Discover the beauty of São Miguel Island with this full-day tour that offers a detailed look at the island’s most iconic sights, all for $153 per person. With a 7-hour duration, this guided experience takes visitors from the twin lakes to volcanic craters, botanical gardens, and panoramic viewpoints. Whether you’re interested in stunning landscapes, local culture, or natural hot springs, this tour packs a lot into a single day.

The tour departs from Ribeira Grande and Ponta Delgada, making it flexible for different starting points. You’ll visit Lagoa das Sete Cidades, walk down into a volcanic crater to explore the Twin Lakes, and enjoy sweeping views from the Pico do Carvão viewpoint. The itinerary also includes a visit to Furnas Valley, known for its hot springs and the famous Cozido stew cooked in geothermal heat. After a break for lunch, the adventure continues with stops along the north and south coasts, offering fresh sea air and scenic vistas.

While this tour offers a comprehensive look at São Miguel’s natural wonders, it does not include meals, entrance fees to parks, or hot springs, which are paid separately. The tour is a great choice for travelers who want a well-organized, guided experience that covers diverse landscapes, from lakes to volcanic craters, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way.

Key Points

Cost-effective full-day experience at $153 per person, lasting 7 hours.
Guided tour with live guides in English, Galician, and Portuguese.
Visits to key sites including Lagoa das Sete Cidades, Twin Lakes, Furnas Valley, and viewpoints like Pico do Carvão.
Includes transportation and pick-up/drop-off from Ribeira Grande and Ponta Delgada.
Highlights include volcanic craters, geothermal springs, botanical gardens, and spectacular vistas.
Does not include entrance fees or meals, which are paid separately.

You can check availability for your dates here:

São Miguel: Starting Point and Tour Logistics

This full-day tour begins with pickup options in Ribeira Grande and Ponta Delgada, making it accessible for most travelers staying in these towns. The transportation is guided, ensuring smooth transit between the stops with live commentary in three languages. The group size allows for interaction but also offers a comfortable experience for everyone.

The itinerary is designed for efficient exploration, with stops at scenic viewpoints, lakes, and towns. The tour’s pacing balances sightseeing with enough time at each site to appreciate the views and take photos. You’ll find scenic drives that showcase the island’s diverse terrain and landscapes, making the most of the 7 hours.

The tour operates with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for changing plans. Travelers should wear comfortable shoes, bring a camera, sunscreen, and water, as there is walking involved across natural sites.

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Visiting Lagoa das Sete Cidades and Twin Lakes

The Lagoa das Sete Cidades stop features a photo opportunity and a chance to explore the legendary twin lakes. The guided visit allows for insights into the area’s volcanic origins and ecological differences between the lakes. The pass-by scenic drive offers sweeping views of the caldera, while the hop-on-hop-off stop gives some flexibility for individual exploration.

Down into the crater, visitors encounter the Twin Lakes—two small, ecologically distinct bodies of water separated by a narrow bridge. This site stands out for its unmatched beauty and the unique geology of the volcanic crater. The walk down to the lakes is a highlight, providing a chance to see the natural volcanic landscape up close.

Exploring Ribeira Grande and Vila Franca do Campo

The tour includes photo stops and guided visits in Ribeira Grande, a charming town with traditional architecture and local character. This stop offers a glimpse into local life and is perfect for a quick stroll or photos.

Vila Franca do Campo is another scenic stop, with scenic views and a self-guided tour opportunity. Its short 30-minute visit is ideal for stretching legs and taking in the coastal atmosphere before heading back inland.

The Volcanic Wonders of Furnas Valley

Furnas is the tour’s highlight for geothermal activity. The hot springs and Furnas Valley gardens are the core attractions, where visitors can see the famous “Cozido” stew cooked naturally in geothermal vents. The springs with mineral waters provide a sensory experience, with smells of sulfur filling the air.

The guided visit here lasts about 2.5 hours, with free time for photos and exploration. Visitors can also enjoy thermal baths—a relaxing way to unwind after a day of sightseeing. The Botanical Gardens Terra Nostra are part of the visit, offering lush plant displays and a peaceful setting.

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Views from Pico do Carvão and the King View

The Pico do Carvão viewpoint provides breathtaking vistas over the island’s volcanic landscapes. The scenic views from this high vantage point are a key highlight, especially for photography and appreciation of São Miguel’s geography.

The King View offers another panoramic perspective, giving visitors a sense of the island’s scale and natural beauty. These viewpoints are often praised for their spectacular scenery, making them perfect spots for memorable photos.

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Thermal Baths and Botanical Gardens

After exploring the volcanic sites, the tour allows time for thermal baths—a favorite for relaxation. The great botanical garden Terra Nostra is also included, offering a peaceful setting filled with exotic plants and shaded paths.

These stops complement the active sightseeing, providing moments of rest and reflection amidst lush greenery and warm waters, enriching the overall experience.

The Tour’s Pacing and Physical Requirements

The 8 stops are spread out to optimize sightseeing without feeling rushed. There is walking involved, particularly at Lagoa das Sete Cidades and Furnas Valley, so comfortable shoes are recommended. The weather can change quickly, so dressing for variable conditions is wise.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, but travelers should be prepared for some walking on uneven terrain. The timing ensures enough time at each site but also keeps the day engaging without fatigue.

What’s Not Included and Extra Costs

While transportation and guided services are included, meals are not; travelers have a lunch break in a traditional restaurant but will pay separately. Entrance fees to parks or hot springs are also not covered, so additional expenses for these are to be expected.

This setup allows flexibility but requires some planning if interested in hot springs or botanical garden visits, which are optional enhancements to the main tour.

São Miguel: A Well-Organized Day of Natural Wonders

This full-day tour offers an impressive overview of São Miguel’s volcanic landscape, lakes, and geothermal activity. The guides provide insightful commentary in multiple languages, enhancing understanding of the island’s geological features.

The scenic drives, viewpoints, and lakes make this a visually rewarding experience. The hot springs and botanical gardens add a soothing element, rounding out a day rich in natural beauty.

While entrance fees and meals are extra, the guided approach simplifies logistics and maximizes sightseeing. This tour suits those who want to cover many highlights efficiently, with a focus on nature, geology, and panoramic views.

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São Miguel: Full-Day Exploring the Island’s 3 Volcanos

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but some walking on uneven terrain is involved, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, sunscreen, and water. Dress for variable weather conditions.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees for parks and hot springs are not included and should be paid separately.

Does the tour operate in different languages?
Yes, guides speak English, Galician, and Portuguese.

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

How long is the stop at Lagoa das Sete Cidades?
The stop lasts about 1.5 hours, including sightseeing and the guided tour.

Are meals included in the tour?
No, meals are not included; there is a lunch break at a traditional restaurant, paid separately.

What is the best time of year for this tour?
Since the weather can change quickly, dressing accordingly is wise, but specific seasonal advice is not provided.

This São Miguel: Full-Day Exploring the Island’s 3 Volcanos tour delivers a detailed look at the island’s volcanic landscapes, lakes, and scenic viewpoints in just one day. It offers a well-rounded experience for those eager to see São Miguel’s natural beauty with the convenience of guided transport and commentary, all at a reasonable price.