Explore the highlights of the western half of São Miguel island on this guided tour by van. Discover the famous crater lakes of Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo, picturesque waterfalls, amazing cliffs, and stunning rock formations around the coast of the island. Start with a visit to Ribeira Grande, one of the most picturesque towns of the Azores, followed by a surprising view of some amazingly beautiful cliffs on the North coast. Then travel to the inner areas of the island to see the gorgeous waterfall of Salto do Cabrito, surrounded by wild vegetation. Drive to the top of Fogo Volcano to enjoy views of the most pristine and magical of the crater lakes of São Miguel. From the top of the mountain, enjoy the stunning views over a large portion of the island. After a tasty meal to restore your energy levels, head to Sete Cidades, to understand why this is considered by the postcard of the Azores. Enjoy views from two completely different perspectives over the famous twin lakes.  End the day in Mosteiros, on the western coast of the island, where the lava rocks have formed enchanting small islets and natural pools.

On this full-day tour, visit the Sete Cidades Massif, a field of alkali-basalt cinder cones and lava flows, and an area very popular for its lakes and surrounding hills. Departing from Ponta Delgada, travel up the mountain top that forms the caldera of a volcano where the lakes are located. Additionally, you will visit Empadadas and Carvão lakes, which will give you the opportunity to admire the beauty of untouched nature. Learn more about how volcanic activity formed the landscape. At lunchtime, stop off at a typical restaurant in the village of Sete CIdades, where you will eat a traditional meal. Then continue on, passing Vista do Rei, one of the island's top tourist destinations. Next, head to the Mosteiros, famous for its natural swimming pools, fishing harbor, and sandy beach of black basalt. On the way back to Ponta Delgada, you will also see the hot bathing spots caused by fumaroles on the coast.

Set off on a half or full-day adventure to discover the island of São Miguel in a 4x4 vehicle. With a private tour that can be fully customized, you decide what to do and when. Explore the craters of Sete Cidades, visit the romantic town of Furnas, or discover Lagoa do Fogo. Get picked up from your hotel by your driver/guide to start this incredible experience. A number of itineraries are available that you can discuss with the driver on the day of your tour. Choose to visit the parishes around Sete Cidades, to discover the lakes, craters, and hot springs around the area.  Alternatively, head in the direction of Furnas and take a tour of the most beautiful town on the island. See fumaroles and hot springs as you admire the lush vegetation around Furnas lake. Take a short hike if you wish, and see how traditional pottery is made locally.   If you love nature, then choose to discover the two biggest lakes on Sao Miguel, Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo. Explore a 4x4 trail a waterfall, and take a short hike if you like. Witness volcanic activity at Ribeira Grande, a small town in Caldeiras.

Meet your guide in Ponta Delgada then head to Rocha da Relva, where majestic views over Ponta Delgada await you. Venture up the mountains and stop at Miradouro do Pico do Carvão. Here, you will have a stunning panoramic view over the island. Continue to Lagoas das Empadadas, to admire the lush vegetation that surrounds the lake.   Next you'll go on an exciting off-road adventure around the top of the volcano's crater. Enjoy amazing views over the lakes, the mountains and the ocean from the other side of the volcano. At the end of the trail, head down to a local village where you'll enjoy a traditional lunch. After this, travel to see two nearby lakes, one green and one blue where you can enjoy some free time in this tranquil place. Continue on to other lakes and surrounding volcanoes. Climb up into the mountains again to see other places such as Lagoa de Santiago and Miradouro do Cerrado das Freiras. Then visit one of the most popular lookouts in the area, Vista do Rei, near an abandoned hotel. Before returning to the city, visit Miradouro do Escalvado to witness the peculiar village of Mosteiros. Explore the village and check out the local beach before heading back to your drop-off point.

One of the best ways to explore São Miguel Island is on a guided trek. Immerse yourself in nature and admire the views on this walk between Vista do Rei and Sete Cidades. Take plenty of breaks along with stops at Vista do Rei Viewpoint, Lomba do Vasco Viewpoint, and more. Start with pickup from select hotels in Ponta Delgada and head to the start of the trek at the Vista do Rei Viewpoint. From there, follow the unpaved track that starts on the western side of Cumeeira da Caldeira until you reach the Escalvado Viewpoint and then the village of Sete Cidades. Continue along the trail, admiring the volcanoes Caldeira Seca and Caldeira do Alferes. From the Lomba do Vasco Viewpoint, look toward the northwest coast of the island including the four inlets of Mosteiros. Reaching the road that connects Sete Cidades to Várzea, take the path back to Sete Cidades.