Sete Cidades: West Coast Tour (w/Lunch)

If you’re planning a trip to São Miguel in the Azores, this Sete Cidades: West Coast Tour offers a fantastic way to experience some of the island’s most iconic sights in one day. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, the detailed itinerary and glowing reviews suggest it provides a well-rounded, authentic glimpse into the region’s natural beauty and cultural charm.

What we love about this experience is how it combines stunning viewpoints, hidden gems, and local culinary delights—all in a manageable 7-hour adventure. The tour’s focus on scenic drives, walkable spots, and local villages makes it ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive taste of São Miguel without feeling rushed.

One potential consideration is the moderate physical activity involved, such as walking across uneven terrain or steep viewpoints, which might not suit everyone. However, for those with a reasonable level of fitness and a love for nature, this tour offers impressive value.

This experience is best suited for travelers eager to see the iconic landscapes of the Azores, enjoy easy-paced sightseeing, and indulge in regional flavors—offering a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

Good To Know

• Stunning Scenic Vistas: From viewpoints like Vista do Rei and the top of cliffs, you’ll get unforgettable panoramas of lakes, calderas, and coastline.
• Authentic Village Walks: Exploring Sete Cidades and Mosteiros villages offers insight into local life and charming neo-gothic churches.
• Natural Highlights: The Lagoa do Canário and Santiago Lagoon provide peaceful, secluded spots ideal for photos and quiet moments.
• Regional Cuisine: The included buffet lunch is a great chance to sample local dishes in a relaxed setting.
• Comfortable Transport: A modern, air-conditioned van with panoramic windows ensures a comfortable ride with excellent sightseeing views.
• Flexible Experience: Multiple pickup points and the option to reserve and pay later add convenience for travelers.

You can check if your dates are available here:

In-Depth Review of the Sete Cidades West Coast Tour

Starting the Adventure: Pickup and Scenic Drive

The tour begins with pickup options from Ribeira Grande, Ponta Delgada, or Lagoa, offering flexibility depending on where you’re staying. The transport is a comfortable 9-seat van equipped with A/C and large panoramic windshields, perfect for soaking in the sights without the hassle of driving yourself. From the start, you’re whisked away into the island’s captivating landscapes, with the guide providing contextual stories and tidbits along the way.

A highlight of the early part of the journey is the scenic drive through quiet inner roads, often accompanied by scenic viewpoints. One reviewer mentioned a “secret stop” with photo opportunities that reveal sweeping views of the coast and volcanic terrain, which adds an element of surprise and exclusivity to the experience.

Exploring the Caldera and Lagoa do Canário

One of the standout stops is the Lagoa do Canário, a quiet, wooded lagoon accessible only from a few points. This spot offers a welcome chance to breathe in fresh air and enjoy nature away from the busier tourist areas. We love the idea of a moderate walk through this natural park—it’s enough to stretch your legs without wearing you out—leading up to a viewpoint overlooking the surrounding valleys and the main Lagoa das Sete Cidades.

The tour guides often point out Roman-style aqueducts that historically carried fresh water between villages, adding a layer of historical interest to the natural beauty. As one reviewer noted, the views from Lagoa do Canário are “beautiful surroundings,” which align with our understanding that this spot is perfect for peaceful photos and quiet contemplation.

The Iconic Sete Cidades Lagoons

No visit to São Miguel is complete without seeing the Lagoa das Sete Cidades, a double lake inside the caldera. The guide provides insights into the legend of the blue and green lagoons—an engaging story that adds to the magic of the place. You’ll get about 30 minutes here to capture photos, walk along the lakeshore, and really take in the scale and color contrast of this surreal landscape.

The King’s Viewpoint is another major highlight, offering panoramic vistas that reveal the lush green surroundings and the vast caldera. According to reviews, this spot also features the remnants of an abandoned hotel, adding a dash of intrigue. We imagine that the combination of natural beauty and a hint of history makes this stop particularly compelling.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Visiting the Village of Sete Cidades

A walk through the Sete Cidades village offers a glimpse into local life. The neo-gothic church is notably simple yet beautiful, and some travelers enjoy exploring local tea houses during their free time. The guide may point out the villages’ traditional architecture and small cafes where you could sit and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

The Cliffs and Mosteiros

After descending from the caldera, you’ll reach the westernmost cliffs, offering dramatic views of Mosteiros and its islets. This spot is particularly praised for its breathtaking coastline—dark volcanic rocks framing the ocean, with the islets providing a picturesque backdrop. One reviewer highlighted the story of the “missing Azorean island,” adding a fun mythological element to the visit.

