São Miguel East Full Day Tour with Furnas Including Lunch

Exploring São Miguel’s east side becomes effortless and enriching with the São Miguel East Full Day Tour with Furnas Including Lunch. Priced at $86.89 per person, this approximately 8-hour trip departs from Ponta Delgada with hotel pickup, making it a convenient way to see some of the island’s most captivating sights. The tour is highly praised, holding a perfect 5.0 out of 5 rating from over 1,060 reviews and a 99% recommendation rate. With a small group cap of 8 travelers, it offers an intimate experience that emphasizes comfort, expert guidance, and local insights.

This tour is ideal for those eager to understand the volcanic nature of São Miguel while enjoying eye-catching viewpoints, geothermal marvels, and authentic Azorean cuisine. While the tour covers a lot of ground, including optional visits to thermal pools, it’s particularly well-suited for travelers who appreciate a mix of scenic sights and cultural experiences, all in a well-paced day.

Key Points

• Price: $86.89 per person, including lunch and guiding services
• Duration: Approximately 8 hours, with hotel pickup and drop-off
• Highlights: Furnas geothermal area, panoramic viewpoints, Ribeira dos Caldeirões waterfall, and traditional cozido stew
• Small group: Limited to 8 travelers for a more personalized experience
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable hosts like João and Katia share engaging stories and insights
• Lunch: A cozido stew, cooked in volcanic steam, plus drinks, dessert, and coffee

Starting Point: Early Morning Hotel Pickup in Ponta Delgada

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup in Ponta Delgada between 9:00 am and 9:20 am, offering a hassle-free start. Guests board a comfortable 9-seater van, which sets the tone for a relaxed yet comprehensive exploration of São Miguel’s east side. The small group size contributes to a friendly, engaging atmosphere, allowing for personalized interaction with the guide.

This setup ensures a smooth beginning, with the driver-guide ready to share their knowledge of the island’s volcanic landscape and local culture. The focus remains on providing a memorable experience without feeling rushed, thanks to the carefully curated itinerary.

Exploring Furnas: Volcanic Springs and Thermal Pools

The Furnas geothermal area is a core part of this tour. Upon arrival, visitors see gas vents and bubbling hot springs in action at Furnas Lake. One of the highlights is the opportunity to sample iron-rich waters straight from the geothermal springs — an experience praised for its unique taste and mineral benefits.

Guests can choose to relax in the natural thermal pools of Furnas town (at own expense), soaking in the warm waters amid stunning volcanic scenery. The thermal pools and springs showcase the island’s volcanic activity in a tangible, soothing way. The area is also famous for the “cozido” stew, which is slow-cooked in the thermal ground, offering a delicious taste of local culinary traditions.

Panoramic Views from Miradouro de Santa Iria and Pico do Ferro

The tour includes visits to two striking viewpoints. The Miradouro de Santa Iria provides spectacular coastal vistas from a high cliff, where scenery extends over many miles of the north coast. This spot is ideal for photos and appreciating the island’s rugged shoreline.

Next, the Miradouro Pico do Ferro delivers one of the best views of Furnas town and its lake. These panoramic sites highlight the island’s volcanic landscape and lush surroundings, offering memorable sights that linger long after the trip ends.

Geothermal Exploration at Lagoa das Furnas and Caldeira das Furnas

A key element of the tour is the visit to Lagoa das Furnas, where the geothermal activity is visibly impressive. Here, visitors see steam rising from the ground and learn how the traditional “cozido” stew is prepared using the natural heat of the volcano. The experience combines natural wonder with cultural insight.

Adjacent to the lake, the Caldeira das Furnas showcases hot springs and gas vents, providing opportunities to taste naturally sparkling, iron-rich waters. This part of the tour emphasizes the island’s volcanic vitality and the way it influences local life and cuisine.

Ribeira dos Caldeirões Waterfall and Coastal Cliffs

A visit to the Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões offers a chance to see one of São Miguel’s most beautiful waterfalls. The series of cascades and lush greenery make this an ideal spot for photos and a gentle walk.

