Ponta Delgada: Furnas Hot Springs & Food Private Tour

If you’re thinking about exploring the Azores beyond the usual sights, this private tour of Furnas from Ponta Delgada offers a well-rounded experience that mixes natural beauty, local flavors, and personal touches. Designed for travelers who want a bit of everything—stunning views, authentic cuisine, and memorable photos—this tour ticks several boxes.

What really caught our attention are the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Cozido cooked underground and the chance to relax in the thermal waters of Terra Nostra Park. Plus, the visit to a cheese farm where you can meet the cows and taste fresh cheese adds a genuine local touch. One thing to keep in mind is that, as a private, guided experience, it’s priced accordingly, but many find the personalized touch worth the cost. This tour is ideal if you’re into immersive, relaxed days that combine nature, food, and culture—perfect for travelers who like to see the highlights without rushing.

Key Points

• Intimate and personalized experience with a private guide
• Includes a traditional Cozido lunch cooked underground, offering authentic local flavors
• Relaxing time at Terra Nostra Park with thermal baths
• Visit a cheese farm where you can meet cows and taste fresh cheese
• Professional photo session with edited images sent afterward
• Flexible timing and cancellation options for peace of mind

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Tour Experience

This 7-hour private trip from Ponta Delgada is thoughtfully arranged to give you a taste of the volcanic landscape, local cuisine, and relaxing hot springs of Furnas. From the moment you’re picked up in your SUV, a comfortable and private vehicle, you’re in for a day that balances sightseeing with authentic experiences.

The journey starts with a scenic drive to Pico do Ferro viewpoint, which offers sweeping views over the Furnas Valley. It’s a great way to set the scene and get some memorable photos. Here, you’ll appreciate the combination of panoramic views and the calming effect of the landscape, which is dotted with volcanic activity and lush greenery.

Next, the tour takes you to Caldeiras, where volcanic activity is visible and you can taste thermal spring waters. This part is particularly fascinating as it shows the active volcanic forces shaping the island. You’ll get close enough to witness the geothermal vents, making it feel almost like a natural spa.

Terra Nostra Park: A Garden and a Thermal Bath

A highlight of the tour is a visit to Terra Nostra Park, renowned for its botanical gardens and thermal waters. The park is a lush, peaceful place, perfect for strolling and taking photos. The thermal pool here is a great place to relax—many reviews mention how soothing and warm the waters are. You might find the experience quite tranquil, especially if you enjoy being in nature and soaking in hot springs.

During your time at Terra Nostra, a professional photographer will capture your moments, ensuring you get some high-quality images to remember the day. Reviewers have appreciated the photos, describing them as “beautiful” and “well-edited,” adding a personalized touch that’s often missing from larger group tours.

The Culinary Experience: Cozido and Cheese

One of the most unique aspects of this tour is the Cozido lunch, cooked underground in volcanic steam. The process of digging a hole, placing the stew inside, and letting the earth do its magic is both practical and deeply rooted in local tradition. When the dish is served, you’re tasting more than just food—you’re experiencing a piece of Azorean culture.

Many travelers comment on how tasty and hearty the Cozido is, especially when paired with a local wine. It’s a real highlight, offering an authentic taste of Azorean cooking.

After lunch, the tour visits a cheese farm, where you can meet the cows, observe the milking process, and sample fresh cheese. This adds a genuine farm-to-table feel and connects you with local dairy traditions. Several reviews mention how friendly and welcoming the farmers are, making the experience even more enjoyable.

Exploring Furnas Lake and Volcanic Activity

Along With the main stops, you’ll spend time walking around Furnas Lake, enjoying the scenery and perhaps catching some additional photo opportunities. The lake is central to the geothermal activity, and its surroundings are both rugged and serene. It’s a good spot for a relaxed walk and taking in the peaceful vibe.

