São Miguel: Sete Cidades & Fogo Lake Day Trip with Lunch

Summary

Sete Cidades lakes blue water, wild waterfalls, Mosteiros coast

You’ll taste fresh Azorean food, feel waterfall mist on your skin at Salto do Cabrito, and look out over the blue-green Sete Cidades lakes with a local guide who knows every story. Expect laughs in the van, strong coffee with lunch, and moments when São Miguel’s wild beauty just sneaks up on you.

What’s the experience like?

“If you can tell which lake is bluer today, you get dessert first,” joked Rui as we pulled up to the King’s View. He grinned like he’d said it a hundred times, but honestly, I still squinted trying to see the difference between the twin Sete Cidades lakes. The clouds shifted and suddenly one side looked almost turquoise, the other more like a faded denim. It was quiet up there except for a couple of cows and the wind in those crazy green hills. I tried to say ‘Sete Cidades’ properly—Rui laughed and said I sounded like his cousin from Lisbon.

The drive from Ponta Delgada was only about half an hour but felt longer because we kept stopping—first at Ribeira Grande, where old men were already playing cards outside a café even though it was barely 10am. There was that salty smell in the air near the cliffs north of São Miguel; someone pointed out sea birds hovering below us. Then we went inland and everything changed—dense forest, ferns taller than me, and finally Salto do Cabrito waterfall. The spray hit my face before I even realized how loud it was. My shoes got muddy but honestly, who cares? Lunch came later in a little spot where the fish tasted like it had been swimming that morning (maybe it had). Coffee after lunch hit different here—stronger somehow.

I didn’t expect to love Mosteiros as much as I did—black rocks sticking out of the sea like old teeth, kids running barefoot along volcanic pools. Rui told us stories about lava flows shaping this whole coast; he waved his hands around so much he nearly lost his sunglasses. The sun broke through just as we reached Fogo Lake—suddenly everything looked washed in silver light and everyone got weirdly quiet for a minute or two. Sometimes you just stand there and let yourself be small for a bit, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore West São Miguel and Sete Cidades

• Visit Ribeira Grande town center
• Enjoy coastal cliff views
• Discover Salto do Cabrito waterfall
• See Fogo Lake
• View island from high peak
• Admire Sete Cidades twin lakes
• Visit alternative Sete Cidades lookout
• Explore blue side of Sete Cidades lake
• Enjoy Mosteiros coastal lookout
• See ancient lava flows and natural pools
• Observe Mosteiros islets from shore

Top questions

How long does the São Miguel West day trip last?

The tour lasts a full day with multiple stops across western São Miguel.

Is hotel pickup included for this Sete Cidades & Fogo Lake tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included from Ponta Delgada, Lagoa or Ribeira Grande towns.

What’s included in lunch during this São Miguel day trip?

Lunch includes food, drink, dessert and coffee—all provided during the tour.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes; infants can ride in prams or strollers and specialized infant seats are available.

Does this São Miguel tour include entry fees?

No entry fees are mentioned; all main stops are included in the itinerary.

How many people are in each group for this west island tour?

The group size is small—up to 8 people per van for personalized attention.

Can I swim during the Mosteiros stop?

The natural pools are used by locals for swimming in summer; check with your guide if conditions allow.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Ponta Delgada (or nearby towns), all transport by van with an expert local guide who shares stories throughout, stops at Sete Cidades lakes, Fogo Lake, Salto do Cabrito waterfall and coastal viewpoints plus a full Azorean lunch with drinks and coffee before drop-off back at your hotel.