São Miguel East Full Day Tour with Furnas Including Lunch

Exploring São Miguel’s East Side: A Detailed Review of the Full-Day Tour with Furnas

Visiting São Miguel Island in Portugal’s Azores? This full-day tour of the eastern part promises a scenic, informative, and delicious journey through some of the island’s most spectacular landscapes. With an average rating of 5.0 from over 1,000 reviews, it’s clear that travelers find this experience both engaging and well-paced.

One standout feature we love is how the tour balances breathtaking viewpoints like Miradouro de Santa Iria and Ponta do Sossego with authentic local experiences, such as sampling the famous cozido, cooked using volcanic steam. Plus, the small group format ensures a more intimate, relaxed atmosphere, with personalized attention from guides.

A potential consideration is that the tour runs for about 8 hours, so it’s a full day but still manageable for most travelers. However, if you’re someone who prefers more time at each stop or wants to explore thermal pools or other optional activities in detail, you might want to plan accordingly.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a rundown of São Miguel’s east side — combining natural beauty, local cuisine, and volcanic wonders — all within a single day. It suits those who appreciate informative guides and authentic experiences, making it a great choice for first-timers or seasoned visitors alike.

Key Points

• Expert-guided experience with a focus on authentic local sights and flavors
• Stunning viewpoints and waterfalls that showcase the island’s volcanic landscape
• Tasty traditional cozido stew cooked in thermal ground, included in the price
• Small group setting for a more personal and relaxed atmosphere
• Flexible options like thermal baths at Poca da Dona Beija (extra cost)
• Valuable insights from knowledgeable guides praised for their friendliness and clarity

A Closer Look at the São Miguel East Full Day Tour

This tour offers a well-rounded exploration of São Miguel’s east side, taking in the island’s natural beauty, geothermal activity, and local cuisine. We’ll walk through each stop, highlighting what makes them special—and sometimes, what might require a little patience or planning.

Morning Pickup and First Stops

The adventure begins with hotel pickup in Ponta Delgada, usually between 9:00 and 9:20 am. From there, the van — a cozy 9-seater — whisks you off for a day filled with panoramic views and volcanic landscapes. This small-group format, limited to just 8 travelers, makes for a more intimate experience, allowing guides to answer questions freely and customize the pace.

The first stop is Miradouro de Santa Iria, a high cliff overlooking the north coast. The views here are unforgettable, stretching for miles across the rugged coastline. Reviewers often mention how this viewpoint is a prime photo spot and perfect for soaking in the island’s wild beauty.

Next, you’ll visit Miradouro Pico do Fogo, which offers perhaps the best view of São Miguel — a sweeping vista of Furnas town and its shimmering lake. From the elevated point, you gain a clear sense of how volcanic activity has shaped the landscape.

Exploring Volcanic Wonders at Furnas

The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly the geothermal area around Furnas Lake. Travelers love walking around the bubbling springs and gas vents, where steam still escapes with a hiss. One reviewer mentioned how the “hot spring is optional,” but many choose to relax in the nearby thermal pools at Poca da Dona Beija (note: this is an optional activity at extra cost).

Of course, the main event is tasting the cozido, a traditional stew slow-cooked by volcanic heat. The guide explains how the pots are buried in the thermal grounds, cooking for hours in the natural heat of the volcano. The stew is hearty and flavorful, served with a drink, dessert, and coffee, making for a satisfying midday meal.

Some travelers, like those in reviews, have raved about the “delicious” meal and the opportunity to try local flavors directly from the volcanic earth.

Waterfalls, Coastlines, and Local Highlights

After lunch, the tour continues with a visit to Ribeira dos Caldeirões, a stunning natural park famed for its beautiful waterfall. Reviewers often mention how this stop is a favorite for photo opportunities and appreciating the island’s lush, verdant environment.

From there, you’ll head to the Farol do Arnel, the easternmost lighthouse, set against a dramatic cliff backdrop. The views here are striking, with many expressing how this isolated spot feels like a secret find.

The final stop is Ponta do Sossego, a colorful viewpoint and garden that offers both spectacular coastal scenery and local ambiance. Visitors love the picturesque gardens and the calm, peaceful vibe, perfect for a picnic or just soaking in the views.

