Panoramic view of the Sete Cidades volcanic caldera
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Panoramic view of the Sete Cidades volcanic caldera

by Aude Lavayssière

The Sete Cidades caldera is a volcanic crater lake located on the western side of São Miguel Island in the Azores. The caldera was formed about 22,000 years ago and is 5 km wide with two lakes at the bottom, Lagoa Azul, visible at the back, and Lagoa Verde, not visible here. The smaller crater lake visible at the forefront is Lagoa Santiago, formed by a post-caldera eruptive episode. This beautiful natural landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.