Visit Sete Cidades and Western Coast of São Miguel, Azores

Is Sete Cidades Worth Visiting?

When you see promotional materials for the Azores you will most likely see images of Sete Cidades. This is considered one of the most beautiful places on São Miguel island and why we would agree that it is definitely worth visiting. 

We visited this area twice – once on a larger bus tour with our conference group and a second time with a private guide in a 4WD.  The smaller vehicle was able to take us to some of the more remote locations around the summit road and gave us the ability to see this gorgeous spot from several different viewpoint areas.

If you love natural beauty this should be your number one location to visit.

Highlights of Sete Cidades and Western Coast

What Is The Legend of the Sete Cidades?

As legend has it, there was a beautiful, blue-eyed princess that lived in the area of Sete Cidades. Of course, as all princesses do, she regularly wandered the hills of this stunning landscape. One day she came upon a green-eyed shepherd playing a flute. She loved his music and each day she secretly met with him until the two eventually found themselves in love. 

But alas, it was not to be, as her father had already promised her to another for the good of the kingdom.  He did concede to one final meeting of the couple where their grief was so great, they cried non-stop. The tears from her eyes created the blue lake and the tears from his eyes created the green lake. So goes the romantic tale of how the lakes were created inside the crater.

For those a little less sentimental, the lakes are varying depths so the reflection of blue from the sky is displayed in different shades.

Whichever story you choose to believe – it truly is a lovely area to see.

Sete Cidades and Western Coast Map

Sete Cidades Meaning

Sete Cidades means seven cities. Azoreans love their folklore so there are many reasons suggested as to why this area was named as such.

The most common version dates back to when the 16th-century explorers first found this area. Originally they saw a mountain and then realized it was actually a caldera with lakes inside. Upon further investigation, it was determined there are seven chimnies inside the caldera, likely leading to the name of seven cities.

Cumeeiras Summit Road

The caldera of Sete Cidades was originally a huge mountain that was 2000m in altitude. When the volcano exploded 350,000 years ago, it collapsed into itself and created the crater that is there now. Since this happened so long ago, the interior of the crater has matured and the landscape has evolved.

The region receives 1800ml of rain per square metre each year making this area the lush and green landscape that we can see today.

Around the top edge of the caldera is the Cumeeiras Summit Road. It runs 12 kms around and provides some spectacular locations for viewing the lakes below.

Many parts of the road are quite narrow, bumpy and nothing more than a dirt track – not to mention cows are often on the road. So, typically people do this road as a hike, on horses or in a 4WD vehicle. It is pretty tricky so it is best to have a professional, local driver tackle this for you.  

✅ This is the private tour that we used to do our 4WD tour to Sete Cidades. Our guide was amazing and we learned so much about the area we were visiting. Being in a 4WD vehicle we were able to go to all kinds of areas the larger tour buses can’t.

✅ Choose a reputable, small group tour when planning to do a bike tour around this region. It is important to have knowledgeable guides and good equipment for your excursion.

Our guide shared with us about an event that has taken place on this road called the European Rally. Professional drivers drive at high speed along these roads and the spectators line the shoulders of the track to enjoy the race.

Check out this little video that will give you an idea of what the road conditions can be like. Looks kind of crazy to us!

Depending on the time of year that you visit, you will see different types of flowers along the way. In the early spring, the azaleas are in bloom and by the beginning of June the hydrangeas are starting to blossom.

These hydrangeas were originally used to separate property boundaries rather than fencing and now they grow all over the island at the edges of the roads. They are mature bushes and the blooms can be enormous. It is a beautiful sight and along this road they are plentiful.

Miradouros – Panoramic Views

One thing we were so impressed with on this island was the many viewpoints that have been created for visitors to stop and admire the vistas. With 230 volcanos and 22 lakes on the island, there is a lot of beauty to take in. And some of the very best stops are located in this area.

