Information
Landmark: Lagoa das Sete CidadesCity: Azores
Country: Portugal
Continent: Europe
Lagoa das Sete Cidades, Azores, Portugal, Europe
Overview
On São Miguel Island in Portugal’s Azores, the Lagoa das Sete Cidades-its waters a vivid mix of blue and green-is among the island’s most breathtaking and famous natural landmarks.Tucked inside the Sete Cidades Massif crater, this twin lake shimmers in vivid hues-emerald on one side, sapphire on the other-and its calm, mirror-like surface draws countless visitors and photographers from across the Azores.Number one.Lagoa das Sete Cidades, nestled inside the vast bowl of the Sete Cidades Volcano, consists of two linked lakes-Lagoa Verde, whose surface gleams green on sunny days, and the deep-blue Lagoa Azul-making it one of the island’s most remarkable volcanic landmarks.The lakes rest inside a vast volcanic crater, born thousands of years ago in a violent eruption that left the air thick with ash.This is the Sete Cidades Massif, a caldera shaped when the land gave way after the blast.The crater stretches about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) across, ringed by cliffs and dense, green vegetation that dip into the water’s edge.In the middle, two lakes-Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul-shine in striking green and blue, their colors shaped by different minerals and the play of sunlight on the surface.Lagoa Verde glows a vivid green thanks to thick blooms of algae, while Lagoa Azul stays deep blue because its clear water holds far less.The name Sete Cidades, or Seven Cities, comes wrapped in an old local legend.The most told story says a young prince and princess, barred from marrying because of their rank, cried for seven long days and nights until their eyes burned.Their tears pooled into two lakes-one deep blue for the prince’s sorrow, the other a soft green for the princess’s grief.According to legend, the “seven cities” were once seven towns that stood here before the lakes formed, though no ruins have ever been found.The name still stirs a sense of mystery and quiet romance, like mist curling over the water at dawn.Around Lagoa das Sete Cidades, lush laurel forests, feathery ferns, and other rare species thrive in remarkable abundance.With its mild breezes and dense green hillsides, the Azores offer a haven for wildlife, from the rare Azores Bullfinch to ducks and waterfowl gliding across quiet lakes.Endemic plants thrive here too, shaping the islands’ one-of-a-kind ecology.The volcanic slopes and the shores of the lakes together form a rare, high-value ecosystem, rich with life.From Vista do Rei, one of the area’s best-known viewpoints, you can see both lakes spread out in a single sweeping view, ringed by the green walls of the crater.From here, you can take in the striking contrast of the green and blue lakes, their colors vivid against hills thick with foliage and sheer, sunlit cliffs.Photographers and sightseers flock to this spot for sweeping views of the lakes, where the water catches the light like glass.Winding trails loop around the shore and climb into the hills, offering everything from gentle strolls to steep, heart-pumping hikes.Around Lagoa das Sete Cidades, winding trails let you get right up to the scenery-whether you’re tracing the crater’s edge or strolling to the quiet lakeshore.Out on the water, you can slip a kayak or canoe into the still, green surface and paddle deep into the heart of the crater.The lakes’ still, glassy waters are perfect for paddling or other water sports, while the trails around them and the rugged slopes nearby offer plenty of chances for mountain biking.Just a short ride away, the village of Sete Cidades welcomes visitors with narrow cobbled streets and a quiet, inviting charm.Tucked away in the countryside, this little village has whitewashed Azorean houses, lanes so narrow you could brush the walls as you pass, and a calm that lingers in the air.The village has a handful of tiny shops and cafés where you can sample local treats, like a still-warm pastry dusted with sugar.Not far away, the São Nicolau Viewpoint draws crowds for its sweeping view of Sete Cidades, its twin lakes glinting in the sunlight, and the rolling green hills beyond.And just a short drive from Lagoa das Sete Cidades, Furnas beckons with steaming hot springs, bubbling fumaroles, and the raw energy of geothermal vents.Travelers flock here to experience the island’s volcanic wonders, from the steaming shores of Furnas Lake to the lush paths of Terra Nostra Park and the soothing warmth of natural thermal baths.Just a drive away, Boca do Inferno offers a sweeping, wind-whipped view of the Sete Cidades crater-one of São Miguel’s most unforgettable sights.From its vantage point, you can take in a wide sweep of the valley and shimmering lakes, a sight that glows on a crisp, clear day.For the best experience, head to Lagoa das Sete Cidades between April and October, when spring and summer bring mild air and hills draped in deep green.With clear skies and crisp visibility, it’s perfect for snapping photos or spending the day outside.Even in autumn and winter, when the air smells faintly of woodsmoke and the crowds have thinned, the place keeps its quiet, unmistakable charm.Still, the weather can turn without warning-one moment the peaks are clear, the next a veil of rain and mist blurs them from sight.Still, that thick, drifting fog can wrap the lake in a quiet sort of mystery.To get there, head about 22 kilometers-roughly 14 miles-west of Ponta Delgada, São Miguel’s capital.You can drive there without trouble, following smooth, well-kept roads that wind straight into the area.Public transportation’s scarce, but you can join a guided tour if you want to see the lakes with someone who knows the trails.Nearby, you’ll find places to stay-from small guesthouses and hotels in Sete Cidades village to quiet spots tucked into the green hills outside town.If you stay in the area, you can soak in the region’s natural beauty-think deep green hills rolling toward the water-and while Sete Cidades village has a few small cafés and restaurants, it’s wise to bring your own food and supplies if you plan to linger by the lakes, since options nearby are limited; Lagoa das Sete Cidades remains one of the Azores’ most breathtaking sights.Hike the crater’s edge, paddle across the glassy lakes, or pause at a quiet overlook where the wind smells faintly of pine-you’ll feel a deep calm, a rare beauty, and a true bond with the wild.The legend, the rich biodiversity, and the scent of rain on warm earth
