Jacob and Esau. Apollo and Artemis. Mary Kate and Ashley. People have always been fascinated with twins, and these twin lakes are no less interesting.
In a volcanic crater at least 22,000 years old on the island of São Miguel in the Azores archipelago of Portugal, you’ll find the blue and green lakes of Sete Cidades. While technically one body of water, the lagoon appears like two separate lakes — Lagoa Azul (Blue Lake) and Lagoa Verde (Green Lake) — nearly separated by a narrow stretch of land with a bridge. The water is surrounded by a lush landscape of ancient subtropical forest, laurisilva, and blue hydrangea.
The twin lakes are often cited as one of Portugal’s seven natural wonders, and for good reason.
Learn more about this stunning spot in Angela’s latest article for Atlas Obscura: Lagoa das Sete Cidades (Lagoon of the Seven Cities)
Great photos! The low-lying clouds blocked our view of the lakes when my family and I went there a few months ago. We were really disappointed, but there was nothing we could do about it so, we enjoyed everything else as much as we could.