Azores São Miguel | Furnas & Nordeste with lunch included

If you’re visiting the Azores and looking for an experience that combines breathtaking landscapes with cultural highlights, this Furnas & Nordeste tour might just be your best bet. Rated a perfect 5.0 out of 5 from 14 reviews and recommended by all who’ve booked it, this full-day adventure offers a well-balanced mix of nature, geology, local gastronomy, and scenic viewpoints.

What really makes this tour stand out is its small-group format, which means more personalized attention from guides and fewer crowds at popular spots. Plus, the inclusion of a volcanic heat-inspired lunch and hotel pickup and drop-off makes it both convenient and immersive.

One thing to consider is that entrance fees are not included, so you’ll want to budget a bit extra if you plan to visit places like the thermal pools at Terra Nostra or Dona Beija. This tour suits travelers eager to explore São Miguel’s natural beauty without the hassle of organizing transport or multiple tickets. Ideal for those who enjoy a relaxed pace with plenty of photo stops and local insights.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering volcanic landscapes, viewpoints, and cultural sites
• Small-group setting enhances interaction and personalized experience
• Includes lunch cooked with volcanic heat, adding a local flavor
• Highlights geothermal pools at Dona Beija and optionally at Terra Nostra
• Expert guides provide deeper insights into volcanic activity and local history
• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off simplify logistics

A Closer Look at the São Miguel Tour Experience

Starting Point: Senhora da Paz Viewpoint

We start the day with a visit to Nossa Senhora da Paz, where the views of Vila Franca do Campo and the islet are nothing short of stunning. This spot is famous for its dramatic cliffs and the ancient volcanic crater that formed the islet. Reviewers mention that this is a perfect place for photos—”The views here are unforgettable,” one said, emphasizing how photography-friendly the lookout is.

Our guide highlights the impressive chapel staircase, symbolizing the rosary’s mysteries, adding a touch of local religious culture to the natural beauty. This viewpoint also offers a quick history lesson about the volcanic activity that shaped the island, which our guide, a knowledgeable local, explains with enthusiasm.

Exploring Caldeira das Furnas

Next, we venture into Caldeira das Furnas, one of the most active volcanic areas on São Miguel. The landscape here is raw and powerful, with bubbling fumaroles and steaming vents. Our guide points out that the eruptive history stretches over 100,000 years, making this a fascinating site for geology buffs or curious travelers alike.

Visitors note that walking around this area provides a palpable sense of the Earth’s energy. Although admission is free, the volcanic activity is what makes this spot special. You’ll see the natural signs of ongoing geothermal processes, and some might even smell the sulfur – a reminder of nature’s power.

Miradouro Pico do Ferro and Furnas Valley

From the Pico do Ferro viewpoint, you’ll get a panoramic shot of Furnas Valley and its crater lake. This lake is often described as one of the most beautiful sights on the island, with clear waters surrounded by lush greenery. The guide explains that the lake is considered the largest hydropolis in the world for its thermal and mineral diversity.

Travelers mention that standing here, you really get a sense of the island’s volcanic origins. The views are sweeping, providing excellent photo opportunities. The descent into the valley reveals steaming vents, lush flora, and a landscape that feels both wild and cultivated.

Tea Plantation Visit: Plantacoes de Cha Gorreana

One of the highlights for many is the visit to Gorreana Tea Plantation, Europe’s only remaining tea factory. The tour includes a quick walk through the verdant fields, and many reviewers say it’s “a peaceful, almost hypnotic experience”.

The factory tour itself is brief but insightful, explaining how tea leaves are harvested and processed. It’s a unique chance to see European tea production firsthand. Plus, the shop at the end offers samples and souvenirs, allowing you to bring a taste of the Azores home.

Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park

Next, we visit Ribeira dos Caldeirões, a lush natural park dotted with traditional watermills. Here, we stroll along gentle paths along the watercourse, enjoying the serene sounds of flowing water and the vibrant greenery. The watermills are a reminder of the island’s rural past and its reliance on water power.

