West of São Miguel tour: Sete Cidades private tour

Five hours to reach the viewpoints most visitors miss

A private five-hour tour of the west side of São Miguel covers Sete Cidades crater lakes from multiple vantage points, Grota do Inferno viewpoint, Mosteiros black sand beach, and Ferraria's ocean hot springs. The best views of the caldera and lakes sit off the main road and are difficult to find alone. A local driver takes you to each one and can stop for a coffee break along the way. The walk to Grota do Inferno is optional and takes about an hour.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore West Island Highlights

• Walk to epic viewpoint (optional)
• Visit Lagoa do Canário
• Pass by magical green lake
• See famous São Miguel viewpoint
• Visit abandoned hotel ruins
• View lakes inside crater
• Enjoy cliff view over coastline
• Visit natural pools and octopus village
• Visit darkest sand beach
• Swim in ocean hot springs (tide permitting)

The experience

The west side of São Miguel rewards a full day, but you can see the core sites in five hours with someone who knows where to go. The route starts at the crater rim above Sete Cidades, where you'll see both the Blue and Green lakes from the heights, then descend to view them from inside the crater itself. Lagoa do Canário sits tucked in forest nearby. The most famous viewpoint on the island, the one most postcards come from, is a stop on the way, as are the ruins of an abandoned hotel that sits overlooking the crater.

Grota do Inferno is the epic cliff view the itinerary leads toward. The walk there is optional and runs about an hour, so you choose whether to make it. From there the route heads to the coast. Mosteiros holds the darkest sand beach on the island, known for its sunsets, and natural pools carved into the rocks. If you're traveling in summer or the tide cooperates, Ferraria's ocean hot springs (heated by volcanic activity beneath the seabed), are swimmable. The guide can time the stops so you have a swim if conditions allow, or you can skip it and move on.

Private transportation means the van waits at each stop and the pace is yours. Your guide speaks English or Portuguese and can suggest a coffee break if you want one along the way.

What’s included

• Private transportation with a local driver.
• pickup included.
• a live guide in English or Portuguese.
• stops at Sete Cidades crater lakes, Grota do Inferno viewpoint, Mosteiros black sand beach and natural pools, and Ferraria hot springs.
• the walk to Grota do Inferno is optional.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

Book up to1d before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 19 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Azores Like Locals

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to reach the viewpoints off the main road that are hard to find on your own and see the west side without rushing through it. The five-hour span fits a half day and includes all the major sites. The optional walk to Grota do Inferno is yours to choose.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Portuguese.

What is Grota do Inferno and do I have to walk to it?

Grota do Inferno is the most dramatic cliff viewpoint on the island, reached by a walk of about an hour from the parking area. The walk is optional. You can skip it and stay at the vehicle or visit other stops instead.

Can I swim at Ferraria hot springs?

The Ferraria hot springs are in the ocean and heated by volcanic activity below the seabed. Swimming is possible in summer and depends on tide and ocean conditions. Your guide will assess whether it is safe on the day you visit.

How many lakes do we see on this tour?

You'll see Sete Cidades Blue and Green lakes from multiple angles (from the rim above and from inside the crater) plus Lagoa do Canário tucked in the forest, and views of Santiago and Canário lakes as well.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Lunch is not included, but your guide can stop along the way for a coffee break if you'd like one.

What is the darkest sand beach on São Miguel?

Mosteiros holds the darkest sand beach on the island, famous for its sunsets. The tour includes time there to walk the beach and visit the natural pools in the rocks nearby.