Ponta Delgada: São Miguel island 2-Day Tour Highlights

Discover the natural beauty of São Miguel island in the Azores through a carefully curated 2-day tour offered by iGoAzores Tours & Activities. Priced to include two full-day excursions, this experience showcases some of the most iconic sights of the island, from volcanic lakes and steaming geothermal pools to lush parks and traditional farms. With a high rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 136 reviews, the tour proves popular for its well-organized itinerary, knowledgeable guides, and diverse selection of attractions.

This tour is ideal for travelers eager to see the main highlights of São Miguel without renting a car or planning their own route. It offers a balance of sightseeing, local food, and cultural insights, making it suitable for those with limited time who want to make the most of their visit. Keep in mind that lunches are optional and can be added at checkout, and the tour runs over two consecutive days with flexible start options. A key strength is the engaging guides who bring the island’s stories to life, though the tours are mostly vehicle-based, with limited walking.

Key Points

• Two full-day guided tours cover São Miguel’s most famous sights on the west and east sides of the island.
• Tour duration is 2 days, with easy pickup arrangements and flexible start times.
• Highlights include the Sete Cidades crater lakes, Furnas volcano, Ribeira dos Caldeirões waterfalls, and a pineapple plantation.
• Optional add-ons such as a traditional Cozido lunch in Furnas or a thermal pool swim at Terra Nostra are available.
• Guides are praised for their knowledge, humor, and passion, making the experience both informative and lively.
• Limited physical activity is involved, mainly vehicle-based sightseeing, with no mention of strenuous walking or stairs.

You can check availability for your dates here:

São Miguel’s Main Attractions Covered in the Tour

This 2-day experience takes you through São Miguel’s most impressive natural sites. The tour is split into two full-day excursions, one focusing on the western side of the island, the other on the eastern side. Expect to see crater lakes, geothermal hot springs, waterfalls, and charming villages, each offering unique views and photo opportunities.

The West Side tour begins at a pineapple plantation, where the lush farmland is a highlight. The tour then moves to Vista do Rei, a viewpoint perched on the edge of the Sete Cidades volcano crater, famous for its blue and green lakes. Travelers descend into the crater to visit Cerrado das Freiras and the Sete Cidades village, both of which offer scenic lakeside walks and picturesque streets. The day concludes with stops at Escalvado and Ponta da Ferraria, where you can gaze over the ocean and see the Mosteiros Islets.

On the Eastern side, the tour starts with the Santa Iria viewpoint, offering stunning views of the north coast. The visit to the natural, pesticide-free tea plantation is a highlight, as it’s the only 100% natural tea factory on the planet. Here, goats freely roam the farm, adding to the authentic atmosphere. The Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões showcases waterfalls, old water mills, and lush greenery, while Furnas village, known as the “Mouth of the Volcano,” features hot springs and volcanic activity.

Visiting Furnas Volcano and Its Thermal Wonders

Furnas volcano is a central highlight of the eastern tour, where volcanic activity is ongoing, and thermal pools steam amid the lush landscape. The tour visits Furnas village, where the famous Cozido das Furnas—a stew slow-cooked underground using geothermal heat—is available as an optional lunch. This traditional dish involves cooking for around 7 hours in volcanic earth, giving visitors a chance to taste authentic Azorean cuisine.

The Terra Nostra Botanical Garden is also an optional stop, allowing guests to swim in thermal pools surrounded by tropical plants, if they choose to pay on site. Near Furnas Lake, the Parque das Caldeiras demonstrates traditional volcanic cooking methods, adding an educational element to the visit. The day ends with a walk through Vila Franca do Campo, the first capital of São Miguel, which suffered destruction in 1522 but remains rich in history and charm.

Exploring Waterfalls and Lush Parks in Ribeira dos Caldeirões

The Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park in Nordeste is a highlight of the eastern tour. Here, waterfalls cascade over rocks, old water mills still stand, and the greenery creates a peaceful, vibrant scenery. The park offers great photo spots and a chance to appreciate the island’s lush natural environment.

This stop is particularly praised for its magnificent waterfalls and the way it showcases the primeval beauty of São Miguel’s landscape. The park’s well-maintained paths make it accessible for most visitors, though the tour does not emphasize strenuous walking.

The Famous Sete Cidades Crater Lakes

The Sete Cidades volcano is one of the most iconic sights on São Miguel, and this tour’s full-day west side itinerary revolves around it. The Vista do Rei viewpoint offers panoramic views of the crater lakes—the blue and green waters contrasted against lush volcanic walls. Descending into the crater, guests can walk along the lakeshore or explore the charming village of Sete Cidades.