Mirodouro da Vista do Rei – King’s View

The Vista do Rei viewpoint (King’s view) is one of the most popular. It is easily accessible so even the large buses can stop here and allow everyone to take in the lovely scenery below.

From this spot, you can take in the lush surroundings with beautiful hydrangeas filling the hillsides (when in season).  The two lakes are visible from this vantage point but depending on the weather and cloud coverage, you may not always be able to see the vivid green and blue. 

But as long as the clouds are high enough in the sky, you can enjoy an incredible view from this location showing you the division of the twin lakes by a bridge and the small village of Sete Cidades down in the valley. It is spectacular!

Also at this location, you can see the Monte Palace – the remnants of an abandoned hotel. This property was built in the 1990s and was originally a luxury hotel set up on a hill with incredible views all around. Unfortunately, it only remained open for less than two years.

It is felt that poor management along with its remote location proved to be a recipe for failure.  The locals hope that one day it will be redeveloped but it would be at an enormous cost.  

Since many of the materials to build the hotel were imported, the entire building would now need to be demolished and removed from the island before starting a new project. There are signs all around forbidding entrance but apparently people do still go inside. It isn’t recommended given the state of the ceiling and floors.

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Mirodouro das Cumeeiras – Queen’s View

At the opposite end of the caldera from the King’s View, at the northern end, there are some amazing sights that are referred to as the Queen’s View (although not officially).

Here it has a very steep drop-off down to the lake and you can really get a perspective of how high the caldera reaches. This is an area that is regularly used for paragliding. What an amazing ride that must be!

While we were gazing out over yet another amazing viewpoint, we were also told about an incredible concert – the Atlantis Concert for Earth – that was held down on a flat piece of land along the water’s edge. In 2022 the Black Eyed Peas and Pitbull, along with other artists, played in a two-day concert. You can see a little clip of what the setup looked like in this video.

All the guests had to walk in for 30 minutes from where the parking was located. And our guide told us people sat up on the summit road where we were looking down to enjoy the music. Pretty cool spot for a concert!

Mirodouro da Lagoa de Santiago

Also in this area, you can enjoy the miradouro or viewpoint over Lagoa da Santiago. While this is a separate lake from the crater, it is very close by and you will likely pass it while going down to the village. It is a pretty green lagoon and worth a quick look.

✅ A perfect way to explore this region is with a small group walking tour. Check out this awesome tour that is a small group and even includes lunch.

Sete Cidades Village

The village of Sete Cidades is nestled down in the valley of the crater. Most of the land in this area is privately owned and the village is not that old – with its beginnings dating to the 1940s. 

It is a quaint village, mostly residential but has some notable sights to visit.

Church of São Nicolau

This 19th century church built in the Neo-Gothic style is the local catholic church for the village. It is very charming and the walkway leading to it is lined with trees and flowers making it a picturesque location. 

The inside is quite simple with the typical Portuguese characteristics including two side walls covered in blue and white tiles.

Outside it is a pretty spot to walk around with sculptures and landscaped paths.

Casa Grande

Along the main road, you will see a large house that dates back to the 19th century. It was originally owned by the family of Caetano Andrade (an Azorean businessman in the agricultural industry) as their summer home.

It is a very grand building but has fallen into disrepair over the years. Our guide informed us that there is a picture from 1927 of the house where flood waters are up over the porch. This was a real problem in the early days for people living in the area.

Tunel des Sete Cidades

The lakes inside the caldera sit at 250m above sea level and as mentioned the region receives a lot of rain. As a result, a tunnel system was built in the 1930s to regulate the water levels. It was created through the mountain and is 1.2 kms long. It is crucial for keeping the low-lying areas from flooding.

If you are interested, you can walk inside the tunnel since there is a pathway along the edge. There are no lights so a flashlight is needed.  Many people use this as a shortcut to get to the main road outside of the caldera.

Sports & Activities

Non-motorized sports such as paddling or canoeing can be practiced on the lake. It is also a very popular place for picnics along the water’s edge. Many people will come here on day trips to enjoy the walking trails and park areas outside the small village.

