S. Miguel East: Top Scenic Highlights 1 Day Private Tour

Explore the stunning east side of São Miguel in the Azores with this 8-hour private tour, offered at $170 per person. Led by a deeply knowledgeable local guide, this experience showcases the island’s most iconic sights—from steaming fumaroles and thermal hot springs to rugged coastal cliffs and vibrant botanical gardens. The tour emphasizes comfort with private transportation, including pickup and drop-off at your accommodation, making it ideal for those who prefer a personalized approach.

What makes this tour stand out is its comprehensive itinerary, which combines must-see volcanic landscapes with scenic coastal viewpoints. The small group setting ensures a relaxed pace, while optional activities like thermal baths and hikes add extra immersion. Its clear focus on natural beauty and local culture makes it perfect for travelers seeking an authentic and visually rich experience of São Miguel’s east side.

Key Points

• Private guided tour of São Miguel’s east side, lasting 8 hours with pickup and drop-off included
• Highlights include Furnas Lagoon, volcanic fumaroles, Terra Nostra Park, and dramatic coastlines
• Optional activities such as bathing in thermal springs and hiking through lush forests
• Comfortable, air-conditioned transportation suitable for small groups and families
• In-depth local guide offers insights into Azorean nature and culture
• Price of $170 per person offers a thorough exploration of São Miguel’s most scenic spots

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Discovering Furnas Lagoon and the Volcanic Fumaroles

The tour begins with a pickup from your accommodation on São Miguel Island. You’ll then travel through green forest roads toward Furnas Lagoon, where the earth releases steam from volcanic fumaroles. This area vividly demonstrates the island’s geothermal activity, with bubbling earth and rising vapors creating a mystical scene. The landscape feels alive, offering a sense of the island’s volcanic energy.

At Furnas, visitors see the traditional cozido cooking holes—ground openings where locals prepare a famous stew using geothermal heat. The guide explains the significance of these features, connecting geothermal phenomena with local culinary traditions. Afterward, there’s a chance to relax at a nearby tea house among trees, sipping fresh green tea or enjoying bolo lêvedo, a traditional Azorean bread.

Optional Hike in the Natural Park for a Surreal Forest Experience

For those craving more adventure, an optional hike through a nearby Natural Park is available. This moderate trail winds through dense woodland, revealing cascading waterfalls and striking viewpoints. This part of the tour feels like an escape into a fantasy landscape, with the peaceful sounds of nature replacing modern noise. The trail offers a magical silence, broken only by the natural symphony around you.

This trail costs an additional $10, but it provides a more immersive experience of São Miguel’s lush interiors. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy walking, nature photography, or simply want to feel closer to the island’s wilderness.

Dining and Thermal Baths at Terra Nostra Park

After exploring Furnas, the group heads to the village of Furnas for a regional lunch. The menu may feature regional specialties, and options include the famous cozido if you choose to try it. The guide offers insights into local ingredients and culinary methods, enriching the dining experience.

Post-lunch, the tour includes a visit to Terra Nostra Park, a sprawling botanical garden with rare plants from around the world. The highlight here is bathing in the thermal iron-rich pool—an earthy orange hue that offers therapeutic warmth. Entry to the park costs $17 and is optional, providing a relaxing break in the day’s schedule.

Spectacular Coastal Views at Ponta da Madrugada and Ponta do Sossego

Traveling along São Miguel’s dramatic northeastern coast, the tour stops at two scenic viewpoints—Ponta da Madrugada and Ponta do Sossego. Here, towering volcanic cliffs meet the Atlantic Ocean, with waves crashing against rugged rock formations. These viewpoints capture the island’s raw beauty and provide spectacular photo opportunities.

The guide explains how centuries of wind and sea have sculpted these cliffs, emphasizing the untamed nature of the Azores. These stops are brief but impactful, offering breathtaking vistas and a sense of the island’s untouched landscape.

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Caldeirões Park and the Hidden Waterfall

Next, the itinerary leads to Caldeirões Park, home to a graceful waterfall surrounded by old stone mills and lush greenery. This peaceful site offers a gentle, grounding moment amid nature. The waterfall is a highlight, with the sound of cascading water creating a calming atmosphere.

