Azores Sete Cidades Green and Blue Lakes – Private Tour

Taking a trip to the Azores isn’t complete without witnessing the iconic Sete Cidades and its twin lakes—one shimmering green, the other deep blue. This private tour promises not just stunning scenery but also personalized insights into the island’s volcanic beauty and local culture. With an average booking window of 74 days, it clearly appeals to travelers eager for a well-organized, intimate experience on Sao Miguel.

What we love about this tour is its carefully curated itinerary, combining panoramic viewpoints with authentic village visits. Plus, the fact that it’s a private experience means you get undivided attention from your guide, elevating the overall value. One thing to consider is that meals or snacks aren’t included during your free time at Sete Cidades, so bringing a small picnic or snacks might be a good idea.

This tour suits those who appreciate nature’s grandeur but also want a touch of local flavor and history. If you’re traveling with a small group or family and prefer a flexible, relaxed pace, this private outing is a fantastic choice.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Private tours mean no rushing, and your guide can tailor the day to your interests.
• Spectacular Views: Panoramic stops like Vista do Rei and Pico do Carvão offer postcard-perfect scenery.
• Authentic Encounters: Visiting the village of Sete Cidades and pineapple plantations offers genuine local contact.
• Comfortable Transport: Air-conditioned luxury vehicles make the journey enjoyable even on longer drives.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Reviews highlight guides like Mario and Tiago as being exceptionally informative and friendly.
• Value for Money: For around $261 per group, up to six people, the tour offers a comprehensive experience with multiple stops and private transport.

A Closer Look: What Makes This Tour Special

This private adventure around Sao Miguel is designed to showcase the natural and cultural highlights of the island in just over three hours. But what really sets it apart is the combination of carefully chosen stops with the comfort of privileged transportation and a knowledgeable guide.

Starting in Ponta Delgada: The Gateway to the Azores

Your journey begins with a pickup from your hotel, cruise terminal, or airport—no need to shuffle around looking for meeting points. From the outset, the luxury vehicle and air conditioning make for a comfortable ride, especially if you’re arriving during warmer months or after a long journey.

Vista do Rei: The Iconic Viewpoint

Your first stop is the world-famous Vista do Rei. It’s the quintessential Azores shot—two lakes nestled within a volcanic crater, with the lush green landscape stretching out in every direction. This viewpoint offers a sweeping vista of the second-largest volcanic crater on the island, which measures about 5 km across.

The guide will share stories about the abandoned hotel atop the mountain, a relic left from the 20th century that was only operational for 18 months. This adds a layer of history and mystery, making the experience more than just a photo op.

Descending into Sete Cidades

Next, you’ll head down into the charming village of Sete Cidades itself. This area is a true highlight—quiet, picturesque, and brimming with local life. The stop at the bridge connecting the lakes gives you a perfect photo opportunity, along with a chance to breathe in the fresh mountain air.

Here, you can stroll through the village center, enjoy a coffee, and perhaps relax by the Blue Lake. Several reviewers mention how welcoming the local people are and how the setting feels like stepping into a postcard. One traveler noted the chance to have direct contact with locals, which speaks to the authenticity of this stop.

Pico do Carvão: Breathtaking Panoramas

On your return route to Ponta Delgada, the Pico do Carvão viewpoint offers a jaw-dropping panorama of the island’s diverse terrain. You’ll see the Lagoa de Fogo in the background and get a bird’s-eye view of the narrowest part of Sao Miguel. If the weather is clear, your guide will explain the island’s volcanic formation, adding educational value to this scenic stop.

Pineapple Plantations: A Taste of Local Agriculture

A surprising highlight is the visit to a pineapple plantation. Many reviews praise this stop, noting how the guides explain the unique process of growing pineapples in the Azores—an environment that’s rare globally. The fields are lush and green, with the chance to learn about how the local farmers produce this “King of Fruits,” which is not common in most tourist itineraries.

Final City Stop and Personal Drop-off

Back in Ponta Delgada, your guide will drop you off at your preferred location. Whether that’s your hotel or cruise terminal, the convenience of private transport is a big plus. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of the island’s volcanic landscapes, local culture, and the stories behind its most famous sights.

