Sete Cidades: The Blue & Green Lakes in Sao Miguel

The name Sete Cidades is said to have originated from the seven craters on the island, which resulted from volcanic eruptions millions of years past and which gave way to the Verde, Azul, Rasa, Santiago, Caldeiras Secas, and Alferes lakes that now exist in the area. “Lagoon of the Seven Cities,” known in Portuguese as “Lagoa Sete Cidades,” is a twin lake that is located inside a dormant volcanic crater on the island of Sao Miguel in the Azores (Verde lake and Azul Lake). One of the most breathtaking volcanic scenes in the Azores islands for sure. The Lagoa of Sete Cidades is located in the parish town of Sete Cidades, which is part of the county of Ponta Delgada, the island’s capital. However, the smallest community in terms of population in Ponta Delgada county is the largest in space with the famous twin lakes located inside a 12km dormant volcanic crater. The colonization of Sete Cidades developed after the property owner, Dr. José Bettencourt, the principal benefactor of the lands within the crater, made tracts available for settlement. These lands were rented to farmers and other colleagues, who then cultivated the limited lots and paid monthly stipends for their use. For a long time, this limited the number of inhabitants living within the region and left mass construction and destruction of the natural beauty alone. This has allowed the beautiful region to become one of the most unspoiled areas of all of Europe. Considered one of Portugal’s seven natural wonders, these twin lakes with the bridge that divides them is truly one of Portugal’s most famous sites. The sweet-smelling hydrangeas and laurasilva trees that surround the lakes only add to the pleasure of exploring them. Each side of the lake has it’s unique charm and character and together only adds to the beautiful experience of hiking, touring, or simply just exploring on your own this tranquil area. The lake’s total depth ts the deepest point is 19meters, and is surrounded by unique trails perfect for any time of outdoor activity. In 1901 when the King of Portugal was visiting the Azores islands, he spent some time on the island of Sao Miguel with his wife, Queen Amelia. They did not stay in hotels like modern-day monarchs but instead resided in the various members of the royal family on the islands. When Carlos and was wife Amelia visited the twin lakes, they fell in love with its natural beauty. The government decided to name the viewpoint where the King and Queen stood in honor of him, which he graciously accepted. Under the name, Miradouro Vista do Rei, ” The King’s Viewpoint” is where hundreds of thousands of visitors to this glorious sight has taken photographs that have been on the walls and in picture frames around the world for over a century.