São Miguel: Sete Cidades Experience｜Portugal

In the western part of São Miguel Island is the small parish of Sete Cidades. It is in a volcanic caldera on the shores of the Blue and Green Lake and is one of the island’s main tourist attractions. We start the day exploring the surroundings of the Sete Cidades volcanic complex, visiting various sites that tell the stories of its formation, lakes and panoramic landscapes, which will lead us to the centre of the parish.

A stop will be made at the Pico do Carvão viewpoint to contemplate and get to know the central part of the island and its volcanoes. Further on, you will learn about the history of the Carvão Aqueduct and the Nove Janelas Aqueduct, which used to supply water to Ponta Delgada. Close to the aqueduct is the Lagoa das Empadadas surrounded by cryptomeria trees, a quiet and little-known spot.

Next, you will visit the famous viewpoint of Grota do Inferno. To reach it, a short walk will be taken along which you will visit the Lagoa do Canário. At the viewpoint, you will have a panoramic view of the entire caldera of Sete Cidades and simultaneously observe more than one lake. Before descending to the parish visit the emblematic Vista de Rei viewpoint, where you can also see the abandoned “Monte Palace” hotel.

Upon reaching the parish of Sete Cidades, enjoy a picnic lunch. After a short break, embark on a guided electric bike ride. Pedal alongside the lakes, visit the viewpoints and enjoy the exciting ride that will take you where other vehicles cannot reach.

The guide will establish a customized itinerary for the participants based on their interests and considering the weather forecast. Participants can also choose to go for a hike.

Note: Only during the summer months, you have the option to experience Stand Up Paddle on the shores of the Blue Lake.

The tour continues towards the Escalvado viewpoint to observe the parish of Mosteiros. Visit the Ponta da Ferraria viewpoint, also known as “Miradouro da Ilha Sabrina”, which provide a panoramic view of the entire lava platform including the Ferraria Lighthouse.

End the day with thermal baths in the natural pools of Ferraria. The thermal springs are of volcanic origin and occur underground in the ocean, close to the coast. The combination of salt water and thermal water makes this place so special and sought-after.

Note: Please be aware of the tide conditions, as high tide can reduce the water temperature while low tide can make the waters excessively hot. Bearing this in mind, the exact itinerary may change according to the weather forecast and tide predictions.