Located on São Miguel Island, Azores, this protected area centers around a volcanic crater and twin lakes - one green, one blue - surrounded by forested slopes and hiking trails.
A volcanic crater in São Miguel Island, Azores holds the Área de Paisagem Protegida das Sete Cidades. Walk along crater rim trails to reach Miradouro da Boca do Inferno viewpoint, where twin lakes - one blue, one green - stretch below you. Hike through forests of endemic Macaronesian plants, and explore the 2,173-hectare protected landscape dotted with volcanic lakes formed thousands of years ago.
Lagoa Azul (Blue Lake) and Lagoa Verde (Green Lake) sit at the heart of the crater, separated by a narrow road embankment. You can see both lakes connect through a channel beneath the road. The depth of Lagoa Azul creates its deep blue color, while the surrounding vegetation reflects in Lagoa Verde, giving it its namesake green tint. Three smaller volcanic lakes complete the water system: Lagoa de Santiago, Lagoa Rasa, and Lagoa do Canário, each sitting in its own volcanic depression.
Macaronesian plants unique to these Atlantic islands grow throughout the protected area. You'll walk through planted sections of tall Cryptomeria trees, while the crater walls and lakeshores support plants that have adapted to both coastal conditions and mountain elevations. This combination of environments makes the area an important location for botanical studies in the Azores.
Take the PRC5SMI Serra Devassa trail to reach Pico das Éguas at 873 meters - the area's highest point. The main trail from the crater rim to Sete Cidades village extends 7 kilometers and takes 3-4 hours to complete. While the lakeside paths have even surfaces suitable for casual walks, the crater rim trails require sturdy boots and experience with steep terrain.
Morning hours between 8-10 AM typically have the best visibility before clouds gather around the crater. Drive 30 minutes from Ponta Delgada to reach the main entrance, where you'll find parking areas near viewpoints and trail starts. For one-way hikes, local taxis in Sete Cidades village can take you back to your starting point. The viewpoints and trails remain open year-round, though morning fog can limit visibility in winter months.
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