Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Sete Cidades Protected Landscape is located on the western part of São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores archipelago. This volcanic caldera, created by cataclysmic eruptions thousands of years ago, hosts a remarkable natural environment distinguished by two striking lakes: Lagoa Verde (Green Lake) and Lagoa Azul (Blue Lake). These twin lakes are a defining feature, separated by a narrow isthmus and ringed by steep crater walls covered with exuberant laurisilva forest and a variety of endemic flora and fauna. The area’s well-preserved ecosystem supports rare plant species, migratory birds, and an abundance of native wildlife, making it a key conservation site. Visitors are drawn to Sete Cidades for its panoramic viewpoints, such as the famous Vista do Rei overlook that reveals breathtaking views over the lakes and crater rim. Recreational activities include hiking numerous trails that wind through volcanic landscapes, mountain biking, kayaking on the lakes, and scenic drives along the crater rim road. The small villages nearby provide cultural insight into Azorean rural life, while traditional agriculture continues within the protected area. Sete Cidades Protected Landscape offers an incredible blend of geological history, biological diversity, and outdoor adventure, appealing to nature lovers, photographers, and hikers alike. Sustainable tourism efforts focus on preserving the delicate environment while enabling immersive visitor experiences.
