LAGOA DAS SETE CIDADES – DESCENDING INTO A GIGANTIC CRATER
Lagoa das Sete Cidades was always a top spot on my hiking list so when I planned my Azores adventure. You’ve probably seen those stunning pictures of Sete Cidades just like I did – they’re everywhere when you’re looking up places to hike in the Azores. That’s exactly why I made sure to spend a few extra days on São Miguel. I wanted to catch Lagoa das Sete Cidades on the best days and I got lucky – the weather was perfect for all three of my hikes there.
In this guide, I’m taking you on a straightforward 13km route around Lagoa das Sete Cidades. This isn’t just about seeing the famous views from up high. Here’s where you can also visit the small town inside the crater and exploring two beautiful lakes: Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde. You’ll get why Lagoa das Sete Cidades is such a big deal in the Azores.
LAGOA DAS SETE CIDADES
STRAVA UPLOAD HEREDistance: The total distance for this hike was 13km
Hike duration: This hike’s duration was 3,5h with a moving time of 2:50h. I just took plenty of time for pictures and lunch 🙂
Elevation gain: The total elevation gain for this hike was 400m.
Difficulty: This hike is easy. There aren’t any difficult sections or high drops and the distance didn’t feel like much. It’s mostly a flat surface except for the last section where I had to climb up through the forest.
Gear needed: Comfortable shoes, sun protection and a wind breaker are a minimum. If you’re unsure on what else to bring for a hike, read this guide.
My Strava map upload + GPS file: SETE CIDADES
GETTING TO LAGOA 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: blic Transportation: 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 LAGOA DAS SETE CIDADES
Heading out to São Miguel Island in the Azores, Lagoa Sete Cidades was obviously at the top of my list. Known for its colourful landscapes and without a doubt unforgettable lagoons: Lagoa Azul & Lagoa Verde, it was basically my duty to see if it lived up to the hype. Spoiler alert! it absolutely did, here’s my personal experience of hiking this awesome landmark.
From the car park to into the wild
Our adventure kicks off at a humble car park but don’t be fooled as this is only the gateway to an epic journey. The trail starts off easy with a gentle path that goes through lush greenery and thousands of blue coloured plants. The first part was pretty much a relaxed forest walk.
First Stop: A viewpoint from a movie scene.
The trail split at one point – right for a viewpoint of the lagoons and left to keep going deeper into nature. Not gonna lie, the viewpoint felt like a scene from a movie. I finally had a chance to look at the lakes of Sete Cidades with their waters so still they could be glass.
Through a Land of Hydrangeas
After a few minutes I continued my journey where I could appreciate the views on the left, looking at the Atlantic Ocean stretching into the horizon. I was now walking through flowers, spotting cows and horses here and there – a real slice of Sete Cidades life I guess. Discovering Azores = being hit with a sea of hydrangeas almost everywhere you go. It seems that they’re also an unofficial emblem of all nine islands. Brought over by Portuguese explorers and missionaries centuries back. Thanks to the Azores’ volcanic soil, frequent showers, and one-of-a-kind climate, hydrangeas thrive here painting the landscape everywhere.
Sapataiero peak & cow pyramid
Pushing down the trail something on the left caught my eye and I just had to stop and double check if I am being delusional or not. Nope. A quick zoom-in with my camera confirmed it – those weren’t your average hills. They were those funky, pyramid-shaped mountains with a peak called Sapateiro taking center stage. But it’s not the shape of the mountains I cared the most but.. a lineup of cows, each perched above the other, like some sort of cow party version of a pyramid. Mind officially blown!
Descending into the crater
At some point, after a while – a right turn led me down a concrete road. It’s a bit of a shift from the dirt and gravel but it’s all part of the journey. A quick left at the crossroads came with yet another stunning view before you I hit the signpost for Sete Cidades. And let me tell you, the descent into the crater is very exciting, despite the concrete road.
Lagoa das Sete Cidades – the famous lakes
Once I reached the town I could see the Lagoa Azul’s tranquil blues. At the end, there was a bench that’s perfect for a break – I just sat there for like 15 minutes in a total silence. If you like to mediate – that’s not a bad spot for that at all. The path then goes to follows to Lagoa Verde with (really) unforgettable views that make every step worth it.
Into the jungle
After checking out the lagoons it was the time to find the way back. Since I prefer circular trails I decided to return to the car park by climbing through a jungle. This is where the real fun begins. Climbing through the dense foliage was a thrilling challenge that looped me back to where I started. PS there will be two forks, you gotta turn left on both.
Conclusion
Lagoa das Sete Cidades isn’t just a spot to hike – it’s without a doubt an experience. Between the surreal cow pyramids and those quirky peaks, this hike was nothing short of an adventure. It’s clear as day – discovering Lagoa das Sete Cidades is an absolute must. The fauna and flora and overall views are impossible to forget. Probably the best possible intro to Azores you can think of.
Hope you enjoyed reading this guide! If you have any questions – drop a comment on find me on social media.
Safe and happy hiking!
