Sete Cidades, São Miguel, Azores

Twin lakes, one green and one blue, filling a huge volcanic crater on the island of São Miguel in the Azores. Legend says they came from the tears of a princess and a shepherd. The Vista do Rei viewpoint gives the classic view; walk the crater rim for more.

São Miguel also has the hot springs of Furnas, where a stew (cozido) is cooked in the volcanic ground, the Terra Nostra garden with its warm iron-rich pool, and the Lagoa do Fogo. Whale watching from Ponta Delgada is excellent. The weather changes fast.