A stunning circular trail through the Sete Cidades volcanic caldera on São Miguel Island, passing two lakes (one blue, one green) in a dormant volcano crater. Views of the divided lakes from Vista do Rei viewpoint are iconic.
The GR22 Sete Lagoas trail is a 10-kilometre circular walk on São Miguel Island in the Azores archipelago, circumnavigating the rim and interior of the Sete Cidades volcanic caldera — one of the most visually dramatic landscapes in Portugal. The caldera contains two lakes divided by a narrow isthmus: Lagoa Azul (blue lake) to the north and Lagoa Verde (green lake) to the south, their contrasting colours caused by different angles of light reflection rather than differences in water chemistry.
Trailhead access: The most common starting point is the Vista do Rei viewpoint (Miradouro da Vista do Rei), located on the caldera rim above Sete Cidades village, reachable by car from Ponta Delgada in approximately 40 minutes via the EN9-1A road. Buses from Ponta Delgada serve Sete Cidades village on the caldera floor but do not reach the Vista do Rei viewpoint on the rim. Taxi services from Ponta Delgada are available. No permit or entrance fee is required to walk the trail.
Distance and elevation: The circular route covers approximately 10 kilometres with a cumulative elevation gain of around 500 metres. The caldera rim sits at approximately 800 metres above sea level. The trail descends from the rim into the caldera basin, passes along the lakeshores, crosses the isthmus between the lakes, and climbs back to the rim.
Surface and exposure: Trail surfaces alternate between tarmac road on the caldera descent, compacted earth paths, and grassy ridge tracks. The caldera rim sections are open and fully exposed to Atlantic winds. The interior basin is sheltered but mist and cloud frequently settle inside the caldera even when the surrounding island is clear. Mud can accumulate on earth sections after rain.
Landmarks: The Vista do Rei viewpoint offers the defining panoramic view of both lakes from above the crater wall — one of the most photographed scenes in the Azores. The trail descends to the village of Sete Cidades inside the crater, where a café provides refreshments mid-route. A stone bridge connects the two lakes at their shared isthmus. From June to August, hydrangea hedgerows line many path sections, creating vivid blue corridors around the lake margins.
Water and shelter: A café in Sete Cidades village provides refreshments and shelter at approximately the mid-point of the circular route. No other water or shelter is available on the caldera rim sections. Walkers should carry sufficient water for the full circuit.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- São Miguel Island, Azores
- Best season
- May to September; peak hydrangea bloom June to July
Highlights
- Sete Cidades twin-colored lakes
- volcanic caldera landscape
- Vista do Rei panorama
- hydrangea-lined roads
- endemic flora
Tips for visiting
- Begin at Vista do Rei for the panoramic lake view before descending; arrive by 7–9 am for the best chance of a cloud-free caldera vista.
- The caldera fills with mist frequently — a morning weather window before 10 am is most reliable for clear views.
- Waterproof layers are essential even in summer; Atlantic weather on the Azores can change from clear to rain within minutes.
- The café in Sete Cidades village serves local pastries and coffee — a useful mid-route rest stop at the caldera floor.
- Download an offline GPS track before setting out; waymarking on the caldera rim sections is present but inconsistent.
When to visit
May to September offers the most reliable weather; June and July are peak hydrangea season and the most scenic months on the caldera rim. Early morning departures are strongly recommended to catch clear caldera views before mist settles into the crater basin.
Accessibility
The GR22 Sete Lagoas trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. The caldera descent involves narrow earth paths and uneven terrain throughout the circuit. The Vista do Rei viewpoint itself has a paved access area and car park suitable for visitors with limited mobility who wish to view the caldera without walking the full trail.
Frequently asked questions
What makes the two lakes different colours?
Lagoa Azul appears blue and Lagoa Verde appears green due to different angles of light reflection on their surfaces, not differences in water chemistry. The colour contrast is most pronounced on clear mornings when viewed from the caldera rim.
What is the best time of year to walk the GR22?
May to September offers the warmest and driest conditions on São Miguel. June to August brings peak hydrangea blooms around the lakeshore. Waterproof gear is necessary year-round as the Azores receive rain in every month.
Is a car necessary to reach the trailhead?
A car greatly simplifies logistics. Buses from Ponta Delgada reach Sete Cidades village on the caldera floor but do not serve the Vista do Rei viewpoint on the rim, where most walkers prefer to start. Taxis from Ponta Delgada cover the distance in about 40 minutes.
Can the trail get crowded?
The Sete Cidades caldera is a major visitor attraction on São Miguel. Early morning departures before 9 am and visits outside July and August significantly reduce congestion on the rim path and at the viewpoint.