Sete Cidades is the crown jewel of Sao Miguel island, Azores. It is famous for its massive 5-kilometre-wide crater and the iconic twin lakes, Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde. Even if you are visiting Sao Miguel for a short time, Sete Cidades is unmissable.
We went to this stunning volcanic caldera on the first full day of our Sao Miguel itinerary. Our one day in Sete Cidades covered the most iconic viewpoints in this area (arguably the most famous in all of Azores), 2 great hikes, and a lovely day out.
The civil parish is named Sete Cidades and so is the volcanic caldera (the twin lakes are within the massive caldera). Just to confuse matters, there is a tiny village that goes by the same name! Sete Cidades village sits directly on the floor of the crater.
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How to reach Sete Cidades
We were based in Ponta Delgada during our time at Sao Miguel, the largest island of Azores. Sete Cidades lies on the western part of Sao Miguel island. We had rented a car from the airport itself for Sao Miguel trip. It is the best way to explore the island, with public transport being limited on the island. Sete Ciades is about ½ hour drive from Pota Delgada. The main road leading there is EN9-1A.
Both the civil parish and the massive volcanic crater are named Sete Cidades. So it is best to put a viewpoint (or Miradouro in Portuguese) as Vista do rei on your google maps to reach the area. The weather app showed no rains, just partly cloudy and it turned out to be a beautiful day.
Top Things to do in Sete Cidades
Jaw-dropping viewpoints, rewarding hikes under a grand blue sky, and more beauty than you can imagine awaits you in Sete Cidades, all in a day!
1. Miradouro da Vista do Rei
Miradouro Vista do rei is one of the iconic viewpoints on Sao Miguel island and definitely one of the top things to see in Sete Cidades. It is easy to reach Vista do rei since it is a spot marked on google maps. As you approach the Vista do rei viewpoint, you will see a row of cars that have slowed down. It is best to get past them and not cause further traffic on the narrow road.
There is a parking lot for shorter duration (20 minutes limit) and a different parking lot for longer duration ahead of the viewpoint (opposite the abandoned Monte Palace Hotel). Having arrived only after 10 am, we found the second parking lot to be full. Many folks had parallel parked on the road on one side after this parking lot, we did the same and walked back to the viewpoint
There is a reason why the Vista do rei viewpoint is so famous. Where else can you get to see such beauty right on the main paved road. I can think of Glacier point at Yosemite national park, but some hiking is required for the best of views.
Vista do rei sis 544 meters above sea level on the crater rim. You get the sweeping, postcard view of both colored lakes (Lagos das Sete Cidades). There are 2 distinct water bodies – Lagoa Azul (Blue Lake) and Lagoa Verde (Green Lake) – connected by a narrow strait and split by a seven-arch bridge. The hydrangeas that bloom in June and July add extra gorgeousness to the whole scene.
The easy accessibility means that this viewpoint is always crowded. We took a few photos but wanted to enjoy this area without rubbing shoulders with hordes of people. There is a toilet facility at the viewpoint, no cafe but I ddid spot a food truck in the afternoon.
2. Hike from Vista do rei to Sete Cidades village
Gorgeous views and few people! So easily possible on Azores islands.The best way is to take one of the hiking paths around the vast caldera rim. One popular hike is the 12 km Mata do Canario – Sete Cidades hike, the PR4 SMI linear hiking trail along the caldera rim down to the lakeside village.
We chose to do the equally famous 8 km Vista do rei – Sete Cidades hike. Officially known as PR 03 trail, this trail starts towards the west of Vista do rei viewpoint and descends the volcanic crater wall down to the Sete Cidades village. This 7.8 – 8 km (4.8 miles) linear trail takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on your photo stops, and is mostly flat or downhill.
The full loop back is about 16 km, we were hoping to get a taxi back from the village and not hike back to our car park. Do note that there is no toilet facility on the trail. You need to wear hiking shoes, path dirt can get muddy after rain.
Great start: Welcoming hydrangeas-lined path
The initial mud trail is one of the most beautiful hikes I have done in a while. There were fabulous views of the crater and the lakes on one side and the ocean and the sloping lush land on the other. There were many folks hiking and a few cycling on this path. It was a gorgeous rain-free day and I was happy to be hiking amidst such beauty. Walking along this volcanic crater rim reminded me a bit of Asbyrgi Canyon rim hike in North Iceland, though the landscape was different.
The path descends gradually, with postcard views, lakes, flowers, open fields, ocean views, blue sky hitting you from everywhere. The one hike I remember with relentless postcard-worthy views like this one was the Fira to Oia path I took on my Santorini trip. For one of the iconic experiences in Sao Miguel, it certainly was not crowded. Even if you don’t want to hike all the way down to Sete Cidades village, I would recommend to at least enjoy the first 2 km of this trail and then turn back on the same path.
The paved road, not so well-marked
This lovely part of the hike ended and then it was concrete road with cars zooming past. We had to be careful to walk on the pavement here. Thankfully, the walk along the side of the road is not too long. At one point, we were a bit confused, whether to go left or continue straight. This part of the trail is not well-marked. We took a left just to get off the concrete road and into a calmer area. There were pretty hills and open fields to look at.
