São Miguel
Vista do Rei PR03SMI
Vista do Rei (PR03SMI) is a marked linear walk along the Sete Cidades crater rim on São Miguel. It runs from the Vista do Rei viewpoint down to the village on the crater floor.
The walk
The walk starts at the Vista do Rei viewpoint on the south rim, with the two lakes straight below you. It follows the ridge north and keeps the crater on your right the whole way.
The path is a clear dirt track, level along the rim, then a steady descent through trees to the village on the crater floor. There is little shade on the rim and no water on the route, so carry your own.
What you'll see on the walk
The two lakes from above
Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde sit side by side on the floor, one blue, one green.
Boca do Inferno
A short side path reaches the viewpoint with the widest view over the whole crater.
Monte Palace
The abandoned hotel stands empty on the rim, a landmark about halfway along.
Sete Cidades village
The walk ends by the church, with a café and the bus stop a few minutes away.
Getting to the start
The start is at Vista do Rei, about 35 minutes by car from Ponta Delgada, with a car park at the viewpoint. The route is linear: return along the same path, or arrange a pick-up at the village so you only walk it one way.
Sete Cidades · weather now
20.4°C
Observed , Azores time · IPMA
Take the route with you
The track for your phone, the official sheet, and directions to the start.
Closures and alerts
Visit Azores marks a route partly open or closed after storms or landslides, and lists the affected section on its alerts page. Check the date above before you set out, as status can change within a day. See the alerts page →
Roman Antonov, editor
I live in Portugal and I love these islands. The status and date on this page come straight from the regional trail network, so they match what the rangers have posted.