São Miguel East Full Day Tour with Furnas Including Lunch

If you’re thinking about exploring the east of São Miguel Island, this full-day tour offers a solid, well-rounded experience of some of the island’s most captivating sights. We’ve seen a lot of tours in our travels, and what stands out here is the consistent praise for guides’ knowledge and the variety of scenic stops packed into just a single day.

What we really appreciate about this trip is how it balances natural beauty with cultural flavor — from panoramic viewpoints and waterfalls to bubbling geothermal springs and a locally loved traditional dish cooked in volcanic steam. The other thing that makes this tour appealing is its intimate size; with a maximum of eight travelers, it often feels more like a scenic road trip with friends than a crowded bus ride.

Of course, a possible consideration is that some stops, like the thermal pools, are optional and at your own expense, which means you might want to budget extra if relaxing in hot springs is your thing. This experience suits travelers who want a comprehensive snapshot of São Miguel’s east side without the hassle of planning every stop themselves — ideal for those who enjoy guided insights and a relaxed pace.

Key Points

• Small group size enhances the feeling of a personalized adventure.
• Guides are consistently praised for their knowledge, making the experience more engaging.
• The tour combines spectacular viewpoints, waterfalls, geothermal sites, and cultural experiences.
• The included lunch offers a tasty, authentic cozido stew cooked in volcanic steam.
• Stops are well-paced, offering plenty of photo opportunities without feeling rushed.
• Optional thermal baths allow for extra relaxation if time and budget permit.

Why You Might Want to Consider This Tour

This tour is perfect if you’re looking for a comprehensive, guided day trip that covers the east of São Miguel. If you love stunning panoramic views, learn about local geothermal activity, and enjoy authentic regional food, this trip ticks those boxes. It’s especially suitable if you prefer small group experiences where the guide’s insights make each stop more meaningful.

On the flip side, if you’re after a more flexible, self-paced adventure, or if you really want to spend hours soaking in thermal pools, you might find this tour a bit structured and possibly additional costs for baths. Still, for most travelers wanting a balanced mix of scenery, culture, and comfort, it’s a thoughtful choice.

A Deep Dive into the Itinerary and What You Can Expect

Starting the Day: Hotel Pickup and First Impressions

Your journey begins early in the morning with hotel pickup in Ponta Delgada, typically between 9:00 and 9:20 am. The tour is conducted in a comfortable 9-seater van, which really adds to the feeling of being part of a small, friendly group. We’ve seen multiple reviews praising the professionalism and friendliness of the guides, who are often described as knowledgeable, personable, and eager to share insights about the island.

First Stop: Miradouro de Santa Iria

Your first stop is a panoramic viewpoint, offering sweeping views of the northern coast. It’s a brief but impactful photo op that sets the tone for the day. Reviewers mention this as a highlight, with Margaret noting that the viewpoints are “beautiful,” and it’s a great way to start the sightseeing without overdoing it early on.

Second Stop: Miradouro Pico Do Fervo

Next, you’ll get a breathtaking view over Furnas town and Lake, which is often described as one of the best on the island. From here, you’ll understand why this tour is called an “east side” exploration — the landscape here is marked by lush greenery, volcanic terrain, and charming villages. Travelers like Sharon praise the interesting discussions during the ride, which makes even a quick stop feel rich with local flavor.

Third Stop: Lagoa das Furnas

This is a standout moment. You’ll explore the geothermal activity at Furnas Lake, where the steam vents and bubbling hot springs are in action. Here, you’ll learn about the famous cozido, the traditional stew slow-cooked in volcanic heat. We love how this highlights local culinary ingenuity — food cooked using only natural geothermal energy feels both authentic and educational.

Reviewers like David mention how fun it is to see the pots buried in the ground and then enjoy a delicious lunch prepared this way. Some guests opt to relax in the nearby thermal pools (not included), which can add a blissful element to your day at this point.

Fourth Stop: Caldeira das Furnas

You’ll get to see and taste sparkling iron-rich waters, which are naturally occurring and considered healthful. This stop is brief but enriches your understanding of the geothermal richness of the area. Some, like Jessica, wish they had more time at the waterfalls but still find this part of the tour visually captivating.

Fifth Stop: Poca da Dona Beija

Here’s an optional but highly recommended addition — a session in natural volcanic hot springs. While this isn’t included in the tour, many reviews mention enjoying the relaxing warm waters and feeling revitalized afterwards. It’s a perfect way to unwind mid-day, especially if you’re a fan of thermal baths.

