Adventure in the Furnas, with volcanoes, lagoons and tea plantations

If you’re planning a trip to Ponta Delgada and looking to see the best of São Miguel in one day, this tour offers a well-rounded peek into the island’s volcanic beauty, lush landscapes, and unique attractions. From visiting the oldest tea plantations in Europe to soaking in geothermal springs and marveling at stunning lagoons, it’s a comprehensive experience designed for curious travelers keen on natural wonders.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its ability to combine so many different sights into one manageable day, especially with a knowledgeable guide who makes it all come alive. Plus, the inclusion of local delicacies and scenic viewpoints helps turn a sightseeing day into a rich, memorable adventure.

However, it’s worth noting that the tour doesn’t include lunch or entrance fees for some attractions, which means you’ll need to budget accordingly. It’s best suited for those who enjoy an active, full-day experience and want a taste of everything—volcanoes, thermal springs, and scenic vistas—in one go.

This experience is particularly good for nature lovers, curious explorers, and anyone wanting an affordable, guided way to see many of São Miguel’s highlights.

Key Points

• All-in-One Day: Combines visiting volcanoes, lagoons, tea plantations, and more, making it ideal for a full-day overview.
• Expert Guides: Highly praised for guides like André and Miguel, who are knowledgeable and friendly, enhancing the experience.
• Stunning Views: Offers some of the best viewpoints, such as Pico do Ferro, with panoramic sights of the valley and Furnas.
• Authentic Flavors: Includes tasting opportunities, like free tea samples at Gorreana and a traditional meal cooked in geothermal heat.
• Flexible & Well-Organized: The itinerary is followed closely, with a good mix of stops and enough time to enjoy each site.
• Cost-Effective: At around $68, it offers a lot of value considering the variety of attractions visited.

A Detailed Look at the Furnas Adventure Tour

Introduction to the Tour and Its Appeal

For anyone wanting to make the most of a single day in São Miguel, this tour packs in a variety of sights that showcase the island’s volcanic soul. It’s a thoughtfully curated route that balances scenic panoramas, cultural highlights, and relaxing hot springs — all delivered with a friendly guide who’s passionate about the region.

What we find particularly appealing is the broad scope of the experience. From the very first stop at the Caldeira das Furnas, you’re immersed in a landscape shaped by volcanic activity — a place where hot springs bubble, and the earth seems alive. The tour also takes you to the Gorreana Tea Plantations, the only tea fields in Europe, which is pretty unique and provides a chance to taste local tea for free while wandering through lush green fields.

While the day is packed, a small caveat is that not all attractions are open year-round — for instance, Parque Terra Nostra’s hot springs are temporarily unavailable until 2025. This is a good reminder to check the latest info and flexible with your expectations, especially if weather affects some activities.

This tour suits travelers who want a taste of everything in a day without the hassle of planning each stop individually. It’s perfect for those who enjoy nature, scenic views, and local flavors.

The Itinerary Breakdown and Why It Matters

Stop 1: Caldeira das Furnas

We start at the heart of volcanic activity on the island — a lake surrounded by steaming hot springs and bubbling fumaroles. This is where the land demonstrates its geothermal power. The highlight here is seeing food cooked in the earth’s natural heat — a fascinating spectacle and a delicious, if optional, taste of local cuisine.

One reviewer pointed out the immense natural beauty, saying, “The scenery was breathtakingly beautiful,” and praised the guide’s ability to make every stop memorable despite foggy weather. It’s a place that truly captures the wild, volcanic nature of São Miguel.

Stop 2: Gorreana Tea Plantations

Next, we visit Europe’s only tea fields, a surprisingly lush patchwork of green set against the volcanic landscape. The fact that this is the only tea production region in Europe makes it stand out. Visitors can stroll through the fields, exploring how tea is grown and processed, and enjoy free samples.

Several reviews mention the friendliness of guides like Miguel, who make the experience both educational and fun. You get a sense of the island’s agricultural side and can appreciate the contrast between the volcanic terrain and the delicate tea leaves growing there.

Stop 3: Parque Terra Nostra (Temporarily Closed)

This spot is famous for its thermal springs and beautiful botanical gardens. Although baths are unavailable until 2025, the gardens themselves are worth a visit. The lush greenery and peaceful atmosphere make it a wonderful place for a leisurely walk. Some reviews noted they skipped the thermal baths but still enjoyed the gardens and found the experience relaxing.

