Sete Cidades & Mosteiros: West Coast São Miguel (Lunch Incl.)

As a local, I’ve driven the road up to Sete Cidades hundreds of times and it still amazes me. The moment the caldera opens up, you see the largest lagoon in the Azores, also known as the green and blue or twin lakes, the village just there, the whole scene cupped inside a dormant volcano… nobody in the van says a word, just stares and gasps. That moment is why I built this Sete Cidades tour at São Miguel. Our West Coast Tour goes where most tourists reach and never reach, stop at four viewpoints including Vista do Rei, where the abandoned hotel, Monte Palace Hotel, stands above the green and blue lagoons, Boca do Inferno atop the volcano’s rim among others. Descend into the caldera for a local Azorean lunch, where the locals go, and a walk around the blue lagoon after, to let all that food go down smoothly. Small group, no rush, your own rhythm. Discover the many Lagoons of Sete Cidades. Reach high viewpoints atop volcanic walls.

1. 1

   Miradouro do Pico do Carvao

   15 min

   Start by driving up to the caldera's wall through a inner road of the island, stop by a viewpoint to see both north and south coastlines and the vast hills and volcanic formations along São Miguel.

2. 2

   Muro Das Nove Janelas

   20 min

   Check the old roman style aqueducts that were used to carry fresh water among western villages since the XVI century, Ponta Delgada was also fed through this infrastructure up until the beginning of the XX century. Check on the popular Nine Windows Wall and the gate, some say, to Narnia!

3. 3

   Lagoa do Canario

   30 min

   Reach into a secluded lagoon surrounded by trees, the Lagoa do Canário can be contemplated only from a few access points. The lush vegetation of Cryptomerias and high humidity in the air, makes it like we're walking into an enchanted forest.

4. 4

   Miradouro da Boca do Inferno

   30 min

   Take a easy walk through the natural park of Lagoa do Canario up until the viewpoint of Boca do Inferno, where one can contemplate the valleys formed around the Sete Cidades volcano, the Blue and Green lagoons and the village of Sete Cidades. From an height of around 700 meters above sea level there's a lot to appreciate. (A minimum level of physical aptitude is required due to a steep climb to the viewpoint.)

5. 5

   Vista do Rei Miradouro

   15 min

   Contemplate the whole vastness of Sete Cidades green and blue lagoons from the King's View viewpoint, learn about the Admire the vastness of the Sete Cidades lagoon from high above (commonly known as twin lakes or blue and green lakes, but in reality it's one massive water body)! Learn about the difference of its colours, the legend story revolving around it and admire the abandoned luxurious hotel, Monte Palace Hotel.of the abandoned hotel that lies in ruins and the legend behind the lagoons. We'll make a stop on a less busy stop before reaching the very populated viewpoint.

6. 6

   Lagoa de Santiago

   15 min

   Descend into the caldera, contemplating the hydrangeas lush bushes along the way, discover the Santiago lagoon from up above.

7. 7

   Sete Cidades

   1.3 hours

   For lunch, indulge your tasting buds with our regional style food, you’ll have options of meat, fish and vegetarian in this buffet of traditionally made local food. (Starter, Main Course, Drink, Dessert and Coffee included)

8. 8

   Lagoa Verde / Lagoa das Sete Cidades

   30 min

   We'll take a short walk by the peninsula that stands through the Blue Lagoon, a nice quiet moment that will boost an authentic connection to the local ecosystem. Observe the local wildlife and seasonal flora, admire the crater from its inside. It will also be a great help for our digestion.

9. 9

   Sete Cidades

   15 min

   A quick dwell around the village of Sete Cidades to check the regional typical architecture and lifestyle, and the iconic neo-gothic church (one of the two on the island). You'll find a nearby souvenir/gift shop.

10. 10

    Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado

    15 min

    Reach the top of a cliff on the westernmost point of São Miguel to appreciate the views of Mosteiros and its islets, learn about the story of the missing Azorean island.

11. 11

    Mosteiros Beach

    1 hour

    Descend into Mosteiros, the westernmost village of São Miguel, to walk on its beach with an unique perspective on the islets. Admire also its vast basaltic coast where natural pools formed by lava flows can be found. (The bottom of the sea at this beach is rock abundant, entering the water involves risky maneuvering, we do not recommend baths here.)

12. 12

    Ilheus Dos Mosteiros Aka Ponta Dos Mosteiros

    45 min

    Mosteiros is one of the most unusual swimming spots on the island. Admire a vast magnificent coastline of basaltic rock, lava flows formed this area hundreds of years ago, with the swells from the Atlantic ocean, different holes pop where one can go to refresh himself. Your guide will know which pools are accessible. Free entry natural pools can also be found here, open to the ocean or more enclosed ones, where locals who aren't sand lovers come to enjoy their ocean baths in a hassle free way. Beware of the rocky surfaces! (A quick dip is allowed as long as you can return dry to the vehicle. We do not provide towels or change of clothes). The pools of "Mosteiros" are not part of the thermal ocean baths of "Ferraria". Due to the hot water dependency on low tide and changing tides different hours, we can not assure that experience.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• The remaining time of the Tour is the minimum time driving between our destinations. Don't worry we'll have plenty to see even while driving.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.