PONTA DELGADA HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Along the rim of Sete Cidades: a daylong hike from pineapple houses to the blue lagoon
An 8-hour guided circuit from Ponta Delgada that threads pineapple greenhouses, cedar forest, a 9 km crater-rim walk and a picnic — finishing with a swim in the blue lagoon of Sete Cidades.
Along the rim of Sete Cidades: a daylong hike from pineapple houses to the blue lagoon.
Adventure brief
Along the rim of Sete Cidades: a daylong hike from pineapple houses to the blue lagoon
Por entre luxuriante vegetação e a fauna e flora endémica, this full-day outing from Ponta Delgada stitches together the human-scale agriculture of the island with wide volcanic panoramas: glass pineapple houses, a shaded cedar stand, a long hike along the crater rim and a descent through a verdant levada to the village and lagoa azul.
Set in the heart of the Azores archipelago, Sete Cidades is a volcanic crater known for its dramatic landscapes and vibrant blue and green twin lakes. BigBlue Adventures offers a full-day, 8-hour hiking trip that immerses visitors in this unique geological and ecological environment. The route takes hikers through traditional pineapple plantations—a rare agricultural feature on the islands—where you can witness firsthand a local crop that thrives in the Azores’ microclimate. The trail offers varied terrain, winding along crater rims that provide breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding caldera and lakes below.
The hike is more than just a workout; it's a deep dive into the Azores’ volcanic origins. The crater’s formation millions of years ago shaped not only the landscape but also its endemic vegetation and diverse wildlife, including species like Azores bullfinch and rare orchids. Along the way, hikers enjoy a scenic picnic amid the lush greenery before concluding with a refreshing swim in the vibrant blue lagoon that lends Sete Cidades its name. This cool dip rewards well-earned tired muscles and completes a day of active adventure and connection with nature.
BigBlue Adventures stands out in the local adventure scene for its attentive and knowledgeable guides who expertly balance physical challenge with cultural and natural education. Their emphasis on sustainable practices helps protect Sete Cidades’ delicate ecosystem while showcasing its unique beauty. This trip is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts heading to the Azores who want a multi-faceted adventure that combines fitness, education, and the chance to unwind in one of the planet’s more singular volcanic landscapes.
Route Schematic
Itinerary route schematic
Key stops and what you’ll see on the day.
Pineapple plantations (estufas de ananás)
Start with a guided visit to traditional glass pineapple greenhouses to learn about the cultivation process.
Sete Cidades — '9 janelas' aqueduct and cedar stand
Walk the old aqueduct passage through approximately 1 km of dense Cryptomeria japonica forest.
Crater rim walk
Traverse about 9 km along the upper rim of the crater, taking in island views and notable scenery.
Picnic along the route
A planned picnic break is included during the walk.
Levada descent to Sete Cidades
Descend approximately 2 km along a vegetation-rich levada to reach the parish of Sete Cidades.
Comfort break and swim in the blue lagoon
A comfort pause is scheduled and there is an opportunity to swim in the blue lagoon before the return to Ponta Delgada.
The itinerary includes walking segments of 1 km (forest), ~9 km (crater rim) and 2 km (levada descent); plan for several hours on foot and be prepared for varied terrain — the operator also provides pick-up and drop-off logistics per the route.
What the day feels like
How the day unfolds
Over eight hours you move from cultivated glasshouses to wild crater edge. The morning begins among pineapple estufas, then transfers west to Sete Cidades to walk the historic ‘9 janelas’ aqueduct through a cedar forest, continue for roughly 9 km along the crater rim with sweeping views, pause for a picnic, then descend 2 km along a lush levada into the parish of Sete Cidades where there is a comfort break and the option to swim in the blue lagoon before returning to Ponta Delgada.
THE LANDSCAPE
Crater-rim panoramas and the blue lagoon
A prolonged 9 km walk along the upper edge of Sete Cidades’ crater delivers some of the island’s most expansive viewpoints, and the day culminates with time to swim in the famed blue lagoon.
THE CULTURE
Traditional pineapple greenhouses
The day opens with a visit to the island’s glass-covered ananás plantations where you will discover the local cultivation process and its place in Azorean agriculture.
THE ROUTE
Forest, levada and a picnic in the crater
The route threads a 1 km stand of Cryptomeria japonica via the ‘9 janelas’ aqueduct, a 2 km levada descent framed by intense greens, and includes a picnic along the way.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this day trip suits.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The full program is an 8-hour outing that departs from and returns to Ponta Delgada.
Pick-up/drop-off (free within Ponta Delgada or other locations on the route; extra fees may apply off-route), insurance, an English-speaking guide and lunch are included.
Entrance fees to parks or museums and any optional supplements not listed in the program are excluded and must be paid separately.
Operator provides pick-up and drop-off; free service applies within Ponta Delgada while other pickup points on the route may incur charges.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The outing is 8 hours in duration.
What is included in the price?
Included are pick-up/drop-off (free in Ponta Delgada or at other locations on the route; extra fees may apply off-route), insurance, a guide and lunch.
What are the ticket prices?
Adult (11+) 60€; Child (4–10) 30€; Infant (0–3) free.
Is there an opportunity to swim?
Yes — after the hike there is a scheduled comfort break during which you may swim in the blue lagoon of Sete Cidades.
Are any entrance fees included?
No — entrance fees to parks and museums and any supplements not mentioned in the program are excluded.
Where does the day start?
The program includes pick-up from Ponta Delgada (free within the city) and proceeds west toward Sete Cidades as described in the itinerary.
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: 2026-09-08T19:50:53.322Z
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.