Furnas Full Day Tour | Full Day Furnas Tour (Min. 2 Persons)

Explore the Best of São Miguel with the Furnas Full Day Tour

The Furnas Full Day Tour offers an engaging way to experience the diverse highlights of São Miguel Island in just one day. Priced at $86.73 per person, this 8-hour excursion is ideal for travelers who want a rundown of this lush island’s natural beauty and culinary delights. The tour departs from Ponta Delgada with pickup included and features a small-group atmosphere with a maximum of 59 travelers, ensuring a comfortable and personalized experience.

This tour is especially suited for those interested in geothermal activity, local gastronomy, and spectacular landscapes. With admission to parks included, a lunch featuring the traditional ‘baking of Furnas’, and visits to Europe’s only tea plantations, it balances sightseeing and tasting experiences. Keep in mind that some stops require entrance fees not included in the base price, which allows for flexibility depending on your interests.

Key Points

• Comprehensive full-day experience covering key sights on São Miguel Island
• Includes lunch with the geothermal ‘baking of Furnas’ dish
• Visit to the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo and viewpoints like Pico do Ferro and Santa Iria
• Opportunity to sample local sweets at Queijadas da Vila factory
• Tour includes entrance to Parque Terra Nostra or Poona da Dona Beija thermal baths
• Small-group setting enhances comfort and personal attention

Starting Point and Schedule: Meeting at 9:15am in Ponta Delgada

The tour begins at 9:15am in Ponta Delgada, with convenient pickup options available. The full-day itinerary is designed to maximize your time, with an approximate duration of 8 hours. The tour schedule allows for a relaxed pace, providing ample time at each stop without feeling rushed. Travelers should plan to wear comfortable clothing and be prepared for some walking, especially at scenic viewpoints like Pico do Ferro.

Visiting Vila Franca do Campo and Its Famous Confectionery

The journey starts with a drive south from Ponta Delgada to the vibrant island of Vila Franca do Campo. This was the island’s first capital, and its viewpoint offers stunning vistas of the islet of Vila Franca do Campo—a volcanic crater now submerged partly underwater, creating a natural swimming pool.

A highlight here is a visit to the Queijadas da Vila factory, where the convent-origin sweets are produced. Guests can taste these sweet treats (though sampling is optional), and the factory visit offers insight into local culinary traditions. This stop provides a charming introduction to Azorean confectionery and sets the tone for the day’s culinary exploration.

Discovering the Thermal Wonders of Caldeira das Furnas

The core of the tour takes place in the Furnas Valley, famous for its geothermal activity. Here, visitors can enjoy a thermal bath at Poona da Dona Beija or Parque Terra Nostra, with entrance fees not included. The thermal waters are renowned for their relaxing properties and mineral richness.

One of the most unique experiences is witnessing the ‘baking of Furnas’, where hot springs are used to cook local dishes. This process, performed in the boiler area with fumaroles and springs, leads to a lunch featuring traditional baked dishes served at a local restaurant. The Furnas Lagoon adds a scenic backdrop to this activity, offering a romantic and volcanic landscape.

Later, the Pico do Ferro viewpoint provides a breathtaking view of the crater that encircles the Furnas valley, giving a sense of the island’s volcanic origins. The combination of geothermal activity and lush greenery makes this stop a highlight for nature and geology enthusiasts alike.

Exploring the Thermal Springs and Fumaroles in Furnas

After lunch, the tour visits the thermal spring area, where fumaroles and mineral springs are abundant. These natural vents release steam and mineral water, showcasing the island’s volcanic activity up close. Guests have the chance to test the mineral waters, experiencing firsthand the geothermal energy that shapes Furnas.

This part of the tour offers insight into the geothermal processes that have created the thermal sites, along with picturesque views that capture the raw power of nature. These springs have historically been used for bathing and relaxation, adding a wellness dimension to the trip.

Tasting Europe’s Only Tea Plantations at Gorreana

From Furnas, the journey continues along the north coast to the Gorreana Tea Factory. This is the only tea plantation in Europe, offering a rare glimpse into Azorean tea production. The factory provides free access, and visitors can enjoy a cup of fresh tea while taking in panoramic views of the tea fields and the north coast.

The Gorreana plantations grow traditional tea varieties, and the factory tour highlights the agricultural practices that sustain this unique enterprise. The scenery around the tea fields is lush and verdant, providing a peaceful setting that contrasts with the geothermal landscapes of Furnas.

Scenic Viewpoints: Santa Iria and Return to Ponta Delgada

On the way back to Ponta Delgada, the tour makes a final stop at the Santa Iria viewpoint. This vantage point overlooks the north coast, offering an opportunity to capture pictures of the rugged coastline and Atlantic Ocean.

Afterward, the group is dropped off at their accommodations in Ponta Delgada, completing a full day of sightseeing, tasting, and natural beauty. The seamless return logistics make it easy to plan the rest of your stay on the island.

Practical Details: What’s Included and What to Keep in Mind

The Furnas Full Day Tour includes lunch, the use of an air-conditioned vehicle, and all fees and taxes associated with the main stops. However, entrance fees for parks like Parque Terra Nostra or Poona da Dona Beija are not included and should be budgeted separately if you wish to visit these thermal springs.

The tour is accessible for most travelers, with service animals allowed and close proximity to public transportation. A minimum of 2 persons is required to confirm the tour, ensuring a small-group experience that enhances interaction and comfort.

The Experience: Guided and Informative

The tour is led by knowledgeable guides, with reviews praising their friendly attitude and insights into the locations. One guide, Miguel, is specifically mentioned for making the day enjoyable and informative. The pace of the tour is well-balanced, allowing for adequate time at each stop without feeling rushed.

The weather has also been noted as generally favorable, with some reviews mentioning nice weather conditions that enhance the views and walkability of the stops.

Flexibility and Cancellation Policies

Guests can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, making this a flexible option if your plans change. In case of poor weather, a full refund or alternative date is offered, ensuring peace of mind when booking.

Final Thoughts on the Furnas Full Day Tour

This full-day adventure offers a strong balance of geothermal sights, culinary experiences, and scenic views. The combination of thermal baths, lunch with traditional baked dishes, and visits to unique locations like Gorreana tea plantations makes it a well-rounded choice for anyone looking to explore São Miguel comprehensively.

While some entrance fees are extra, the overall price of $86.73 provides good value considering the included transportation, lunch, and key attractions. The small-group setting and knowledgeable guide ensure a comfortable and informative experience, perfect for those eager to learn about the island’s natural and cultural treasures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the air-conditioned vehicle is included, making travel between stops comfortable.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours from start to finish.

Are entrance fees included?
Entrance to parks like Parque Terra Nostra or Poona da Dona Beija are not included but are available for purchase separately.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking and outdoor activities is recommended, especially for scenic viewpoints and thermal springs.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made more than 24 hours in advance. Refunds are issued if canceled before this window.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and it is generally suitable for families, provided children are comfortable with a full day of sightseeing.

Are food and drinks included?
Lunch is included, featuring the traditional ‘baking of Furnas’ dish, but drinks are not specified.

Can I visit the thermal springs separately?
Entrance to parks like Parque Terra Nostra or Poona da Dona Beija is not included, so separate entry is needed if you wish to visit these thermal baths.

How many people are in a typical group?
The group size is limited to a maximum of 59 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.

What makes this tour unique?
The visit to Europe’s only tea plantations, geothermal cooking, and scenic viewpoints distinguishes this tour from others on São Miguel.