Lagoa do Fogo and Sete Cidades by Van
A full-day journey through the volcanic lakes, misty calderas, and coastal villages of São Miguel Island
This guided van tour explores the two most iconic landscapes of São Miguel, combining the remote volcanic shores of Lagoa do Fogo with the twin-coloured crater lakes of Sete Cidades in a single, well-paced day.
São Miguel is the largest island in the Azores archipelago, stretching more than 62 kilometres in length and recognised as one of Portugal's Seven Natural Wonders. Its interior is defined by calderas, hot springs, and lakes that shift in colour depending on the light and season.
The route moves through contrasting environments, from the thermal springs at Poços de São Vicente and the fishing port atmosphere of Ribeira Grande, to the viewpoints above the Sete Cidades caldera, where legend says the green and blue lakes were formed from the tears of a shepherd and a princess whose love was forbidden.
Tour Highlights
Stand at the edge of Lagoa do Fogo, a remote volcanic lake sitting inside a protected nature reserve.
Take in the panoramic view from Vista do Rei, one of the most photographed viewpoints over the Sete Cidades caldera.
Pass through Lagoa do Canário and the Empadadas miradouro, offering elevated views across the western calderas.
Visit the quiet village of Sete Cidades and cross the historic Ponte da Lagoa, set directly on the lakeshore.
Explore Baia do Silêncio and the peninsula overlooking the lake, where the landscape opens into wide coastal views.
Stop at Poços de São Vicente to observe natural thermal spring activity along the island's northern coast.
Enjoy a included buffet lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to the caldera viewpoints of the afternoon.
Itinerary Overview
The tour departs from the ANC Azores Holidays kiosk and heads east along the coast, with an early stop at Praia das Milícias before ascending toward the volcanic interior. The route continues to Lagoa do Fogo, located inside a nature reserve and accessible via a scenic road through laurel forest.
From the lake, the van descends to Ribeira Grande, a market town on the northern coast with a historic centre and black-sand seafront. The group then continues west along the coastal road to the thermal springs at Poços de São Vicente and the village of Capelas, passing through the Goyanes area.
The route climbs into the highlands above the Sete Cidades caldera, stopping at the Empadadas miradouro and Pico do Paul for elevated views across the western end of the island. A buffet lunch is included at a local restaurant before the afternoon exploration begins.
The group descends into the caldera to visit the village of Sete Cidades, cross the Ponte da Lagoa, and explore Lagoa do Canário above the crater rim. The afternoon continues with stops at Baia do Silêncio, the peninsula, and Cerrado das Freiras along the lake margins.
The final viewpoint stop is Vista do Rei, the classic elevated perspective over both the green and blue lakes of Sete Cidades. The van then returns to the ANC Azores Holidays kiosk, concluding the full-day circuit of São Miguel's western and central landscapes.
What Is Included
Included
- Professional guide throughout
- Fuel and van transport
- Buffet lunch at local restaurant
- Insurance coverage
Not Included
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities for guide
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Any additional meals or beverages
Important Information
Reserve Your Place on This Tour
Secure your spot on this full-day circuit of São Miguel's most celebrated volcanic landscapes, from the fire lake of Lagoa do Fogo to the legendary twin lakes of Sete Cidades.
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