✅ Plan some time to go kayaking on the lakes of Sete Cidades. Here is a 5-star rated company where you can arrange your kayak rental.

Near Sete Cidades Along The Western Coast

After visiting Sete Cidades, it is well worth driving a little further until you reach the coast. The western point of the island has some incredible places to visit and they aren’t too far – within 20 minutes.

Mosteiros

The landscape along the coastal roads of Mosterios is far more rugged since the volcanic activity here is much younger than in other areas of the island – only 15,000 years ago. It is quite the contrast to see the green of the hills leading to the black lava rocks at the bottom and then down into the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. On a clear day, this is a stunning place to see.

This is a very active geothermal location and a hidden gem located here is the Piscinas Naturals Caneiros. In many of the crevices, there are natural pools where people swim and snorkel due to the warmer water mixing with the crashing ocean waves.

Some of the areas have ladders installed to assist with getting into the water. Looks like it would be tough walking so be sure to bring along water shoes to protect your feet.

Even if you don’t want to go in the water, this is a beautiful location to walk along the coast. There are some small restaurants available and our guide pointed out an interesting accommodation option located within a lighthouse. This could make for a great place to stay at this end of the island.

Further along the coast towards the town, you will see large rocks out in the water. These are the islets of Monteiros and are quite impressive to see. Located almost a kilometre from the coast they rise up over 70m from the water. It is thought that these are the remaining pieces of the outer rim of the volcanic crater located here. This area is known for its beautiful sunsets.

And if the natural pools are not your cup of tea, there is also a large black sand beach where it is much easier to enjoy the sun and water on a warm day.

Mirodouro da Ponta do Escalvado

If you want one of the best views of the coast and the islets – be sure to stop at the viewpoint of Ponta do Escalvado. One of the prettiest on the island of Sao Miguel, it gives you an amazing look at the rugged beauty of the area.

This was originally an important location for spotting whales and was used extensively when whaling was a main source of industry for the island.

Termas da Ferraria

A final area that is a must-see while on the western coast is the Termas da Ferraria. Located less than 15 minutes from Mosteiros this is both a gorgeous location and the best spot for enjoying another natural thermal pool.

As you approach, be sure to first stop at the Miradouro da Ilha Sabrina for views of the surrounding area. You can see the pools and the spa down below as well as the protruding lava spokes called the five fingers. Services can be pre-booked at the Spa.

It is suggested that the high concentration of sulphur in the salt water provides medicinal properties and can help with conditions such as rheumatism. 

Ferraria is a natural hot spring and during low tide, it is a fabulous place for swimming. There are change rooms onsite and a ladder for easy access to the water. And there is no entrance fee to use the pools. 

We will admit that having visited other hot springs like the ones in Iceland, that we thought the water would be much warmer, but initially, it doesn’t feel that way. However, once you swim out to the area where the ocean is feeding the pool (where it is much colder) and then swim back into the protected area, it does feel warmer.

There are ropes strung along the width of the pool so if you need something to hold onto those provide some additional security. This was one of the highlights of our trip to Sao Miguel so be sure to check it out.

Once you have finished your swim, be sure to take a walk around this area and go to see the five fingers jutting out into the ocean and the striking Ponta da Ferraria. This area is one of the newest volcanic areas – only 800 years old so the the lava is much newer and has a completely different consistency. It is fascinating to see.

✅ If you want to combine Sete Cidades with Ferriera then choose this company – the same one we used to see both of these areas (plus more) in one day.

Final Word…Visiting the Sete Cidades and Western Coast

If you are looking to get out of the main city of Ponta Delgada and see some of the rugged side of Sao Miguel Island, be sure to plan a day visiting Sete Cidades and western coast. Here you will be pleasantly surprised by the number of small villages, spectacular viewpoints and great spots for enjoying a swim or relaxing walk by the coast. It was by far one of our best days while on the island of São Miguel.