Full-Day Furnas Tour: Hot Springs, Traditional Lunch & Tea

The Full-Day Furnas Tour: Hot Springs, Traditional Lunch & Tea offers an engaging way to explore São Miguel’s volcanic beauty and local traditions. Priced at $118.49 per person, this 8-hour small-group experience departs from Ponta Delgada and is highly recommended by 97% of participants, based on 35 reviews with an average rating of 5.0. The tour is booked on average 44 days in advance, reflecting strong interest and reliability.

What makes this tour stand out is its combination of scenic stops, geothermal marvels, and cultural highlights. Led by knowledgeable guides, the trip is designed to give a well-rounded taste of Furnas’ natural wonders and local flavor, with a focus on small groups of up to 8 travelers, ensuring personalized attention. While the tour is quite full, the pace allows for meaningful visits without feeling rushed, though it’s best suited for active individuals comfortable with walking and outdoor conditions.

Key Points

• Includes a traditional “Cozido” lunch cooked in volcanic soil, highlighting Azorean culinary traditions
• Visits Furnas Lake, Caldeira das Furnas, and Terra Nostra Park to see geothermal activity and lush gardens
• Scenic viewpoints like Pico do Fero offer sweeping views of Furnas Valley and surrounding hills
• Stops at Vila Franca do Campo and Gorreana Tea Factory provide cultural and scenic insights into the Azores
• Small group size ensures personalized experience and relaxed exploration
• Includes entrance fees to Furnas Lake and Terra Nostra Park, with no hidden costs

Exploring Vila Franca do Campo, the Azores’ First Capital

The tour begins in Vila Franca do Campo, a charming coastal town with cobbled streets and a relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can stroll through its historic center, soaking in its traditional charm. The optional Queijada da Vila, a handmade pastry, offers a sweet taste of Azorean baking heritage and is highly recommended for those wanting an authentic snack. This stop typically lasts 20 minutes and provides a gentle start to the day.

The town’s relaxed pace makes it an ideal spot to appreciate local architecture and sea views before heading inland to the volcanic sights.

Witnessing the Power of Furnas Lake and Geothermal Activity

Next, the tour moves to Lagoa das Furnas, a stunning volcanic lake characterized by bubbling fumaroles and steaming vents. Here, the raw forces of nature are visible, with steam rising from geothermal springs and the earth’s surface. This area is famous for the cozido stew, a slow-cooked dish prepared underground in volcanic soil, which adds a culinary dimension to the experience. Visitors observe locals uncovering the pots after hours of cooking—a dramatic and memorable sight.

This stop lasts around 20 minutes, during which visitors can appreciate the natural landscape and unique geothermal activity. The sight of bubbling vents and the smell of sulfur create an authentic volcanic atmosphere.

The Sulfurous Magic of Caldeira das Furnas

A short drive takes visitors to Caldeira das Furnas, where steaming boilers emit vapors and release the powerful scent of sulfur. This site demonstrates the earth’s geothermal energy, with bubbling pools and active land vents. The view of the various boilers and the incessant bubbling of the land highlight the area’s vibrant volcanic activity, and the experience is free to observe.

Spending approximately 30 minutes here, visitors get an up-close look at the geothermal power that shapes Furnas and the surrounding landscape. It’s an impressive display of nature’s force, leaving a lasting impression.

Rejuvenate in Terra Nostra Park’s Thermal Pool

A highlight of the tour is the visit to Terra Nostra Garden, a 200-year-old botanical garden filled with exotic trees and vibrant plants. At the heart lies a steamy thermal pool, naturally heated by volcanic energy and rich in minerals. Visitors are encouraged to take a relaxing dip in the warm, rust-colored waters, which are said to have healing properties.

Spending about 1 hour in this lush setting offers a perfect opportunity to unwind amid beautiful gardens and soak in mineral-rich waters that evoke the planet’s geothermal vitality. The park’s entrance fee is included, making this a seamless experience.

Panoramic Views from Pico do Ferro

For breathtaking vistas, the tour ascends to Pico do Ferro, one of São Miguel’s most photogenic viewpoints. From this elevated spot, visitors look down over Furnas Valley, with its green hills, the shimmering lake, and steam tendrils rising into the sky. The 15-minute stop provides ample time for photos and soaking in the panoramic scenery.

The viewpoint’s natural beauty captures the essence of the Azores’ volcanic landscape, offering a moment of awe and photo opportunities.

The Lush Tea Fields at Gorreana Factory

Another scenic highlight is a 30-minute stop at the Gorreana Tea Factory, the only tea plantation in Europe still operating with traditional machinery. Visitors walk through vibrant green tea fields and observe the process of drying and packaging tea leaves. The aroma of freshly processed tea fills the air, and a warm cup can be enjoyed while enjoying views of the Atlantic.

This stop offers a taste of Azorean agriculture and a chance to learn about the island’s long-standing tea industry, which has operated since 1883.

Included Lunch: Cozido Cooked Underground

A true culinary highlight is the included “Cozido” lunch, a hearty Portuguese stew cooked underground in volcanic soil. This traditional dish exemplifies the Azores’ clever use of geothermal heat for cooking. Expect a flavorful, slow-cooked meal that reflects local flavors and culinary ingenuity.

The lunch is served during the tour, giving participants a satisfying and culturally rich dining experience, seamlessly integrated into the day’s exploration.

Flexibility and Logistics of the Tour

The tour departs at 9:00 am from Picos de Aventura in the Marina Pêro de Teive area of Ponta Delgada. Pickup is offered, making access easy for most travelers. The tour ends back at the starting point, with transportation arranged to ensure comfort and convenience.

This experience is suitable for most travelers, though active walking is involved. The group size is limited to 8 travelers, which fosters a relaxed and personalized environment.

What Sets This Tour Apart

The combination of natural geothermal phenomena, scenic viewpoints, and cultural stops makes this tour distinctive. The small group format ensures personalized attention, and the inclusion of entrance fees to key sites simplifies planning. The guide’s knowledge and anecdotes enhance the experience, making it engaging and informative.

The hot springs, geothermal activity, and lush gardens provide a well-rounded exploration of São Miguel’s volcanic landscape, all within a manageable 8-hour window.

Final Thoughts on the Furnas Full-Day Experience

This tour offers a balanced mix of natural wonders, cultural insights, and culinary experiences at an accessible price point. The hot springs and thermal pools stand out as highlights, complemented by scenic viewpoints and a traditional lunch cooked beneath the earth. The small group setting and knowledgeable guides contribute to a memorable adventure.

While the itinerary is packed, the pacing generally allows for meaningful stops without feeling hurried. It’s an excellent choice for those interested in geothermal activity, local culture, and scenic beauty. The only consideration might be the physical activity involved in walking and outdoor stops, so it suits active travelers comfortable with moderate activity.

The Full-Day Furnas Tour is a reliable, engaging way to experience São Miguel’s volcanic heart and the warm hospitality of the Azores.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes entrance fees to Furnas Lake and Terra Nostra Park, and a traditional cozido lunch cooked underground. Pickup from the meeting point is offered, but bottled water is not included.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am and returning to the original meeting point in Ponta Delgada.

Is the tour suitable for all physical levels?
Most stops involve walking, some over uneven ground or outdoor terrain. It is suitable for most travelers comfortable with active outdoor activities, but those with mobility issues may find some stops challenging.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. Changes less than 24 hours prior are not accepted.

What makes this tour unique?
The mix of geothermal sites, scenic viewpoints, and cultural stops, paired with small group sizes and local guides, makes this experience both personalized and comprehensive for exploring São Miguel’s volcanic beauty.