Take in all the highlights of the western half of São Miguel Island, including Sete Cidades, Fogo Lake, Caldeira Velha, Ribeira Grande town, the pineapple greenhouses and more. Learn about the island’s nature and history from an expert guide.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Mobile ticketing: Use your phone or print your voucher
Duration 8.5 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Instant confirmation
Live tour guide: English, Portuguese
Pickup included: At your accommodation in Ponta Delgada city between 9:00 AM and 9:20 AM. You can contact the local partner to arrange a pickup outside Ponta Delgada city at an additional charge.
Small group: Limited to 8 participants

Highlights

Discover the breathtaking scenery of western São Miguel Island
Head off the beaten track to see hidden natural gems
Learn about the history of the Azores from your expert guide

Full description

Your guide, an expert in the history and nature of the Azores, will meet you at your accommodation at 09:00. On this 9-hour excursion you’ll head straight to Sete Cidades, enjoying amazing views of the island along the mountain road. Stop at the famous King's View, and take in the panorama appearing on many postcards of the Azores. You’ll be amazed at the beauty of smaller, little-known lakes of the area. After you visit a small town by the lake, the drive continues to the west coast of the island and the beautiful rocks of Mosteiros. In the afternoon, the itinerary starts off with a visit to Fogo Lake, the highest and most untouched of the large lakes of the Azores. Next is Caldeira Velha, a natural monument featuring lush vegetation and thermal activity. Continue to Ribeira Grande, the largest town on the north coast and see the most beautiful cliffs in São Miguel. Your last stop on the tour is a visit to pineapple greenhouses, where you’ll learn the unique techniques used in growing this fruit that’s important to the Azores. The program is a perfect introduction to the Azores, with a great mix of mountain views, lakes, coastal lookouts and insights into culture and history.

Includes

Lunch of traditional Azorean food, drink of your choice (wine, beer, etc.), dessert and coffee
All entrance fees
Water bottle
Pick-up and drop off within 5 km of Ponta Delgada city center

Not suitable for

Wheelchair users

Covid-19 precautions

Safety measures in place

All required protective equipment is provided
All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
You must keep social distance while in vehicles
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds

Traveler requirements

You must present a negative rapid test taken on the same day of the activity

Prepare for the activity

Meeting point

Posto de Turismo - Ponta Delgada, Av. Infante Dom Henrique, 9500-769 Ponta Delgada.

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Important information

What to bring

Comfortable shoes

Not allowed

Pets
Smoking

Know before you go

Be sure to bring warm clothing as the mountain viewpoints may be windy and chilly
Please wear sturdy shoes for brief walks
Please contact operator if you wish to request a pick-up outside of Ponta Delgada for an extra fee

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.9 /5

based on 346 reviews

Review summary

Guide
4.9/5
Transportation
4.9/5
Value for money
4.8/5
Safety
4.9/5

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I had the most wonderful time on this tour. It was entertaining, educating, enjoyable, scrumptious (lunch). The combination of this awesome Island and a guide who really loves his island and how everybody from the gouvernement til the farmers work hard to preserves the beauty that is Sao Miguel. Our guide João will tell you all about that. João found the right mix of fun, seriousness, connection with the people in his van and in the meantime showing us all these wonderful places. Really highly recommended!

September 4, 2021

A great trip! With an excellent and well informed well spoken expert tour guide named Joquan. Visiting all sites listed but was provided with so much more in terms of Sao Miguel and it’s history. A very great day and I would highly recommend to try this trip as you won’t be disappointed! Great see you for east coast tour

August 20, 2021

Miguel was very knowledgeable about the sights, environment, and culture of the Azores and he was engaging and a consummate professional! We were lucky the clouds were high up enough that we were able to take in the sights at Sete Cidades, but unfortunately we were enveloped in thick fog and weren’t able to see Lagoa do Fogo. Still a beautiful and fun tour!

August 3, 2021