Sete Cidades tour from Ponta Delgada: Volcanic lakes & viewpoints

Walk through Hydrangea-lined paths to hidden viewpoints inside sleeping volcanoes.

A half-day guided tour of Sete Cidades from Ponta Delgada takes you to one of Portugal's 7 wonders: two crater lakes ringed by hydrangea-covered slopes and five viewpoints across the western side of the island. A local guide leads groups of up to 8 people, hotel pickup is included, and the whole loop takes 4.5 hours with roughly 15 minutes between each stop.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided tour of Sete Cidades views

• Start from Ponta Delgada
• Enjoy panoramic island views
• Visit peaceful scenic spot
• Admire beautiful viewpoint
• Learn legend of Lagoa das Sete Cidades
• See another stunning view
• Explore majestic Sete Cidades
• View Mosteiros lava delta settlement
• Return to Ponta Delgada

The experience

The tour starts at your hotel or residential address in Ponta Delgada and heads west toward the crater lakes. Between stops, you'll spend about 15 minutes on the road, which means the day unfolds at a pace that lets you stand and look instead of rush. The route takes you through the typical Azorean landscape: hydrangeas line the pathways, and the vegetation shifts as you climb toward the rim.

Sete Cidades itself is the centerpiece: two crater lakes separated by a narrow ridge, one blue and one green depending on the light and the minerals in the water. The tour includes a stop at Pico do Carvão, a high vantage point over the lakes, and the Escavaldo viewpoint, where you can see the Mosteiros settlement built on a lava delta formation. Your guide will explain the legend of how the lakes formed: a story tied to the volcanic history of the island. You'll also see the settlement of Mosteiros, which sits on a lava delta and shows how the island's geology shaped where people built.

The return journey to Ponta Delgada takes about 40 minutes. Because the group stays small, a maximum of 8 people, the guide can answer questions and adjust the pace if someone wants to linger at a particular viewpoint. The tour runs in English or Portuguese, and children from age 3 are welcome.

What’s included

• Hotel or residential pickup in Ponta Delgada.
• a local guide speaking English or Portuguese.
• entry to the viewpoints and access to Sete Cidades.
• local taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 to 80 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 30 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by INTO THE WILD AZORES TOURS

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see the volcanic lakes and crater rim without renting a car or navigating the winding roads yourself: the small group size and local guide mean you'll hear the story behind what you're looking at instead of just standing there guessing.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does it take to drive between the viewpoints on this tour?

The estimated travel time between each stop is around 15 minutes, so you spend most of the 4.5 hours standing at the viewpoints rather than sitting in the van.

What is the legend behind Sete Cidades?

The guide will explain the story of how the two crater lakes formed: a tale connected to the volcanic origins of the island and the Azorean folklore your guide knows from living here.

Will my hotel in Ponta Delgada be included in the pickup?

Yes, the tour includes pickup at your hotel or any residential property inside Ponta Delgada, so you don't need to arrange transport to the starting point.

Can I bring my three-year-old on this tour?

Children are welcome from age 3, so your child can join the group, though the tour involves walking at each viewpoint and sitting in a van between stops.

What is Mosteiros and why does the tour stop there?

Mosteiros is a settlement on the western coast built on a lava delta formation, which shows how the island's volcanic geology shaped where people settled and how they adapted to the landscape.

Is lunch included in this tour?

Lunch is not included, so you'll want to eat before the tour starts or plan to grab something after you return to Ponta Delgada.