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Caldeira das Sete Cidades

Azores,  Portugal

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Walkopedia rating87
(Top 100)
Beauty
32
Natural interest
 17
Human interest
 6
Charisma
 32
Negative points
 (0)
Total rating
 87

 Vital statistics

Length:
Variable
Maximum Altitude: around 840m
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Key information: Caldeira das Sete Cidades

  • Vast caldera formed by massive volcanic eruptions and collapses.
  • Outstanding scenery: two large lakes, one bright blue, and one green, with steep, lushly vegetated caldera walls holding lesser lakes inside subsidiary craters.
  • Walk along the rim, or down by the lakesides.
  • Take in the delightful old village of Sete Cidades with its unusual houses.


Walk summary

This phenomenal caldera holds two large lakes, surrounded by lushly vegetated cliffs up to 500m high, and smaller lakes within subsidiary craters. One lake appears bright blue, and the other green.

The scenery is outstanding here, and you can choose walks that suit you: along the cliffs, with their superb views, or by the lakes within the crater itself, among blooming hydrangeas, visiting the historic village of Sete Cidades.

While the caldera was formed by vast eruptions and collapses in pre-history, eruptions as late as the 15th century gave the caldera its current topography. Domes and lava flows bear witness to continuing volcanic activity.

This is not wild country, but it is ravishingly pretty, and the speed with which forest and farmland have established themselves within this once (and possibly future) cauldron of death is intriguing.

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Safety and problems: All walks have inherent risks and potential problems, and many of the walks featured on this website involve significant risks, dangers and problems. Problems of any sort can arise on any walk. This website does not purport to identify any (or all) actual or potential risks, dangers and problems that may relate to any particular walk. Any person who is considering undertaking this walk should do careful research and make their own assessment of the risks, dangers and possible problems involved. They should also go to “Important information” for further important information.

Anyone planning an expedition to this place should see further important information about this walk.

Responsible travel matters, a lot. How you travel will make a real difference - for better or worse. PLEASE consider this when making plans. Read more