An Adventure Through the EAST of São Miguel island

An adventure through the EAST of São Miguel island offers a well-rounded experience packed into approximately 8 hours. Priced at $88.82 per person, this tour provides hotel pickup and a private, guided experience, making it ideal for those seeking a personalized exploration of the island’s scenic southern coast. With a high 5.0/5 rating from 19 reviews and a 100% recommendation rate, the tour earns praise for its knowledgeable guide, breathtaking vistas, and diverse activities.

This tour is suited for first-time visitors or anyone wanting to enjoy São Miguel’s highlights at a relaxed pace. While the price does not include entrance fees, the trip’s well-planned stops—ranging from geothermal sites to tea plantations—create a memorable day without the stress of planning. It is most appealing to those interested in nature, culture, and local cuisine, especially the famous Azorean stew cooked inside volcanic soil.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: At $88.82 per person for 8 hours, this tour balances value with a comprehensive experience.
• Private and Hassle-Free: Includes hotel pickup and drop-off plus a guided experience with a local guide.
• Diverse Stops: Features scenic viewpoints, geothermal caldeiras, Furnas Lake, thermal baths, and a Gorreana tea factory.
• Culinary Highlight: Tastes traditional Azorean stew, cooked inside volcanic soil, plus included lunch, bottled water, and coffee or tea.
• Flexible Experience: Optional visit to Terra Nostra Park and beach time available.
• Highly Rated: Consistently receives 5-star reviews for its knowledgeable guides and breathtaking views.

Starting Point and Logistics of the Tour

This private tour departs at 9:00 am, starting from an agreed-upon meeting point. The experience includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring convenience for guests staying in São Miguel. The maximum group size is 8 travelers, allowing for an intimate and personalized atmosphere.

The tour features hassle-free transportation, with a local guide leading the way, making logistics straightforward. Since the tour is designed for most travelers, physical requirements are modest, though some stops involve walking around natural sites.

Exploring Furnas: The Heart of the Tour

The highlight of the tour is the exploration of the small village of Furnas. Here, visitors see the caldeiras with boiling water and the Furnas Lake, where geothermal cooking methods are demonstrated. This area is known for its steam vents and geothermal activity, offering a unique insight into the island’s volcanic nature.

In Furnas, the tour also includes the chance to taste the famous Azorean stew, which is cooked underground using volcanic heat. This culinary experience adds a special flavor to the trip, emphasizing the local connection between land and cuisine.

Viewpoints Showcasing São Miguel’s Natural Beauty

Throughout the day, the guide leads visitors through several spectacular viewpoints. The Pisão Viewpoint opens a window to lush green valleys, perfect for photos. The Nossa Senhora da Paz Viewpoint offers panoramic views of Vila Franca do Campo and its surrounding landscape.

Another highlight is the Pico do Ferro Viewpoint, providing sweeping vistas of the Furnas valley with its geothermal activity. The day concludes at the Santa Iria Viewpoint, where dramatic coastal scenery unfolds. These stops showcase the island’s vibrant contrasts—verdant valleys, bubbling geothermal sites, and rugged coastlines.

Visiting Gorreana Tea Factory: A Taste of Local Production

A visit to the Gorreana Tea Factory introduces guests to Europe’s oldest tea plantation. Here, the local guide explains tea production processes and offers tastings of local tea varieties. This stop combines cultural insight with a chance to enjoy a refreshing beverage, emphasizing São Miguel’s agricultural heritage.

The factory tour is a relaxed, informative walk through a lush tea estate, providing a peaceful break from the more active geothermal sites.

Terra Nostra Park and Optional Thermal Baths

While not included in the base price, the optional visit to Terra Nostra Park allows visitors to wander through a botanical garden filled with lush flora. The park features thermal baths where travelers can relax and soak in warm waters, adding a blissful element to the day.

This optional stop is ideal for those seeking additional relaxation and nature immersion, though it’s worth noting that entrance fees are not included. The park’s gardens offer a tranquil atmosphere and beautiful scenery.

Scenic Coastal Views and Photo Opportunities

The tour’s itinerary culminates at the Santa Iria Viewpoint, renowned for its striking coastal vistas. Here, visitors can appreciate the rugged Atlantic coastline and take memorable photos. This stop encapsulates the rugged beauty of São Miguel’s southern coast, making it a satisfying conclusion to the sightseeing.

The views are particularly dramatic and provide a fitting end to a day filled with natural wonders.

Food and Drink Included in the Tour

The tour offers lunch, featuring local flavors and the famous volcanic stew. Alongside the meal, guests receive bottled water and coffee or tea throughout the day. Alcoholic beverages are also included, allowing everyone to toast to the island’s natural beauty.

The culinary and refreshment stops enhance the overall experience, making it both enjoyable and convenient.

The Guide: Knowledgeable and Friendly

Based on the high praise in reviews, the local guide is consistently described as knowledgeable and friendly. In particular, Bruno is noted for his flexibility and warm personality, making the tour both informative and engaging. The guide’s storytelling helps visitors understand the cultural and geological significance of each stop.

This personalized guidance is a key factor in the tour’s high ratings and positive reputation.

Flexibility and Customization

While the itinerary covers many highlights, there is room for some optional activities, such as visiting Terra Nostra Park or enjoying beach time. The tour’s private nature allows for a more relaxed pace and personalized attention, which enhances the overall satisfaction.

It is designed to suit most travelers, provided they are comfortable with light walking and mild outdoor exposure.

Cancellation and Weather Considerations

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind. Since the experience depends on good weather, poor weather may lead to cancellations or rescheduling, with options for a different date or a full refund.

This policy ensures flexibility, especially during unpredictable weather conditions.

Final Thoughts on the East São Miguel Tour

This full-day private tour offers a balanced mix of natural landscapes, geothermal wonders, cultural sites, and local cuisine. Its affordable price and inclusion of hotel pickup make it a convenient choice for visitors eager to see São Miguel’s highlights without the hassle of self-planning.

The highly praised guides, stunning viewpoints, and optional stops like Terra Nostra Park make this an engaging way to explore the island’s eastern coast. It’s especially well-suited for first-time visitors or those wanting a relaxed yet comprehensive day of sightseeing.

While entrance fees are not included, the overall experience delivers a memorable taste of what makes São Miguel special—volcanic landscapes, lush vegetation, and warm hospitality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

What is included in the tour price?
The $88.82 fee covers lunch, hotel pickup and drop-off, a tour guide, bottled water, coffee or tea, and alcoholic beverages. Entrance fees are not included.

Can I customize the stops?
As a private tour, it offers some flexibility to include optional visits like Terra Nostra Park or beach time, depending on interests.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a camera are recommended. Be prepared for outdoor activities and variable weather.

How far in advance should I book?
The tour is typically booked 14 days in advance, but availability may vary.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled due to poor conditions, a different date or full refund is offered.