The Caldeira das Sete Cidades is one of the most beautiful and imposing lakes on the Island of São Miguel, nestling in a crater with a sweeping 12-kilometre perimeter.

The unforgettable picture of the Verde (green) lake and the Azul (blue) lake set off by their surrounding trees and flowers. The shores and small Azul peninsula are ideal for walks and picnics in the most natural of environments. Legend has it that the lakes have differing colours due to the tears shed by a princess and a shepherd. After finding their love forbidden, they cried until the lakes at the crater bottom were filled.

Within the crater, visit the picturesque village of Sete Cidades, with its unusual style of housing and the Neo-gothic 19th century Parish Church surrounded by verdant pastureland and the less spectacular but nearby Santiago lake.

By the Azul lake lies an attractive garden with its orchards and azalea thickets. The viewpoints at Vista do Rei and Cerrado das Freiras provide great panoramas out over the road that runs around the crest of the lush green crater brightened by knots of hydrangeas.

The Fogo lakes are also most impressive. Set down in the crater of an extinct volcano, this huge lake of clear waters even comes with its own beach.

Everywhere includes views out over marvellous landscapes featuring sea and hill. And there are also the Congro and Nenúfares lakes, small but of great natural beauty.

Get beyond the day to day and discover the beauty of the Azores.