Category: Nature > Lagoon
District: Açores > Ponta Delgada > Sete Cidades > Cerrado das Freiras
The Blue Lagoon is nestled in the picturesque area of Cerrado das Freiras, part of the emblematic locality of Sete Cidades, in the municipality of Ponta Delgada. Situated within the vast volcanic crater, its position offers an environment of exceptional natural beauty. The lagoon is an integral part of the famous lake system that dominates the landscape, distinguished by its characteristic color and the surrounding green slopes.
Access to this area is generally via roads that wind around the caldera, revealing panoramic views before reaching water level. The surrounding area is characterized by its tranquility, inviting contemplation of the Azorean landscape in its purest and most serene state.
As the name suggests, the Blue Lagoon is renowned for the sky-blue hue of its waters, a natural phenomenon that captivates visitors. This vibrant color contrasts with the lush vegetation covering the banks and caldera slopes, creating a visually striking scene. The lagoon's water, on most days, reflects the sky, intensifying its characteristic blue and the feeling of spaciousness.
The surrounding environment is dominated by dense and varied flora, typical of the Azorean landscape. The tranquility of the water's surface, often only disturbed by a light breeze, provides an ideal setting for those seeking a moment of peace and direct contact with the robust and unique nature of the Azores.
The Blue Lagoon is not merely a natural spectacle; it is also deeply connected to one of the most beautiful and well-known Azorean legends. The story tells of the forbidden love between a blue-eyed princess and a green-eyed shepherd, whose tears shed at their farewell gave rise to the two lagoons of Sete Cidades, one blue and one green.
This mythical narrative adds a layer of mystery and romance to the Blue Lagoon, transforming a visit into an immersion not only in the landscape but also in popular imagination. The presence of this legend enriches the experience, inviting visitors to see in the blue waters of the lagoon the echo of a timeless love and local culture.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.8693468,-25.78533
Coordinates DMS: 37°52'9.6"N 25°47'7.2"W