São Miguel Island: Full Day Furnas and Furnas Lake Tour

Explore the captivating landscapes of São Miguel Island with the Full Day Furnas and Furnas Lake Tour offered by Safari Azores. Priced at $74 per person and lasting approximately one day, this tour takes you through some of the most iconic sights on the island, including the famous hot springs of Furnas, a tea plantation, and panoramic viewpoints. The experience is designed to showcase the island’s volcanic beauty and lush scenery, all with the comfort of hotel pickup and an expert guide. Expect a well-paced journey with several stops that highlight both natural wonders and cultural highlights, making it ideal for travelers seeking an in-depth exploration of São Miguel.

While the tour covers many highlights, it’s important to note that tickets to Terra Nostra Park and Furnas Lake are not included in the price, and optional visits to thermal springs may require additional fees. The tour runs rain or shine, ensuring year-round access to these incredible sights. With a small group size limited to 14 participants, the experience offers a personal touch and plenty of opportunities for questions and interaction.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: At $74, this full-day tour offers great value, lasting around one day with hotel pickup included.
• Variety of Highlights: Visitors see Furnas Lake, hot springs, a tea plantation, and scenic viewpoints like Pico do Ferro and Mrs. Peace.
• Expert Guides: The tour guides are knowledgeable, with reviews praising their ability to share interesting stories and point out hidden spots.
• Culinary Experience: The tour features Cérean boiled dish cooked with volcanic steam and the chance to visit Europe’s only natural tea factory producing black and green tea.
• Flexible and Weather-Resilient: The tour operates rain or shine, with optional visits to thermal springs if time allows.
• Group Size and Convenience: With a small group of up to 14, travelers enjoy a more personalized experience and clear communication via provided headsets.

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The Tour Starts in Ponta Delgada

This full-day adventure departs from Ponta Delgada, with convenient hotel pickup available if you’re staying within a 5 km radius. Travelers gather in the hotel lobby, where the guide introduces the day’s itinerary. The tour begins with a jeep or SUV ride that lasts about 30 minutes, setting the tone for a scenic exploration.

Scenic Drive Along Hidden Roads with Stunning Views

The journey features a drive along scenic routes on either the north or south coast, depending on weather conditions. Expect beautiful vistas and hidden roads that reveal less-visited parts of São Miguel. This approach allows for a more authentic experience away from crowded spots, offering many photo opportunities along the way.

Visiting Santa Iria Lookout for Panoramic Views

One of the first stops is the Santa Iria Lookout, which provides 25 minutes of sightseeing. From this vantage point, travelers enjoy sweeping views of the coastline and rolling landscapes. It’s an excellent place to take photos and get a sense of the island’s volcanic terrain.

Gorreana Tea Factory: Europe’s Only Natural Tea Plant

The tour makes a 50-minute stop at the Gorreana Tea Factory, the only natural tea factory in Europe since 1883. Here, guides explain the cultivation of Camellia Sinensis, from which black and green teas are produced. Visitors can observe the tea-making process and stroll through the lush gardens, making this a refreshing break and a unique cultural experience.

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Pico do Ferro Lookout: Overlooking Furnas Crater

Next, the Pico do Ferro Lookout offers 25 minutes of sightseeing at the top of the Furnas crater. The viewpoint provides spectacular vistas of the crater lake and surrounding volcanic landscape. It’s a highlight for those wanting to grasp the island’s volcanic origins firsthand.

Exploring Furnas Lake and Its Thermal Sources

The tour dedicates about 1 hour to Furnas Lake, where visitors can admire the caldera and its geothermal activity. Nearby, the famous boilers of Furnas are a must-see, where a pot of Cérean boiled dish simmers over volcanic heat. The thermal sources in Furnas are among the most diverse in the world, and a visit here immerses travelers in the island’s true volcanic power.

Visiting Furnas Village and Hot Springs

Another hour-long stop is in the village of Furnas, where the thermal springs are located. Optional visits to hot springs such as Jardim da Nostra or Dona Beija are available for an additional fee. These natural thermal baths provide a relaxing experience amidst volcanic scenery, perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.

Vila Franca do Campo and Miradouro da Nossa Senhora da Paz

The tour continues with a 30-minute guided tour of Vila Franca do Campo, a historic coastal town once the island’s first city. Travelers also visit the Miradouro da Nossa Senhora da Paz, where another 30-minute stop offers more panoramic views of São Miguel’s coastline and countryside. These stops highlight the island’s cultural heritage and scenic beauty.

Return Along the South Coast with Beaches and Viewpoints

As the day winds down, the journey back to Ponta Delgada includes a 30-minute drive along the south coast, featuring additional viewpoints and beaches. The route showcases the island’s diverse coastal landscapes, rounding out the full-day experience with plenty of photo opportunities.

Practical Details and Booking Information

This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, with headsets provided for clear communication with the guide. The group is limited to 14 participants, ensuring a personalized experience. Reservations are flexible with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and travelers can reserve now and pay later to keep plans flexible.

The activity is suitable for most travelers but not recommended for pregnant women, and large luggage, baby strollers, and alcohol are prohibited on the vehicle. The tour runs rain or shine, so packing appropriate clothing is advised.

Why Choose This Tour of São Miguel Island

This full-day Furnas and Furnas Lake tour offers an engaging way to see many of São Miguel’s most iconic sights in one day. The expert guides enhance the experience with informative commentary, turning scenic stops into learning moments. The combination of geothermal activity, lush landscapes, and cultural stops makes it a strong choice for travelers who want a balanced mix of nature and history.

While the ticket costs do not include entrance fees to certain sites like Terra Nostra Park, the overall value remains high considering the comprehensive itinerary and small-group setting. The flexibility in pickup locations and small group size contribute to a comfortable, personalized experience.

In summary, the São Miguel Island: Full Day Furnas and Furnas Lake Tour by Safari Azores provides a well-rounded, scenic, and educational exploration of the island’s volcanic heart. It suits travelers eager to experience the geothermal wonders and panoramic views that define São Miguel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if your accommodation is within a 5 km radius of Ponta Delgada.

Are meals included in the tour?
No, food and drinks are not included, but there are stops at local spots where you can purchase meals, snacks, and beverages.

Can I visit the thermal springs during the tour?
Yes, a dive into the hot springs of Jardim da Nostra or Dona Beija is optional if time allows, but additional fees apply.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 14 participants, ensuring a more intimate experience.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring passport or ID, and dress for the weather, as the tour takes place rain or shine.

Are there any physical restrictions?
The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, and large luggage or baby strollers are not allowed on the vehicle.

How long are the stops at viewpoints and stops?
Most sightseeing stops range from 25 to 30 minutes, giving plenty of time for photos and enjoying the scenery.

Is booking refundable?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the booking allows you to reserve now and pay later.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of geothermal sights, scenic viewpoints, and cultural visits like the tea plantation and Vila Franca do Campo makes this a comprehensive exploration of São Miguel.

Would you recommend this tour?
Absolutely, especially for those who want a guided, well-organized day to see many of the island’s highlights without the hassle of planning each stop themselves.

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