Furnas is a must-visit spot on São Miguel Island, especially if you love volcanic landscapes, geothermal springs, and authentic local flavors. The area’s geothermal activity makes it ideal for unique tours that combine natural beauty with culture. We’re particularly fond of the Private Tour Furnas: Furnas Lake Hike & Terra Nostra Park, which offers a personalized day exploring the lush gardens, hot springs, and a hidden waterfall. This tour’s combination of nature, local cuisine, and thermal relaxation makes it a standout choice for those wanting an in-depth experience. Plus, their visit to the famous Terra Nostra Botanical Garden and tasting different mineral waters in Furnas hydropolis add a sensory dimension you won’t find elsewhere.
For travelers seeking active exploration, the Furnas: Guided E-bike Tour with Cheese Tasting gives you a fun, eco-friendly way to see the volcanic valley. It’s perfect if you enjoy cycling and want to savor regional cheeses while discovering fumaroles and the Cozido stew cooking in the ground. For those interested in cultural traditions, the Cook Cozido das Furnas with your own hands! + thermal circuit offers an immersive, hands-on experience, combining local culinary skills with relaxing hot springs.
Below, we’ve compiled a detailed list of the best tours in Furnas, covering a range of interests and activity levels—so you can pick just the right one.
1. Private Tour Furnas: Furnas Lake Hike & Terra Nostra Park
At number 1 on our list, the Private Tour Furnas: Furnas Lake Hike & Terra Nostra Park offers a personalized day immersed in the natural wonders of Furnas. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a flexible, in-depth experience. It includes a guided walk around the stunning Lagoa das Furnas, where volcanic activity shapes the landscape, along with a visit to the renowned Terra Nostra Botanical Garden. You’ll get to soak in the thermal waters of the garden’s famous hot springs, which are rich in minerals and perfect for relaxing after your walk.
What makes this tour stand out is its mix of nature, local flavors, and hidden sights. You’ll explore the village’s charming alleys, discover a secret waterfall, and visit a gothic chapel shrouded in local lore. The tour also features a tasting of various mineral waters at Furnas hydropolis, giving you a true sense of the region’s geothermal richness. The itinerary is thoughtfully planned, with time for a traditional Furnas-style lunch and a scenic stop at Pico do Ferro for photos.
This tour is best suited for those who want a comprehensive, private experience with flexibility. It’s perfect for couples or small groups looking for an all-in-one day of exploration, relaxation, and flavor. The cost is $317 per group, which offers great value for a full-day personalized adventure.
Bottom Line: A top choice if you want an intimate, customized tour covering the highlights of Furnas with plenty of time for exploration and relaxation.
2. Furnas: Guided E-bike Tour with Cheese Tasting
For around $77 per person, the Furnas: Guided E-bike Tour with Cheese Tasting offers a lively, eco-friendly way to experience the volcanic valley. Over just three hours, you’ll pedal comfortably along scenic paths, discovering fumaroles, small volcanic craters, and the famous Cozido stew bubbling underground. The e-bike allows you to cover more ground than walking, making it ideal for those who want a light adventure without too much exertion.
Along the way, you’ll visit the Furnas Lake and Valley, where geothermal activity is ever-present, and enjoy a tasting of local cheeses and regional products. The highlight for many is the panoramic view from Pico dos Milhos, offering sweeping vistas of the village and surrounding mountains. The small group size and expert guides make this a fun, informative experience; one reviewer mentioned that the guide shared “25 years of local insights and tips.”
This tour balances activity with flavor, perfect if you enjoy outdoor adventures and culinary surprises. The focus on geothermal features and local food makes it a memorable way to explore Furnas without a full-day commitment.
Bottom Line: Excellent for active travelers, food lovers, and those wanting a quick, engaging tour with stunning views.
3. Furnas: Royal Breakfast and Thermal Pools at Octant Furnas
At number 3, the Furnas: Royal Breakfast and Thermal Pools at Octant Furnas focuses on sensory relaxation and local flavors. This 3.5-hour experience begins with a delicious breakfast featuring regional products, setting the tone for a slow, indulgent morning. Afterwards, the tour invites you to unwind in the thermal pools of the Octant Furnas Hotel, where the volcanic waters soothe and rejuvenate.