The tour also emphasizes the volcanic activity in the area, which is part of what makes Furnas so intriguing. Tasting thermal spring waters and witnessing steaming vents provides a tangible connection to the island’s volcanic nature, making this experience both educational and memorable.

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Transportation and Practicalities

Transportation is handled in a comfortable SUV (Peugeot 5008), providing a smooth ride through the often hilly and lush landscape of São Miguel. The private nature of the tour means you’re not sharing with strangers, allowing for a flexible and personalized experience, with the guide tailoring stops to your interests.

Timing is well-structured, with each stop lasting around 30 minutes to two hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each site without feeling rushed. The entire day is designed to balance sightseeing, eating, relaxing, and taking photos.

You’ll want to come prepared with comfortable shoes, a jacket, and a towel if you plan to soak in the thermal waters. Bringing some cash is advisable, especially at farms or small vendors. The tour emphasizes that food and alcohol in the vehicle are not allowed, which is a common safety and cleanliness rule.

Is It Worth the Price?

At its core, this tour offers a personalized, all-in-one experience that combines nature, culture, and relaxation. Though it’s priced higher than group excursions, the private aspect and inclusion of a professional photo session provide added value. If you’re someone who appreciates a tailored experience with fewer crowds and more direct engagement, many find it worthwhile.

Reviewers note that the tour’s pace is relaxed and well-balanced, which means you’ll have time to truly soak in each location without feeling hurried. The combination of food, scenery, and photos makes it particularly memorable.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who enjoy culture, scenic views, and relaxing activities. It’s perfect if you prefer a private, intimate setting rather than a large group. Families with older children might also enjoy it, especially if they’re interested in nature and food, but the day’s focus on gentle walks and relaxed stops makes it suitable for most travelers.

Those who want to avoid rushing through highlights and prefer personalized attention will find this tour hits the right note. It’s a good pick for anyone wanting a well-rounded day in Furnas—covering volcanoes, cuisine, and relaxing in hot springs—all in one seamless package.

The Sum Up

If you’re after a comprehensive, relaxed day exploring the natural wonders and culinary traditions of Furnas, this private tour from Ponta Delgada is a strong contender. Its highlights—such as the underground Cozido, thermal baths, cheese farm visit, and personalized photos—add layers of depth that many group tours can’t match. The private guide ensures a flexible, intimate experience, making it easier to dive into the local culture and scenery at your own pace.

While it’s a bit pricier, the value lies in the personalized touches and the chance to create lasting memories with quality photos and authentic food. It’s especially suited to travelers who want a curated, memorable day without the chaos of larger tours. If you’re keen on savoring the volcanic landscape and local flavors in comfort and style, this tour could be just what you’re looking for.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children? Many of the stops, such as tasting thermal waters and exploring volcanic activity, are generally safe and interesting for older children, especially those curious about nature. However, it’s best to check with the provider regarding specific age restrictions or suitability for very young kids.

What should I bring on the tour? Comfortable shoes and a jacket are recommended since there’s walking involved and some outdoor exposure. A towel is suggested if you plan to soak in the thermal waters. Bringing cash is advisable for small purchases or tips.

How long does each stop last? Stops are typically around 30 minutes to two hours, giving you enough time to enjoy each location without feeling rushed.

Is the tour customizable? As a private experience, it offers some flexibility, but the itinerary is largely fixed. If you have specific interests, it’s worth discussing with the guide beforehand.

Are food and drinks included? The tour includes a traditional Cozido lunch and tastings at the cheese farm, but other food or drinks are not included unless specified. Alcoholic drinks are not allowed in the vehicle.

How are the photos delivered? The professional photographer will take your photos during the day, and the edited images will be sent to you for download afterward, providing a personal keepsake.

Whether you’re after scenic views, delicious food, or a bit of both, this Furnas tour offers a balanced, memorable experience. It’s perfect for those who prefer tailored adventures that combine nature, culture, and relaxation without the hassle of large groups.

You can check availability for your dates here: