PONTA DELGADA BUS TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Crater Lakes and Steaming Caldeiras: A Day Across Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo and Furnas
A single-day guided bus tour from Ponta Delgada that links Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo and Furnas to show São Miguel’s volcanic heart and its twin blue-and-green lakes.
Crater Lakes and Steaming Caldeiras: A Day Across Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo and Furnas.
Adventure brief
Crater Lakes and Steaming Caldeiras: A Day Across Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo and Furnas
This full-day route threads the island’s most iconic volcanic landscapes: the legendary blue and green twin lakes of Sete Cidades, the wild, high-rimmed basin of Lagoa do Fogo and the geothermal theatre of Furnas with steaming caldeiras and fumaroles. The tour presents dramatic crater rims, endemic vegetation and the Azores’ signature sense of raw, island solitude.
Located on the volcanic islands of the Azores, Artur Azores Tours offers a compelling 8-hour land adventure that takes travelers through some of the most stunning natural sights of the region. This tour is perfect for those seeking to immerse themselves in the volcanic landscapes, crater lakes, and lush flora that define this archipelago close to Portugal. The journey begins with a drive to the iconic Sete Cidades, where emerald-green lakes lie within a massive volcanic caldera. From the scenic viewpoints, visitors can admire sweeping views of the twin lakes and the rugged crater walls, making for incredible photo opportunities. As the tour progresses, Discovery continues at Lagoa do Fogo, a pristine crater lake famous for its crystal-clear waters and surrounded by steep, moss-covered cliffs. The lush vegetation, including native laurel forests, adds to the area's wild beauty. The final stop is Furnas, where thermal activity heats the earth and creates bubbling hot springs, fumaroles, and lush gardens. Visitors may also indulge in the famous cozido, a slow-cooked stew prepared in natural volcanic steam, a culinary tradition unique to the Azores.
This tour highlights the volcanic history that shaped these islands, with geological formations that tell stories millions of years old. Artur Azores Tours operates from the capital city of Ponta Delgada, making it an accessible destination for travelers staying in the area. Whether you're captivated by rugged crater landscapes or the tranquility of crater lakes, this trip blends scenic beauty with geological wonder, offering a comprehensive experience of Azores’ volcanic heartland.
The tour stands out for its diverse sights, expert guides, and intimate connection to the island’s geological and cultural heritage. It’s a must-do for outdoor lovers eager to see the natural phenomena that make this region truly extraordinary.
Route Schematic
Route Schematic
Key stops follow a circuit of São Miguel’s three iconic volcanic craters, with viewpoint pauses and a geothermal visit in Furnas.
Sete Cidades (Vista do Rei, Grota do Inferno)
Panoramic viewpoint stops to view the famous blue and green twin lakes inside the Sete Cidades caldera.
Lagoa do Fogo
Ascent to the high rim for views over the untouched, turquoise Lagoa do Fogo and surrounding endemic vegetation.
Furnas (caldeiras, fumaroles, 'cozido')
Visit Furnas to see steaming caldeiras and fumaroles and the traditional underground cooking method for the Azorean 'cozido'.
Botanical and crater-rim viewpoints
Additional stops include lush botanical pockets and other dramatic crater rims that punctuate the island’s volcanic landscape.
The full route is presented as a guided, single-day excursion; the tour is described for general audiences and includes viewpoint stops and a Furnas geothermal visit—participants should expect walking at viewpoint areas and up/down movement on a standard coach itinerary.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Sete Cidades Caldera: Twin Blue and Green Lakes
Gaze across the famous split-hued lakes from classic viewpoints such as Vista do Rei and the Grota do Inferno; Sete Cidades is the tour’s opening spectacle of water framed by volcanic rims and rolling pasture.
Lagoa do Fogo: Pristine High-Rim Lake
Climb to the island’s higher reaches to view Lagoa do Fogo, a wild volcanic lake ringed by endemic vegetation and dramatic mountain ridgelines—a contrasting, more untouched mood after Sete Cidades.
Furnas: Bubbling Caldeiras and the Cozido Tradition
Explore Furnas’ geothermal features—steaming fumaroles and bubbling hot springs—and witness the traditional 'cozido' method where meals are cooked using natural volcanic heat.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The tour moves steadily between three crater worlds: sweeping vista stops above Sete Cidades, a high ascent to the turquoise basin of Lagoa do Fogo, and a descent into Furnas’ geothermal valley where earth and steam become the show. It’s a paced, observational journey designed to showcase the island’s volcano-formed lakes, crater rims, botanical pockets and the human adaptations around thermal activity.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour is best for
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The operator presents this as a single-day guided tour; the provided duration figure for the tour is 7 hours.
Pickup is noted as available across the island of São Miguel (pick-up gratuito across Ilha de São Miguel is indicated in the tour information).
No specific gear list is provided in the supplied operator details.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour is presented with a duration of 7 hours.
Where does the tour pick up passengers?
Pickup is available across Ilha de São Miguel (pick-up gratuito is noted).
What are the main stops on the tour?
The itinerary visits Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo and Furnas, including crater viewpoints, botanical pockets and Furnas’ geothermal features.
Will I see the traditional Azorean 'cozido' being cooked?
Yes—the tour includes the opportunity to see the traditional 'cozido' method where food is cooked underground using natural volcanic heat.
Is the tour suitable for children and older travelers?
The tour information indicates it is suitable for all ages.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-10T12:13:27.125Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.