What makes this experience appealing is its emphasis on volcanic wellness. Guests can relax in the thermal water circuit, which includes various pools and a spa area, all while being surrounded by the natural beauty of Furnas. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers wanting a stress-free, rejuvenating morning that combines local cuisine and thermal relaxation. The tour is designed for those seeking a luxury, wellness-oriented experience, and it’s easy to see why it’s a popular option.
While reviews are limited, the focus on sensory immersion in volcanic waters and local flavors makes this a calming, enriching break from more structured tours. It’s best suited for those who want to combine food, relaxation, and nature.
Bottom Line: A relaxing choice for wellness-focused visitors who want to enjoy Furnas’ thermal waters alongside a hearty local breakfast.
4. Furnas: full-day tour of hot springs and volcanic landscapes
At number 4, this full-day tour captures the essence of Furnas with visits to Vila Franca do Campo, Terra Nostra Garden, and the Pico do Ferro lookout. It offers a broad overview of São Miguel’s volcanic scenery, thermal springs, and agricultural sites. The tour includes stops at hot springs and steaming fumaroles, along with scenic drives through lush landscapes.
One highlight is the visit to Vila Franca do Campo, the island’s first capital, with views of the islet nearby. You’ll also explore the Gorreana Tea Plantation, where you can learn about tea production and taste fresh brews. The itinerary mixes cultural sights with nature, making it a well-rounded day.
This tour is excellent for travelers with limited time who want a rundown of Furnas and its surroundings. It’s suited for those interested in both cultural and natural highlights with moderate activity levels. The value lies in the variety of sights covered in 8 hours, providing a full picture of São Miguel’s volcanic beauty.
Bottom Line: Ideal for first-timers and those short on time, offering a broad exposure to the island’s volcanic and cultural attractions.
5. Furnas: Traditional Stew and Thermal Pools at Octant Furnas
Ranking at 5, this 4-hour experience combines tasting the famous Furnas stew with relaxing in thermal pools. It’s a flavorful journey that highlights local culinary traditions, where the Cozido is cooked underground in volcanic heat. You’ll enjoy a guided tasting of the stew, served hot and fresh from the earth, paired with regional side dishes.
Beyond the food, the tour includes time in the thermal pools of the Octant Furnas Hotel—a perfect way to unwind after your culinary adventure. The emphasis is on earth, fire, and water, making it a complete sensory experience of Furnas’ natural resources.
While the review data is limited, the combination of food and wellness in a manageable time frame appeals to those wanting a balanced, immersive experience. It’s especially suited for foodies and relaxation seekers.
Bottom Line: A tasty, relaxing option that pairs traditional cuisine with volcanic thermal waters for a satisfying half-day.
6. Furnas: Tea Plantation and Hot springs Tour
Rated 4.8/5, the Furnas: Tea Plantation and Hot springs Tour showcases the natural and agricultural diversity of São Miguel. Starting with a walk along black sand beaches, you’ll then ascend to a scenic viewpoint offering sweeping views of the north coast. The visit to the tea plantation is a highlight, where you can learn about European tea production and taste freshly brewed tea.
The tour also explores the geothermal features of Furnas, including steaming fumaroles and bubbling hot springs. It’s a great mix of ocean, mountain, and volcanic activity, offering a well-rounded experience. This tour is perfect if you’re interested in both natural wonders and local agriculture, especially since it includes a visit to one of the few tea plantations in Europe.
It’s a shorter, half-day tour that delivers a lot of variety in a few hours. Its high rating reflects satisfied travelers who appreciate the diversity of sights and the quality of the experience.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a compact but diverse tour focusing on natural beauty and local tea.
7. Octant Furnas Hotel: Cook Cozido das Furnas with your own hands! + thermal circuit
Number 7 offers an interactive cooking experience where you learn how to prepare Cozido das Furnas using traditional methods. Starting at the hotel, you’ll watch the volcanic heat cook the stew in the ground, then participate in the process of making this iconic dish. Afterward, you’ll enjoy tasting the freshly cooked Cozido and relax in the thermal pools.
This hands-on approach makes it a fantastic choice for culinary enthusiasts or families looking for an engaging cultural activity. The experience is designed to be educational and fun, with guides sharing the history and techniques behind this signature dish. The thermal circuit complements the activity by providing a relaxing end to your culinary journey.
