2. Sete Cidades Village

Sete Cidades is one of the charming towns on the island of São Miguel. The main attraction of this locality is the Lagoa das Sete Cidades, with its two lagoons, the blue lagoon and the green lagoon.

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The lagoons are the result of volcanic activity and have a total perimeter of around 12 km and a maximum depth of 630 meters. Near the town, there are several viewpoints from which you can admire panoramic views of its lagoons, such as the Lagoa de Santiago Viewpoint, the Cerrado das Freiras Viewpoint, or the famous Vista do Rei Viewpoint.

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Although the town of Sete Cidades doesn't have a remarkable tourist attraction beyond the Lagoa das Sete Cidades, it is one of the most visited localities by tourists to get a close look at the lagoons and engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and kayaking.

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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).

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If you have time, we recommend doing both experiences since it is perfectly possible to bike and kayak on the same day. Bikes are picked up at the main office of the company, conveniently located right here. The meeting point to pick up the kayak at the reserved time is located on the shore of the lagoon, right next to the bridge that divides the two lakes, in this location. We assure you these are two very fun ways to enjoy the Lagoa das Sete Cidades.

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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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And of course, don't forget to enjoy the cuisine. In the town of Sete Cidades, there are several restaurants and bars where you can try dishes and products typical of the region, such as São Nicolau Bar, which we recommend.​​

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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.