Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo Day Trip with Lunch & Pickup

Summary

Azores lakes, volcanic craters, city strolls and a local meal

You’ll feel swept up by volcanic views at Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo on this Azores day trip from Ponta Delgada—with hotel pickup, small group comfort, and a generous local lunch included. Expect real moments: muddy shoes by the lakeshore, laughter over dessert in Ribeira Grande, salt in your hair at Santa Barbara beach.

What’s the experience like?

We were already winding up the mountain road when our guide, Rui, pulled over at a viewpoint—he called it Vista do Rei. I was still fumbling with my camera when that first look at Sete Cidades hit me: the twin lakes, blue and green, split by this narrow bridge. The air smelled like wet grass and eucalyptus. Rui handed us a story about the legend of the lakes (something about forbidden love—I half-missed it because I was busy gawking). You could hear cows somewhere below. We kept stopping at these little viewpoints—some quiet except for wind and birds, others with old men chatting in Portuguese by their cars. It’s funny how you start to recognize faces even on a day trip from Ponta Delgada.

The van rattled down toward the water’s edge. We got out near the shore—mud squelched under my sneakers—and just stood there for a bit. I tried to say “Sete Cidades” properly; Li laughed when I butchered it (sorry, Rui). There was coffee at some tiny café before we headed up again through Mata do Canário, where everything felt somehow older and softer—mossy trees and that earthy smell after rain. Lunch came right when we needed it: big plates of cozido and fresh bread at a restaurant in Ribeira Grande. I’m not usually into desserts but that pineapple thing? Still thinking about it.

After lunch we wandered Ribeira Grande’s old streets—blue tiles on white walls, laundry flapping from balconies. Then came the climb to Lagoa do Fogo. Clouds drifted low over the crater rim; sometimes you’d see nothing but mist, then suddenly the lake would appear below like a secret. Everyone went quiet for a minute—not sure why but something about that view just does it to you. On the way back we stopped at Santa Barbara beach; black sand stuck to my feet and there were surfers out past the breakers. We watched them until Rui waved us back to the van.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo tour

• Depart from Ponta Delgada
• Visit Vista do Rei belvedere
• Explore Sete Cidades crater viewpoints
• Stop near the twin lakes margins
• Visit Mata do Canário natural park
• See Pico do Carvão road lakes
• Enjoy views of north and south shores
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Discover Ribeira Grande historical center
• Ascend to Pico da Barrosa
• Visit Lagoa do Fogo natural park
• Return to Ponta Delgada accommodations

Top questions

How long is the Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo tour?

This is a full-day tour departing from Ponta Delgada and returning in the evening.

Is lunch included in this Azores day trip?

Yes, lunch with drinks and dessert is included at a local restaurant during the tour.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel, Airbnb or cruise terminal pickup and drop-off in Ponta Delgada are provided.

What are the main stops on this tour?

You’ll visit Sete Cidades crater lakes, Mata do Canário park, Ribeira Grande city center, Lagoa do Fogo crater lake, and Santa Barbara beach.

How many people are on each tour group?

The tour runs with small groups of up to 8 passengers per minivan.

Are infants or children allowed on this day trip?

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

What should I bring for this Azores lakes tour?

Wear comfortable shoes (it can be muddy), bring a jacket for changing weather, and maybe swimwear for Santa Barbara beach if you want.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel or Airbnb in Ponta Delgada (or cruise terminal if that’s you), all transport by comfy minivan with your guide steering things along quietly or sharing stories as you go. Lunch is covered—think local dishes plus drinks and dessert—and you’ll get time at each stop without feeling rushed before heading back in the evening.