Miradouro da Vista do Rei
Iconic viewpoint on São Miguel, Azores, offering breathtaking panoramas of the Sete Cidades twin crater lakes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Miradouro da Vista do Rei
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic viewpoint on São Miguel, Azores, offering breathtaking panoramas of the Sete Cidades twin crater lakes.
"The view itself will depend on the weather, but sunny weather equals great view."
☀️ Check the Weather First
Views are weather-dependent; fog can obscure everything. Visit on a clear day for the best experience.
🚗 Park Smartly
Parking is limited and often busy. Arrive early or be prepared to park along the road.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Twin Lakes
Sete Cidades
Gaze upon the legendary blue and green crater lakes, a breathtaking sight on a clear day.
Abandoned Monte Palace Hotel
Near the viewpoint
Explore the hauntingly beautiful ruins for a unique photographic opportunity and a different perspective.
Panoramic Island Vistas
Miradouro da Vista do Rei
Soak in sweeping views of the Sete Cidades caldera and the surrounding volcanic landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Views
Embrace the Abandoned Hotel
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☀️ Check the Weather First
Views are weather-dependent; fog can obscure everything. Visit on a clear day for the best experience.
🚗 Park Smartly
Parking is limited and often busy. Arrive early or be prepared to park along the road.
🚶♀️ Hike Down to the Village
Consider walking down to Sete Cidades village for a different perspective, but be ready for a steep climb back up.
📸 Capture the Abandoned Hotel
The old Monte Palace Hotel offers unique photo ops and a cool, eerie vibe.
Tips
from all over the internet
☀️ Check the Weather First
Views are weather-dependent; fog can obscure everything. Visit on a clear day for the best experience.
🚗 Park Smartly
Parking is limited and often busy. Arrive early or be prepared to park along the road.
🚶♀️ Hike Down to the Village
Consider walking down to Sete Cidades village for a different perspective, but be ready for a steep climb back up.
📸 Capture the Abandoned Hotel
The old Monte Palace Hotel offers unique photo ops and a cool, eerie vibe.
☕ Grab a Snack
A kiosk near the abandoned hotel offers coffee and snacks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Miradouro da Vista do Rei for its absolutely breathtaking and iconic views of the Sete Cidades twin lakes. The opportunity to see the distinct blue and green colors on a clear day is a major highlight, with the abandoned Monte Palace Hotel adding a unique, eerie charm. However, the experience is highly weather-dependent, and crowds can be significant during peak times, sometimes requiring creative parking solutions.
"This of course is a must see when visiting Sao Miguel!
There’s not much to say that hasn’t been said on any other review, so simply put, it’s stunning!
We attended this viewpoint very early in the morning. We’ve found all the key places are busy past 10AM.
This location is very weather dependent, especially if you want to see the colour difference between the green and blue lake. Regardless of the weather conditions, this place is stunning.
You’ll see elsewhere, but the abandoned Monte Palace Hotel is an ideal place to get a different perspective of the lakes and it’s a really unique and cool experience to enhance your visit here."
Georgia Morgan
"Very beautiful view point, you can see the lake from above. On a sunny day the view is amazing. There is a parking lot nearby, where you can park for free (max for 20 minutes - as the sign says). I strongly recommend visiting."
Marko Intihar
"The view itself will depend on the weather, but sunny weather equals great view. It's a super busy viewpoint so you may end up having to park along the road somewhere. The day we visited at end of july it was crazy busy at 12pm, but much quieter around 4pm. You can also choose to walk down to the lake and village via 2 routes: one that follows the rim around the top which is very scenic and take around 2 hours, or another that is steep and tougher, but takes about 1 hour. Whichever way you go, there will be a hard and steep climb uphill, it's just shorter and paved road on the rim route."
Michael Sutherland
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Miradouro da Vista do Rei is by rental car, offering flexibility to explore the island. It's located on São Miguel Island in the Azores.
There's a parking lot directly at the viewpoint, but it's small and can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Signs indicate a 20-minute maximum stay. Be prepared to park along the road if the lot is full.
Yes, many guided tours of São Miguel include a stop at Miradouro da Vista do Rei, especially those focusing on Sete Cidades. This can be a convenient option if you don't want to rent a car.
The viewpoint is easily accessible via well-maintained roads on São Miguel. Follow signs for Sete Cidades, and you'll find the viewpoint along the way. The drive itself offers scenic views.
