Sete Cidades is a charming civil parish nestled within the caldera of the dormant Sete Cidades volcano. Here lies the largest azorean lagoon where the views seem like out of a fairytale, divided between the Blue and Green lagoons. Embrace Mosteiros, the westernmost point on the island with its natural pools and volcanic islets, make one of the favorite summer retreats for the locals and the best sunset spot!

• Start this tour by driving up to the caldera’s wall through a inner road of the island, stop by a viewpoint to see both north and south coastlines and the vast hills and volcanic formations along São Miguel.
• Check the old roman style aqueducts dating back to the XVI century, used to carry fresh water from the nearby lagoons to all the western populaces.
• Dwelve into a lagoon secluded by trees, the Lagoa do Canário can be contemplated only from a few access points. Take an easy walk through this natural park with woods that look they came from a fairytale. Reaching up a viewpoint where one can contemplate the inside of the caldera from the top of its volcanic walls is optional, but a very popular stop (moderate climb).
• Contemplate the whole vastness of Sete Cidades green and blue lagoons from the King’s Viewpoint, learn about the legend behind the lagoon dual colors, the history of the abandoned hotel that lies in ruins and all of the rich geological diversity.
• Descend into the caldera, contemplating the hydrangeas lush bushes along the way, discover the Santiago lagoon from up above. Reach the bridge that divides the blue and green lagoons and its mythological meaning.
• Indulge your tasting buds on the local Azorean flavors, a richness that comes from the land and surrounding ocean, in many shapes and ways. At a familiar restaurant we’ll have a buffet lunch with typical dishes and Portuguese drinks, discover the famous Portuguese kitchen with various insights about its origins.
• Have a slow walk around the Blue lagoon’s shoreline to ease the digestion, feast your eyes and ears now in all of the immensity of this unique ecosystem, a diversity of flora, fauna and landscape.
• Visit the town center to check on the unique Neo-Gothic styled church from the XIX century, or the gift shop, or the tea house, many possibilities arise this time of the day.
• Reach the top of a cliff on the westernmost point of São Miguel to appreciate the views of Mosteiros and its islets, learn about the missing 10th Azorean island.
• Descend into Mosteiros, a town on a lava delta formation with its own micro climate. An area that encompasses a vast volcanic coastline with natural pools built from volcanic flows. Indulge your feet (or full body) on the fresh Atlantic waters before trying a local sweet delicacy and returning to your accommodation.

Walk into lush vegetation of centuries of old, admire the local friendly wildlife in their natural habitats, enhance your senses with splendid contrasts of green and blue. Absorb nature’s soundtrack and indulge yourself in some of the best local dishes.
Short hikes included (~45/60min.) are optional.
Swim at the natural pools are optional (conditions apply).