Sete Cidades full-day tour

It was a very foggy day in the crater of Sete Cidades which unfortunately obstructed a lot of our view of the surrounding landscape. However, the group were determined not to be put off and briskly set off on a 2 and half hour walk around the volcanic crater towards the town also named Sete Cidades. The walk was nice, and although there wasn't anything to see further away from us, we could still get up close with, and learn about, the different plants and rocks along the trail as well as seeing many dairy cows and wild birds.

We stopped at the town for a little while to eat lunch and drink coffee as well as having an independent wander around the town to look at the beautiful buildings and the church. After this we set off in the bus to the area of Ferraria which is situated on the far west side of the São Miguel island. Ferraria is a natural hot spring at the bottom of the volcano, right next to the sea. When the tide is out, the pool is very warm - around 30°C. The rock is made from lava which flowed from the volcano and cooled and hardened very quickly once it met the sea. The patterns from the lava flow can be seen in the rock.

We finished off our trip at the Arruda Pinapple Plantation where we learned about how the pineapples are grown and how they are the iconic fruit of the Azores. We were able to sample the products made on site from the pineapples such as pineapple liquor, chutney and marmalade.

Ilex azorica - Azorean holly / Azevinho

 Laurus azoricus - Azores Laurel / Louro

Erica azorica - Azorean heather / Urze

 Myrsine africana - African boxwood / Tamujo

Dairy cow

A foggy trail

Milk cart

 São Nicolau / St Nicholas Church

 Farol de Ferreria - Lighthouse of Ferreria

 Pineapple

Pineapples growing in the greenhouse

Lagoa do Fogo half-day Jeep tour

This afternoon we visited Lagoa do Fogo (Lake of Fire) on a half-day Jeep tour. The lake is situated in the crater of the Agua de Pau volcano. The view of the lake was absolutely spectacular, and we picked a nice day to view it. The volcano beneath the lake and the area around it is still dormant, and the Caldeira Velha hot springs nearby prove this. We visited the hot springs after we soaked in enough of the view of Lagoa do Fogo. Some of the clients took a dip in the warm 35°C fresh water pools, which are heated by the magma underneath (but close to the surface of) the Earths crust. One of the pools was extremely hot, boiling temperatures at above 100°C - there was no swimming to be had in this one! As well as the warm pools, Caldeira Velha is a really scenic place to visit with an almost Jurassic feel to it. A much recommended place to spend an afternoon.

After resting and relaxing in the hot springs, we journeyed on to Ribeira Grande to where local liquors are made. We walked round the factory seeing the huge wooden casks in which the liquor was kept to mature. Afterwards we were allowed to try samples of the liquor and was also able to buy some to take home!

Laden with goods, we headed home. Such a nice way to spend the afternoon, São Miguel really does have some beautiful scenery.

Stunning views of Lagoa do Fogo

The waterfall at Caldeira Velha

Bathing in the hot springs

You can see the steam rising from the hot springs

Plenty of frogs thrive in the warm water. You can constantly hear them croaking to one another

Walking trail - Moinhos da Ribeira Funda

The winter is also important for the guides of Futurismo to get to know more trails and discover more alternatives for our guests. Yesterday we walked the trail "Moinhos da Ribeira Funda" on the North of São Miguel Island. The day started very cloudy, but soon after we had a beautiful summer day with amazing views of the ocean and coast.  These are just some pictures from today:

Two lakes tour in São Miguel island

One of our first tours of the new year to lakes in São Miguel island surprised us with really cool weather - a bit of rain, fresh wind, warm sunlight and rainbows everywhere. In the morning we visited viewpoints around Sete Cidades - we could see the narrowest part of the island and also the lakes in this area - Lagoa Azul, Lagoa Verde and Lagoa do Santiago and on the top of this crater. We experienced an Azorean winter with temperatures of 5°C and hail - such a nice experience. For lunch we tried one of the typical meals - chicharros e açorda de tomato - crispy fried mackerel and mash from bread, tomatoes and garlic - it may sound odd but it tastes so good. And of course we didn't forget to taste local deserts. Strengthened by lunch we set off to our afternoon program - Lagoa do Fogo and its beautiful views, some of us bathed in the hot water of Caldeira Velha and in the end we also visited our local liqueur factory Mulher de Capote.

Sete Cidades

Just few days before Christmas feasts we had a really beautiful sunny day during our walking tour in Sete Cidades - on western part of São Miguel island. With our German clients we were enjoying a calm walk with views to both lakes - Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul and an ocean view on the other side, while catching a bronze colour in the cheeks. In the afternoon we were surprised by big waves at Ponta da Ferraria - a place where there is a hot spring and thermal spa in the ocean. Today we weren't there at the best time for swimming (low tide was in early in the morning and ocean was rough), but we all took part in a competition for the best photo of waves - a stunning show just for us.

A sunny afternoon in Sete Cidades

Yesterday we finally got a break in the weather here in São Miguel. After waiting patiently the sun finally broke through the clouds so that we could enjoy a wonderful sunny and warm afternoon in Sete Cidades (the photos below speak for themselves). This region on the western end of São Miguel island is one of our most popular destinations. People from all over come here to enjoy the views from the top, looking down from the rim of the crater to the twin lakes (blue and green) inside. The lake sides are also great for spending some time, either relaxing or enjoying outdoor activities such as walking, kayaking and other water sports. We welcome you to come and enjoy the region of Sete Cidades and the rest of our island paradise on one of Futurismo's walking or jeep tours.

Amazing Sete Cidades and Ferraria

Weather is playing with us on São Miguel island - today we decided to walk on the other side of Sete Cidades crater and we were right and lucky to be on the sunny part of this area. With our German clients we had nice walk along the top of the crater, with beautiful and colourful views on both sides - to lakes and sea. We had our picnic lunch near the water inside the crater, and after that we had more walking around thebBlue lake and village of Sete Cidades. Three of our friends also enjoyed swimming in heated ocean water - in a natural pool and thermal baths at Ponta da Ferraria. For the rest of us, it was refreshing just to watch waves crashing on the lava rocks. It's an amazing place to spend few hours of your busy life and take a nap.

 Ready to start

 View to the lakes

 View to coast and sea

 Crater of Sete Cidades

 Village of Mosteiros in the distance 

 Our walking crew

Walking path around the Lagoa Azul

The way to a swimming paradise at Ponta da Ferraria

 Natural pool with a hot spring in the ocean - just jump! 

Waves at Ponta da Ferraria