
Why we love this tour
With every color green you can imagine, the Sete Cidade Caldera's lush hills and bright crater lakes make for a spectacular mountain bike ride.
- Ride through the Caldera of Sete Cidades
- Mountain bike in one Sao Miguel’s most scenic routes
- Admire the bright blue twin lakes of Sete Cidades
- Visit one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal
- Reach high, panoramic views
At first glance, you’d never know Sete Cidades used to be the Azores’s most active volcano. Thick bundles of trees and plants cover the sloping hillsides, right around the edge of the caldera’s two lakes. Enjoy a scenic mountain bike ride around the valley to discover just how gorgeous volcanoes can be.
From the meeting point in Ponta Delgada, a 45-minute drive through the lush landscape of Sao Miguel brings you to the caldera. The tour begins at the Sete Cidades Bridge, a stone structure standing between the two lakes. Lagoa Verde (Green Lake) and Lagoa Azul (Blue Lake) are part of the same body of water, but the difference in depths makes them appear a different color. The greater depth of Lagoa Azul means the sapphire color of the sky reflects off the surface, while the emerald color of the green algae reflects off of Lagoa Verda.
Cycle around the gorgeous waters sitting at 575 m (1887 ft) above sea level. The dirt path winds up the hillsides, past gorgeous hydrangeas and bright green meadows. The route is friendly enough for inexperienced riders, so everyone can enjoy the incredible nature of the caldera.
During the 2-hour route through the valley, your guide narrates the caldera’s formation and the local species filling the area. From higher viewpoints, peer out over the two lakes sitting still against vertical crater cliffs covered with green. It soon becomes clear why it’s one of Portugal’s Seven Natural Wonders.
Bike through the caldera of Sete Cidades and reach some of Sao Miguel’s most incredible viewpoints. Discover how such serene beauty formed from such a violent volcano.
Need to know before you go
Availability on request.
The minimum age for this activity is 6 years old.
Children ages 6-18 must have a parent or guardian with them or written consent.
Please wear athletic shoes, comfortable clothing and bring layers for varying weather, water, snack, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a backpack.
You may bring your biking gloves, clip-in shoes, and pedals (if you have them).
Cancellation
Your booking will become valid after we receive your payment and send you a confirmation email.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance with 100% reimbursement. Charge 50% of the total amount if canceled within the 24 hours
In case of cancellation from our side due to bad weather, we will return your payment in full.
Meeting point
Picos de Aventura
Marina Pêro De Teive Avenida João Bosco Mota Amaral, 9500-771 Ponta Delgada
Pick ups and drop offs in units of accommodation in Ponta Delgada and Angra do Heroísmo
Provided by
Picos de AventuraReviews for this tour
5 May 2023
Luis was an amazing guide! Helpful, knowledgeable and has a great sense of humor. Thank you!