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Everything you need to know about Lagoa das Sete Cidades

Lagoa das Sete Cidades is one of the greatest icons of natural beauty in Portugal. In fact, it is a monumental expanse of blue water hugging another of green tone, with a dazzling beauty.

So, if you want to visit this lagoon, know that you will be able to capture unbelievable photographs. So, if you want to know more about one of the most famous lagoons in the country, read our article!

D.R.: Lagoa das Sete Cidades

Features of Lagoa das Sete Cidades

Firstly, Lagoa das Sete Cidades is located northwest of the island of São Miguel, in the municipality of Ponta Delgada. In few words, it is the largest freshwater lake in the Azores, occupying about 4.3 km2 and with a depth of 33 meters.

This is a mandatory tourist spot on the São Miguel pass and was formed in the crater of a volcano. Despite being a single lagoon, there are those who give different names to the areas with different colors: Lagoa Azul (blue lagoon) and Lagoa Verde (green lagoon).

Historical context

As explained earlier, this famous lagoon was formed in the crater of a volcano that had a historic eruption in 1445. Although the lagoon has two different colors, few know the real reason. In short, the colors differ depending on the depth and concentration of algae in the ponds. When reflecting the sky, they end up revealing the color of the algae.

Legend of Sete Cidades

Contrarily, there are those who tell a legend to justify the different tones on both sides of Lagoa das Sete Cidades. The well-known Legend of Sete Cidades tells the story of a blue-eyed princess who tried to live a forbidden love with a green-eyed shepherd. It is said that the princess was strolling through the kingdom of Sete Cidades when she saw the shepherd and fell in love with him at first sight. After falling in love, they would always meet by a lake.

However, the King wanted his daughter to marry a prince from another kingdom. When he discovered the affair with the poor shepherd, he forbade the princess to meet him. Broken, the princess found herself one last time by the lake with her lover. And, finally, it is said that the farewell was so sad that the tears of the two filled two ponds: one green and one blue, the colors of their eyes.

This lagoon has, in fact, a phenomenal beauty and power! If you want to visit the island of São Miguel, Into The Wild Azores Tours has several guided tour options for all tastes. Get in touch with us!