Shore Excursions to the volcano and crater of Lagoa das Sete Cidades

If you’re visiting São Miguel Island in the Azores, a tour to the Lagoa das Sete Cidades is an absolute must. This excursion promises a blend of breathtaking vistas, cultural experiences, and natural beauty, all wrapped into a manageable four-hour adventure. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, the detailed itineraries and honest reviews suggest it offers a good balance of highlights and value, especially for those looking to maximize their time on the island.

One thing we particularly like about this experience is the carefully curated stops — from pineapple plantations to panoramic viewpoints — that give a well-rounded feel of São Miguel’s diverse landscape. However, some visitors have noted that the ride in an older van can be a bit uncomfortable, and that certain stops might feel brief or less engaging. Still, for travelers eager to see the iconic crater lakes and enjoy expert narration, this tour seems well suited.

This adventure is ideal for travelers who want a structured, informative outing with plenty of photo opportunities and insights into local culture. If you’re after a deep, private exploration or prefer more off-the-beaten-path experiences, you might find this more of a highlight reel. For most visitors, though, it’s a practical and memorable way to tick off the must-see sights in a limited timeframe.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: Multiple viewpoints offer breathtaking panoramas of Lagoa das Sete Cidades and the island’s landscape.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Carla, who has lived in the Azores all her life, enhance the experience with local insights.
• Variety of Stops: From pineapple plantations to historic churches, the diverse itinerary covers cultural and natural highlights.
• Value for Money: Priced at just over $68, the tour offers a structured way to see many key sights with included admissions and transportation.
• Small Group Feel: Limited to 8 travelers, making for a more personalized experience and easy photo opportunities.
• Potential for Fog: Weather can impact the views, especially the crater lakes, but guides often make up for it with engaging commentary.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Introduction: What You Can Expect

This four-hour tour from Ponta Delgada takes you on a journey through some of São Miguel’s most iconic sights. With pickup and drop-off included, it’s designed to be hassle-free, especially for cruise travelers or those with limited time. The guide, often a local with a wealth of knowledge, helps make the experience richer, sharing stories and context that elevate the scenery.

Priced at around $68, including all entrance fees and bottled water, it strikes a good balance between affordability and comprehensive sightseeing. The small group size — capped at 8 people — promises a more intimate experience, which many reviewers find enhances the overall enjoyment.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Plantação de Ananas dos Açores

The tour kicks off with a visit to a pineapple plantation, where you’ll see a brief video about the history and cultivation process of the renowned Azorean pineapples. This isn’t just a quick photo stop — you get a peek into the local agriculture that’s unique to the islands. Travelers like Rick share that the guide’s storytelling and the included admission make this a worthwhile start, even if the pineapple plantation itself doesn’t seem like a highlight for everyone.

Stop 2: Miradouro do Pico do Carvão

Climbing to an altitude of 800 meters, this viewpoint offers sweeping views of the north coast. You’ll see the island from above, often with clouds adding a touch of drama. Many reviews noted the guide’s expertise in pointing out features you might miss on your own, making this stop both scenic and educational. However, weather can obscure the views, as Rick pointed out, with fog occasionally blocking the crater or lakes.

Stop 3: Lagoa do Canário

This volcanic crater with a lagoon is another captivating sight. Surrounded by lush greenery, it’s a peaceful spot to breathe in the volcanic landscape and snap some photos. The 25-minute stop allows enough time to soak in the scenery, and the inclusion of an admission ticket means you’re not just looking from afar — you get to appreciate the geological significance firsthand.

Stop 4: Miradouro da Vista do Rei

Arguably the highlight for many, this viewpoint offers iconic vistas of the blue and green lagoons that define Sete Cidades. It’s often featured in promotional images of São Miguel. Visitors report that the view is spectacular, even on cloudy days, and guides like Carla are adept at pointing out different angles and details to enhance the experience. This stop has the potential to be the tour’s photo highlight.

Stop 5: Cerrado das Freiras

A lesser-known perspective, this viewpoint shows the Lagoa and the surrounding town from a lower, more intimate angle. It offers a different take on the landscape and provides a refreshing change from the higher viewpoints. Reviewers noted that this stop helps round out the scenic experience with a balanced view.

Stop 6: Igreja de São Nicolau

A charming neo-Gothic church built in the 17th century, this church adds a touch of history and local culture to the tour. The alley lined with cryptomerias leading up to the church is a peaceful setting, perfect for a short stroll and some reflections on local religious heritage. Some travelers, like Jeanette, appreciated the guide’s knowledge here, adding depth to the visit.

Stop 7: Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado

This west coast overlook provides a rugged, wild scene of the Atlantic coast, often with crashing waves and cliffs. It’s a fitting way to end the scenic part of the tour, offering dramatic views and a sense of the island’s untamed beauty.

Stop 8: Feteira and Coastal Drive

The final part of the tour takes you along the southwest coast through small villages like Ginetes, Candelária, and Feteira. While this stretch offers nice coastal scenery, the reviews indicate that some found the drive less engaging, especially if expecting more interactive or cultural stops. It’s a leisurely passage that’s more about enjoying the landscape than specific sightseeing.

Whispers from the Reviews

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides — Carla’s local expertise, in particular, is highlighted as a major asset. She shares stories about the island’s pineapple cultivation, points out interesting details, and helps make the scenery come alive.

Most travelers loved the stunning viewpoints, especially Vista do Rei, where the panoramic views of the lakes are truly breathtaking. Many commented on how the guide’s tips and commentary made the scenery more meaningful, especially when the weather cooperated.

Nonetheless, some found the experience less satisfying. James lamented the ride in an older van, citing comfort issues and difficulty hearing the guide at the back. He also questioned the value of some stops like the pineapple plantation and Lagoa de Canário, feeling they didn’t meet his expectations. His feedback is a reminder that weather and personal preferences can influence how much you enjoy these stops.

The Value Proposition

For $68, this tour packs in a lot — multiple viewpoints, cultural sights, and an in-depth look at the island’s natural features. The all-included admission tickets, bottled water, and air-conditioned transport make it a straightforward option for travelers who want to avoid surprises. The small group size increases intimacy and photo opportunities, which many reviewers appreciated.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This excursion is best suited for travelers who want a structured, informative sightseeing experience with a focus on the iconic sights of Lagoa das Sete Cidades. If you prefer a quick, well-organized tour with plenty of opportunities to take photos and learn about local culture, this is a good choice.

It’s particularly appealing for cruise passengers or those with limited time, as the four-hour duration balances sightseeing with comfort. If weather is clear, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views; if fog rolls in, the guides do their best to keep the energy high and the storytelling engaging.

People who appreciate small group dynamics and detailed commentary will find this tour more enjoyable than larger, generic bus excursions. However, if you’re seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures or more spontaneous exploration, you might want to explore other options.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a comprehensive package of São Miguel’s highlights, from volcanic craters to historic churches and scenic viewpoints. The inclusion of local insights and a small group setting makes for a memorable, personalized experience. While weather can impact the views, the guides’ knowledge and the variety of stops help ensure you get a well-rounded impression of the island’s beauty.

For those who value value for money, expert guidance, and iconic scenery, this excursion seems to strike a good balance. It’s an efficient way to see the main sights without feeling rushed, making it especially suitable for first-time visitors or cruise travelers.

If you’re looking for an authentic, hassle-free way to explore Lagoa das Sete Cidades and its surrounding landscapes, this tour offers a very solid option. Just keep in mind that comfort and weather are factors beyond control, so come prepared for a flexible, scenic ride.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
Approximately four hours, including all stops and transportation.

What’s included in the price?
All entrance tickets to sites, bottled water, guide service, pickup, and drop-off in Ponta Delgada.

Is transport air-conditioned?
Yes, the vehicle used for the tour is air-conditioned.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What is the group size?
A maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a small group experience.

Are there any additional costs?
No, everything listed in the itinerary is included; meals and airport pickup are not.

How scenic are the viewpoints?
Very scenic, with panoramic views of Lagoa das Sete Cidades, the Atlantic coast, and the island’s volcanic landscape.

What about weather conditions?
Weather can impact visibility, especially at viewpoints; guides try to make the most of it regardless.

Is this suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but consider comfort in older vans and weather conditions.

Are there any cultural stops?
Yes, the Igreja de São Nicolau offers a glimpse into local history and architecture.

In all, this tour is a well-structured, value-packed way to experience São Miguel’s most famous sights, perfect for those who want a guided, hassle-free adventure with plenty of photo-worthy moments.