A nearly circular caldera, two distinct lakes and hiking trails offering different perspectives define Sete Cidades. The Caldeira das Sete Cidades measures an average of 5.3 kilometres in diameter and reaches a maximum depth of about 630 metres. In this landscape, striking geological formations meet a protected area and traces of the town’s history.
Caldera, Lakes and Protected Landscape
Lagoa das Sete Cidades is the largest lake in the Azores. It consists of two separate bodies of water: Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde. Their names help distinguish the two parts of the lake landscape, while the caldera provides its geological setting. So when you choose Sete Cidades, you’ll find more than a single viewpoint: the lake and the collapse caldera are closely connected to the character of the landscape.
The Área de Paisagem Protegida das Sete Cidades covers about 2,173 hectares. It is classified as a Ramsar site and includes a geosite within the UNESCO Global Geopark Azores. The protected landscape encompasses a large caldera, the two lakes and their volcanic formations. It is also an important passage area for migratory birds. The species mentioned include the grey heron (Ardea cinerea) and the Eurasian coot (Fulica atra).
Hiking Trails with Different Views
The PR03SMI hiking trail starts at Miradouro da Vista do Rei and ends in the built-up area of Sete Cidades. It runs along the southwestern slope of Cumeeiras das Sete Cidades; along the way, views open up over the caldera, its various lakes and volcanic formations. As details about the endpoint may be updated, check the current trail description before setting out.
The PR04SMI offers a different focus: this trail provides sweeping panoramic views of São Miguel’s north and south coasts. Its endpoint is next to Igreja de São Nicolau in the centre of Sete Cidades. The two trails therefore differ in their described views and endpoints: PR03SMI leads into the caldera and the built-up area, while PR04SMI connects coastal views with the town centre. No details about duration or difficulty are provided here; for planning, first consider which landscape perspective interests you.
The Vista do Rei viewpoint is also in the Sete Cidades area, on Cumeeira das Sete Cidades, south of Lagoa Verde. It offers a panorama of the Caldeira. The viewpoint and the PR03SMI trail’s starting point of the same name provide a specific reference for planning your route, without combining the two details into a trail description.
Church and Historical Landmarks
Igreja de São Nicolau is a neo-Gothic building in the Historicist style, designed by Manuel Lamberto Monteiro. It stands at the end of a scenic avenue densely planted with cryptomeria trees. Construction began in early 1850; the ceremonial blessing took place on 16 August 1857. Since the PR04SMI ends next to the church, this trail lets you combine coastal views with a look at a landmark building in the town centre.
Another trace of the area’s architectural history can be found along the Mata do Canário–Sete Cidades hiking trail, which runs alongside Muro das Nove Janelas. The aqueduct, reconstructed in 1830, supplied water to Ponta Delgada. The hike thus takes in a historic structure whose purpose extended beyond Sete Cidades.
Planning Your Stay
Complexo Ambiental da Lagoa das Sete Cidades is an information centre about the Parque Natural de São Miguel, with a focus on Lagoa das Sete Cidades. It provides information about geology, flora and fauna, water resources, hiking trails and classified cultural heritage. If you’re planning to visit the centre, check the latest visitor information in advance.
When choosing where to stay, you can weigh up the different highlights: the caldera and lakes, panoramic coastal views, hiking trails, or the architecture and history of the town centre. Sete Cidades brings all these themes together in a clearly defined landscape.
Discover more destinations: Ribeira Seca, Feteiras, Povoação, Relva, Ribeira Grande, Aflitos, Rabo De Peixe, Porto Formoso
For the full travel overview: S.Miguel.
