Comparison · São Miguel

Sete Cidades: scenic, 4x4 or on foot

Choose the scenic day trip if you want to see Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo in one effortless day, the 4x4 for a longer route with more stops, the hiking tour if you want to walk to the lake, and the buggy if you want to drive.

The blue and green lakes of Sete Cidades between the caldera walls

Compare the trips

How do you want to explore Madeira?

Scenic western tour

A day from Funchal with stops at Cabo Girão, Câmara de Lobos and Porto Moniz.

See the scenic tour

North Madeira by 4x4

Combines Porto Moniz and Cabo Girão in an off-road vehicle.

See the 4x4

Rabaçal and 25 Fontes

A day built around walking beside a levada. Check the official status of PR 6.

See the levada

What is the difference between the scenic trip and the 4x4?

According to the listing, the scenic trip runs in an air-conditioned vehicle, visits Lagoa do Fogo and Sete Cidades and stops for a buffet lunch that is included. The 4x4 picks you up at your hotel in Ponta Delgada, adds stops such as Vista do Rei, the village of Sete Cidades, a liqueur distillery and the Salto do Cabrito waterfall, and does not include food or drinks. The first is more direct; the second is a more varied route.

What if I want to walk to Lagoa do Fogo?

The hiking tour is for those who want to spend the day on foot. The listing describes a trail of about 12 kilometres, with a stretch along a levada, views of the lake and a picnic lunch by the water. Transport is by minibus and the minimum age in the listing is 6. It is the only one of the four built around walking.

When does the buggy make sense?

The buggy is for those who want to drive around the Sete Cidades area. The listing offers two versions, half-day and full-day, and only the full-day one includes lunch. To drive you need a valid licence and must sign a liability statement; the listing also mentions a deposit per vehicle by credit card. Driving is not compulsory, so you can also ride as a passenger.

What do the listings say about the guide and cancellation?

In the English market, all four listings show an English-speaking guide. Conditions still differ: free cancellation up to 24 hours before for the scenic trip and the buggy, 48 hours for the 4x4 and 6 hours for the hiking tour. Check each tour's card before deciding.

Frequently asked questions

Which tour includes food?

The scenic trip includes a buffet lunch, the hiking tour a picnic and the full-day buggy a buffet. The 4x4 does not include food or drinks, according to the listing.

Which is best if I do not want to walk?

The scenic trip and the 4x4 cover the lakes by vehicle. The buggy also avoids the hike, but means driving a vehicle yourself.

Do all the tours visit Sete Cidades?

The scenic trip, the 4x4 and the buggy include Sete Cidades. The hiking tour focuses on Lagoa do Fogo, according to the listing itinerary.

Is there an English-speaking guide on all four?

Yes, all four English-market listings show an English-speaking guide.

Can I cancel for free?

All four listings show free cancellation, with a different deadline for each tour. Check the exact deadline on the tour you pick.