Some people say that Sete Cidades is the most stunning place on the island of São Miguel, or even in the Azores! And it's no wonder; we found it simply spectacular. Today, we're sharing everything you need to do in Sete Cidades, including the must-see viewpoints, activities, hiking trails, and where to eat.
At the end of this post, you'll also find a map to help you get your bearings, with all the things to do in Sete Cidades and its surroundings.
If you're planning your trip to São Miguel with our guide, you'll see that we've divided the island into several zones, and Sete Cidades gives its name to one of them: the Sete Cidades area and its surroundings in the west of São Miguel. This gem of the Azores attracts visitors from all over the world, drawn by the impressive Sete Cidades Lagoon, an incredible two-colored lagoon that will leave you in awe.
This part of São Miguel offers a wide variety of experiences. From the best viewpoints to admire the Sete Cidades Lagoon and other lagoons in the Serra Devassa, to fun activities like biking, kayaking, and some of the best hiking trails on the island. Plus, if you get hungry, you can enjoy local cuisine in the village of Sete Cidades or have a picnic on the lagoon's shore. Doesn't that sound like a perfect plan?
Let's dive into all the things to do in Sete Cidades!
For your stay in São Miguel, we recommend the Herdade do Ananás hotel, cozy and unique with its pineapple greenhouse; the Comercial Azores Boutique, located in the center of Ponta Delgada; and Senhora da Rosa, which offers a blend of tradition and modernity, surrounded by nature
Things to Do in Sete Cidades - Contents:
How to Get to Sete Cidades
If you've read other posts about destinations in São Miguel, you already know that the best way to get around the island is by car. Most visitors opt to rent a private vehicle because it offers greater freedom and saves time. Using public transportation on São Miguel can significantly increase your travel time.
To give you an idea, it takes about 35 minutes to drive from Ponta Delgada, the island's capital, to Sete Cidades, while public transportation can take between 1 hour and 15 minutes to 2 hours. Additionally, bus frequencies are not very high.
If you haven't booked your rental car yet, don't miss out on the best rental deals on the island, with full coverage to protect you from any issues!
However, if you decide to reach Sete Cidades by public transportation from Ponta Delgada, we have good news: the bus journey is direct and doesn't require transfers, making it quite convenient. The buses are C205 and C208, both departing from Avenida Marginal, right in front of the Ponta Delgada Tourist Office. If you can choose, we recommend the C205, as it travels through the south of the island and is the fastest, with a travel time of 1 hour and 15 minutes. The C208, on the other hand, takes about 2 hours to reach Sete Cidades.
If you're not staying in Ponta Delgada, we recommend ruling out public transportation to reach Sete Cidades. For instance, from another major city on the island like Ribeira Grande, the drive to Sete Cidades takes 45 minutes, while the bus ride would take between 2 to 3 hours. But the choice is yours!
We encourage you to rent a car and explore the island with total comfort and freedom. The roads are in excellent condition, and the locals drive wonderfully.
If you don't want to rent a car, don't worry! Another way to get to Sete Cidades is with this affordable transfer service. Don't waste time on transportation!
Must-See Places in Sete Cidades
1. Sete Cidades Lagoon
We remember the first time we saw the Sete Cidades Lagoon from the Vista do Rei viewpoint. Before we arrived, we knew we were about to witness a natural wonder from one of its best viewpoints, but I don’t think we were prepared for the magnitude of the incredible view that awaited us. If you’re like us, you’ll probably be left speechless and understand why this lagoon is the most famous and visited spot on the island of São Miguel.
Sete Cidades Lagoon is a slice of paradise where two lagoons, one blue and one green, merge between mountains covered in lush vegetation and forests, creating a landscape unlike any you've seen before. The fact that the lagoon has two different colors is what truly makes it special, with the larger area being deep blue and the smaller part emerald green.
