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Explore Sete Cidades Volcanic Landscapes on a Thrilling 4x4 Safari in the Azores - Ponta Delgada

Explore Sete Cidades Volcanic Landscapes on a Thrilling 4x4 Safari in the Azores

Sao Roquemoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

7 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should be in good physical condition for a full day of outdoor activity and some walking at viewpoints.

Overview

Discover São Miguel’s volcanic heart on a full-day 4x4 safari through Sete Cidades. Experience hidden lagoons, breathtaking crater lakes, and a traditional Azorean lunch on an adventure that highlights the island’s unique natural and cultural landscape.

Sao Roque, Azores

Tour Safari 4x4 - Sete Cidades | Full Day

Min. 2 people up to 6 • 7H • All ages

Food Tour
History Tour

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Adventure Photos

Tour Safari 4x4 - Sete Cidades | Full Day photo 1

About This Adventure

Embark on a thrilling 7-hour off-road jeep adventure through the stunning volcanic landscapes of Sete Cidades and Mosteiros. Experience breathtaking viewpoints, explore hidden lagoons, and savor a traditional Azorean lunch. This immersive journey showcases São Miguel’s natural beauty, rich history, and unique coastal charm, creating unforgettable memories along the way.

Explore the village of Sete Cidades


Duration

Approximately 7 hours


About

Embark on an unforgettable off-road adventure through the volcanic landscapes of Sete Cidades, the rugged beauty of Mosteiros, and the stunning coastal wonders of Ferraria. This thrilling jeep tour takes you across dirt tracks, volcanic craters, and hidden viewpoints, offering a deeper, more immersive experience of São Miguel’s wild west. Departing from Ponta Delgada, we head towards the Sete Cidades volcano, making our first stop at the Pico do Carvão viewpoint, where breathtaking views of the North coast unfold before us. Along the way, we pass a 19th-century aqueduct, an impressive historical structure that once played a crucial role in the island’s water distribution. Our off-road adventure leading us through rugged dirt trails to the Pico da Cruz viewpoint, standing at 856 meters high. From this breathtaking summit, you’ll take in sweeping views of the Sete Cidades caldera, along with its famous Blue and Green Lagoons, as well as the Lagoa Rasa and Lagoa de Santiago. Continuing along the caldera’s ridge, we stop at the Miradouro das Cumeeiras, one of the most spectacular viewpoints on the island, offering a panoramic view of the entire crater, its lakes, and the picturesque village of Sete Cidades nestled below. After this thrilling off-road journey, we descend into the village of Sete Cidades, where we stop for a traditional Azorean lunch at a local restaurant. Following lunch, we explore the hidden corners of the lagoons, including a scenic dirt track along the shores of the Blue Lagoon, allowing you to immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of the region and capture stunning photos. Leaving Sete Cidades, we venture towards the lava fajã of Mosteiros, an area of secondary volcanic activity where the rugged landscape tells the story of São Miguel’s volcanic past. Taking an off-road agricultural trail, we enter Mosteiros, a charming coastal village famous for its dramatic lava formations and islets rising from the sea. Loved by both locals and visitors, Mosteiros is known for its black sand beaches, natural rock pools formed by solidified lava, and mesmerizing sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean. Our adventure continues to the Escalvado Viewpoint, a spectacular cliffside stop offering sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Mosteiros Islets, and the Ferraria thermal area. Before returning to Ponta Delgada, we visit one of the island’s renowned pineapple plantations, where you’ll learn about the traditional greenhouse cultivation of this iconic Azorean fruit, a symbol of the region’s rich agricultural heritage. This off-road experience offers an in-depth exploration of São Miguel’s west coast, blending adventure, volcanic landscapes, and coastal beauty. With our expert guides, you’ll embark on a journey filled with breathtaking scenery, hidden gems, and unforgettable moments—a tour that truly showcases the best of the island’s natural wonders.

Route:

  • Ponta Delgada
  • Pico Do Carvão Viewpoint
  • Pico da Cruz
  • Cumeeiras Viewpoint
  • Sete Cidades Village
  • Mosteiros Village
  • Ponta do Escalvado Viewpoint
  • Pineapple plantation
  • Ponta Delgada

Observations

  • Lunch is included only for shared tours
  • Rates include guide
  • Minimum of 2 people
  • Licensed Tour Operator
  • Casualty and Professional Liability Insurance
  • Pick-up & Drop off on hotel in Ponta Delgada

Adventure Tips

Prepare for Off-Road Conditions

4x4 terrain can be rough; dress comfortably with sturdy shoes for rocky and uneven surfaces.

Bring Camera for Scenic Vistas

Multiple stops offer unparalleled views of crater lakes and coastal cliffs — a great chance for photography.

Stay Hydrated

Carry water as the tour lasts seven hours and some stops lack facilities.

Pack Suitable Clothing

Weather on São Miguel can change rapidly; layering is advised for comfort throughout the day.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Azores bullfinch
  • Common bottlenose dolphin

History

Sete Cidades is a volcanic complex formed around 20,000 years ago and is central to Azorean myths linking nature's artistry to local folklore.

Conservation

The Azores promotes sustainable tourism initiatives to protect fragile volcanic landscapes and endemic species on São Miguel Island.

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Adventure Hotspots in Ponta Delgada

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Sturdy Hiking Shoes

Essential

Provides solid footing on rocky and uneven volcanic terrain.

Layered Clothing

Essential

Adjusts to changing weather throughout the day on the island.

Water Bottle

Essential

Essential to stay hydrated during the full-day tour.

Camera or Smartphone

Capture the dramatic landscapes and hidden lagoons along the way.