1. Lagoa das Sete Cidades
(Sete Cidades Lagoon)

Lagoa das Sete Cidades (Sete Cidades Lagoon) is a slice of paradise on the island of São Miguel, a fairy tale place where nature has shown off to the fullest. Here, two lagoons, one blue and one green, come together amidst mountains covered in vegetation and forests, creating a landscape you've surely never seen before.

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What truly sets Lagoa das Sete Cidades apart is its combination of colors, with the larger lagoon in deep blue and the smaller lagoon in emerald green, creating a spectacle that changes with the daylight. Yes, as you read it, the way the sun illuminates the lakes transforms their appearance, further enhancing the awe-inspiring nature of this lagoon.

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Despite being a highly popular tourist spot, Sete Cidades has managed to retain its authentic charm and isn't overcrowded. But don't think you'll only enjoy dreamy views; the surroundings of the lagoons are a paradise for outdoor sports enthusiasts. There are trails for leisurely hikes, you can ride along the lagoon shores on a bike, or you can rent a kayak.

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To explore the lagoon by bike or kayak, we recommend the company Azores for All, a small local business located in the same town of Sete Cidades. This company offers the possibility to rent a kayak for 2 people for 1 hour (€20 total), rent a bike for 1 hour (€10 per person), or do both activities (kayak + bike) for about 3 hours (€30 per person). If you have time, we suggest you do both, as we loved both experiences!

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Another way to explore the lagoon by bike is with this 3-hour guided tour, a great way to discover the best viewpoints with a local guide. However, for now, this tour is only offered in Portuguese and English.

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Lagoa das Sete Cidades isn't just one of São Miguel's top tourist destinations, but a corner of the world where the magic of nature seamlessly blends with cultural authenticity, where you can connect with the tranquility, peace, and grandeur that the Azores represent.​​​​

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MORE PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

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Day Trips from Ponta Delgada:

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Another way to explore Sete Cidades is through day trips departing from Ponta Delgada. These are a great option if you don't have a private vehicle, don't want to worry about transportation, or simply want to enjoy the insights of a local guide throughout the visit. Here are our favorites:

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• Tour to Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo, a great way to discover another "star" destination of this guide, Lagoa do Fogo. You can also take this same tour by Jeep.

• You can also discover Sete Cidades with this buggy tour or this quad tour, both are super fun experiences.

• There is also the option to go hiking in Sete Cidades with a group and a guide. If you are interested in this option, we recommend booking in advance as it only takes place once a week and usually sells out quickly.

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