Optional Thermal Baths and Relaxation

While the tour includes a stop at Poca da Dona Beija for thermal baths, it’s an optional activity at an additional cost. According to reviews, those who indulge find it relaxing and a perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing. If thermal pools aren’t your thing, you can simply enjoy the stunning scenery and move on.

The Value of This Tour

Priced at $86.89 per person, this tour offers a lot of value considering the inclusions: lunch, expert guiding, bottled water, and hotel pickup and drop-off. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the stops are carefully curated to showcase the best of São Miguel’s east side.

The lunch, a hearty cozido stew, is a major highlight—local, authentic, and cooked using volcanic heat—delivering both a cultural and culinary experience. Many reviews mention how the guides’ knowledge enhances the trip, sharing fascinating insights into the island’s volcanic activity, local traditions, and natural beauty.

However, the optional thermal pools are not included in the base price, and if you want to indulge, you’ll need to budget extra. Still, the tour’s overall value is strong, especially for those wanting a comprehensive yet relaxing day out with a knowledgeable guide.

The Guide Experience

From the glowing reviews, guides like Joao, Manuel, Katia, and Helena consistently receive praise for their friendliness, knowledge, and ability to create a warm, engaging atmosphere. Reviewers often mention how guides go “above and beyond,” sharing stories, offering tips, and ensuring everyone feels comfortable.

Particularly, travelers appreciated guides who explained the volcanic process clearly, making complex geology easy to understand. Guides also facilitated interesting conversations, making the day feel less like a tour and more like a day among friends.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of the Tour

• Arrive early for pickup to ensure smooth boarding.
• Wear comfortable shoes — many stops involve walking or standing, especially at waterfalls and viewpoints.
• Bring a camera — the scenery is visually stunning and worth capturing.
• Consider bringing some cash if you want to indulge in thermal baths, as they are not included.
• Pack a light jacket or raincoat; weather on the island can be unpredictable, and reviews mention occasional rain.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience is ideal for travelers wanting a balanced mix of natural scenery, volcanic wonders, and local culture. It’s perfect if you prefer small groups and enjoy engaging guides who can share insights and local stories. Food lovers will appreciate the chance to taste traditional cozido, cooked right in the volcanic ground.

It’s also great for those with a moderate level of mobility, as most stops are accessible with some walking. It suits first-time visitors eager to see the highlights without renting a car or planning their own route.

The Sum Up

For anyone eager to see the best of São Miguel’s east side in a single day, this tour offers a thoughtfully curated experience. It combines stunning vistas, volcanic activity, and local cuisine into a manageable itinerary, guided by passionate professionals. The small group size enhances the experience, making it feel intimate and personalized.

The inclusion of a hearty cozido lunch and multiple scenic stops makes this a great value for the price. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge elevate the experience from a simple sightseeing trip to a genuine cultural adventure.

Most travelers will find this tour a memorable introduction to São Miguel, especially if they love natural beauty and authentic flavors. It’s perfect for those who want a relaxed, educational, and scenic day with plenty of opportunities for stunning photos and meaningful insights.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off within Ponta Delgada are included in the tour.

How long does the tour last?
The full-day experience lasts approximately 8 hours.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a traditional cozido stew, drink, dessert, and coffee are part of the provided lunch.

Can I visit thermal pools?
Thermal pools at Poca da Dona Beija are available for optional extra cost.

What are the main highlights?
Expect stunning viewpoints such as Miradouro de Santa Iria, Furnas Lake geothermal area, Ribeira dos Caldeirões waterfall, and Ponta do Sossego.

Is the guide knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews praise guides like Joao, Manuel, and Helena for their friendliness, professionalism, and storytelling ability.

Are there any optional activities?
Thermal baths are optional and not included in the base price.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket or raincoat in case of weather changes.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but consider mobility levels for some stops involving walking or standing.

Whether you’re after awe-inspiring vistas, volcanic wonders, or a taste of local cuisine, this East São Miguel tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of the island’s best features. It’s a fantastic way to create lasting memories and deepen your connection to this volcanic paradise.