RIBEIRA GRANDE GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Crater lakes by morning, a family winery by afternoon — a private loop around Sete Cidades
A 7-hour private tour on São Miguel that pairs sweeping viewpoints of Sete Cidades with a guided visit and tasting at a local Azorean winery.
Crater lakes by morning, a family winery by afternoon — a private loop around Sete Cidades.
This guided, private 7-hour excursion on São Miguel Island threads together the island’s best viewpoints and a visit to a local winery, offering guests a chance to learn about Azorean winemaking while taking in the volcanic landscapes around Sete Cidades.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
The Sete Cidades panorama
Multiple miradouros — including Vista do Rei, Santiago Lake and Pico do Carvão — place you at the rim of the crater system for expansive views of the twin lakes and sweeping western coastal scenery.
Winery visit and guided tasting
The tour includes a scheduled stop at a local winery where the winemaker explains the growing season and winemaking process; tasting options and visit fees are available for purchase on site.
A loop of coastal viewpoints and crater rims
Stops span Miradouro do Escalvado, Miradouro da Boca do Inferno (a 45–50 minute round walk to view the site), Miradouro das Pedras Negras and other cliff and crater-edge lookouts along the western side of the island.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
Beginning with a morning pickup from your accommodation, the day unfolds as a measured loop of miradouros, lakeside villages and coastal overlooks, punctuated by a lunch break and an afternoon winery visit where you can taste local wines and hear from the producer.
THE LANDSCAPE
The Sete Cidades panorama
Multiple miradouros — including Vista do Rei, Santiago Lake and Pico do Carvão — place you at the rim of the crater system for expansive views of the twin lakes and sweeping western coastal scenery.
THE WINE
Winery visit and guided tasting
The tour includes a scheduled stop at a local winery where the winemaker explains the growing season and winemaking process; tasting options and visit fees are available for purchase on site.
THE ROUTE
A loop of coastal viewpoints and crater rims
Stops span Miradouro do Escalvado, Miradouro da Boca do Inferno (a 45–50 minute round walk to view the site), Miradouro das Pedras Negras and other cliff and crater-edge lookouts along the western side of the island.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits — and who should plan differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a 7-hour private tour that normally departs with a 9:00 AM pick-up and returns to accommodation around 16:00–16:30. Winery visits follow a seasonal schedule and are available on specified weekdays; confirm availability when booking.
One stop (Miradouro da Boca do Inferno) requires a 45–50 minute round walk; plan for suitable footwear and weather-appropriate layers for crater-edge winds.
Pickup is provided from your hotel or local accommodation at 9:00 AM; return to accommodation is scheduled for approximately 16:00–16:30.
At the winery a single glass costs €7.5, three glasses €15, six glasses €25; a visit-only fee is €3.5 per person. A complete, prebooked wine-tasting activity requires a minimum of 10 people.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 7 hours.
Where and when does the tour start?
Pickup is at 9:00 AM from your hotel or local accommodation.
What are the winery opening days and times?
Summer (1 May–30 Sep): winery visits available Monday–Friday from 15:00–18:00 (Saturday and Sunday closed). Winter (1 Oct–30 Apr): available Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 15:00–18:00 (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday closed).
What does wine tasting cost?
A single glass is €7.5; three glasses €15; six glasses €25. A visit-only entrance fee is €3.5 per person.
Is there a minimum group size for a full tasting?
Yes — a complete, prebooked wine tasting activity requires a minimum of 10 people.
Are there alternatives if the winery is closed?
Yes — alternatives listed by the operator include visits to Mosteiros village & Empadadas Lakes or a short hiking trail in the Sete Cidades area.