CALDEIRA DAS SETE CIDADES HIKE + MONTE PALACE HOTEL RUINS

Welcome to my expanded guide for an awesome circular hike around Caldeira das Sete Cidades, São Miguel’s hiking gem in the Azores. This unique version of the trail takes you beyond the classic circuit, adding an option to explore the atmospheric Monte Palace Hotel ruins and a super scenic detour to the tranquil Lagoa de Canario. This is my personal twist on a renowned route, where each step adds the natural splendor and hidden stories of this incredible volcanic wonder.

CALDEIRA DAS SETE CIDADES LOOP HIKE FACTS

Distance: The total distance for this hike was 21km

Hike duration: This hike’s duration was 4,5h.

Elevation gain: The total elevation gain for this hike was a little above 600m.

Difficulty: This hike is moderately easy. There aren’t any dangers on the trail but the distance and elevation might be challenging for some people.

Gear needed: Definitely a windbreaker and obviously comfy trail running or hiking shoes. If you’re unsure on what else to bring for a hike, read this guide.

My Strava map upload + GPS file: CALDEIRA DAS SETE CIDADES

GETTING TO CALDEIRA DAS SETE CIDADES HIKE

By car: Driving Directions: Sete Cidades is about a 30-minute drive from Ponta Delgada. Use a GPS or a map to navigate to the village of Sete Cidades. The main road leading there is EN9-1A. Parking: Once in Sete Cidades, you’ll find parking areas near the trailhead. Look for signage indicating the start of hiking trails.

By bus: Public buses operate from Ponta Delgada to Sete Cidades, but they may have limited schedules. It’s important to check the latest bus timetables. Bus Route: Look for buses heading towards Sete Cidades from Ponta Delgada. The bus route might have a few stops, so plan accordingly. Arrival at Sete Cidades: Once you arrive in Sete Cidades by bus, the trailhead is usually within walking distance. Local signage and maps can help guide you to the starting point.

MY EXPERIENCE HIKING CALDEIRA DAS SETE CIDADES

The adventure began at the familiar car park which was the starting point of my previous hike in the same area – Lagoa das Sete Cidades Hike leading straight into the heart of Sete Cidades. This day however, was set apart for a different quest. To explore the caldeira’s rim, a path perhaps a little bit less popular but full of promising views!

JUNGLE PASSAGE

The hike started right at the car park with an immersive walk through a very dense jungle, a brief passage that felt as if we were transported to some mystical surrounding. Quite crazy and awesome path which was a bit overgrown, not many people tend to follow it, not sure why!

MONTE PALACE RUINS

That path led to the remnants of the Monte Palace Hotel. My god – what an awesome spot to witness how nature is reclaiming man-made structures when they are left abandoned. The Hotel was built for luxury in the 1980s, opened in 1989 but closed 18 months later due to bankruptcy. Despite its grand amenities and incredible views.. however those views would have been rarely visible since that location gets a whopping 180 days of rain during the year.

INTO THE FOREST

There, standing on the edge of history (I am feeling very poetic today) the views of the Caldeira das Sete Cidades unfolded in a panoramic spectacle. From this point we followed the same path as during the LAGOA DAS SETE CIDADES hike. The views were fantastic for probably 5 minutes. Then the weather decided to change and it became super cloudy. Typical scenery for Azores 🙂

Following the fork in the trail, we took a right turn that deviated from the familiar path I had previously hiked – Lagoa das Sete Cidades. Instead, it led us along a route encircling the rim of the caldera. Although we both hoped for clearer skies that day, we still found the scenery to be really stunning.

PICO DA CRUZ

While strolling along the Caldeira das Sete Cidades we could enjoy stunning views on both sides – the picturesque coastline, lush greenery and chilling cows on one side and the magnificent Lagoa das Sete Cidades on the other. My online maps I used during the hike showed multiple viewpoints like Miradouro da Cumeira with great views on an endless horizon as well as Pico da Cruz – the highest point of the Caldeira das Sete Cidades which is often shrouded in clouds upon reaching its “summit”.

LAGOA DO CANARIO DETOUR

We went on a detour following the path towards Lagoa do Canario and what a detour it was! The forest here, ancient and untamed was full of colors with wildflowers surrounding us from each side. Despite the fact that the sky was entirely covered in clouds at this point we still enjoyed the Azorean flora in all its glory. Lagoa do Canario seemed like an awesome spot to make a break for either a snack or meditation – whatever your preference spot, awesome spot to sit down and rest!

END OF THE LOOP & RETURN

The way back is pretty straight forward, all we had to do is pass this magical forest with extremely tall trees and get back to the main road. The last 2-3km of this adventure were not very exactly exciting since we had to walk on the road. Before you ask – it felt totally safe and I would definitely do it again 🙂

CONCLUSION

Caldeira das Sete Cidades was a great addition to my previous hike at Lagoa das Sete Cidades. If I had to choose between the two, I would prioritize Lagoa das Sete Cidades for its scenic views and overall hiking experience, reserving Caldeira das Sete Cidades for a trail running activity. On the other hand, Lagoa do Canario is a fantastic spot to visit on the way to Sete Cidades, with a convenient car park and easy access without requiring much distance.

I hope you enjoyed reading this guide and will have a lot of fun hiking Caldeira das Sete Cidades! If you have any questions or suggestions – drop a comment below or reach out on any of my socials! Wish you safe and happy hiking!