Azores São Miguel | Furnas & Nordeste with lunch included

Discover the Best of São Miguel with Furnas & Nordeste Tour

This full-day guided tour in São Miguel offers a comprehensive look at the island’s natural beauty and volcanic wonders. For $111.56 per person, you enjoy 8 to 9 hours filled with scenic viewpoints, geothermal experiences, and cultural insights, all with the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off. The tour is ideal for those seeking an in-depth exploration of São Miguel’s northeastern region and Furnas, with a small group size that ensures more personal attention from the guide.

One of the tour’s most distinctive features is its inclusion of a traditional lunch cooked using volcanic heat, together with visits to volcanic lakes, lush tea plantations, and thermal pools. While the tour covers many highlights, it’s most suited to those comfortable with a full day of sightseeing and walking. The high praise from visitors stems from the knowledgeable guides and the stunning views at every stop.

Key Points

• All-inclusive full-day experience with hotel pickup, lunch, and guided commentary
• Visits to São Miguel’s most iconic volcanic sites including Furnas and Nordeste regions
• Opportunity to relax in thermal pools at Dona Beija or Parque Terra Nostra
• Stop at Gorreana Tea Plantation, one of only two in Europe
• Small group size enhances personal attention and a relaxed pace
• Admission fees are not included but are optional at some stops

Starting the Day with Viewpoints at Nossa Senhora da Paz

The tour begins with a visit to the Nossa Senhora da Paz viewpoint, offering sweeping views of Vila Franca do Campo’s islet and the surrounding volcanic coastline. This spot is a scenic introduction to the island’s volcanic origin and natural beauty. The imposing chapel staircase here, with 10 levels of steps, symbolizes the Our Fathers of the Joyful and Painful Mysteries and offers a cultural touchstone along with the vistas.

This stop is free of charge and sets the tone for the day’s exploration, combining geological marvels with historical and religious significance. The panoramic views here are particularly striking, making it a favorite for capturing photos and appreciating São Miguel’s rugged coastlines.

Exploring Active Volcanoes at Caldeira das Furnas

Next, the tour heads to Caldeira das Furnas, a site renowned for its volcanological activity and eruptive history extending over 100,000 years. This stop offers a look into one of the most active volcanic zones on the island. Visitors learn about the geothermal processes and volcanic phenomena shaping Furnas, including bubbling springs and geothermal vents.

This site provides insight into the island’s geological past and the ongoing volcanic activity that influences local life. The visit is brief, about 25 minutes, but packed with visual and educational richness. It’s an essential stop for understanding how São Miguel’s landscape has been formed and continues to evolve.

Panoramic Views from Miradouro Pico do Ferro

The Miradouro Pico do Ferro offers a spectacular view over the Furnas Valley and its crater lake. From this high vantage point, visitors see the largest hydropolis in the world in terms of mineral and thermal waters, as experts consider the lake’s diversity of springs to be remarkable.

Spending about 20 minutes here, guests can take photos of the vibrant green valleys and the lake’s shimmering surface. The viewpoint emphasizes the island’s volcanic activity and lush landscape, making it one of the most scenic locations on the route.

Visiting the Gorreana Tea Plantation in Europe

A highlight for many is the visit to the Gorreana Tea Plantation, one of only two tea plantations in Europe that operate as factories. The plantation produces tea varieties using traditional methods, and visitors can walk through the lush fields where the tea plants thrive.

This stop allows a 20-minute walk through the fields, providing a peek into the island’s agricultural heritage. While inside the factory, there are opportunities to sample teas and learn about the cultivation process, adding a cultural dimension to the scenic experience.

Exploring Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park and Watermills

The Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park is a lush, green area along a watercourse featuring five historic watermills. Visitors spend about 45 minutes here, enjoying the peaceful environment, waterfalls, and the traditional mills that highlight São Miguel’s past industrial activity.

This stop combines natural beauty with cultural history, as the watermills played a key role in local life. The park’s well-maintained trails and scenic waterfalls make it a refreshing break during the full-day itinerary.

Seeing Lagoa das Furnas Crater Lake

The Lagoa das Furnas crater lake provides a striking view of one of São Miguel’s most iconic volcanic features. Spanning about 30 minutes, this stop allows visitors to appreciate the lake’s vivid waters set within the volcanic crater, an image often associated with the island’s landscape.

