Lagoa das Sete Cidades: Complete Guide to the Azores' Most Iconic Landscape

Some landscapes only exist in paintings and dreams. Lagoa das Sete Cidades is one of them — until you see it for the first time in person and realise that reality surpasses any image. A 4.5 km volcanic caldera sheltering two differently-coloured lakes separated by a stone bridge, surrounded by hillsides covered in green so intense it seems unreal.

This complete guide has everything you need to know to visit Sete Cidades: viewpoints, trails, activities and practical tips.

The Legend of Sete Cidades

The story goes that there was once a king of the Azores who had a daughter with extraordinary eyes: one eye was blue like the sea, the other green like the fields. The princess fell in love with a humble shepherd, but the king forbade the impossible love between a king's daughter and a commoner's son. On the day of their farewell, the two wept so much that their tears created the lakes: the Lagoa Azul from the princess's tears, and the Lagoa Verde from the shepherd's.

The best viewpoints at Sete Cidades

Miradouro da Vista do Rei

The most famous of all and for good reason. Vista do Rei owes its name to a visit by King D. Carlos I in 1901. It offers a 180-degree panorama over the entire caldera, with Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde shimmering below, separated by the stone bridge. It is the classic Azores photograph — and even if you have seen it a thousand times in images, being there in person always moves you.

Free car park, café with terrace and toilets on site. Go before 9:30am or in the late afternoon to avoid queues of tourist coaches.

Miradouro da Boca do Inferno

A few minutes' drive from Vista do Rei, Boca do Inferno offers a different angle over the caldera — higher up, with a wooden platform suspended over the hillside. The view includes the coastline in the distance. Much less visited.

Miradouro da Grota do Inferno

The secret of Sete Cidades. Located on the north face of the caldera with a more intimate and wilder perspective. Access is via a narrow dirt road, but the silence and beauty make it worthwhile. The perfect viewpoint for photography at sunrise.

Miradouro do Pico da Cruz

Further away and less visited, it gives an open perspective over the northern end of the caldera and the coast. Ideal for those who want to escape the crowds.

The best trails at Sete Cidades

PR3-SMI — Vista do Rei to Sete Cidades (7.7 km)

The most popular trail in the area. Starts at Miradouro da Vista do Rei and descends gradually to the village of Sete Cidades along the southwest face of the caldera. Low difficulty, approximately 2 hours. Since the trail is linear, many visitors drive to the village, take a taxi up to the viewpoint, and walk back down.

PPR4-SMI — Mata do Canário to Sete Cidades (11.8 km)

Longer and more demanding, it follows the eastern face of the caldera through Mata do Canário — a dense forest of cedars and cryptomeria with a wilder atmosphere. Approximately 3 hours.

PPR5-SMI — Serra da Devassa and Grota do Inferno (9 km)

A route through Serra da Devassa that includes Grota do Inferno and reveals lesser-known gems in this area.

Activities on the lakes

Kayaking and stand-up paddleboard

When you are on the water, with the volcanic hillsides surrounding you in silence, the feeling is of being inside a bubble of time and space. Kayaks and SUP boards are available for hire in the village — no prior experience needed.

Horse riding

Local operators organise 1 to 3-hour rides along the caldera rim.

Cycling

The complete perimeter of the lakes is about 15 km — very manageable in a morning. Hire available in the village.

How to get there

By car from Ponta Delgada via the EN9-1 — approximately 25 km and 30 to 40 minutes. The road that climbs to the viewpoints is winding and narrow — drive slowly.

Practical tips

• Fog is very common: do not give up if you cannot see anything on arrival — wait 30 to 60 minutes and it often clears completely.
• Go early or late: before 9:30am or after 5pm to avoid the crowds.
• Bring warm clothing: the altitude (560 metres) means temperatures several degrees below the coast. A rain jacket and fleece are essential.
• Suitable footwear: hiking shoes are far more comfortable on the rocky hillsides.
• Bring snacks and water: supply points inside the caldera are scarce.

Sete Cidades is, for most visitors, the moment when São Miguel stops being just another beautiful island and becomes a truly unforgettable place.