Visitors appreciate the photo opportunities and the chance to breathe in fresh, floral air. The park’s varied flora makes it a peaceful break in the tour, especially for nature lovers.

Lagoa das Furnas and Optional Thermal Pools

The crater lake, Lagoa das Furnas, offers a peaceful, scenic stop. Many travelers comment on how picturesque it is, with its calm waters reflecting the sky and crater walls.

For those wanting a thermal bath experience, options are available at Dona Beija and Terra Nostra Park. Our tour includes a visit to Dona Beija, a thermal pool complex beloved by reviewers for its warm, mineral-rich waters. While entry to Terra Nostra requires an extra fee, its enormous botanical garden is worth a visit if time allows, especially since it offers a large thermal pool perfect for a relaxing dip.

Lunch: Volcano-Style Cooking

A unique part of this tour is the included lunch cooked using volcanic heat. The guide explains how the local chef uses geothermal steam to prepare traditional dishes, giving you a taste of authentic Azorean cuisine. Many reviewers highlight how delicious and hearty the meal is, with some describing it as a special experience to eat food prepared with such natural methods.

Wrap-up: Return and Reflection

The tour concludes with convenient hotel drop-off, leaving you with plenty of photos and memories. Travelers often mention their appreciation for the expert guides, who shared stories, geological facts, and local tips, making the day both educational and engaging.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This Furnas & Nordeste tour is ideal for travelers who want a balanced mix of nature, culture, and comfort. It’s suitable for those who enjoy scenic viewpoints, geological wonders, and thermal baths—and who prefer a small-group setting for a more personalized experience. If you’re eager to see São Miguel’s highlights without the hassle of planning multiple transport legs or paying at each stop, this tour offers excellent value.

It’s particularly appealing for photographers, nature lovers, and food explorers, especially since lunch is included and local insights abound. However, travelers with limited mobility might want to check the terrain, as some stops involve walking on uneven ground or hills.

The Sum Up

This tour provides a practical yet immersive way to see São Miguel’s most iconic sights. The combination of stunning viewpoints, geothermal features, and cultural insights makes it a well-rounded experience. The small-group format ensures that you won’t feel rushed or lost in a crowd, and the knowledgeable guides tend to enhance the trip with personal anecdotes and expert commentary.

The lunch, prepared with volcanic heat, offers a delicious, authentic taste of local cuisine, making the day feel complete. The option to visit thermal pools adds a relaxing touch after a day of exploring, though entrance fees are separate.

This tour is a fantastic way to get a rundown of São Miguel’s natural and cultural treasures. It’s best suited for those who value authentic experiences, beautiful scenery, and insightful guides. The price, considering the number of stops, included lunch, and transportation, offers good value for a full-day adventure.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup and drop-off from your Ponta Delgada hotel, making it convenient to start and end the day.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees to sites like Terra Nostra or Dona Beija are not included, so you may want to budget extra if you plan to visit those pools.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 8 to 9 hours, depending on group pace and traffic conditions.

What is the group size like?
It’s a small-group tour, which typically means more personalized attention from guides and fewer crowds at sights.

Is lunch vegetarian-friendly?
The description mentions a traditional lunch made with volcanic heat, but it doesn’t specify dietary options. You might want to ask the supplier directly if you have specific dietary needs.

Can I visit the thermal pools at Terra Nostra?
Yes, but entry to Terra Nostra requires an extra fee and is optional. Dona Beija is included in the tour.

What kind of views can I expect?
Expect panoramic views of volcanic craters, lush valleys, crater lakes, and scenic viewpoints like Senhora da Paz and Pico do Ferro.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the stops involve walking and some uneven terrain, so it might be better suited for older children or active travelers.

How physically demanding is the tour?
Most stops involve walking on varied terrain; moderate fitness is recommended, especially if visiting the thermal pools or walking around parks.

What makes this tour stand out from others?
The combination of volcanic landscapes, geothermal experiences, and local culture wrapped into a compact, well-organized day makes it a standout. Plus, the high reviews and repeat bookings suggest it offers good value and memorable moments.