Private Tour Furnas Lake & Hot Springs

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience for up to 4 people at a fixed price of $259.62
• Includes visits to Furnas geothermal springs, the Parque Terra Nostra Garden, and the only European tea plantation
• Highlights include fumaroles, thermal waters, and volcanic crater views
• Guided by knowledgeable locals who share insights into Azores’ natural and cultural treasures
• Flexible stops, with options to enjoy thermal pools and taste local cuisine
• Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or accommodation in Ponta Delgada

The Private Tour Furnas Lake & Hot Springs Offers a Unique Azores Experience

This private tour from Ponta Delgada provides an intimate, flexible way to explore the Furnas area in São Miguel Island, Portugal. Priced at $259.62 for up to four guests, it offers a 7-hour journey through geothermal marvels, lush botanical gardens, and local industries. The tour is perfect for small groups seeking a tailored experience led by local guides who share expert insights into the region’s volcanic landscape and cultural highlights. It features pickup and drop-off at your hotel, making logistics stress-free.

What sets this tour apart is its focus on Furnas’ geothermal activity, including fumaroles and hot springs, alongside visits to iconic viewpoints and the island’s only tea plantation in Europe. Travelers can expect not only scenic views but also opportunities to sample the famous Azorean “Cozido das Furnas” stew and enjoy thermal baths at Parque Terra Nostra. While the tour does not include lunch, the flexible schedule allows ample time to explore and relax.

Flexibility and Personalization in a Private Setting

This tour is designed for small groups, with a strong emphasis on customization. With a guide leading the way, each stop can be tailored to your interests, whether it’s spending more time at the botanical garden or exploring the volcanic craters. The use of air-conditioned private transportation ensures comfort throughout the day, while the private guide enriches the experience with stories and insights specific to São Miguel’s volcanic activity and local traditions.

Because it’s a private activity, only your group participates, and the itinerary is adaptable. The pickup at your hotel or accommodation in Ponta Delgada makes the start seamless, and the drop-off at the end wraps up the day conveniently. This format suits travelers looking for a more intimate, personalized tour rather than a crowded bus experience.

Exploring Furnas’ Geothermal Wonders and Fumaroles

The highlight of the tour is visiting the Caldeira das Furnas, where fumaroles, thermal waters, and bubbling springs demonstrate the island’s volcanic nature. The guide shows you hot springs and explains the fascinating process of geothermal activity that shapes the landscape. The thermal waters are not only visually impressive but historically significant, with many springs also being medicinal.

The fumaroles and hot springs are accessible stops, allowing a close-up view of the geothermal activity that makes Furnas a unique natural spa. The visits last around 25 minutes, providing plenty of time for photos and sightseeing. These springs are among the most striking features of the region, with their steam vents and bubbling pools creating a truly otherworldly scene.

Breathtaking Views from Pico do Ferro and Santa Iria

Miradouro Pico do Ferro offers a panoramic look at Furnas’ volcanic crater and lake, providing an excellent photo opportunity. This viewpoint is prized for its stunning vistas of the crater’s lush landscape and volcanic lake. It gives a clear sense of the island’s volcanic history and natural beauty.

Similarly, Miradouro de Santa Iria grants sweeping views of the northern coast of São Miguel, spanning from Porto Formoso to Ribeira Grande. This vantage point is perfect for appreciating the island’s varied terrain and coastline. Both viewpoints are quick stops—around 15 to 20 minutes—but deliver memorable vistas that highlight the island’s volcanic origins.

Discovering the lush Parque Terra Nostra Garden

One of the tour’s most acclaimed stops is Parque Terra Nostra, a sprawling 12.5-hectare botanical garden considered one of the most beautiful on the Azores. Here, visitors can stroll among over a thousand different plants and trees from around the world. The garden’s highlight is its hot geothermal pool, with water heated naturally to about 41-42°C.

While admission to the garden is not included in the tour price, visitors often take advantage of the opportunity to bathe in the warm pools. The garden’s lush greenery, historic trees, and peaceful atmosphere make it a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature’s diversity. The 1 hour 30 minutes spent here allows plenty of time to explore, soak, and photograph.

Sampling Azorean Cuisine and the “Cozido” Stew

Although lunch is not included, this tour offers a chance to experience Furnas’ renowned gastronomy. The Cozido das Furnas is a stew cooked in the geothermal heat of the volcanic ground, resulting in a unique culinary experience. Many local eateries serve this traditional dish, which combines various meats and vegetables.

The guide can recommend spots for tasting the famous stew, often available near the fumaroles or within the village. Combining a sightseeing tour with a flavorful culinary experience enhances the overall trip, immersing visitors in the local culture and traditions.

Visiting the Only European Tea Plantation

A distinctive feature of this tour is the visit to Plantacoes de Cha Gorreana, the only tea plantation in Europe. Here, the process of green and black tea production is explained, providing insight into the region’s agricultural practices. Visitors can observe the tea fields, tour the factory, and at the end, sample fresh green and black teas.

This stop lasts about 30 minutes and offers a refreshing break from the more active sightseeing spots. It’s an educational highlight and a chance to purchase authentic Azorean teas as souvenirs, supporting local industry.

Visiting Our Lady of Peace and the Surrounding Views

Nossa Senhora da Paz is a scenic viewpoint with a charming chapel, offering sweeping vistas of Vila Franca do Campo and its islet. The 20-minute stop provides a peaceful setting to appreciate the island’s coastal beauty and learn about local religious sites.

The viewpoint’s peaceful atmosphere makes it a great spot to reflect on the day’s sights while enjoying the fresh Atlantic air. It’s a quiet, picturesque moment in an itinerary filled with natural wonders.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

The tour lasts about 7 hours, including travel time between stops, with most travelers finding the pacing comfortable and well-organized. The private transportation ensures a relaxed experience, with an air-conditioned vehicle suited for the island’s variable climate.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, with service animals allowed and public transportation nearby. Since the tour is private, it can be adjusted to suit different interests or physical needs, and most participants find the pace manageable.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This tour appeals to visitors seeking a comprehensive, flexible exploration of Furnas’ geothermal sites and natural landscapes, with the comfort of private transport and guided insights. The inclusion of botanical gardens, scenic viewpoints, and local industries like tea production adds depth to the experience.

Travelers interested in nature, geology, and local cuisine will find this tour particularly rewarding. It’s an ideal choice for those wanting a relaxed, personalized day that balances sightseeing, learning, and leisure.

Final Thoughts on the Furnas Lake & Hot Springs Private Tour

This private tour offers excellent value for small groups, with a full itinerary that captures Furnas’ volcanic power and lush beauty. The expert guides enhance the experience with local knowledge and flexible pacing. Visitors can enjoy fumaroles, thermal pools, scenic vistas, and cultural stops, all in about 7 hours.

While lunch is not included, the tour’s flexibility allows travelers to choose where to enjoy local cuisine and relax at leisure. The price point and personalized approach make this a compelling option for those wanting an in-depth, comfortable exploration of São Miguel’s geothermal heart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is generally suitable for most travelers, including families, especially since it is private and can be adjusted for comfort and interest.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, but the tour allows time to explore local eateries or enjoy the “Cozido das Furnas” stew.

Can I visit the thermal pools?
Yes, there is the possibility to bathe in the geothermal pools at Parque Terra Nostra, though admission is not included in the tour price.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, with travel time and stops included.

What stops are included in the itinerary?
Stops include Ponta Delgada, Plantacoes de Cha Gorreana, Miradouro Pico do Ferro, Miradouro de Santa Iria, Parque Terra Nostra, Nossa Senhora da Paz, and Caldeira das Furnas.

Is pickup offered?
Yes, pickup at your hotel or local accommodation in Ponta Delgada is included.

What’s the best time to book this tour?
Most bookings are made about 56 days in advance, but availability may vary.

Are there any physical requirements?
The tour involves some walking and standing, particularly at viewpoints and gardens, but it is generally manageable for most travelers.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.