Following this, the tour takes you down to Mosteiros, a fajã formation characterized by rugged coastlines and dark rocky formations. Here, you’ll enjoy a walk along the coast, and the highlight is the chance to see the Mosteiros beach with its unique view of the islets. The experience concludes with a taste of local handmade sweets—perfect for a refreshing ocean breeze and a sweet ending.

Lunch and Final Stops

The included regional buffet lunch provides a relaxed break, with a variety of local dishes, drinks, and desserts. This meal is an excellent opportunity to sample Azorean flavors and discuss the morning’s sights with fellow travelers.

The tour wraps up with a few more scenic stops, including the Ponta do Escalvado Lookout—offering one last spectacular panorama—before heading back to your accommodation.

Practical Details and Service Quality

The tour’s 7-hour duration is just right for seeing key sights without feeling overwhelmed. Multiple reviews mention the reliable pickup system and the friendly, knowledgeable guides who share interesting stories without rushing. The flexibility to reserve and pay later also makes planning easier, especially for last-minute travelers.

Cost-wise, at $85 per person, the tour offers good value considering the all-inclusive nature—transport, guide, lunch, and some entry fees—making it a convenient, hassle-free way to see São Miguel’s highlights.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re interested in stunning viewpoints, charming villages, and natural lagoons, this tour is an excellent choice. It’s suited for travelers who enjoy moderate walking and are comfortable with short hikes or uneven terrain. Families with children, active seniors, and groups seeking a comprehensive, comfortable day out will find this experience rewarding.

However, if you prefer more physical activity or highly personalized experiences, you might find the group setting less flexible. Also, if you’re not keen on guided tours or structured itineraries, this might feel a bit rigid.

The Sum Up

This Sete Cidades West Coast Tour offers a carefully curated route through some of São Miguel’s most scenic landscapes and charming villages. The combination of breathtaking vistas, peaceful lagoons, and local culture makes it an ideal option for those wanting a well-rounded, day-long adventure.

The inclusion of a regional lunch and comfortable transportation enhances the overall experience, ensuring you spend less time worrying about logistics and more time soaking in the views. The tour’s moderate pace, combined with insider stories and photo stops, makes it suitable for a wide range of travelers.

If you crave scenic beauty, cultural insights, and the chance to enjoy the Azores’ natural serenity in comfort, this tour is a solid choice—delivering authentic experiences paired with excellent value.

FAQ

• What is the duration of the tour? The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, with multiple stops and sightseeing opportunities.
• Where do the pickups occur? Pickups are available from Ribeira Grande, Ponta Delgada, and Lagoa, with a small additional fee for some locations.
• Is lunch included? Yes, you’ll enjoy a regional food buffet with starters, a main dish, drink, and dessert.
• What should I wear? Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended, as some walks involve uneven terrain or mild uphill sections.
• Can I bring large or luggage? No, large bags or luggage are not allowed on the vehicle.
• Is the tour suitable for children? It’s best for those comfortable with walking and mild physical activity; unaccompanied minors are not allowed.
• What languages are guides available in? Guides speak English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
• How do I pay for the tour? You can reserve now and pay later, with full payment due 24 hours before the tour.
• Are there any additional costs? Extra options for lunch or personal purchases at souvenir shops are not included.
• Is this tour wheelchair accessible? Non-folding wheelchairs and strollers are not permitted, but accessible options might be available on request.

In sum, this tour balances stunning scenery, cultural insight, and comfort, making it ideal for travelers who want to experience the best of São Miguel in one relaxed day. Whether you’re capturing photos of the caldera, exploring traditional villages, or simply enjoying the ocean views, it’s a memorable way to connect with the Azores’ natural and cultural charm.

You can check if your dates are available here: