Sete Cidades - details and images
Sete Cidades is a volcanic caldera in the western part of São Miguel Island in the Azores. Inside it are several lakes, agricultural areas, woodland and the village of the same name. The best-known lakes are Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde, which appear as two separate bodies of water, although they form part of the same lake system. A narrow road crosses between them, while the different blue and green shades seen under certain conditions are influenced by light, depth and surrounding vegetation rather than by a complete physical separation of the water.
The caldera formed through volcanic activity and the collapse of part of an older volcanic structure. High rims surround the depression, with slopes covered by vegetation and several points offering wide views over the area. Rainfall is frequent, and cloud can quickly cover the upper sections, so visibility can change considerably within a short period. The lakes are supplied mainly by rain and local springs, and their water levels vary according to seasonal conditions.
Miradouro da Vista do Rei is one of the main viewpoints and stands on the rim of the caldera. From here, visitors can see Lagoa Azul, Lagoa Verde, the village of Sete Cidades and the surrounding slopes. The abandoned Monte Palace hotel is located nearby and can be seen from the road. Other viewpoints in the wider area include Boca do Inferno and Pico do Carvão, which provide views over the lakes and other parts of western São Miguel.
The village of Sete Cidades lies on relatively flat ground inside the caldera and contains small streets, houses, a church and agricultural areas. Igreja de São Nicolau is one of the better-known buildings in the village, while the surrounding area is suitable for short walks. From the settlement, visitors can easily reach the lakeshores and several starting points for hiking routes.
Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde are used for recreational activities, including kayaking and walking beside the water. Cycling routes and local roads also cross the caldera, making it possible to explore the lower area without major climbs. Trails leading towards the rim are more demanding but provide wider views over the lakes and the western coast of São Miguel.
The area also has natural importance because its forests, grasslands and lakes provide habitat for several bird and plant species. Some vegetation consists of introduced species, and conservation work is carried out in selected areas to control invasive plants and restore native habitats.
Sete Cidades can be visited on a day trip from other parts of São Miguel. It is often combined with the viewpoints around the caldera rim and with Mosteiros on the western coast. Several hours are useful for a complete visit, especially when walking routes, viewpoints or activities on the lakes are included.
Photo credits.
Miradouro da Boca do Inferno, povoado das Sete Cidades, ilha de São Miguel, Açores.JPG – author: José Luís Ávila Silveira/Pedro Noronha e Costa, license:
Public domain;
Lagoa Sete Cidades.jpg – author: XbeeaX, license:
CC BY-SA 4.0;
Playgrounds AzoresPortugal2.jpg – author: Gzoukis, license:
CC0;
Cabbage tree (Cordyline australis), Complexo Ambiental da Lagoa das Sete Cidades, São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal (PPL1-Corrected).jpg – author: Jules Verne Times Two, license:
CC BY-SA 4.0;
Passeio pelas Cordilheiras - panoramio (116).jpg – author: JCNazza, license:
CC BY 3.0.
The images are used without modifications.
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