The lake’s unique geology and tranquil setting offer a perfect photo opportunity and a chance to reflect on the island’s volcanic origins.

Relaxing in Thermal Pools at Dona Beija or Parque Terra Nostra

Guests have the choice between two thermal experiences, both offering hot mineral pools for relaxation. The Dona Beija thermal pools are available for about 1 hour, where visitors can enjoy warm waters in a pleasant, well-maintained setting.

Alternatively, the Parque Terra Nostra provides a large botanical garden and thermal pools, also for about 1 hour. Visitors can opt to swim in the pools or stroll through the extensive gardens, known for their impressive collection of plants.

Both options are not included in the entry fee but are available at the visitor’s expense and personal choice. These thermal experiences are a highlight for those wanting to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

Lunch in Furnas: A Volcanic Cooking Experience

A key feature of this tour is the traditional lunch prepared using volcanic heat, a culinary experience unique to São Miguel. The meal is included in the tour price and offers a taste of local flavors cooked in geothermal steam, which imparts a distinctive flavor and texture.

The lunch provides a welcome break, fueling guests for the remainder of the day’s activities. It also offers insight into how volcanic activity influences local cuisine and daily life.

Practical Logistics and Group Size Benefits

The tour offers round-trip transfers from your Ponta Delgada hotel, making it convenient for visitors staying in the area. The small group size ensures a more personalized experience, with guides able to share detailed insights and answer questions comfortably.

The driver/guide leads the tour, providing commentary and local knowledge throughout. The tour is designed to balance sightseeing, cultural insights, and relaxation, creating a well-rounded day on São Miguel.

Limitations and Additional Notes

While the tour provides rich content, admission fees to certain sites like thermal pools and botanical gardens are not included in the base price. These are available as optional extras at the guest’s expense. The timing allows for roughly 20 to 45 minutes at each stop, which is suitable for most visitors but may feel rushed for those wanting more in-depth exploration.

Physical requirements are moderate; most stops involve walking and standing, but the pace is manageable for most ages. Accessibility details are not specified, so potential travelers with specific needs should inquire further.

Final Thoughts on the São Miguel Furnas & Nordeste Tour

This 8 to 9-hour tour offers a well-balanced mix of volcanic sights, lush landscapes, cultural experiences, and relaxation options. The small group setting enhances the overall experience, making it ideal for travelers who value personalized attention and insightful guides.

The inclusion of lunch, combined with visits to famous viewpoints, geothermal sites, and the Gorreana tea plantation, makes this tour a comprehensive way to experience São Miguel’s natural and cultural treasures. It is particularly suited for visitors seeking a full-day, guided adventure that covers both geological marvels and local traditions.

While not all site entry fees are included, the overall value and the quality of the experience justify the price. The tour’s high rating of 5.0 based on 14 reviews reflects consistent satisfaction, especially from those who appreciate knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of this tour?
The tour costs $111.56 per person.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 8 to 9 hours.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Are admission fees included?
No, admission fees for some sites like thermal pools and botanical gardens are not included but are available as optional extras.

What are the main stops on this tour?
Stops include Nossa Senhora da Paz, Caldeira das Furnas, Miradouro Pico do Ferro, Gorreana Tea Plantation, Ribeira dos Caldeirões park, Lagoa das Furnas, and thermal pools at Dona Beija or Parque Terra Nostra.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most stops involve walking and standing, suitable for most ages, but physical activity levels should be considered.

What makes this tour stand out?
The small group format and the volcanic lunch are key highlights, along with visits to São Miguel’s top natural and cultural sites.

Can I choose between Dona Beija and Parque Terra Nostra for thermal pools?
Yes, guests can select their preferred thermal experience, although entry fees are not included.

Is this tour recommended for photography?
Absolutely, with numerous viewpoints and scenic spots, it is ideal for capturing São Miguel’s striking landscapes.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, this tour is booked about 27 days in advance, so early reservation is advisable to secure a spot.

This Furnas & Nordeste tour offers a thorough and engaging way to explore São Miguel’s volcanic heart, with enough flexibility and highlights to satisfy most visitors seeking a meaningful day on the island.