are perfect for off-road explorations and discovering less accessible viewpoints.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred time and activity. Also, check availability for tours that depend on weather conditions, such as paddleboarding and outdoor jeep trips.
Final Thoughts
Sete Cidades offers a remarkable variety of ways to experience its volcanic beauty and peaceful lakes. For active explorers, the e-bike or jeep tours provide exhilarating views and off-road adventures. For those seeking tranquility, SUP yoga or scenic drives with tasting add a relaxed touch. And for a full immersion, the comprehensive full-day tours combine multiple highlights for a memorable trip.
No matter your style, these tours will help you uncover the true charm of this volcanic wonderland. Do yourself a favor and book early—these experiences are popular and fill quickly. Just don’t forget your camera and sense of curiosity, and you’ll leave with stories to tell for years.