Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the Vista do Rei viewpoint, beside the ruined Monte Palace hotel, follow the gravel track west along the south-west rim of the Sete Cidades crater, with the lakes Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul below on your right and slopes falling to the sea on your left. The track curves north along the western rim to the regional road. Follow the road right, turn left on a lane to the junction with the Mata do Canário path, then turn right down the steep Arrebentões lane into the crater. Cross the village to the São Nicolau church.
It is 7.5 km one way with 41 m of ascent and 325 m of descent; allow about 2½ hours. The grade is Easy: wide tracks and quiet roads, with one steep descent at the end.
There is no known fee or booking. The rim is open to the wind, and fog can hide the lakes. The Arrebentões lane is steep and slippery, above all when wet. Short stretches follow the regional road, so watch for traffic.
No bus goes to Vista do Rei, so many walkers take a taxi up and the bus back. Buses run a few times a day between Sete Cidades and Ponta Delgada, some changing at Várzea; check the timetable. The viewpoint car park is free.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Sete Cidades is a volcanic caldera on the west of São Miguel holding the twin lakes Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde
- The marked trail follows the south-west and west rim before dropping steeply into the village
- The ruined Monte Palace hotel beside the start opened around 1989 and closed within a couple of years
- Buses run between Sete Cidades and Ponta Delgada a few times a day; none goes to Vista do Rei
Getting there
Start: Miradouro da Vista do Rei. 37.83934, -25.79542
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Azores: Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.