Every place has its own stories for those guided by a spirit of inquiry, and the Azores is full of them. Its charm is a source of inspiration for various local myths, tales, and legends. Notably, the best-known legend – The Sete Cidades Legend – is inspired by the sublime landscape of its lakes.
Although many versions of the Sete Cidades legend exist, the tale is always about a beautiful princess and her beloved shepherd.
Once Upon a Time…
A long time ago, in a distant era, there was the kingdom of the Sete Cidades, surrounded by beautiful mountainous and verdant scenery. Nevertheless, pale in comparison with the unique beauty of the princess who lived here.
Besides being beautiful, she had a unique, inquisitive mind that transported her beyond the doors of her palace. Across meadows and trails of spontaneous quietness, among dancing flowers, as well as deciduous trees waiting for the seasons.
An Impossible Love at First Sight
One day, during one of her country walks, the princess found a young shepherd playing the flute on top of a hill. Those chords of vibrant notes reverberated in his ears like a call to a new adventure. The poor shepherd, surprised by that unexpected encounter, remained in contemplation.
Everything around them was born spontaneously like the fire of an enormous volcano, now transmitting to this couple’s feelings, the force that only nature can impose!
— Vítor Dias Rego
Hours and days went by, and the princess and the shepherd were always in the same place. Their hearts were already playing the same melody and exchanging vows of love, a love somehow impossible for both of them.
Together, they continued to dream in secret, but fate was already sealed. Eventually, the news arrived through the wind and the unsetting fog, so the princess became betrothed to a prince from another kingdom.
The Sad Separation
Though it was against her will, the princess was bound by the king’s ultimate command. Therefore, the condescending princess has accepted her fate.
Then, for one last time, on the same green field as before, the lovers met. In the same quiet green, sorrow was seen. At some point, the dream ended, and the resigned hearts now sang in silence, an agonizing melody that overflowed in tears.
For instance, the princess’s tears were so many and uncontrollable that they gathered in an immense lake with blue waters like her eyes. In turn, the shepherd wept with all his feelings, tears that gave way to another pond of green water, slightly smaller.
Deep green eyes, as green as the luxurious vegetation that would depict him for all time!
— Vítor Dias Rego
Check all our articles about each one of the most relevant points of interest in Sete Cidades: Caldeira Seca | Janela do Inferno | Miradouro da Grota do Inferno | Lagoa das Empadadas | Sete Cidades | Lagoa das Sete Cidades | Lagoa de Santiago | Lagoa do Canário | Lagoa do Congro | Miradouro das Cumeeiras | Monte Palace Hotel | Sete Cidades Legend | Miradouro da Vista do Rei | Lagoa de Santiago Viewpoint | Pico da Vara
The Origin of the Blue & Green Lagoons of Sete Cidades
From this enchanting legend of Sete Cidades, our Blue and Green Lagoon was born. Mysterious and melancholy as the mist embraces the lagoon and shining waters when the sun caresses it. It carries an intense green of the luxurious vegetation and a vivid blue like the sky.
Here, nature emerges in all its splendor, authentic and vibrant, just like the love of the Princess and her Shepherd. For one thing, the waters that can almost touch but never unite. Here in these waters lies a love that lasts and enchants whoever sees the lagoon.
Complementary Information
Best Season to Visit the Azores
The Azores Archipelago boasts a unique climate that shapes its lush landscapes, making it a splendid year-round destination. With mild temperatures and minimal fluctuations, each season offers something unique. Spring averages 16 °C, summer reaches 21 °C, autumn cools to 18 °C, and winter remains mild at 14 °C.
→ For a detailed breakdown of the weather by month, check the following links 🌤️☔️: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
How to Get to the Azores
The Azorean Archipelago is easily accessible through numerous flight routes. Lisbon and Porto are the main entry points to the continent, with direct flights available to São Miguel (PDL), Terceira (TER), Faial (HOR), Pico (PIX), and Santa Maria (SMA). To find the best flight, use search engines like eDreams or Skyscanner. These platforms enable you to compare prices and schedules from various airlines in one convenient location.
For more details on how to get to the Azores, take a look at our complete guide. But what if you want to explore beyond your arrival island? We’ve got you covered!
- Azores airports 🛬
- Flights between islands ✈️
- Ferries between islands ⛴️
- Which island to choose? 🏝️
- What airlines fly to the Azores? 🛩️
→ Once you’ve found the perfect route, book your tickets and get ready to experience one of the world’s most stunning island groups!
Travel Essentials
Essential Information for your Azores trip: Azorean Language & Phrases 🗣️ | Currency & Banks 💵 | Credit Cards & Traveler’s Cheques 🏧 | Driving in the Azores 🚗 | Electricity 🔌 | Experiences & Tours 🗺️ | Health & Safety 🩺 | Internet & Wi-Fi Access 🛜 | Phones & Mobile Service 📞 | Post Offices & Buying Stamps ✉️ | Public Holidays 🏖️ | Shopping 🛒 | Time & Daylight 🕒 | Whale Watching Guide 🐳 | Best Island to Visit 🏞️
Useful Tools & Apps
The weather in the Azores can be variable, so it’s helpful to use some apps before visiting the islands. Spotazores provides live camera feeds from the main tourist attractions, allowing you to check the weather and plan your visit. For accurate weather predictions, use Windy or Windguru — they provide the most reliable predictions.
Video of Sete Cidades Legend
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, come and stay for the fantasy or emotion, walk along the old tracks now decorated with colorful hydrangeas.
Who knows, these are the same paths where young lovers wandered. Perhaps, even today, during the silence of the night, under the moonlight, these young lovers still meet each other. Searching for each other in the infinite of their waters, hidden from the gaze of the world.
What is certain is that those who visit the most beautiful corner of Sete Cidades create their tale of “Once upon a time”, in the memories they take from here.
Authors’ Note
I am pleased to inform you that all the recommendations in this article are based on my personal experience and observations. As the author, I have personally visited each attraction mentioned, ensuring that every suggestion is grounded in first-hand knowledge and genuine enthusiasm.
References
- Arruda, Jorge – Verde e Azul Sete Cidades: Lendas, Contos e Factos;
- Rego, Vítor Dias – Lagoas das Sete Cidades: Espelho de lágrimas sofridas.