Later, the Farol do Arnel marks the easternmost point of the island. The picturesque lighthouse perched at the bottom of a high cliff offers some of the most striking views on the trip, with dramatic coastlines and the pounding Atlantic as a backdrop.

Ponta do Sossego Viewpoint and Local Gardens

The Ponta do Sossego lookout combines breathtaking cliffside views with a colorful garden and picnic area favored by local residents. Visitors enjoy the peaceful scenery, with high cliffs dropping into the ocean and lush greenery surrounding the viewpoint.

This stop provides a relaxing pause, allowing guests to take in the scenery, snap photos, and appreciate the natural beauty of the island’s eastern coast.

Lunch: Traditional Cozido Stew in Volcanic Soil

A major highlight of this tour is the lunch break, featuring traditional cozido stew. The dish is slow-cooked in the thermal ground, absorbing volcanic flavors and mineral-rich waters. The meal includes a drink of choice, dessert, and coffee, making it a satisfying and authentic local experience.

Guests consistently praise the deliciousness of the stew, along with the opportunity to learn about its unique preparation method, deeply connected to São Miguel’s volcanic landscape.

Guide Expertise and Personal Touch

The tour features knowledgeable guides such as João, Helena, Katia, and others, who are praised for their enthusiasm, friendliness, and detailed explanations. Their storytelling brings the island’s sights to life, making the experience more engaging and informative.

Guests appreciate guides who share local stories, help with photo opportunities, and adjust the pace to suit the group’s needs, all contributing to high satisfaction levels.

Optional Visits to Thermal Pools and Relaxation Time

While the thermal pools in Furnas town are not included in the tour price, they are available at own expense. Many visitors find the opportunity to bathe in natural hot springs a memorable way to unwind after a day of sightseeing. The flexibility to include or skip this activity suits different preferences and energy levels.

Tour Logistics and Booking Details

The tour departs at 9:00 am, with pick-up available in Ponta Delgada. The small group size ensures an intimate setting, and instant confirmation makes planning straightforward. The tour is designed for most travelers, including those with mobility, and service animals are permitted.

Guests can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance, with full refunds available if weather conditions lead to cancellation. The tour operates rain or shine, and good weather enhances the overall experience.

Final Evaluation of the São Miguel East Day Trip

This tour offers a balanced blend of scenic viewpoints, geothermal wonders, and cultural highlights, making it ideal for visitors wanting a comprehensive look at São Miguel’s eastern landscapes. The expert guides and delicious traditional lunch are particular strengths, with many reviewers praising the personal attention and knowledge.

The main limitation could be the optional nature of thermal baths — those seeking a dedicated hot spring experience may want to plan separately. Still, the well-paced itinerary and fabulous views make this trip a worthwhile investment for anyone eager to explore São Miguel’s volcanic beauty and local traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, hotel pickup is provided in Ponta Delgada between 9:00 am and 9:20 am.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 8 hours, including stops and lunch.

What is included in the price?
The price covers lunch (cozido stew, drink, dessert, and coffee), guided tour, bottled water, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Are thermal pools part of the tour?
Thermal pools are not included in the tour price but can be enjoyed at own expense in Furnas town.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

What stops are part of the itinerary?
Stops include Miradouro de Santa Iria, Miradouro Pico do Ferro, Lagoa das Furnas, Caldeira das Furnas, Poca da Dona Beija (optional thermal baths), Ribeira dos Caldeirões waterfall, Farol do Arnel, and Ponta do Sossego.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and the tour’s pacing can be adapted. The small group and expert guidance make it comfortable for families and older guests.

What are the guides like?
Guides like João and Katia are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and attentiveness, often going above and beyond to enrich the experience.

Is the tour good for photography?
Absolutely, with many scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, and coastal landscapes to capture, it appeals strongly to photography lovers.