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

Jeep Safari - Sete Cidades

This afternoon two of our biologists joined Futurismo's jeep safari to Sete Cidades. Despite the adverse weather conditions we were able to see the lakes of Sete Cidades through the moving clouds. From Vista do Rei (King's Viewpoint) we got a good view of the lakes so we were able to take some photos from this high vantage point of the crater. As we completed the trip we also got to see the views from different perspectives and we also had the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful landscape of Mosteiros and it's offshore islets. When we reached the interior of the volcanic crater of Sete Cidades (Seven Cities) we made a stop for refreshments in the village and we made a visit to São Nicolau (Saint Nicholas) church. After the 3 hours of this half day tour had passed our clients were able to understand the charm and magic of the region of Sete Cidades.

Vista do Rei (King's viewpoint) overlooking the twin lakes of Sete Cidades

Waterfall at Faial da Terra

On the first day of December we set off with our German clients to the eastern part of São Miguel island - Faial da Terra. The way to this place is long and passes through much the island, full of beautiful views. One of the most impressive views is from Salto do Cavalo, where our German friends could enjoy an amazing morning view over Furnas valley, Furnas village and lake and Povoação village. Our walking trail started in Faial da Terra. This small village is interesting for its history and is unique place where the local people used to hide pirates. This short walking trail ends at the base of an amazing waterfall which is hidden in the forest. During the way to this waterfall our German clients were exploring the beauty of our forest "jungle". The view in the end was worth it.

 View from Salto do Cavalo over Furnas crater

Part of Povoação crater

 With GPS it's easy

 Village of Faial da Terra

 Small village, where the locals used to hide out from pirates

 Along the way to the waterfall

Waterfall Salto do Prego - the treasure of our trip

Windy and fogy Sete Cidades walking trail

Another time, another group of German clients and the same place - Sete Cidades walking trail. In the Azores you never know what kind of weather you should expect. On this day we had great group of people. Although the weather conditions were not the best (it was really windy and foggy on the top of Sete Cidades crater mountains) we had great adventure there with our German friends. Walking with our heads in clouds - what more do you want? During the tour we were lucky to arrive to the viewpoint at the right time so that our clients had just a bit of a misty view of the lagoons, while they heard our German-speaking guide's narration about the area of Sete Cidades, it's history, legends about colour of green and blue lakes, nature, current issues and opportunities.  At the end of our day we finished up with a sunny visit to a local pineapple plantation, exploring the secret of growing pineapples in the Azores. At this favourite stop we always offer tasting of the pineapple liqueur that is made here.

 Beginning of our windy experience

 Fog in front of us, fog behind us...

 View to Lagoa Azul in Sete Cidades from the top

 Beautiful view from Lagoa Azul

 Pinneaple plantation

Baby pinneaple

Sete Cidades walking tour

As the time flies, also here in São Miguel summer is over and the time is coming to explore beauty of this island from another perspective. Futurismo does tours with clients all year around, you don't need to be afraid that you will miss the right time to make trails in this paradise in the middle of Atlantic. On one of our tours in October we went with our German clients to Sete Cidades, on the western part of São Miguel island, and walked around this well known area of the blue and green lakes. Our trail went around the top of the crater and we stopped to have a picnic at one of beautiful viewpoints. With our German friends we had chance this day to see the amazing landscapes, view the lakes and enjoy moments when the sun and clouds were creating that special atmosphere you can see only in winter time here. We  finished our tour this day by bathing in hot ocean water - at Ponta da Ferraria. In this place you can feel the power of volcanism, there is a natural pool where a hot spring occurs and mixes with ocean water - just the perfect relaxation after a walking tour.

 Firts viewpoint over local green pastures

 Only a small obstacle after heavy rain day before

 That way our trip leads

 Our German clients during the walking tour

 "Somebody" is watching us

 During the walking tour

 Sete Cidades and view to Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde

Thermal spa at Ponta da Ferraria