The park provides a glimpse of traditional Azorean agriculture, with stone mills hinting at the island’s historical farming practices. It’s an ideal stop for photos and quiet reflection before heading back toward Furnas.

Relaxing at Poça da Dona Beija Thermal Pools

To conclude the day, the tour includes a visit to Poça da Dona Beija, famous for its natural thermal pools amid volcanic rock and verdant ferns. The warm waters, heated deep underground, invite visitors to relax and ease any tension. Entry costs $16 and is an optional part of the tour.

This final stop offers a calm, restorative ending to the day’s journey. It’s perfect for winding down, whether in the company of family or alone with your thoughts, surrounded by nature’s soothing elements.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

The tour begins with seven pickup options, including areas like São Miguel Island, Vila Franca do Campo, Ribeira Grande, Ponta Delgada, Sete Cidades, Nordeste, and Furnas, ensuring convenient access. The transportation is in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, accommodating small groups for a personalized experience.

The guided tour features a local guide who speaks English, Portuguese, and Spanish, offering deep insights into the island’s nature, geology, and culture. The tour operates rain or shine, with adjustments made for extreme weather conditions.

The group size is limited to ensure comfort, with the vehicle accommodating 4 adults and 12 children across small seats. Flexible pacing allows for optional activities and personalized interests. The price includes digital photos from the tour, making it easy to remember the experience.

Value and Customization Options

Priced at $170 per person, this private tour provides a comprehensive view of São Miguel’s east side, combining scenic landscapes, geothermal wonders, and local flavor. Optional entries like Terra Nostra Park, Poça da Dona Beija, and the hiking trail allow further customization, though they are not included in the base price.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, adding flexibility to planning. The tour’s private nature ensures an intimate experience tailored to your interests and pace.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This tour suits visitors who want a deep dive into São Miguel’s volcanic and coastal scenery without rushing. It’s especially ideal for those keen on geothermal activity, lush gardens, and dramatic cliffs. Families with children may also enjoy the comfort and flexibility of a private vehicle and scheduled stops.

However, travelers with mobility challenges or those requiring wheelchair access might find this tour less suitable, given the terrain and facilities at some stops.

São Miguel East Highlights: An Inviting Day of Natural Wonders

The S. Miguel East: Top Scenic Highlights tour offers a balanced day of sightseeing, relaxation, and cultural insight. Its combination of volcanic landscapes, coastal vistas, and thermal baths creates a well-rounded experience. The private guide enriches each stop with local knowledge, making each moment more meaningful.

While some optional activities like hiking and thermal baths involve extra costs, they add layers of enjoyment to an already compelling itinerary. The scenic viewpoints and geothermal features showcase the island’s volcanic personality, making this tour a strong choice for nature lovers.

Readers should consider this tour if they seek a personalized, scenic exploration of São Miguel’s east side with ample opportunities for relaxation and photography. Its value-for-money and flexibility make it a practical pick for a full-day adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include all the attractions shown in the itinerary?
Most stops, such as Furnas Lagoon, Terra Nostra Park, viewpoints, and Caldeirões Park, are included, but entries to some attractions like Terra Nostra Park and Poça da Dona Beija are optional and payable on-site.

What should I bring for this tour?
Comfortable shoes and a windbreaker are recommended, especially if you choose to do the optional hike. The tour provides bottled water and digital photos.

Can I customize the tour?
Yes, the tour offers flexibility to personalize stops, pace, and interests within the private group setting.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The vehicle accommodates children and petite passengers, making it suitable for families. However, some activities and terrain may require supervision.

What languages does the guide speak?
The guide speaks English, Portuguese, and Spanish, ensuring clear communication for a diverse group.

This S. Miguel East: Top Scenic Highlights private tour promises a rich, scenic exploration of the island’s volcanic and coastal beauty, delivered in comfort and with personal attention. It’s ideal for travelers wanting an up-close experience with São Miguel’s natural wonders.

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