We recommend viewing the lagoon from different viewpoints and at various times of the day as the colors change with the sunlight. Luckily, this is quite easy; there are many viewpoints where you can admire its beauty, but you can also reach its shore in the village of Sete Cidades, bike around it, kayak, or swim in its warm waters. And don’t forget, you can hike one of São Miguel’s easiest trails, which we’ll discuss later.
2. The Village of Sete Cidades
The village of Sete Cidades offers one of the best ways to experience the Sete Cidades Lagoon as it allows you to reach its shore. For us, a good experience in the village is to go to the bridge that divides the lagoon in two and, from there, observe how its waters are a different color on each side, distinguished by green and blue.
Although the village of Sete Cidades doesn't have many tourist attractions beyond the lagoon, it is one of the most visited places in São Miguel because you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and biking around the lagoon. Additionally, you can rent a kayak to explore its waters or simply swim in the designated “beach” area within the village.
Of course, the village of Sete Cidades is a great option to enjoy local cuisine while visiting this area, as there are a few bars and restaurants. We have fond memories of the São Nicolau bar, a simple buffet restaurant with a quiet terrace on its side, where we enjoyed a well-deserved snack of local cheeses and a couple of beers after biking around the entire lagoon. But save some room for the restaurants we recommend in the “Where to Eat in Sete Cidades” section of this post.
3. Laguna de Santiago Viewpoint
Seeing the Sete Cidades Lagoon from various viewpoints is a must-do on our São Miguel guide. If you’re driving, leaving the village of Sete Cidades via the bridge that separates the two lagoons, you’ll reach the first viewpoint along this road, the Laguna de Santiago Viewpoint.
From this viewpoint, you won't see the Sete Cidades Lagoon; as the name suggests, you’ll enjoy an incredible view of the Laguna de Santiago, one of the most photographed lagoons in the Azores. In our opinion, even if your goal is to see the Sete Cidades Lagoon, it’s totally worth stopping at this viewpoint, which is on the way to the best viewpoints of the Sete Cidades Lagoon: Cerrado das Freiras Viewpoint and the most famous one, Vista do Rei Viewpoint.
By the way, if you want to spend a bit more time at the Laguna de Santiago, from this viewpoint there’s a short linear hike (1 km) through forest trails that takes you to the edge of the Laguna de Santiago. This hike is quite recommended if you fancy a walk, and it only takes about 30 minutes round trip.
4. Cerrado das Freiras Viewpoint
If you continue driving up the road, you’ll reach Cerrado das Freiras Viewpoint, one of the most popular on the island for enjoying panoramic views of the Sete Cidades Lagoon.
This viewpoint is easily accessible by car, and there is parking nearby, though you can also reach the viewpoint on foot or by bike from the village of Sete Cidades.
5. Vista do Rei Viewpoint – The best views of Sete Cidades Lagoon
Vista do Rei Viewpoint is one of the most visited viewpoints on the island of São Miguel. From here, you can appreciate the entire lagoon, with its two parts divided by the bridge. In addition to the panoramic view of the lagoon, you’ll also have spectacular views of the island's north coast, as well as the green fields and hills surrounding the lagoon.
Needless to say, this viewpoint is likely to be the most crowded. It offers the best views of the Sete Cidades Lagoon, the photos are incredible, and it’s very accessible by car or through organized tours. In fact, you’ll probably see several tour buses parked there when you arrive.
Depending on the time of day, you might find the parking lot full as it’s quite small, but there are some spots along the roadside where you can park without any issues.
During peak season, such as August, we recommend visiting early in the day to avoid crowds. Ideally, start your day at the Vista do Rei Viewpoint and then make your way down to the village of Sete Cidades, stopping at the previous viewpoints along the way.
6. The Ruins of Hotel Monte Palace – The most unique view of Sete Cidades
The Monte Palace Hotel (or rather, its ruins) is located right next to the Vista do Rei Viewpoint. This abandoned hotel was built in the 1980s and closed shortly after its inauguration.
