São Miguel 2-Day Tour: Sete Cidades, Fogo, Furnas & Nordeste

Key Points

• Two-day adventure covering São Miguel’s most famous spots in a small group of up to 8 participants
• Expert guides provide insightful commentary on Azorean culture, geology, and local traditions
• Highlights include Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, Furnas with thermal pools, and Nordeste’s breathtaking viewpoints
• Optional meals and hot spring visits available as extras, adding to the local experience
• Flexible pickup from Ponta Delgada and surrounding areas, with transportation and insurance included
• Ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive, well-paced overview of the island’s natural beauty and cultural sites

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discover São Miguel in Just 2 Days

The São Miguel 2-Day Tour offers a practical way to see the best of the island in a limited timeframe. This guided experience spans two days, with transport, insurance, and a knowledgeable local guide leading the way. The tour covers iconic sights such as Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, Furnas, and Nordeste, making it perfect for travelers who want a thorough introduction without the hassle of planning.

Participants can choose to add meals and entry fees as extras, giving flexibility to tailor the experience to preferences. The group size is kept small—limited to 8 participants—ensuring a relaxed, personalized atmosphere. Pickup is included from Ponta Delgada and nearby areas, with flexible times starting around 9:00 AM. This tour suits those eager to explore the island’s highlights with informative guides and ample time at each stop.

Key Points

• Two full days of sightseeing in São Miguel, Portugal
• Small group size enhances comfort and personal attention
• Guides share local insights, geology, and culture
• Major stops include Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, Furnas, and Nordeste
• Optional extras: meals, thermal pools, and entrance fees
• Pickup and transport included from designated locations
• Not suitable for travelers with reduced mobility or cruise ship guests

Exploring the Natural Beauty of Ribeira dos Caldeirões Park

The tour begins with a visit to Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, a lush area filled with five water mills and a majestic waterfall called Véu da Noiva (“Bridal Veil Waterfall”). Here, visitors enjoy the dense greenery and observe the historic water mills that highlight traditional Azorean craftsmanship. The roaring waterfall creates a dramatic backdrop, inviting great photo opportunities.

This stop introduces travelers to the verdant landscapes and the island’s abundant waterfalls. The park’s easy walkways make it accessible, but be sure to wear comfortable shoes for the terrain. The peaceful setting sets the tone for the journey ahead, emphasizing São Miguel’s reputation for striking natural scenery.

Hike to Pico do Ferro and View a Volcanic Crater

Next, the tour takes you to Pico do Ferro, where a hike up to the volcano’s crater provides sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. The guide explains the island’s geological history, including eruptions that date back over 100,000 years, and how volcanic activity has shaped São Miguel.

Standing at the crater rim, visitors get a thrilling perspective of the island’s volcanic origins. The hike is moderate, and sturdy shoes are advised. The viewpoint offers a panoramic vista of lush hills and volcanic craters, giving a sense of the island’s volcanic power. This stop is a highlight for geology enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

More Great Tours Nearby

Savoring the Traditional Furnas Stew

A major highlight is the lunch in Furnas, where the famous Furnas Stew is prepared using volcanic heat. The cocido, cooked for six hours in the volcanic soil, is a signature dish offering a taste of local culinary traditions. Before serving, visitors can observe the final stages of the stew’s preparation, with the steaming pots being unearthed from the ground.

This optional meal can be added during booking and includes starters, main course, drinks, dessert, and coffee. The flavors are deeply influenced by the geothermal activity, adding a unique dimension to the meal. The experience combines gastronomy with geological marvels, enriching the visit to one of São Miguel’s most distinctive regions.

Relaxing in Furnas’ Natural Thermal Pools

After lunch, visitors can unwind in the thermal pools heated by Furnas volcano. Options include the Terra Nostra Botanical Park or Poça da Dona Beija. These pools offer a soothing soak in mineral-rich waters, a perfect way to relax after a busy morning.

The thermal pools are a signature feature of São Miguel, with their warm waters believed to have therapeutic benefits. Time in the pools varies depending on preferences, but one and a half hours is typical. Bring swimwear and a towel for comfort, and enjoy a tranquil experience amid lush surroundings.

