Guided Visit to the Crater and Volcano of Lagoa das Sete Cidades

Introduction to the Lagoa das Sete Cidades Tour

This guided tour of Lagoa das Sete Cidades on São Miguel Island offers a well-rounded look at one of the Azores’ most iconic sights. Priced at around $67.36 per person, it lasts approximately four hours and includes several stops that showcase the island’s volcanic beauty, panoramic viewpoints, and local culture. With a small group size (up to 8 travelers), this experience is intended to provide an intimate and engaging way to learn about the island’s geology and history. The trip is bookable 29 days in advance, and pickup service adds convenience, especially if you’re staying in Ponta Delgada.

What I appreciate most about this tour is the variety of stops, from pineapple greenhouses to viewpoints with sweeping vistas. The guides consistently receive high praise for their knowledge and friendliness. For instance, “Robert was excellent” and “Dennis was awesome,” making the experience feel personal and well-informed. You’ll enjoy exploring the tremendously scenic spots such as Lagoa do Canário, Miradouro do Pico do Carvão, and the famous Vista do Rei, each offering unique perspectives of the volcanic landscape. A notable highlight is the visit to the Pineapple Plantation, which is not just a quick stop but an insightful look into the island’s agricultural history.

That said, a consideration is that the experience isn’t private unless you specifically book a private tour. Several reviews mention that if you’re part of a larger group, timing and comfort could be affected—so if silence and undivided attention are your top priorities, a private option might be better. Also, the vehicle can feel a little cramped with the full 8-person capacity, but that’s typical for small-group tours on a mini van.

Key Points

• Stunning Scenic Views: The tour visits iconic viewpoints like Vista do Rei and Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado, offering some of the best photo opportunities on the island.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Multiple reviews commend guides like Carla, Rui, and Dennis for their friendliness, local knowledge, and professionalism.
• Local Culture & Agriculture: The pineapple greenhouse gives insight into early economic activities and agricultural experimentation on São Miguel.
• Variety of Stops: From volcanic craters and lakes to a historic neo-Gothic church and ocean viewpoints, the tour covers both natural wonders and cultural sights.
• Value for Money: At this price, considering the included stops, bottled water, transportation, and guide, many travelers feel it offers good value.
• Group Size & Comfort: The small-group format is a plus for intimacy, but some reviews mention the vehicle filling up and being less comfortable with everyone on board.

If you’re looking for a way to get a comprehensive glimpse of São Miguel’s volcanic grandeur without the hassle of planning each stop yourself, this guided tour hits many high points. It’s designed to be about four hours, meaning you’ll see some of the best sights without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The tour is organized by Azores Magic Tours, who seem committed to providing a friendly, informative experience—something many travelers have noted positively in their reviews.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The journey begins with a visit to the Plantação de Ananas dos Açores, a pineapple greenhouse that dates back to the 19th century. Here, you’ll watch a short video and walk through a greenhouse that’s been part of São Miguel’s agricultural history since 1864. Several reviewers, like CAROLE_M, appreciated this stop, calling it “very interesting” despite the somewhat touristy feel of the pineapple shop. The history behind pineapple cultivation, emerging as a botanical curiosity and later a commercial crop, adds an educational touch to this stop. It’s a good introduction to the island’s agricultural innovation.

Next, the tour heads to Miradouro do Pico do Carvão, a wide viewpoint offering panoramic views of the volcanic massif, including Pico da Vara, Fogo Volcano, and Serra Gorda. For just 20 minutes, the vistas are breathtaking, and you’ll see volcanic cones and lagoons stretching across the island. Travelers have remarked that the view over the lakes and cones is “amazing” and that guides like Rui make the experience engaging with their local insights.

The tour then visits Lagoa do Canário, situated in Serra Devassa. This volcanic crater lagoon at 800 meters above sea level is surrounded by lush Macaronesian forests. The peaceful setting makes it a perfect spot for nature lovers. Another highlight is the Miradouro do Cerrado das Freiras, which offers a magnificent view of Lagoa das Sete Cidades itself—the island’s most famous lake. From here, you’ll get a splendid photo opportunity that many reviewers described as “stunning.”

The next stop is Vista do Rei, a viewpoint named after Portugal’s King Carlos I, who visited here in 1901. It’s arguably the most postcard-worthy vista, offering a classic view of Lagoa das Sete Cidades. Many travelers, like Donald_L, mention how this stop is perfect for photos and to understand the scale of the volcanic caldera.