While the reviews are not specified, this tour’s combination of learning, tasting, and relaxing makes it a unique way to connect with Furnas’ volcanic culinary traditions firsthand.
Bottom Line: Perfect for food lovers who want an immersive, participatory experience with a relaxing thermal end.
8. Octant Furnas Hotel: Cozido das Furnas Cooking Class
The Cozido das Furnas Cooking Class at number 8 invites you to follow the entire process of making this iconic underground stew. Starting at the hotel, you’ll learn how to prepare the dish from scratch and see how volcanic heat cooks the ingredients in a traditional oven. The class culminates in tasting your homemade Cozido, served steaming and flavorful.
The experience is limited to small groups (up to 6 participants), ensuring personalized attention. The class is ideal for culinary travelers eager to grasp the techniques behind this regional specialty. It’s a hands-on, educational session that deepens your understanding of Furnas’ volcanic cuisine.
While reviews aren’t specified, the detailed process and tasting provide a full immersion into local food culture. It’s best suited for those who want to learn a local skill while enjoying a delicious meal.
Bottom Line: A highly educational, participatory experience for foodies, perfect for those who want to bring a taste of Furnas home.
9. S. Miguel East: Top Scenic Highlights 1 Day Private Tour
This private tour at number 9 offers an 8-hour journey along São Miguel’s eastern side. It’s designed for those wanting a personalized, comprehensive day exploring Furnas, Nordeste, and coastal cliffs. The tour includes visits to Furnas Lagoon, thermal hot springs, and the iconic waterfalls, with stops for panoramic views and local cuisine.
The itinerary can be tailored, with pickups from multiple locations, making it flexible for different travel plans. The focus is on natural beauty, volcanic activity, and scenic vistas, with the opportunity to swim in Terra Nostra’s hot springs or enjoy the fresh air along the coast.
This tour suits travelers who appreciate customized experiences and a full day of diverse highlights. Its flexibility and focus on private, curated sights make it a top pick for those wanting an in-depth, personalized day.
Bottom Line: Best for those who want a tailored, private experience covering São Miguel’s east side.
10. São Miguel: Furnas Half-Day Tour
Number 10 offers a 4-hour introduction to Furnas, perfect for travelers with limited time. This tour visits tea plantations, the hot springs, and the fumaroles, giving a quick but rich taste of what Furnas has to offer. You’ll see bubbling hot springs and watch the removal of cozido, providing insight into local culinary traditions.
The tour is practical and straightforward, ideal for those wanting an overview without a full-day commitment. It provides focused highlights and the chance to experience the geothermal activity firsthand, making it a good fit for short stays or as an add-on to a broader island itinerary.
While it’s shorter, the emphasis on key sights and local flavors ensures you get a meaningful glimpse of Furnas’ volcanic character.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers on a tight schedule who want a quick, engaging tour of Furnas’ main highlights.
How to Choose Your Perfect Furnas Tour
When selecting the right tour, consider your budget, available time, and interests. If you’re after a personalized, in-depth experience, the private Furnas Lake Hike & Terra Nostra Park is ideal. For active explorers, the E-bike Tour offers fun and flexibility, while those focused on culinary traditions will enjoy the Hands-on Cozido Cooking Class.
If relaxation is your priority, the Thermal Pool and Breakfast Experience provides a soothing escape. For a comprehensive day, the Full-Day Volcanic Landscapes Tour covers the most highlights with a focus on scenery and culture. Budget travelers can opt for shorter options like the Half-Day Tour, which still packs in key sights.
Booking early is always wise, especially in peak season, to secure your spot on these popular experiences.
Final Thoughts
Furnas offers a diverse array of tours—from private nature walks and scenic biking adventures to culinary classes and thermal relaxation. For travelers seeking an immersive, personalized day, the Furnas Lake Hike & Terra Nostra Park hits the mark. Meanwhile, those looking for active fun will appreciate the E-bike Tour, and culinary enthusiasts can’t go wrong with the Cooking Class.
No matter your style, booking your preferred tour early ensures you won’t miss out on this volcanic paradise’s unique experiences. Furnas truly offers a rich mix of natural beauty, geothermal wonders, and delicious flavors—a combination worth exploring in depth.