Sixth Stop: Ribeira dos Caldeirões Waterfall

You’ll visit the most beautiful waterfall on the island, according to many travelers. This natural park offers a peaceful setting with lush greenery and cascading water, perfect for photos and soaking in the quiet beauty of nature.

Final Stops: Farol do Arnel and Ponta do Sossego

The easternmost lighthouse, Farol do Arnel, is a picture-perfect cliffside structure at the tip of the island. From here, you’ll see the sea crashing against the rocks, a dramatic scene appreciated by all. Next, Ponta do Sossego offers breathtaking views of high cliffs, along with a colourful garden and picnic area loved by locals and visitors alike.

End of the Day: Relaxed Return

The tour wraps up with a relaxed drive back to Ponta Delgada, with many reviews highlighting how knowledgeable and friendly guides made the day memorable. The hotel drop-off concludes a day of stunning sights, cultural insights, and delicious food.

The Food: Cozido and More

The lunch included is genuinely a highlight. You’ll enjoy a hearty cozido stew, cooked in volcanic steam, along with a drink, dessert, and coffee. Several reviewers rave about how flavorful and authentic it is, describing the meal as a delicious, local experience that makes the trip worth every penny.

Optional Thermal Baths

While not included, many travelers choose to spend extra time relaxing in Furnas’ thermal pools, which are known for their soothing, mineral-rich waters. These baths can add a peaceful, rejuvenating element to your day if you’re interested.

The Value of This Tour

At around $86.89 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive look at São Miguel’s east side. With hotel pickup and drop-off included, it saves you the hassle of organizing transport, and the knowledgeable guides elevate the experience with stories, insights, and local tips. The small group size genuinely makes the day feel intimate and personalized, allowing for more meaningful interactions and flexibility.

Reviews consistently mention beautiful viewpoints and interesting stops, making it clear that the tour delivers on its promise of showcasing the island’s natural and cultural highlights. The inclusion of a traditional, volcanic-cooked lunch adds to the authentic feel, making it more than just sightseeing — it’s a taste of local life.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is well-suited for travelers who want a guided, relaxed exploration of São Miguel’s east side without the stress of planning every detail. If you enjoy scenic viewpoints, geothermal activity, and tasting local cuisine, you’ll find plenty to love. The tour’s small size makes it ideal for those who prefer a more personalized, engaging atmosphere.

However, if you’re someone who prefers to linger longer at hot springs or explore independently, this might feel a little rushed. Still, for those wanting a balanced mix of nature, culture, and comfort, this trip is a solid choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup is provided for centrally located hotels in Ponta Delgada. Other locations may be available for an additional fee.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, giving you enough time to see many highlights without feeling overwhelmed.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are a must, especially for stops at waterfalls and viewpoints. Bring sunscreen, water, and a hat for sun protection, and a camera for all the stunning sights.

Can I relax in thermal pools?
Thermal pools are optional and not included, but many guests choose to enjoy them at their own expense during the day.

What’s the deal with the cozido lunch?
It’s a hearty stew cooked using volcanic steam, a unique and authentic taste experience. It’s included in the price, along with a drink, dessert, and coffee.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The guide’s reviews suggest it’s suitable for most travelers, but the stops are mostly outdoor and involve walking, so keep that in mind for very young children.

What are the viewpoints like?
Expect sweeping views over the coast, lush valleys, and high cliffs. Many reviews mention how breathtaking these spots are for photos and just soaking in the scenery.

Is this a good tour for photography?
Absolutely. The viewpoints and waterfalls provide excellent photo opportunities, so bring your camera or phone.

How physically demanding is the tour?
Most stops involve brief walks or standing, but nothing too strenuous. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some uneven terrain.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

This full-day São Miguel east tour is an excellent way to see some of the most iconic sights in a single, well-organized package. The combination of spectacular views, geothermal activity, and authentic food creates a memorable experience that helps you really understand the island’s natural character and cultural charm.

If you’re after a small group experience with knowledgeable guides, the convenience of door-to-door pickup, and a varied itinerary, this tour is a reliable choice. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to cover a lot of ground without the stress of navigation or planning. Just be prepared for some optional expenses if you want to enjoy the thermal baths, and remember that the scenery is best enjoyed with an open mind and a camera ready.

Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this adventure offers plenty of photo-worthy moments and authentic tastes that will leave a lasting impression of São Miguel’s vibrant east side.