Lagoa das Sete Cidades Lake

Website: https://www.visitazores.com

Admission: Free

Lagoa das Sete Cidades is a pair of crater lakes occupying a volcanic caldera on the western side of São Miguel island in the Azores. The twin lakes are popularly known as the Blue Lake and the Green Lake and are set within the rim of a large volcanic depression.

Visitors come to view the distinct colors of the two lakes, explore the small lakeside village and walk rim trails that offer panoramic viewpoints. The well-known Vista do Rei viewpoint on the caldera rim provides one of the most photographed panoramas of the area and short boat or paddle trips are available on the water.

The caldera formed through volcanic activity; the lakes occupy low points within the crater and the settlement developed on the narrow land between the two waterbodies. The landscape is volcanic in origin and has been shaped by eruptions and subsequent erosion.

The site sits on the western end of São Miguel island in the Azores archipelago, within a distinct caldera that is a short drive from other island settlements and from the island’s main roads.

• Twin lakes: Two adjoining crater lakes are commonly called the Blue and the Green Lake because of the contrasting colors they can show under different light conditions.

What to See#

• Lagoa Azul: A larger, deeper lake often referred to as the Blue Lake that forms one half of the twin-lake system inside the volcanic caldera.
• Lagoa Verde: A smaller lake sometimes described as greener in tone; it sits beside the Blue Lake and is separated by a narrow isthmus where a village is located.
• Vista do Rei: A caldera-rim viewpoint offering panoramic views over both lakes and the surrounding crater rim; frequently visited for photography and short walks.
• Sete Cidades village: The small village occupying the isthmus and lakeshore, providing local services and acting as the main settlement for visitors to the caldera.

From Ponta Delgada drive northwest about 25-30 km (roughly 30-40 minutes) on the main island roads (EN1-1A/ER1 then local lanes to Sete Cidades). The Miradouro do Rei (Vista do Rei) is the most popular viewpoint and has small parking; on busy days start early. There is limited public bus service from Ponta Delgada (check local timetables).

• Arrive at sunrise for light on the twin lakes and far fewer people.
• Drive or walk up to Miradouro do Rei (Vista do Rei) for the classic panorama; the viewpoint parking fills quickly in summer.
• Do the rim walk toward Sete Cidades village - the western rim path gives alternating views of the blue and green lagoons.
• Watch for sudden Atlantic winds; bring a windproof layer even on calm mornings.