Sao Miguel Island in the Azores isn’t just about stunning volcanic landscapes and lush greenery; it also offers some memorable dining experiences that are deeply rooted in local tradition and natural wonders. We especially love tours that combine thermal baths with authentic meals, offering a taste of Azorean culture amidst breathtaking settings. For example, the Furnas: Night-Time Experience with Thermal Baths and Dinner stands out with its blend of relaxing hot springs and a famous “cozido” cooked right inside a volcanic caldera. It’s a dinner that’s as memorable as the scenery around it.
Beyond that, Sao Miguel’s culinary adventures include tours that take you on geothermal walks, hot spring dips, and authentic Furnas stew tastings, often paired with scenic sights and cultural insights. These experiences are perfect for travelers who want a full sensory immersion into Azorean life—good food, natural beauty, and a few surprises along the way.
Below, we’ve compiled the two best dining experiences that combine food, nature, and local traditions—each offering a different flavor of what the Azores have to offer.
1. Furnas: Night-Time Experience with Thermal Baths and Dinner
This tour is a favorite for anyone wanting to enjoy Furnas’ geothermal magic after sunset. For around $82 per person, you get to relax in the healing waters of Poça da Dona Beija under the stars and indulge in the legendary “cozido”—a stew slow-cooked inside the volcanic caldera. The tour lasts about 6 hours, and it’s ideal if you’re after an evening filled with authentic Azorean flavors and soothing hot springs.
What makes this experience stand out is the combination of thermal bathing and gastronomic delight. The hot springs are often described as “magical,” especially when soaked under the night sky. The cozido, cooked in volcanic heat, offers a real taste of local culinary ingenuity. Reviewers praise the guide Hervé, noting how knowledgeable and friendly he was, often pointing out the regional significance of the hot springs and food. Several mention how the experience of swimming in the springs while stars twinkle overhead is unforgettable.
The tour also includes a nature walk in the Furnas volcano complex, making it a well-rounded adventure for nature lovers and foodies alike. Its moderate price and intimate setting make it excellent value—especially considering the included dinner and thermal bathing.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers looking to combine relaxation, nature, and local cuisine in one unforgettable evening.
2. Furnas: Mystic Tour (w/Dinner) – Hot Springs
At number 2 on our list is the Furnas: Mystic Tour with Dinner, also a six-hour experience that captures the mystical essence of Furnas after sunset. This tour is slightly more flexible and emphasizes the geothermal walk at Lagoa das Furnas, a stunning volcanic lagoon, along with dinner featuring the traditional Furnas stew.
What sets this tour apart is its attention to local lore and geothermal wonders, including stops at Furnas Lake and Caldeiras Vulcânicas. It also offers a hot spring dip at night (entry charged separately), allowing you to soak in thermal waters as the night falls—a perfect end to a day of sightseeing. Guests appreciate the knowledgeable and attentive guides who explain the volcanic activity and local customs, making the experience both educational and relaxing.
The itinerary includes scenic drives, photo stops, and tasting local mineral waters and pastries, giving you a full flavor of Azorean culture. The tour’s reviews highlight the friendly guides and the quality of the food, along with the chance to enjoy thermal baths in the evening—a unique twist that many travelers find captivating.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a comprehensive, flexible tour that combines scenic, cultural, and culinary highlights in one evening.
How to Choose
When deciding between these two tours, consider your interests and travel style. If you’re after a more immersive thermal bath experience combined with a hearty local dinner, the Furnas: Night-Time Experience with Thermal Baths and Dinner offers a straightforward, all-in-one package. It’s especially suitable if you want a relaxing evening with minimal fuss.
If you’re interested in more geothermal insights, scenic stops, and a flexible schedule, then the Furnas: Mystic Tour might be better. It includes additional cultural stops and optional hot bath entry, which can be perfect if you love learning about volcanic activity and local customs.
Both tours are around six hours and include dinner, so your choice depends on whether you prefer a straightforward thermal bath experience or a more curated, scenic, and educational tour with a deeper dive into Furnas’ mystique.
Summing Up
Sao Miguel’s dining tours offer more than just food—they’re about experiencing the island’s volcanic soul, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. The first tour is great for travelers who want an easy, relaxing evening with an exceptional dinner and hot springs. The second appeals to those eager for more sights and stories, combining scenic stops with thermal baths and local culinary delights.
For anyone planning a trip, these tours are excellent options. Be sure to book early, especially in high season, to secure your spot and enjoy a truly memorable Azorean evening. Whether you opt for the straightforward relaxation of the first or the more layered experience of the second, you’re in for a treat that combines nature, culture, and cuisine in the most delicious way.