The lakes are the tour’s culminating highlight, offering postcard-worthy vistas. The area is especially popular for photography, thanks to its striking colors and scenic surroundings. Visitors can also enjoy a buffet lunch as an optional add-on, adding a relaxing break amid the sightseeing.

More Great Tours Nearby

Ponta da Ferraria and Ocean Views

The Ponta da Ferraria stop offers a stunning ocean outlook. Here, the natural thermal pools are heated by volcanic activity and are perfect for a soak if the optional thermal bath visit is included. The views of the Mosteiros Islets and the Atlantic Ocean are breathtaking, making this spot a favorite for photos and relaxing moments.

Ponta da Ferraria is accessible from the west side tour, providing a chance to experience geothermal seawater and admire the rugged coastline. The tour also includes a stop at Escalvado, which overlooks the ocean and offers sweeping vistas, perfect for photographs.

Food and Local Tastings During the Tour

While lunches are not included in the base tour price, the option to add a local Azorean meal makes the experience more memorable. The Cozido das Furnas is a must-try, showcasing a cultural cooking method unique to the island. The tea tastings at the only industrial tea factory in Europe give insight into local agriculture, with goats grazing freely on the farm.

Guests also have the chance to sample Queijada da Vila, a pastry from the region, along with other local treats if they opt for the additional food experiences. Drinks are available during the tour, enhancing the enjoyment of the scenic stops and photo moments.

Practicalities: Logistics and Group Size

The tour begins with hotel pickups, arranged close to accommodations on narrow streets in downtown Ponta Delgada or in Ribeira Grande and Lagoa, never before 09:30. The group size tends to be small, with personalized attention from the guides who speak English and Portuguese. The guide’s passion and knowledge are often highlighted in reviews, making the experience engaging and educational.

The tour runs over two consecutive days, with flexible start times, and includes transportation by comfortable vehicle. Travelers should note that luggage or large bags are not allowed, and the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to physical limitations.

Guides and Personalities

Guide Vera is praised for her amazing personality and passion for the island. Other guides, like João and Andrea, earn praise for their storytelling skills, humor, and local knowledge. The guides are known for their friendly approach, making the sightseeing not just informative but also fun and relaxed, even when weather conditions are less cooperative.

Weather and Its Impact on Sightseeing

Some reviews mention that weather can impact visibility, especially at lakes and viewpoints. Fog or rain can limit views, but guides often do their best to adapt, ensuring guests still see significant sites and learn about the island’s features. The tour’s flexible re-arrangement of the itinerary, especially in cases of bad weather, is appreciated.

The Overall Experience and Value

This 2-day tour offers a rundown of São Miguel’s volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, lakes, and cultural sites. The high ratings reflect the quality of guides, the diversity of stops, and the richness of the experience. While most stops are vehicle-based, with limited walking, the tour manages to cover a broad array of sights efficiently.

The optional food and thermal pool visits add extra value, especially for those interested in local cuisine and thermal bathing. The tour’s well-structured itinerary and passionate guides make it a reliable choice for travelers who want to see as much as possible in a short timeframe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is each day of the tour?
Each day lasts around the full duration of the scheduled sightseeing, typically 8-9 hours, with some flexibility based on weather and group pace.

Are lunches included in the tour?
No, lunches are not included but can be added as an optional extra during booking.

What attractions are visited on the west side?
Stops include pineapple plantations, Vista do Rei viewpoint, Sete Cidades lakeside village, Escalvado viewpoint, Ponta da Ferraria, and Lagoa do Fogo.

What attractions are part of the east side tour?
It covers Santa Iria viewpoint, the natural tea plantation, Ribeira dos Caldeirões waterfalls, Furnas village, Terra Nostra thermal pools (optional), and Vila Franca do Campo.

Is the tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?
No, it is not recommended for wheelchair users or those with large luggage, as it involves vehicle-based stops and limited walking.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The tour runs as a structured package with optional add-ons like meals and thermal baths, but the core sightseeing stops are fixed.

How do guides enhance the experience?
Guides are praised for their knowledge, storytelling, humor, and passion for the island, making each site informative and engaging.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring comfortable clothing, camera, and weather-appropriate gear, especially as weather can change at high altitudes and coastal areas.

Is this tour good for photography?
Absolutely, many stops offer spectacular vistas perfect for photos, especially the viewpoints overlooking lakes and ocean horizons.

How do I book or cancel this tour?
Reservations are flexible with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. You can reserve now and pay later, giving you flexibility in planning your trip.

This 2-day São Miguel tour offers a well-rounded experience of the island’s volcanic beauty, waterfalls, lakes, and cultural sights, all guided by passionate experts. It’s a practical choice for those who want to see the highlights without the hassle of planning, ensuring a memorable visit to the Azores.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby