Last Updated on 2023-09-17
Lagoa das Sete Cidades is one of the most visited places in São Miguel, in the Azores.
It is located at the top of the Sete Cidades caldera, in the parish of the same name and its the largest freshwater lake in São Miguel.
It consists of two lagoons: Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde, separated by a road and surrounded by green mountains.
The Pico das Almas stands out in the landscape, which rises to an altitude of 873 meters, and as you may have already noticed, it is very easy to fall in love with this place.
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What to see in Lagoa das Sete Cidades Azores
To get to know the lagoon, we suggest that you first stop by the Church of São Nicolau, at the end of an alley with large trees.
The church is simple but has a beautiful wooden ceiling. Don’t forget to include the garden area taht is worth visiting.
Then, go to the Lagoa Azul to observe the water close and the mountains from afar.
Continue on foot or by car along the shore of Lagoa Azul to Gruta do Pastor and see one of the places linked to the legend of the Sete Cidades.
If you want, take the opportunity to take a kayak tour, which costs €5 and includes kayak rental, life jacket, fins, and insurance.
Note that the bridge that divides Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde is a gorgeous place to take pictures.
Once you’ve explored the Lagoa up close, it’s time to explore the mountains and the viewpoints. You can do it on foot, following one of the many walking routes, or driving your car.
Viewpoints to see the Lagoa das Sete Cidades Azores
There are several viewpoints to see Lagoa das Sete Cidades from different angles, and honestly, all the ones we visited are worth it.
So, leaving Lagoa, follow the EN1-A until you reach the Miradouro da Lagoa de Santiago, from where you can see Lagoa de Santiago on one side and, crossing the road, you can see Lagoa das Sete Cidades.
A few meters, you’ll find the Cerrado das Freiras Viewpoint.
The view from this viewpoint is beautiful, as you can see perfectly the contours of Lagoa Verde (the smallest) and Lagoa Azul (the largest), separated by the bridge and by the mountains around.
Another viewpoint also worth visiting is the Miradouro da Vista do Rei. From this perspective, Lagoa Verde appears first and only then the bridge and Lagoa Azul.
Take the opportunity to also see the abandoned hotel, remembering that entry is prohibited.
Finally, finish the tour at the viewpoints of Lagoa das Sete Cidades at the Boca do Inferno viewpoint.
To visit this viewpoint, leave your car in the car park next to Lagoa do Canário and drive through Mata do Canário.
To visit this viewpoint, leave your car in the car park next to Lagoa do Canário and drive through Mata do Canário.
The trail is easy, but count on the famous four seasons in a day in São Miguel. If you’re lucky and don’t get foggy like us, you’ll see Lagoa de Santiago in the foreground, followed by the beautiful Lagoa das Sete Cidades.
What to see and do around Lagoa das Sete Cidades
We have already mentioned the Hotel Abandonado, but there are other tourist attractions close to Lagoa das Sete Cidades.
Reserve a few hours to exploring the thermal area of Ponta da Ferraria, and if you have a bathing suit, take a dip in the warm waters.
The Muro das Sete Janelas is located in Serra da Devassa and is an enigmatic place. The construction of this aqueduct dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries and was used to carry water from Santo António to other regions of São Miguel, such as Ponta Delgada.
And if you like to walk, then take note that in this area there are several trails of different lengths, such as the PR03 SMI Vista do Rei – Sete Cidades (7.7 km; easy) and the circular trail to Lagoa das Sete Cidades (20 km, moderate difficulty).
The fary tail of the Lagoa das Sete Cidades
The Legend of Lagoa das Sete Cidades or the legend of the princess and the shepherd who fell in love, but could not be together.
He, with green eyes, and she with blue eyes, cried so much that from their tears two lakes were formed: one green and one blue, which, like them, remain separate.
The legend may even be interesting, however, science explains that the colors of the laggons are related to the fact that one is closed and reflects the tones of the mountains and the other is open and reflects the sky.
Restaurants and places to have picnics
We are fans of outdoor picnics, and we have concluded that São Miguel is a paradise for families like us.
It is not difficult to find a place with tables, and if you prefer to put a blanket on the floor, then it’s even easier.
In any case, if you prefer to lunch in restaurants, in the Sete Cidades we recommend the Lagoa Azul Restaurant, a buffet restaurant with typical São Miguel dishes.
As it is a popular place, call to reserve a table (296915678) and expect to pay around €13 for a meal with drinks and coffee.
Accomodation in Lagoa das Sete Cidades
We stayed at Tradicampo Eco-Country Houses, in Algarvia, and we couldn’t have chosen better.
Tt is not close to Lagoa das Sete Cidades, but getting around by car in São Miguel is easy and fast. In addition, it has the advantage of not having tolls like on the mainland.
Map and how to get to Lagoa das Sete Cidades
Leaving Ponta Delgada towards Lagoa das Sete Cidades, take roads 9-1 or EN1-1A and 9-1. If you choose road 9-1, you will pass by most of the viewpoints mentioned in this article.
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