Further along, you’ll see Lagoa de Santiago, a deep lagoon in a volcanic crater that gives a real sense of the island’s volcanic origins. The surrounding cryptomeria plantations add a touch of wilderness. Then, the tour moves to Igreja de São Nicolau, a small neo-Gothic church from the 17th century with an alley of cryptomerias leading up to it, blending history with nature.

The final highlight is Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado, perched on a cliff, offering spectacular ocean views and one of the island’s best sunsets. According to reviews, the view of Ponta da Ferraria and Ilhéus dos Mosteiros from here is remarkable and worth staying for if timing permits.

Transportation, Guides, and Group Size

The tour’s vehicle is air-conditioned, and with pickup and drop-off included, it’s convenient for travelers staying in Ponta Delgada. The group size caps at 8, making the experience intimate. Guides like Carla and Dennis consistently earn praise for their friendly demeanor and local expertise, making the day both informative and fun. You’ll see in many reviews that guides are eager to answer questions and share stories, adding to the genuine charm of the tour.

However, some reviews mention that if you’re part of a full group, the vehicle can get a bit tight, and the level of comfort may decrease. The vehicle is a small van, so those sensitive to space or long rides might find it less ideal if other guests are late or if the trip is affected by weather or schedule shifts.

Is It Worth the Price?

At around $67.36, considering the included stops, guide, bottled water, transportation, and the opportunity to see many of São Miguel’s most beautiful spots, most travelers find the price to be fair. Multiple reviews mention that having a knowledgeable guide like Rui or Carla enhances the experience, making the cost worthwhile. One reviewer even pointed out that the tour includes stops at locations that are both scenic and educational, enriching your understanding of the island.

That said, some travelers have compared this experience to private tours which might be more comfortable, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends and prefer undivided attention. Also, keep in mind that the tour doesn’t include airport pickup, so plan your timing accordingly.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect if you like a mix of scenic viewpoints, geological marvels, and cultural sights—all within a manageable timeframe. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy guided experiences that combine education and picture-perfect landscapes. Small groups and friendly guides make it suitable for those who prefer personalized attention and storytelling. It’s also a good choice if you’re arriving on a short layover and want a rundown of the island.

If you’re traveling with family, especially older children or teenagers, they’ll enjoy the lake views, the volcanic landscapes, and the boatload of photo ops. Nature lovers and those interested in volcanic geology will find it particularly rewarding. But if you’re hoping for a more leisurely, private experience or have mobility concerns, you might want to consider alternatives.

Final Thoughts

This guided tour of Lagoa das Sete Cidades offers lively, scenic, and culturally interesting highlights of São Miguel. For the modest price, you gain access to some of the most photogenic and meaningful spots on the island—each with a story and a view. The professionalism of guides like Carla, Dennis, and Rui adds a warm, personal touch that many travelers appreciate. The stops are thoughtfully chosen, blending volcanic landscapes, viewpoints, and local agriculture, making it a well-rounded introduction to the island.

While it works well for small groups seeking a structured yet engaging day, be prepared for the possibility of some crowding if booked with others. If you prefer a private, more luxurious experience, you might explore private tours, but for most travelers, this one hits a sweet spot between affordability, comfort, and sightseeing.

If you’re after a meaningful, photo-worthy snapshot of São Miguel’s natural beauty, this tour will probably meet your expectations—and perhaps even surprise you with some hidden gems along the way.

FAQ

Is pickup included in this tour?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included, making it convenient if you’re staying in Ponta Delgada. Just note that airport pickup isn’t part of the package.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs about four hours, enough time to see several key sites without feeling rushed.

What’s the group size?
The maximum group size is 8 travelers, promoting a more personal experience.

Are the stops educational?
Yes, many stops offer insightful explanations from guides about the geology, history, and culture of each site, like the pineapple greenhouse and viewpoints.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
Generally, yes, but consider mobility issues as some stops involve walking or waiting in places with uneven terrain.

Can I customize the stops?
Since it’s a guided group tour, stops are fixed, but guides like Carla and Rui are friendly and willing to share additional stories or tips.

Is it worth the cost?
Most travelers find the value fair, especially considering the range of sights covered and the quality of guides. It’s a good way to see many highlights efficiently.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, and perhaps a camera. Bottled water is included, but extra snacks are up to you.

This tour offers a genuine and enjoyable way to experience the volcanic heart of São Miguel. For anyone wanting a taste of natural grandeur, combined with local flavor and expert guidance, it’s a solid choice that maximizes your time on this striking island.