Furnas Night-Time Experience with Thermal baths and Dinner

A captivating evening awaits at Furnas, located on Sao Miguel in Portugal, with this night-time tour priced at $83.30 per person. Spanning approximately 6 hours, the experience combines relaxing thermal baths, a delicious local dinner featuring Cozido das Furnas, and engaging guided walks through volcanic landscapes. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Ponta Delgada, making it a seamless way to explore this geothermal region after sunset. With a small group size, this tour offers personal attention and a more intimate experience, making it ideal for travelers seeking both relaxation and cultural insights.

What truly sets this tour apart is the chance to bathe in the natural thermal pools at night, an experience celebrated for its enchanting, almost magical atmosphere. The dinner—a hearty stew cooked underground with volcanic steam—complements the geothermal theme perfectly. Reviewers highly praise the knowledgeable guides, especially for their friendly manner and wealth of local information. However, some mention that the thermal pools can be crowded late in the evening, and the ticket for thermal baths is not included in the base price, costing 16.

This tour appeals most to those who enjoy natural thermal waters, authentic local cuisine, and scenic walks in volcanic landscapes. It offers a blend of relaxation, culture, and natural beauty, making it a well-rounded evening in the Azores.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Priced at $83.30 per person for approx. 6 hours, including hotel pickup and drop-off.
• Thermal Baths at Night: Experience the Poça da Dona Beija thermal pools after sunset, providing a magical and relaxing atmosphere.
• Traditional Azores Dinner: Enjoy Cozido das Furnas, a meat and vegetable stew cooked underground using volcanic steam, with food, drinks, dessert, and coffee or tea included.
• Guided Nature Walks: The tour features a guided walk through the volcanic landscape of Furnas, with explanations about the geothermal activity.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 8 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.
• Additional Costs: The ticket for the geothermal hot springs costs 16 and is not included in the booking price; optional lockers and shower rentals are available.
• Highly Rated Guides: Guides like Hervé and Eduardo receive praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and engaging storytelling.
• Crowd Levels: Some reviews note the thermal pools can become crowded by late evening, so early participation might be preferable for a quieter experience.
• Weather and Clothing: Wear light shoes in summer, or hiking boots in winter. Bring towels, swimwear, and dark-colored bathing suits to avoid staining from mineral water.
• Booking Advice: Book about 29 days in advance on average, especially during peak seasons.

Visiting Furnas After Sunset

This tour offers a unique chance to see Furnas in a different light—literally. The thermal pools glow softly under the night sky, creating a romantic and mystical atmosphere. The lighting in some pools can be improved, according to reviews, but this doesn’t detract from the overall charm. It’s an ideal outing for couples or small groups wanting an evening filled with warmth and tranquility.

Exploring the Poça da Dona Beija Thermal Pools

The Poça da Dona Beija thermal baths are the main highlight, praised for their relaxing ambiance at night. The pools are lit up, adding to the enchanting feel, and there are five different pools to choose from, including a cooler pool for relief from the heat. For those visiting at night, the temperature is ideal—not too hot, making it comfortable to linger.

The Culinary Experience: Cozido das Furnas

The dinner is another highlight, featuring the famous Cozido, a meat and vegetable stew that cooks underground using geothermal steam. The meal comes with drinks, dessert, and coffee or tea, making it a hearty, authentic taste of Azorean cuisine. Many reviews mention the generous portions and the quality of the food, which pairs beautifully with local wines and beers.

Guided Walks Through Volcanic Landscapes

The tour includes a guided walk through the Furnas district, where you can observe geysers, fumaroles, and hot water creeks. The Caldeiras Steams area is notable for its bubbling geysers and smoking fumaroles, offering a mesmerizing view of the volcanic activity. The guides provide informative commentary about the geology and history of the region, enriching the experience.

Practical Details: Transport and Group Size

The air-conditioned vehicle makes transportation comfortable, and pick-up and drop-off are arranged inside Ponta Delgada. The small group size ensures more personal interaction with the guide, which many reviews praise. The tour departs at 6:00 pm, giving ample time to enjoy the evening’s activities without feeling rushed.

What to Bring and Wear

For thermal baths, it’s recommended to bring towels, dark-colored swimsuits, and flip-flops due to mineral stains. Light shoes are suitable for summer, while hiking boots are advised for winter. Dressing in layers is wise as temperatures can change quickly, especially during cooler months from November to March. Sweaters or jackets are recommended for comfort during the evening.

Customer Experience and Ratings

The tour boasts an excellent rating of 5.0 based on 332 reviews, with 95% recommending it. Reviewers frequently mention knowledgeable guides like Hervé, Eduardo, and Rafael, who add personality and insights to the experience. The combination of relaxing thermal baths, scenic views, and a traditional dinner is consistently praised. Some reviewers highlight the late return (around 10:30 pm) as an aspect to consider, especially for those with early plans the next day.

Booking and Cancellation Policies

Reservations can be made up to 29 days in advance on average, with free cancellation available 24 hours before the tour. Canceling less than 24 hours before the scheduled start forfeits the payment, so planning ahead is advisable.

Furnas Night-Time Experience with Thermal Baths and Dinner

This tour offers a perfect blend of relaxation, culture, and natural beauty in the evening hours. It’s a special way to experience Furnas after sunset, with the thermal pools providing a soothing setting. The authentic Azores dinner enhances the feeling of being immersed in local traditions, and the guided walks add a fascinating layer of insight into the island’s volcanic activity.

While some reviews note crowds in the pools late at night, the overall ratings remain stellar. The personalized attention from guides and the small group size make this a memorable experience that fits well for couples, families, or small groups eager to enjoy a relaxing, scenic, and cultural evening in Sao Miguel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the thermal bath ticket included in the tour price?
No, the ticket costs 16 and is not included in the main price.

What should I wear for the thermal baths?
Bring dark-colored swimsuits, towels, and flip-flops due to mineral staining.

Can pregnant women participate?
Pregnant women should consult a physician before using the thermal pools.

What is the best time to go for a quieter experience?
Booking earlier in the evening may help avoid larger crowds, as some reviews mention increased visitors late at night.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to 8 travelers, ensuring a small, intimate experience.

What is included in the dinner?
The dinner includes food, drinks, dessert, and coffee or tea.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, travelers should arrange vegetarian options in advance.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, starting at 6:00 pm.

Is pickup offered from my hotel?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included inside Ponta Delgada.

What do reviews say about the guides?
Guides like Hervé and Eduardo are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling skills.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers find it suitable; however, young children should be supervised around hot water areas and consider their comfort for late-night activities.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.