Authenticity and Value: Insights from Reviews

Guests consistently praise the guides, with many mentioning Mario and Tiago as particularly knowledgeable and accommodating. One reviewer appreciated how Mario entertained and informed them about Azorean life and island geography, making the experience educational as well as scenic.

Another said, “Mario was an excellent guide, very informative and friendly,” emphasizing how the guides’ passion and local knowledge enhance the tour. These personalized insights help travelers understand what makes the Azores unique—from volcanic formations to local agricultural practices.

Most reviews highlight the stunning views as the standout feature, with travelers describing the scenery as “breathtaking” and “amazing.” The stops at Vista do Rei and Pico do Carvão receive special mentions for their panoramic beauty.

Some travelers have noted the value of the private tour, especially considering the convenience of door-to-door pickups, personalized attention, and flexibility in the itinerary. The cost, around $261.10 for up to six guests, is seen as reasonable for the quality and intimacy of the experience.

A Note on Food and Snacks

While meals or snacks aren’t included during free time at Sete Cidades, reviews suggest bringing a small snack or drink can make your experience even better, especially if you plan to relax by the lake or explore the village.

Practical Aspects: What to Expect

The tour lasts roughly 3 to 3.5 hours, making it an excellent option for travelers with limited time but who still want an in-depth look at major sights. Pickup and drop-off are included, which saves the hassle of arranging transport.

The use of a private luxury vehicle ensures comfort, especially important if you’re traveling with children or older travelers. The small group size (up to 6 people) allows for a relaxed, personalized experience, and guides are described as friendly and well-informed.

The stops are timed to maximize sightseeing without feeling rushed—about 15 minutes at Vista do Rei and Pico do Carvão, 45 minutes in Sete Cidades village, and 30 minutes at the pineapple plantation.

Weather and Cancellation

The tour requires good weather for the best experience. If canceled due to poor conditions, a full refund or rescheduling is offered. Cancelations are free if done 24 hours in advance, giving flexibility for your plans.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re after stunning scenic views combined with authentic local encounters, this private tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for couples, small families, or friends looking for a manageable, customizable day out. Those interested in geology, volcanology, or local agriculture will find the stops especially enriching.

Since it’s a private experience, it suits travelers who value personalized storytelling and flexibility. And if you’re arriving via cruise, the tour’s commitment to timely return ensures you won’t miss your ship.

The Sum Up

This private tour of the Sete Cidades lakes and Sao Miguel’s highlights offers an engaging blend of breathtaking scenery, local culture, and expert guidance. It’s a thoughtful choice for those who want a relaxed, intimate exploration tailored to their interests but with all the logistical ease of private transportation.

The guides’ knowledge, combined with the stunning viewpoints and authentic village visits, makes it a worthwhile investment for anyone eager to see the true essence of the Azores. While it’s not a gourmet tour—lacking included meals—it compensates with its personalized approach and scenic richness.

Best suited for travelers who appreciate comfort, authenticity, and flexible itineraries, this experience delivers a well-rounded and memorable glimpse into the island’s volcanic marvels and friendly communities.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for large groups?
No, it’s designed for small groups of up to six people, ensuring a personalized experience.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a dedicated local guide, bottled water, and visits to key attractions like Vista do Rei, Sete Cidades village, Pico do Carvão, and a pineapple plantation.

Are meals provided?
No, meals, snacks, or drinks during free time at Sete Cidades are not included. It’s recommended to bring some snacks if desired.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, your guide can tailor the experience within the scheduled stops, focusing on your interests.

How long is the tour?
Expect about 3 to 3.5 hours, making it a manageable half-day activity.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable shoes and layers are advisable, especially for viewpoints. Don’t forget sun protection and a camera.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is pickup available at my hotel or cruise port?
Yes, free pickup and drop-off at your hotel, cruise ship terminal, or airport are included.

This private Azores adventure promises a thoughtfully curated glimpse into Sao Miguel’s natural beauty and local charm, all delivered with the comfort and flexibility that make travel memorable.