Introducing Sete Cidades
Sete Cidades is a village in western São Miguel, one of the nine volcanic islands that make up the Azores archipelago. Nestled in a valley surrounded by cliffs, it’s home to two lakes that, according to local lore, were formed from the tears of a shepherd and a princess who fell in love but were forbidden to be together. You can stroll around the lakes or take a boat ride to savour the scenery. Among the village’s other attractions are the Miradouro da Vista do Rei, which offers a panoramic view of the lakes and the surrounding hills, and the Sete Cidades caldera, a volcanic crater that’s home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Plus, there are plenty of hiking trails in the area. And if you fancy a nibble, Sete Cidades is famed for its traditional Azorean cuisine, which includes dishes made with fresh seafood, locally grown vegetables and delicious cheeses.
Top three things to do in Sete Cidades
1. Visit the Twin Lakes
Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde, Blue Lake and Green Lake respectively, are the village’s top attractions. You can take a leisurely stroll around the lakes or rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore them from the water. The scenery is Eden-like, and the contrasting colours of the two lakes make for some fantastic photos.
2. Hike the Sete Cidades Caldera
This massive volcanic crater offers plenty of hiking trails offering unbeatable views of the surrounding landscape. A popular trail is the Cumeeira da Caldeira, which takes you around the edge of the crater and offers panoramic views of the lakes and surrounding hills.
3. Visit the Miradouro da Vista do Rei
Located on the rim of the Sete Cidades Caldera, this viewpoint offers one of the most iconic views in the Azores. From here, you can enjoy vistas of the twin lakes, surrounding hills and the village of Sete Cidades itself. It’s a perfect spot for taking photos.
