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Sete Cidades Crater & Village
Sete Cidades Crater & Village - Private shore excursion with professional local guide
 



Private Ponta Delgada shore excursion to Sete Cidades, the twin volcanic crater lakes on the west side of Sao Miguel Island in the Azores. Stop at Miradouro da Vista do Rei, the King's viewpoint, for a panoramic view over Lagoa Azul (Blue Lake) and Lagoa Verde (Green Lake), then walk the shoreline and visit the small village of Sete Cidades. English speaking driver guide, round trip from the Ponta Delgada cruise port. 4 hours.

4 hours (private)
private excursion
driver guide
english speaking local
all group sizes
sedan to full size coach
››
port or hotel
pick up either location
  • Pick up from your Hotel or the Port of Ponta Delgada
  • Your contact will hold a welcome sign with your name written
  • English Speaking Driver-Guide
  • Private Vehicle
Read Full Tour Description





Tour Number:
PAPON-01


Group Size (Prices in USD)*:
2 People - $206 Per Person
3 People - $140 Per Person
4 People - $106 Per Person
5 People - $84 Per Person
6 People - $70 Per Person
7 People - $62 Per Person
8 People - $54 Per Person



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TOUR DESCRIPTION
 

Sete Cidades Crater & Village

This private Ponta Delgada shore trip to Sete Cidades is a fantastic choice for first time visitors who only have a half day available. You will visit the west side of the island to see some of the most stunning landscapes in the Azores. Sete Cidades is renowned for its breathtaking blue and green crater lakes and their lush surroundings. There is also a stop in the small village of Sete Cidades.

After meeting your vehicle and driver-guide at the pier you start the half hour drive towards Sete Cidades. You will enjoy several stops at viewpoints along the way including the most famous viewpoint on the island, named Miradouro da Vista do Rei. Known as the King's viewpoint, from here, you can marvel at the panoramic view of the twin lakes nestled within the crater of Sete Cidades.

After driving along the rim of the crater and enjoying viewpoints from above, we drive down to the lakes themselves. We can park near the edge of Lagoa Azul (Blue Lake) and take a leisurely stroll along its shore. You also see the Green Lagoon before we visit the small village of Sete Cidades, where you will have a chance to walk through its winding streets and explore the local charm.

Depending on time we may include a stop at a local pineapple plantation before going back to the pier in Ponta Delgada.

Please wear comfortable clothes including closed-toe shoes with rubber soles. The weather in the Azores can be quite unpredictable so dress in layers. In any event we will enjoy the tour, rain or shine. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning landscapes of Sete Cidades!

If you cannot find what you are looking for, our Ponta Delgada shore excursions can also be customized to fit your needs. If you have a larger group, we can offer some private Ponta Delgada shore trips using a mid-size bus or full size coach. Please contact us with any questions or to receive a customized quote.

Please note
  • This tour involves walking on uneven, unpaved sections near the crater lakes and village. Weather in the Azores can change quickly, so guests should dress in layers regardless of season. A stop at a local pineapple plantation is included only as time allows and is not guaranteed on every departure.

What's Included

Included

  • Pick up from your Hotel or the Port of Ponta Delgada
  • Your contact will hold a welcome sign with your name written
  • English Speaking Driver-Guide
  • Private Vehicle

Not Included

  • Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Gratuities (optional, at your discretion)
  • Personal shopping

Tour Timing

All times are approximate and will vary based on your group's pace and interests.

  • 1
    45 Minutes
    Drive to Cete Cidades
  • 2
    2 Hours
    Explore Crater Lakes & Village
  • 3
    30 Minutes
    Visit Pineapple Plantation
  • 4
    45 Minutes
    Return to Ponta Delgada

Resources

Visit Azores - Official Tourism Website. Official Azores tourism portal with visitor information for Sao Miguel Island and Sete Cidades. Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are the two Sete Cidades lakes different colors?
The color difference comes from how light reflects off each lake and the depth and algae concentration in the water, not from any dye or mineral source. Local legend explains it as the tears of a shepherd and a princess, one with blue eyes and one with green, but the real explanation is simply optics and water chemistry.
How much walking is involved?
You will walk along the shore of Lagoa Azul and through the village of Sete Cidades on mostly flat, paved paths. There is no strenuous hiking required, though comfortable closed-toe shoes are recommended.
Is this tour suitable if I only have a half day in port?
What if I want to see more of Sao Miguel Island?

Also Available:

›The Lake of Fire and Ribeira Grande - A different half day route east of Ponta Delgada, centered on the volcanic Lagoa do Fogo and the historic town of Ribeira Grande, for guests who want to see a different side of Sao Miguel Island.
›Best of Sao Miguel Island - A full 8 hour tour that combines this Sete Cidades route with Lagoa do Fogo and Ribeira Grande, ideal for guests in port for a full day who want to see both sides of the island in one trip.

Our Back-to-Ship Guarantee

Every excursion returning 1.5 hours before departure is covered. If we are late, we cover your costs to reach the next port. More info ›

Shore Trip Timing is approximate based on your interests & traffic
  • Drive to Cete Cidades - 45 Minutes
    Explore Crater Lakes & Village - 2 Hours
    Visit Pineapple Plantation - 30 Minutes
    Return to Ponta Delgada - 45 Minutes

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