The main viewpoint area is generally accessible, with paved paths. However, exploring the surrounding areas or hiking down to the village may present challenges.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Miradouro da Vista do Rei is a public viewpoint and does not require an entrance fee. You can visit and enjoy the views for free.
The viewpoint is accessible at all hours, as it's an outdoor natural attraction. However, the best viewing experience is during daylight hours.
While the hotel is abandoned, access to its grounds for viewing purposes is generally free. However, be mindful of safety and any posted restrictions.
Yes, numerous tour operators on São Miguel offer day trips that include a visit to Miradouro da Vista do Rei. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.
There are no specific entry restrictions, but it's important to respect the natural environment and any signage. Be aware of weather conditions, as fog can significantly impact visibility.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. However, clear skies are crucial to capture the distinct colors of the lakes.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive landscape and the twin lakes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details or capturing distant scenery.
The abandoned Monte Palace Hotel offers a dramatic and unique backdrop for photos, providing a contrast to the natural beauty of the lakes.
Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check the latest rules and restrictions for flying drones in the Azores before your visit to ensure compliance.
From Vista do Rei, aim for shots that encompass both lakes. Experiment with different vantage points around the viewpoint and consider the abandoned hotel for alternative perspectives.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
The primary activity is admiring the breathtaking panoramic views of the Sete Cidades crater lakes. You can also explore the nearby abandoned Monte Palace Hotel and enjoy the surrounding natural landscape.
Most visitors spend 30 minutes to an hour at the viewpoint itself. If you plan to hike down to the village or explore the hotel ruins, allocate more time.
Restroom facilities may be limited or seasonal. It's advisable to use facilities before arriving or in nearby villages if available.
There are scenic trails that follow the rim of the caldera, offering different perspectives of the lakes. A steeper, more direct trail also leads down to the village.
While exploring the hotel can be intriguing, exercise caution as it is an abandoned structure. Be aware of your surroundings and potential hazards.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
There is a small kiosk near the abandoned hotel that offers coffee and snacks. For a wider selection of dining options, you'll need to drive to the nearby village of Sete Cidades.
The village of Sete Cidades offers traditional Azorean cuisine, often featuring fresh seafood and local produce. Expect cozy cafes and local restaurants.
While there are no designated picnic areas, you can bring your own food and find a scenic spot to enjoy a picnic, especially if you visit during a less crowded time.
Yes, there is a small souvenir stand located at the parking lot of the viewpoint, offering local crafts and mementos.
Don't miss Cozido das Furnas (a stew cooked in volcanic steam), fresh grilled fish, and local cheeses. The Azorean pineapple is also a must-try.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack snacks and drinks, as facilities are limited. The abandoned Monte Palace Hotel can be an intriguing, albeit slightly spooky, point of interest for older kids, but ensure supervision. Visiting early in the morning can help avoid crowds and make the experience more relaxed for younger children.
🚗 Road Trippers
Having a rental car is essential for road-trippers to fully explore the viewpoints and surrounding areas at their own pace. Be prepared for narrow, winding roads and the possibility of needing to park along the roadside if the designated lots are full.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of Sete Cidades Lakes
+1This viewpoint is a must-see for its sheer natural beauty and the iconic imagery it provides. The vastness of the caldera and the contrasting colors of the lakes create a truly unforgettable spectacle. Many visitors find the view so captivating that they return multiple times to try and catch it under different lighting and weather conditions.
Beyond the main viewpoint, exploring the rim of the caldera offers further opportunities for photography and appreciating the scale of this volcanic formation. The abandoned Monte Palace Hotel, located nearby, adds an intriguing, albeit eerie, element to the landscape, providing a unique perspective and a popular spot for photographers.
Navigating São Miguel's Volcanic Landscapes
When visiting viewpoints like Vista do Rei, it's crucial to be prepared for the unpredictable Azorean weather. Fog can roll in quickly, obscuring even the most famous sights. Many travelers recommend having a flexible itinerary and being willing to revisit locations if the weather doesn't cooperate on the first attempt.
For those who enjoy hiking, the volcanic landscapes offer numerous trails. The rim of the Sete Cidades caldera, for instance, provides excellent hiking opportunities with continuous stunning views. Whether you're driving, hiking, or simply soaking in the scenery from a viewpoint, São Miguel's volcanic heart offers an adventure unlike any other.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit