Sete Cidades is a tiny village sitting inside a volcanic crater in the western part of São Miguel, between the twin lakes of Lagoa das Sete Cidades — Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde. It is one of the most photographed spots in the Azores, and for good reason — the view from the crater rim down to the blue and green lakes is extraordinary.
The village itself is quiet and rural. Walking is the main activity. Small roads along the shore of Lagoa Azul make for easy, pleasant strolls, though you cannot walk all the way around the lake as the northern shore is too steep. For more dramatic views, hike the crater rim — Vista do Rei is the classic viewpoint, Boca do Inferno shows the whole caldera in a single frame, and the Mata do Canário trail along the eastern rim is excellent.
Getting there requires a car or bus from Ponta Delgada, usually with a change at Várzea.