Stop 4: Vila Franca do Campo Island

In the summer months, you can visit this tiny islet just off the coast — a classic postcard spot. Travelers who’ve been there describe it as “beautiful,” and some enjoyed swimming in the summer. It’s a short stop, but one that offers a chance to enjoy the ocean’s tranquility and snap some pictures of the iconic islet.

Stop 5: Pineapple Plantations

The tour wraps up with a visit to the local pineapple plantations, where you get a brief tour and can enjoy a drink or snack at the plantation bar. It’s a quick taste of local produce and offers a fun, laid-back moment to soak in the farm-to-table vibe.

Viewpoint: Pico do Ferro

Finally, we stop at a lookout point that offers sweeping views of the entire valley and Furnas lake. It’s an ideal spot to reflect on the day and snap some of the best photos of the landscape.

What’s Included and What You’ll Need to Plan For

The tour provides an air-conditioned vehicle, powerbanks, and all amenities are free, which makes it comfortable and convenient. The group size is limited to 8 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience — something many reviewers appreciated.

While tickets and lunch are not included, this offers flexibility. You’ll want to budget extra for entrance fees, especially if you plan to bathe in the hot springs or visit certain attractions that charge separately. Lunch options are varied, with a popular choice being a mixed meat platter cooked using geothermal heat, but you can also bring your own or select other menu options.

Pickup begins at 8:45 am, with the tour starting at 9:00 am and lasting approximately 7-8 hours. The schedule is tight but well-paced, based on many positive reviews mentioning no rush and plenty of time at each stop.

The Real Deal: Experience and Value

This tour is highly rated, with a 5.0 average from over 100 reviews, and 98% of participants recommend it. Guides like André and Miguel receive praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and efforts to make each stop memorable. Travelers consistently mention how the guide’s insights added depth to their visit, making the landscapes come alive.

At $67.92 per person, the tour offers significant value considering the range of sights and experiences — especially given the personalized attention with the small group size. The inclusion of transportation, amenities, and free tastings means you’re paying a reasonable price for a comprehensive day out.

Some reviewers noted the weather can be foggy or rainy, which adds a moody atmosphere but can also obscure views. Still, the guides adapt well, and many still enjoyed the experience regardless.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who loves natural scenery, enjoys learning about local culture, and prefers a guided experience that covers the highlights without the stress of self-planning, this tour is a winner. It’s especially great for those who appreciate scenic viewpoints and authentic local flavors like geothermal-cooked meals and fresh pineapple.

However, if you’re looking for a very relaxed, spa-focused day, or want to spend extensive time in hot springs, be aware that some attractions might be temporarily closed (like Parque Terra Nostra baths). And if you’re not into active touring or don’t want a packed schedule, this might feel a bit rushed.

This tour offers a well-rounded, enjoyable day exploring São Miguel’s volcanic heart, with knowledgeable guides making each stop meaningful. It’s a solid choice for travelers eager to see the island’s highlights in one go, with the added benefit of local insights and scenic vistas.

FAQs

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included. You’ll have the option to buy a traditional geothermal-cooked meat platter or bring your own. The tour stops at places with food options, but you should budget additionally for your meal.

What attractions are included in the visit?
The main stops are Caldeira das Furnas, Gorreana Tea Plantations, Parque Terra Nostra (baths temporarily unavailable), Vila Franca Island (in season), pineapple plantations, and a viewpoint at Pico do Ferro.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 7 to 8 hours, starting around 9:00 am with pickups beginning at 8:45 am. The full day covers multiple sights with enough time at each.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 8 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and guided.

Are entrance fees included?
Some attractions include tickets, like Gorreana Tea Plantations (free), but others, like Parque Terra Nostra baths, are not included and require additional payment.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best suited for those comfortable with some walking and a full day of sightseeing. It’s not specifically advertised as family-friendly, but older kids or teenagers who enjoy nature should find it engaging.

If you’re looking for an enriching, scenic day in São Miguel with the chance to learn about volcanic activity and taste local produce, this tour hits most marks. Just remember to bring your raincoat, budget for extras, and get ready for a day full of beautiful sights and friendly guides.