THE GREAT ESCAPE
Exuberante Volcanoes
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- Tour Plan
- Location
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- Additional Info
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What's included
- A guided tour of important places
- Professionally guided tour
- Unlimited bottled water
- Entrance fees
- Lunch paid on site
- Personal expenses
- Services not specifically stated in the itinerary
Epic Grandeur
Never has a viewpoint had such an appropriate name as Vista do Rei (King’s View), reflecting the glory of nature that stretches across the blue and green lakes. At the iconic Sete Cidades viewpoint, the Monte Palace hotel, once the best 5-star hotel in Portugal, adds an exclamation point. But wait until you see what lies hidden on the roads inside this volcano: lush green pastures, huge mountains, lagoons, and breathtaking views, glimpses of paradise and home to an impossible love.
Where the Ocean Pauses
Mosteiros is more than a postcard scene of crashing surf and dark cliffs. It’s an invitation to unplug. Pity the visitors who breeze through Mosteiros with only enough time for a photo by the sea stacks. They miss the real show: the hypnotic rhythm of waves against black lava rock, the way the golden sun sinks behind twin islets, and the quiet charm of fishermen mending nets by hand. Stay a little longer and Mosteiros offers a different pace—slow, sun-kissed, and soaked in salt air. It’s where time doesn’t rush and the Atlantic tells stories in its own voice.
Fruit of Patience
This isn’t your typical plantation, and these aren’t your typical pineapples. Grown in the misty embrace of São Miguel’s climate, the fruits at Santo António are cradled in century-old greenhouses that hum with history. Skip the rush and walk slow between the warm glass and green rows. Talk to the growers, taste a spoonful of pineapple jam, and breathe in the scent of patience and pride. It’s a slice of Azorean life where every fruit tells a story.
Into the Fire Lake
Lagoa do Fogo doesn’t shout—it stuns. Set deep within a collapsed volcanic crater, it’s nature at its most theatrical. Sure, the viewpoint will steal your breath, but it’s only when you step off the road, onto soft earth and wild trails, that the place reveals itself. Birds soar, fog drifts, and the lake shifts from sapphire to silver before your eyes. Come early, stay late, and discover that this isn’t a postcard—it’s a pilgrimage.
- Pineapple plantation
- Sete Cidades
- Break Time
- Mosteiros
- Santa Barbara
- Ribeira Grande
- Lagoa do Fogo
- Lagoa do Fogo
Fruit of patience
The Azores are the only place in the world where pineapples are planted using glass greenhouses and take around 24 months to grow. Learn all about it on a visit to the best-known plantation in Ponta Delgada
A view for a King
Vista do Rei Viewpoint: The Crown Jewel of São Miguel
Marvel at one of the most breathtaking panoramas in the Azores at the Vista do Rei viewpoint. From this regal vantage point, take in the twin lakes of Sete Cidades—one blue, one green—nestled in a volcanic caldera surrounded by lush hillsides.
It's a picture-perfect stop that captures the dramatic beauty and natural wonder of São Miguel.
Charming Sete Cidades
Charming Stop in Sete Cidades Village
Take a peaceful break in the heart of Sete Cidades, a quaint village nestled within a volcanic crater. Surrounded by lush green hills and tranquil lakes, the parish center offers a glimpse into local Azorean life. Stroll through quiet streets, visit the picturesque church, and enjoy a moment of calm in one of the island’s most scenic and serene locations and taste traditional Azorean cuisine via our add on.
Coastal Beauty at Its Finest
Nestled on the rugged northwest coast of São Miguel, Mosteiros offers dramatic ocean views, volcanic rock formations, and a peaceful village atmosphere.
With its iconic islets rising from the sea and black-sand beach, it’s the perfect place to admire the raw beauty of the Azores, take a refreshing coastal stroll, or simply enjoy a moment by the Atlantic.
A black sand beach
Experience the serene beauty of Santa Bárbara Beach, a pristine stretch of black sand framed by dramatic cliffs on São Miguel's north coast. Known for its stunning volcanic landscape, this tranquil beach offers a perfect spot to relax and take in the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Wander the Historic Heart
Discover the charm of Ribeira Grande’s city center! From cobbled streets and colorful houses to stunning historic churches, this town is a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern vibes. You’ll also have the chance to explore the local chocolates where you can experience the warmth of Azorean hospitality.
Stunning Panoramic Views
Welcome to one of São Miguel's most impressive viewpoints—Lagoa do Fogo. From here, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the crystal-clear lake, nestled in a volcanic crater and surrounded by lush forests and dramatic hills.
The landscape here is both wild and serene, offering a perfect spot for photos or simply taking in the beauty of the Azores.
Endless Greenery
From Pico da Barrosa viewpoint at the volcano summit, you get the ultimate panoramic views of São Miguel. Rolling hills, volcanic lake, and endless greenery—it’s a perfect photo!
More about Lagoa do Fogo
More about Mosteiros
More about Sete Cidades
More about this tour
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Pick-up / Drop Off
- Storyteller 100% Local
- Lunch available by request (Paid on site)
- Water bottle
- Top highlights
- Pineapple plantation visit