Since then, it has become an “original” tourist attraction, especially for the views of the Sete Cidades Lagoon that can be seen from its rooftop. However, despite people still entering, you should know that it has recently become private property, making it illegal to enter. Who knows, maybe one day we can stay in this marvelous hotel.
If you decide to venture inside, keep in mind that it can be dangerous. It’s important to be cautious as you need to climb a wall to enter, and remember that it’s an abandoned building without proper maintenance.
Top Activities in Sete Cidades
1. Kayaking on Sete Cidades Lagoon
We couldn't start this section with any activity other than kayaking on Sete Cidades Lagoon. We love it! Whenever we get the chance, we love to paddle, and we can assure you that kayaking on Sete Cidades Lagoon has been one of the most memorable experiences we've had with this sport. The tranquility of the water, combined with the contrast of the two-colored lagoons, is an experience that stays with you forever.
Photo: Azores for all website | Kayaks in Sete Cidades
Moreover, kayaking on Sete Cidades Lagoon is an activity accessible to everyone, and no prior experience is required. The water is very calm, making it perfect for beginners and families. If you've never kayaked before, can you think of a better place to start?
To do this activity, there is a local company located in the village of Sete Cidades that also offers bike rental services, which we'll explain in the next section.
This company offers the option to rent a kayak for 2 people for 1 hour (20€ total) or rent a kayak and a bicycle for about 3 hours (30€/person). If you have time, we recommend doing both—we loved both experiences!
Although the company office is in one of the village houses, the meeting point to pick up your reserved kayak is on the lagoon shore, right next to the bridge that divides the two lakes (you can find the location on the map at the end of this post).
2. Biking around Sete Cidades
In addition to kayaking, biking is always among our favorite plans when we travel, especially if we can ride on flat paths in a beautiful setting (we're not experienced cyclists). And this is the case here! The paths around Sete Cidades Lagoon are perfect for biking.
You can rent bikes from the same company as the kayaks. In this case, you also have two options: rent a bicycle for 1 hour (10€/person) or rent a kayak and a bicycle for about 3 hours (30€/person).
To pick them up, you’ll need to go to their office (location on the map). They will give you a map and point out the best routes you can take around the lagoon. We rented the bikes for 2 hours, which was enough time to bike around the two lagoons without any problems, although one of the lagoons cannot be fully circled.
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.
3. Hiking Trails in Sete Cidades
Hiking is the quintessential activity in São Miguel, and of course, you can't miss taking a peaceful walk around Sete Cidades Lagoon. If you just want to spend a while walking along the shore, we recommend doing it around the green lagoon (Lagoa Verde), as it seems more accessible. Don't worry, you can also visit the blue lagoon, which is perfect for swimming and kayaking.
If you're up for a longer hike in the area, we recommend the PR03 SMI trail, one of the easiest hiking routes in São Miguel. This 7.7 km linear trail (round trip) runs from the Vista do Rei viewpoint to Sete Cidades Lagoon (or vice versa). We believe this is a very good option to leisurely explore the Sete Cidades area because, despite starting and ending at two of the island's most visited attractions, it usually isn't very crowded.
If you want to know more about the PR03 SMI trail, don’t miss our post on the easiest hiking trails in São Miguel.
THE BEST ACTIVITIES IN SÃO MIGUEL!
Other Must-See Spots Near Sete Cidades
The Sete Cidades area is home to several lagoons, so it's common to spend part of the day exploring the most important ones, such as Canário Lagoon and others found in the Serra Devassa.
Moreover, don't forget the west coast of São Miguel, a beautiful and close-by area you can't miss. Many people take the opportunity to visit some must-sees on the west coast of São Miguel on the same day, such as Mosteiros Beach, Ponta da Ferraria, or Caneiros Natural Pool.
So, whether you prefer more lagoons or a dip in the sea, don't miss this section on other must-see spots near Sete Cidades.
1. Laguna do Canario – Another must-see lagoon near Sete Cidades
In the Sete Cidades area, there are other incredible lagoons you can't miss. The most well-known is Canário Lagoon, a volcanic-origin lagoon that is part of the Parque Forestal da Mata do Canário. The intense green of its water and the lush vegetation surrounding it will leave you speechless.
When you arrive at the parking lot of Canário Lagoon, don't be surprised if you find many cars parked. Besides being very popular, two of the best hiking trails in São Miguel start from there: the PRC05 SMI, which covers part of the Serra Devassa, and the linear trail that reaches the Grota do Inferno viewpoint (or Boca do Inferno).
We suggest that if you have limited days for hiking in São Miguel, prioritize these two routes—they are among our top 10 hiking trails on the island!
2. Grota do Inferno Viewpoint – One of the most visited spots in São Miguel
The trail that reaches the Grota do Inferno viewpoint (or Boca do Inferno) is a must-do in São Miguel as it's the only way to reach one of the island's main tourist attractions: an incredible viewpoint offering an impressive panoramic view of Sete Cidades Lagoon, Canário Lagoon, and much of the Serra Devassa.
However, this viewpoint is at the top of a cliff, so prepare your legs for a good climb (about 107 m of elevation gain). But don't worry, the distance is quite short, and in 1.2 km, you'll find yourself in front of one of the best views on the island (and one of the most famous and photographed, of course).
(!) If you want to know more about this trail, don't miss our post on the 10 best hiking trails in São Miguel.
3. PRC05 SMI Trail – The best hiking route near Sete Cidades
The PRC05 SMI trail starts at the Canário Lagoon parking lot, just like the previous trail. Although it's a popular route, it's not as crowded as the previous one and allows you to enjoy nature more peacefully.
This trail runs through the Serra Devassa, an area that is part of the Parque Forestal da Mata do Canário and is famous for having the highest number of lagoons on the island of São Miguel (including Canário Lagoon).
During this 4.9 km circular route, you'll have spectacular views of several lagoons and viewpoints, such as Lagoa das Éguas and Lagoa Rasa.
(!) This trail is also part of our list of the 10 best hiking trails in São Miguel, so don't miss it!
4. The West Coast of São Miguel Island
As you know, the Sete Cidades area is in the west of São Miguel Island, an area known for its lagoons, but also for its coast!
Yes, there's also a piece of paradise for sea lovers here.
Among the main attractions of the west coast that you can find in our São Miguel travel guide, we recommend not missing these must-sees:
Ponta da Ferraria, a thermal spring that stands out worldwide by combining hot spring waters with the Atlantic Ocean.
Mosteiros and its beach, a fishing village known for its natural pools carved into lava flows, and the sea stacks, the islets extending from its coast.
Caneiros Natural Pool, a saltwater natural pool in a rocky area surrounded by cliffs.
(!) If you want to know more about these places, don't miss the sections on Ponta da Ferraria, Mosteiros and its beach, and Caneiros Natural Pool in our São Miguel guide.
Where to Eat in Sete Cidades
The village of Sete Cidades, despite being one of the most visited by tourists, does not have a very extensive dining offer. However, we believe there are some pretty good options for eating, depending on your tastes and preferences.
If you fancy homemade food, we recommend Restaurante Lagoa Azul, a buffet with traditional dishes that are quite good. Considering you can eat a good amount and that drinks and coffee are included, we think the price-quality ratio is quite good (€17 per person and €6 for children under 10).
Another common and informal option in Sete Cidades is food trucks, where you can buy fast food like burgers, hot dogs, or fries. This can be a good option if you want to eat quickly to keep exploring or simply want to have a picnic by the lagoon. We recommend Food & Friends-Food Truck, where you can eat for between €5 and €10.
Finally, for a snack, we recommend Bar São Nicolau.
Map of Places to Visit in Sete Cidades
If you can't open or expand the data on this map correctly, access this link: Map of Sete Cidades
Don't miss out on the best activities in Sete Cidades!