Sete Cidades Lagoon – São Miguel Island

The Sete Cidades Lagoon, also known as the Sete Cidades Caldera, is located on the Island of São Miguel in the Azores.

More precisely, it is located in the northwest of São Miguel Island, in the municipality of Ponta Delgada. Sete Cidades Lagoon is a freshwater lake and the largest in the Azores, covering an area of approximately 4.3 kilometers and reaching a depth of about 33 meters. It is one of the main tourist attractions of the archipelago and receives many visitors throughout the year.

Lagoa das Sete Cidades (Azul e Verde)
Fotografia de Bruno Sousa

This natural tourist spot was formed in the crater of a volcano. Although it is one lagoon, it has two different colors, leading to the names Green Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, which come together to form one of the most stunning landscapes on the island.

It’s no coincidence that this symbol of the Azores has been classified as a Protected Landscape of the Natura 2000 Network, a European network dedicated to nature conservation.

This lagoon, besides being breathtaking, is also associated with a few legends due to the distinct colors of the two lagoons lying side by side. The most famous is the legend of the blue-eyed princess.

Lagoa das Sete Cidades
Fotografia de Jorge Almeida

Recommended Activities in This Area

History of Sete Cidades Lagoon

The Sete Cidades Lagoon was formed in the crater of a volcano that had a major eruption in 1445. The caldera consists of two large lakes with distinct shades, which are called the Green Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon. They are separated only by a bridge that provides access to the local village.

The reason for the different colors can be explained by the depth and the concentration of algae in the lakes, which either reflect the sky or reveal the color of the algae.

Lagoa Verde e Azul, Sete Cidades
Fotografia de Eduardo Miranda

Legends of the Blue Lagoon and Green Lagoon

There are several legends related to the lagoons, but the most famous and romantic is the one about Princess Antília, who tried to live a forbidden love.

Like in fairy tales, there was once a kingdom in the area where the village of Sete Cidades is now located, and there lived Princess Antília, who had beautiful blue eyes, along with her family. On a normal day, while strolling through the region, the blue-eyed princess met a shepherd with stunning green eyes, and it was love at first sight.

After this first encounter, the two lovers would always meet at the same spot by the lake.

The problem was that the King wanted his daughter to marry a prince from a neighboring kingdom and would never allow her to marry someone of lesser status.

When the King found out about the secret meetings, he forbade the princess from seeing the shepherd and continuing their love. Heartbroken and desperate, Princess Antília asked for one last meeting with her green-eyed love, and so they met.

The farewell was so sad that both of them cried a lot, and from the tears of the princess’s blue eyes formed the Blue Lagoon, while from the shepherd’s green eyes formed the Green Lagoon. The legend says that although they were separated, the tears left behind as side-by-side lagoons represent the eternal love of these young lovers.

See also: The True Legend of Sete Cidades by Tunalhos

Lagoa das Sete Cidades
Fotografia de Maria Cota

Tips and Curiosities

Here are a few curiosities about Sete Cidades Lagoon that are worth mentioning, along with some tips that can make your visit even more enjoyable:

• Sete Cidades Lagoon was named one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal and is a protected landscape;
• The best day to tour Sete Cidades: a clear and bright day will allow you to fully appreciate the landscape and better distinguish the two lagoons’ colors;
• The village center of Sete Cidades is very interesting and features typical houses, a neo-Gothic church, and a few viewpoints to enjoy the stunning views of the lagoon. A must-visit is the Vista do Rei Viewpoint: it’s worth the trip to capture one of the most photographed attractions in the Azores;
• Before reaching the village of Sete Cidades, it’s worth stopping at the Cerrado das Freiras Viewpoint, as it’s the ideal spot to fully appreciate the contrast between the Blue Lagoon and the Green Lagoon;
• Have you ever thought of having a picnic by the lagoon? There are a few areas around the lagoon where you can enjoy a unique moment with family and friends. Good company and a great view complete the richness of the experience;
• Outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling are possible around the lagoon. Check out Azorean tourism companies for more options.

Lagoa das Sete Cidades
Fotografia de Ruma Photography

Sete Cidades Lagoon wasn’t chosen as one of Portugal’s 7 Natural Wonders for nothing. It radiates beauty and admiration from all who have the pleasure of visiting it.

The stunning landscape, combined with the mystique, legends, and natural grandeur of this place, has made it a major tourist attraction that draws thousands of visitors throughout the year.

Location on the Map

Photos of Sete Cidades Lagoon

Sete Cidades
Fotografia de Bruno Sousa

Sete Cidades
Fotografia de Micaela Cordeiro

Lagoa das Sete Cidades
Fotografia de Procopio Dutra

Lagoa das Sete Cidades
Fotografia de Nuno Vieira

Lagoa Azul e Lagoa Verde (Sete Cidades)
Fotografia de Afonso Afonso

Sete Cidades
Fotografia de Bruno Sousa

Sete Cidades Lagoon Video