São Miguel Oeste | Explore the Wonders of Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo

Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado - Begin your day with a scenic coastal drive after being picked up from your hotel, heading to the Escalvado viewpoint on São Miguel’s southwest coast. Enjoy the journey through lush pastures and stunning landscapes.

Upon arrival at the viewpoint, take in the breathtaking cliffs, the vast Atlantic Ocean, and a stunning view of the Mosteiros islets. This spot, once a whale-watching post, is now utilized by whale-watching companies.

Mosteiros - As you descend into the village, the coastal rocks tell the tragic love story of a priest and a nun. Visit the black sand beach for dramatic photos and explore the natural pools of Mosteiros, a perfect spot for a sunset picnic.

Miradouro Da Lomba Do Vasco - Situated atop the crater, this viewpoint offers a remarkable view of both the volcano’s interior and the coast. Look towards the ocean to see the Mosteiros islets, creating a breathtaking scene. This view combines the serene beauty of the volcano with the ocean’s grandeur.

Sete Cidades - Visit the charming parish of Sete Cidades, nestled within an ancient volcanic caldera, and stop for lunch. The parish is home to the famous Blue and Green lagoons, creating a uniquely beautiful setting. Explore the village’s quiet streets and visit the church of São Nicolau before enjoying a buffet of regional dishes, drinks, and coffee. (Lunch included except for bookings without lunch)

Miradouro do Cerrado das Freiras - Continue the tour, passing the bridge where two lovers once mourned a forbidden love, to reach the Cerrado das Freiras viewpoint. Here, enjoy a stunning view over the Sete Cidades lagoons, offering a different perspective of the Blue and Green Lagoons and the surrounding mountain range.

Vista do Rei Miradouro - Travel along one of São Miguel’s most beautiful roads, lined with hydrangeas, to reach the day’s highlight, the Vista do Rei viewpoint. This iconic spot offers one of Portugal’s most spectacular panoramic views, showcasing the Blue and Green Lagoons. Locals believe these lagoons were formed by the tears of two lovers. The view from Vista do Rei is a unique blend of natural beauty and tranquility.

Pineapples Santo António - Discover the history of São Miguel’s pineapple, a unique Azorean production, by exploring an agricultural tradition over a century old. During the guided tour, visitors will explore the glass greenhouses where the famous Azorean pineapple is grown, learning about the artisanal process from planting to harvesting. This is the only place in the world where pineapples are grown in glass greenhouses, taking 24 to 30 months to mature. Its distinctive flavor and texture make it a regional delicacy.

Ribeira Grande - Explore Ribeira Grande’s city center, with its charming cobbled streets and historic Baroque and Neoclassical architecture. Highlights include the impressive Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Estrela and the iconic Jardim do Paraíso. The sound of the stream flowing through the town, combined with views of the arched bridge and traditional houses, creates a picturesque and relaxing atmosphere. This visit offers an authentic glimpse into one of the island’s most emblematic towns before heading to São Miguel’s central volcano, Lagoa do Fogo.

Travelers may enjoy additional stops such as the Surf Spot of São Miguel, Stª Barbara Beach, a visit to the Mulher de Capote liqueur factory, or the Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande. Tours are adaptable to group interests and weather conditions.

Lagoa do Fogo - At the Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint, travelers will be mesmerized by one of São Miguel’s most stunning landscapes. This viewpoint offers a spectacular view of Lagoa do Fogo, a crystal-clear lagoon within a volcanic crater, the highest in the Azores. Surrounded by lush mountains and often enveloped in mist, the lagoon exudes purity and natural isolation. During the guided tour, visitors can appreciate the serenity and capture the untouched essence of this natural sanctuary. A nature reserve since 1974, it is also a sanctuary for seabirds and migratory birds. This experience offers a unique connection with the Azores’ wild beauty.

Miradouro da Barrosa - Located at the top of the Fogo volcanic crater, the Pico da Barrosa viewpoint provides an impressive panoramic view of São Miguel’s western part. On clear days, visitors can see both the north and south coasts of the island, capturing the vast Atlantic Ocean and the volcanic landscape’s beauty. The winding descent marks the return to the starting point, often revealing truly scenic moments.

East of São Miguel | Furnas Volcano & Nordeste, Tea Plantation

Vila Franca do Campo - Start the morning at the Vila Franca do Campo marina, the former capital of São Miguel. Admire the Vila Franca islet or enjoy a coffee while savoring the traditional “Queijadas da Vila” sweets.

Lagoa das Furnas - Discover the beauty of Furnas Lake, walking along its edge past the magnificent chapel of Nossa Srª das Vitorias, unique in its Gothic style, and exploring the various statues made from old tree trunks that adorn the lake’s edge.

Furnas - Enjoy a true gastronomic experience during the lunch break with Cozido das Caldeiras, or Furnas stew, a unique dish cooked slowly using volcanic soil heat. This delicacy attracts many visitors with its unparalleled taste. A vegetarian version, made with local vegetables, is also available.

For those without a lunch booking, there are plenty of opportunities to purchase food or use the lunch break for extra exploration time.

Caldeira das Furnas - After a unique culinary experience, visit the enchanted valley or “volcano mouth” for a walk among boiling water calderas and fumaroles, feeling the full force of a volcano. Home to numerous mineral springs, it is considered the world’s largest hydropolis, with 22 types of classified mineral-medicinal waters. Sample some of the best-known waters before trying traditional liqueurs at a local craft store. This area is renowned for its diversity and beauty, with a volcanic landscape that will amaze you.

Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeiroes - This magnificent watermill area, now a natural park, features stunning waterfalls as its main attraction. Considered one of Nordeste’s most beautiful areas, visitors can also find traditional “corn leaf dolls” handmade in the local craft store.

Plantacoes de Cha Gorreana - On the return journey, stop at the Gorreana tea factory for a leisurely moment to taste the world’s last all-natural tea. Its rolling plantations beautifully decorate the surrounding valleys.

Miradouro de Santa Iria - From this viewpoint, observe the immense beauty of São Miguel’s north coast, stretching from Sete Cidades to the Northeast, with a scenic coastline extending into the ocean. This is the final stop before returning to your accommodations.

• 1 Full day Tour: São Miguel East side
• 100% Local Storyteller
• Pineapple & Tea plantation visit with tastings
• Lunch
• 1 Full day Tour: São Miguel West side
• Transportation by shared air-conditioned vehicle
• Option to book the tour without lunch

• Entrance fees for thermal baths or activities not mentioned
• Personal purchases
• Stew park entrance fees

Embark on a 2-day journey across the island of São Miguel, exploring the main attractions that offer a delightful taste of Azorean history, landscapes, folklore, and cuisine.

The western segment of the tour unveils the legendary Sete Cidades volcano, an iconic Azorean postcard, where the hues of the blue and green lagoon inspired one of São Miguel’s most enchanting legends. Additionally, the Fogo volcano stands as a true natural monument, serving as a sanctuary for seabirds and migratory birds.

The eastern segment of the tour invites you to discover the enigmatic Furnas Volcano, where the geothermal volcanic scenery seamlessly integrates with local life, and the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Park, featuring its waterfalls and windmills. A visit to the Gorreana tea factory and plantation, the world’s last 100% natural tea factory, concludes this unforgettable tour.

This is the perfect way to experience the unmatched beauty of São Miguel’s volcanic landscapes.

• The sequence of the tours may change depending on weather conditions or bookings.

• IMPORTANT: The order of the day’s tours displayed may not be the same as the actual tour, your tour may start on the east or west side. Contact us in case of doubt.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.