Visiting the Iconic Vista do Rei Over Sete Cidades

One of the island’s most photographed spots, Vista do Rei, offers spectacular views over the twin lakes of Sete Cidades. This viewpoint, recognized as one of Portugal’s 7 Wonders, is a must-see for its dramatic landscape of caldera lakes and patchwork farmland.

Travelers get time to take photos and absorb the scenery. The viewpoint’s location provides an overview of the Lagoa das Sete Cidades, with its contrasting blue and green waters. This stop is ideal for picture-taking and appreciating the island’s volcanic crater lakes from above.

Visiting Pineapple and Tea Plantations

On the second day, the tour includes visits to pineapple plantations and tea plantations—a rare opportunity within Europe. These plantations showcase local agriculture and allow visitors to see how the island’s tropical crops are cultivated and processed.

The plantations are considered unique to São Miguel, providing insight into the island’s diverse agriculture. Tours often include tastings of fresh pineapple or locally produced tea, adding a flavorful dimension to the visit. These stops are brief but give a tangible sense of local farming traditions.

Lagoa do Fogo Viewpoint and Lush Volcanic Landscape

A key stop is the Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint, where visitors are treated to breathtaking views of the turquoise crater lake. The landscape is characterized by dense greenery and volcanic terrain, offering a vivid picture of the island’s volcanic activity.

From this vantage point, travelers can appreciate the massive size and serenity of Lagoa do Fogo. The viewpoint provides excellent photo opportunities and a deeper understanding of the island’s volcanic formation. The lush scenery underscores São Miguel’s reputation for vibrant, untouched nature.

The Practicalities: Transport, Group Size, and Flexibility

This small-group tour limits participants to eight people, ensuring a relaxed and intimate experience. Transport is included, with pickups from Ponta Delgada and nearby locations starting at 9:00 AM, with some pickups until 9:45 AM depending on the area.

The tour is designed for flexibility, with optional meals and entrance fees available as extras. It’s important to note that the order of stops might change based on weather conditions or operational needs. The tour is not suitable for travelers with reduced mobility and is not recommended for cruise ship guests.

Final Thoughts on the São Miguel 2-Day Tour

This two-day guided tour offers a rundown of São Miguel’s natural and cultural highlights. The expert guides, often praised for their knowledge and friendly approach, help visitors uncover the island’s secrets. The carefully curated stops—from volcanic craters to thermal pools—highlight the diversity of the landscape.

While the pace can feel a bit rushed at times, especially at popular spots like Terra Nostra, the overall experience provides great value for those wanting to see the main sights efficiently. The inclusion of lunches, optional extras, and pickup service makes for a smooth, hassle-free adventure.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy natural landscapes, cultural insights, and small-group intimacy. It’s particularly well-suited for those wanting a guided, hassle-free exploration of São Miguel without sacrificing in-depth knowledge from local guides. With high praise for guides like Pedro, Carlos, Henrique, and Henry, this experience is likely to leave a lasting impression of the island’s beauty and charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the São Miguel 2-Day Tour last?
The tour spans two full days, with pickups starting at 9:00 AM each day, and concludes with drop-off at your accommodation.

What is included in the tour price?
Transport, insurance, and the guiding service are included. Meals and entrance fees are available as paid extras during booking.

Is the tour suitable for people with reduced mobility?
No, the tour is not suitable for travelers with reduced mobility due to walking and terrain considerations.

Can I customize the meals?
Yes, if meals are added as extras, vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary options are available upon request.

What stops are part of the itinerary?
Stops include Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, Pico do Ferro, Furnas, thermal pools, Vista do Rei, pineapple and tea plantations, and Lagoa do Fogo.

Are the stops flexible?
The order of stops may change depending on weather or operational needs, but all key locations are covered.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket, swimwear, and a towel if planning to visit thermal pools.

Is the tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?
No, cruise ship guests are not recommended for this tour.

How do I book and cancel?
Booking is flexible—reserve now and pay later—and full refunds are available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

Can I join the tour if I am staying outside Ponta Delgada?
Yes, pickups are available from Lagoa, Ribeira Grande, Vila Franca do Campo, and other nearby areas, scheduled between 9:20 and 9:40 AM.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby