Exploring Sete Cidades: Abandoned Hotel Monte Palace, Stunning Lakes, and Local Delicacies
Our first stop was the abandoned Monte Palace hotel, famous from the series Turn of the Tide. Built in the early 1990s, Monte Palace was the epitome of luxury and sophistication. With its stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, lush gardens, and spacious rooms, it was the perfect destination for those seeking a relaxing and elegant getaway. We decided to explore the abandoned hotel from the inside and were captivated by its atmosphere. It was a fascinating and slightly scary experience that I would recommend to all adventure seekers.
Sete Cidades
Our main destination for the day was Sete Cidades. Sete Cidades (Seven Cities) is a massive, over 2 km wide caldera of a dormant volcano and is one of the most popular and beautiful spots on the Azores. For those who love adrenaline, Sete Cidades offers paragliding with stunning panoramic views. However, we opted for a more tranquil activity and set out on a scooter ride around the lake. The nature here was absolutely breathtaking, and we thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful scenery.
Lagoa das Setes Cidades
We went on a hike around the two main lakes: the larger Lagoa Azul (Blue Lake) and the smaller Lagoa Verde (Green Lake). The paths around the shores offer short walks through the lovely green landscape of cultivated meadows, fields, and small conifer groves. From above, these lakes looked like something out of a fairy tale.
Village Mosteiros and local speciality
After a tiring day, we were quite hungry and decided to try another local specialty – Portuguese muffins called Bolo Levedo. They were delicious and gave us the energy to continue our explorations. Our next stop was the small village called Mosteiros. We wanted to see how the locals live here. It was a peaceful and authentic place that gave us a glimpse of real life on the Azores.
We also saw many beautiful viewpoints along the way
This third day on the Azores was full of exploration, stunning views, and tasting local specialties. Each day brings new adventures, and I can’t wait to share more experiences from our journey with you.
