Adventure in the Furnas, with volcanoes, lagoons and tea plantations

Explore the Natural Wonders of Furnas and Vila Franca with Expert Guides

This full-day tour from Ponta Delgada, priced at $67.92 per person, offers an engaging visit to some of the most iconic sites in São Miguel. With a duration of 7 to 8 hours, it provides a well-rounded experience of volcanoes, lagoons, tea plantations, and thermal springs. The tour features organized stops, a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, and free amenities like powerbanks, making it convenient and enjoyable.

The tour is ideal for those seeking a comprehensive day of sightseeing with knowledgeable guides, especially since the itinerary covers famous attractions such as Caldeira das Furnas, Gorreana Tea Plantations, and Vila Franca’s islet. Bookings are typically made around 39 days in advance, and the group is limited to 8 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

A notable point is the hot springs at Parque Terra Nostra are unavailable until April 2025, which might be a consideration for visitors planning their trip around this activity. Still, the tour’s deliberate pacing and variety of stops keep the day engaging and diverse.

Key Points

• All-inclusive full-day tour covering Furnas, tea plantations, lagoons, and Vila Franca’s islet
• Affordable price of $67.92 per person with a 7-8 hour itinerary
• Guided visits with expert commentary from knowledgeable guides such as André and Miguel
• Stops include Caldeira das Furnas, Gorreana Tea Plantations, Parque Terra Nostra, and pineapple plantations
• Free amenities like powerbanks, with lunch not included in the price
• Limited group size of 8 travelers ensures a personalized experience

Visiting Caldeira das Furnas: Volcanoes and Hot Springs

The tour begins at Caldeira das Furnas, a landscape dominated by a vast volcanic crater lake. Visitors find hot springs here that are perfect for bathing, and they can observe how local cuisine is prepared using geothermal heat—food cooked in the heart of volcanic holes. The site is rich in natural beauty, with an atmosphere that highlights the volcanic activity that shaped São Miguel.

Expect to spend around three hours here, soaking in the thermal waters and enjoying the landscape’s serenity. The admission ticket for this stop is included, making it an effortless visit. Although hot springs baths are not available until April 2025, the scenic views and geothermal activity remain highlights.

Visiting Gorreana Tea Plantations: Europe’s Oldest Tea Fields

Next, the tour takes travelers to Plantacoes de Cha Gorreana, the only tea fields in Europe. As the oldest tea plantations in Europe, Gorreana offers insights into tea production that dates back many decades. Visitors can taste the tea for free and walk through the lush green fields.

This stop lasts approximately 45 minutes and is free of charge. The tea tasting and walking through the fields make it a delightful experience, especially for those interested in local agricultural practices. The scenic views of the plantation also make this a photogenic location.

Relaxing in Parque Terra Nostra Hot Springs

The Parque Terra Nostra hot springs are famous for their thermal waters and beautiful botanical gardens. Though the hot springs baths are closed until April 2025, the park itself remains a lush setting for strolling and enjoying nature. The admission ticket to the park is not included, but visitors can relax in the gardens and appreciate the exotic plant collections.

Spending about an hour here, visitors have the chance to walk through the gardens and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The absence of hot spring baths is a minor consideration, but the scenic environment still offers a calming experience.

Visiting Vila Franca’s Islet: Swimming and Scenic Views

A highlight of this tour is the Vila Franca Islet, a spectacular small island located off the coast of Vila Franca do Campo. During the summer months, visitors can take a boat to the islet for swimming, exploring the crystal-clear waters and famous volcanic crater that forms the island.

This stop offers a quick stroll to appreciate the island’s unique geological features and breathtaking views of the ocean. The visit duration varies depending on the season, but it promises a memorable photo opportunity and a chance to dip into the Atlantic.

Pineapple Plantations: Sweet and Juicy Azorean Fruits

The tour wraps up with a visit to the Plantacao de Ananas dos Acores, where guests tour the pineapple plantations. Here, visitors learn about how pineapples are cultivated in the Azores, which is a notable agricultural achievement for the region. The tour inside the plantation lasts about 30 minutes and concludes with a drink or snack at the plantation bar.

This stop provides a relaxed atmosphere and an opportunity to sample fresh, local pineapples. The free admission and informative tour make it a pleasant ending to the day.

Miradouro Pico Do Ferro: Panoramic Views Over Furnas

The Miradouro Pico Do Ferro viewpoint offers breathtaking vistas of the Furnas valley and the village below. From this 15-minute stop, visitors enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding volcanic landscape.

This free stop is perfect for photo enthusiasts or anyone wanting a quiet moment to take in the natural beauty of São Miguel.

Transportation and Group Size Advantages

The tour includes a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring ease of travel between stops. The small group size of 8 travelers enables a more personalized experience, allowing guides to offer tailored information and attention. The use of powerbanks and free amenities add to the convenience, making the day as smooth as possible.

The start time at 9:00 am and the pick-up at 8:45 am ensure a well-paced day, with enough time at each site without feeling rushed.

Practical Tips and Considerations

While the lunch is not included, there are various options available during the day or you can bring your own. Visitors should note that hot springs baths at Parque Terra Nostra are closed until April 2025, so plan accordingly if soaking in thermal waters is a priority.

The tour’s timing at each stop is designed to balance sightseeing and relaxation, but travelers with mobility issues should consider the walking involved at several locations, especially the pictorial viewpoints and garden strolls.

The Guide Experience: Knowledgeable and Friendly

The tour’s success is largely due to guides like André and Miguel, who are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to make stops memorable. Their local expertise and multilingual skills enrich the experience, making complex information accessible and engaging.

Guests mention that guides go above and beyond to ensure a positive experience, even when faced with weather challenges like fog or rain. This attentiveness adds real value to the tour.

Final Thoughts on the Furnas Volcano, Lagoons, and Tea Tour

This full-day tour in São Miguel offers an excellent overview of the island’s most captivating sites. With famous volcanic landscapes, European-only tea plantations, and scenic lagoons, it delivers a diverse and informative experience.

While the hot springs at Parque Terra Nostra are temporarily closed, other highlights like Furnas crater lake, Vila Franca’s islet, and pineapple plantations compensate well. The small group size, expert guides, and value for money make this tour a strong choice for visitors wanting to maximize their time on the island.

This tour appeals most to those who enjoy nature, geology, and local agriculture, and who prefer a relaxed pace with plenty of photo opportunities and insider info. It’s suitable for most fitness levels, but travelers should be prepared for some walking and variable weather conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in the tour price?
No, lunch is not included. Guests can either buy lunch during the day or bring their own.

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours.

Are the hot springs baths open during the tour?
No, the hot springs baths at Parque Terra Nostra are closed until April 2025.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 8 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but some walking may be involved. It suits those with moderate mobility.

How do I book this tour?
Bookings are made about 39 days in advance and can be secured through the tour provider’s platform.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a waterproof coat, and swimwear if you plan to enjoy thermal baths when available.

Are tickets included for the stops?
Admission tickets for Caldeira das Furnas are included; other stops like Parque Terra Nostra are not included.

Can service animals join the tour?
Yes, service animals are allowed.

What makes this tour stand out?
The expert guides, diverse stops, and small group size create a memorable and engaging experience across the best natural and cultural sites of São Miguel.