And then took a right to descend further towards the lakes. The right turn took us back to a local paved road though there was no car traffic here. It was quite steep downhill road, tough on my knees. I was praying for a taxi to be available in the village, so that we wouldn’t have to make this upward climb for the return.
Soon we reached the first lake, and then the second. Still water, beautiful, but nowhere close to the top-view gorgeousness!
Sete Cidades village and taxi ride back
It was a Sunday, so the restaurant I had noted earlier (Casa de Cha O Poejo) was closed. The only place open in this small village was São Nicolau Restaurant. There was a long wait-time for the popular buffet option, so we bought some snacks and drinks at the counter, and used the toilet facility here. And then walked across the road to the bus stop. There is a number for taxi pick-up mentioned on a board at the bus stop (the restaurant owner also confirmed that this is the right number to call).
I was happy when the taxi guy picked up the phone and promised to take us (and another group standing at the bus stop) back to Vista do rei viewpoint. He asked us to wait for 10 min. I walked to the lovely São Nicolau Church in the meantime. And after a short wait, we were on our way back.
A quick stop at Miradouro da Lagoa de Santiago
The taxi driver stopped at another stunning lake viewpoint en route. Sete Cidades seems to be full of them, each one postcard-worthy. Lagoa de Santiago is a emerald-green crater lake that is definitely worth stopping for, it is surrounded by steep, densely forested walls. The viewpoint – Miradouro da Lagoa de Santiago – sits right off the regional road at 477 meters of altitude, and gave us a direct look down into the crater. Seeing this viewpoint was not part of our original plan, but I am glad the taxi guy gave us this quick opportunity.
Back at the car parking, there was a food truck that wasn’t there that morning. The crowds at Vista do rei viewpoint were the way we left.
3. Short hike to Miradouro da Boca do Inferno
After the Vista do rei – Sete Cidades hike, I thought we were done with jaw-dropping views for the day. It is hard to beat the Vista do rei viewpoint, and with such accessibility that anyone can enjoy it from the main road.
But our 1 day in Sete Cidades, Sao Miguel had one more adventure for us. We set out for Boca do Inferno viewpoint, also known as Groto do Inferno. This scenic viewpoint on Sao Miguel island is quite famous. It sits at 730 meters high and gives a wide view of the Sete Cidades volcanic caldera, including the blue and green crater lakes.
Azores is stunning and Sete Cidades is quite epic. Now imagine a short trail that goes to a viewpoint that delivers a dramatic, panoramic perspective of the massive caldera, surrounding smaller lagoons, and lush green ridges!
Boca do Inferno trailhead
However, unlike Vista do rei viewpoint, this one requires a hike of about 2.6 kilometers round trip. This is an easy hike, mostly flat with a couple of short sections that are steep inclines.
It is a short drive from the Vista do rei viewpoint, but note that internet in this area is dodgy, so search the driving route at the starting point itself. Stories abound on how folks can’t find this viewpoint in one point but that was not our experience.
There is a large parking space (named the Lagoa do Canario parking area on maps) opposite the trailhead, but the popularity of this spot in summer months is such that it can get full quickly. There were many smaller areas on one side of the road, before the main parking lot, where a few cars were parked. The general advice is to arrive early in the morning, both to get parking space and clear views.
However, we reached here late afternoon after the Vista do rei – Sete Cidades hike. The day was clear and the late afternoon gave us beautiful views. This viewpoint gets super-crowded in the first half of the day. I am glad to visit here post lunch.
A short hike
Across the main parking lot, you will see a main green entry gate. The gate was shut but don;t worry, there is a narrow path next to the entry gate. The shut door does not mean you cannot enter the trail.
Thankfully, there is no confusion about the trail path from here. It is well-marked. Just a few minutes ahead, there is short detour to Lagoa do Canario, a small, forest-surrounded lake.
We chose to straight ahead to Boca de Inferno viewpoint. It is a wide, flat dirt and gravel forest road for the first 15 -20 minutes. The final 200 meters involve a short, steep climb with stone or dirt stairs. Do note that the incline can get very muddy and slippery after rain. After the incline, the view opens up and you set upon a narrow path leading to the show stopper.
I don’t know why this viewpoint is named Boca de Inferno, translated to ‘Hell’s Mouth’. The panoramic views of the 2 crater lakes nestled in the lush caldera of Sete Cidades is as far from hell as can be!
On the way back, there was a shorter path leading down to Lagoa do Canario. I took a quick peek. We were mind blown and tired after this. Time to head back to our hotel in Ponte Delgada.
Other famous viewpoints in and around Sete Cidades
If you have more time or if you are not doing the Vista do rei – Sete Cidades hike, you can drive to Cerrado das Freiras. This viewpoint is located lower down along the slope as you approach the Sete Cidades village. It offers a closer angle of the twin lakes divided by the iconic bridge. Your route would be Miradouro Vista do rei, then to Cerrado das Freiras, then Lagoa de Santiago, and finally Sete Cidades village. On the way back, a short hike to Grota de Inferno viewpoint.
From Sete Cidades villages, you can also choose to drive to the western edge of the Sao Miguel island to Miraduoro da Ponta do Escalvado. This viewpoint stands at the top of a sea cliff on the western coast of São Miguel. Its position overlooks the Mosteiros lava delta and the 4 islets rising offshore.
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