Lagoons of Sete Cidades

Where to start? This lagoon is one of the emblematic postcards of the island of São Miguel.

One of the largest calderas in the world

The caldera was formed by the successive collapses of centralized volcanic cones of pumice, lava domes and maars that accumulated in a depression 6 km in diameter and 0.5 km in depth, occupied by two large blue and green lagoons.

The edge of the caldera is delimited by forest-covered slopes, while its interior is occupied by the village of Sete Cidades, agricultural fields and pastures.

Viewpoints/Lookouts

The twin lakes are visible from many of the viewpoints that stretch along the rim of the crater, ensuring plenty of incredible views and unforgettable scenery.

An obligatory viewpoint, the viewpoint of "Vista do Rei" ("the Kings View"), allows visitors to see the two (green and blue) lagoons together (the famous "Lagoas das Sete Cidades"). Next to the viewpoint is the abandoned hotel "Monte Palace", a building full of history that dominates the edge of the caldera.