Full-Day Private São Miguel Tour with Furnas and Hot springs

If you’re dreaming of exploring São Miguel’s stunning landscapes at your own pace, a full-day private tour might be just what you need. This particular experience, offered by Lena’s Tours 2, promises an intimate, personalized look at some of the island’s most iconic sights — from lush viewpoints and volcanic craters to relaxing in thermal springs. It’s designed to give you a well-rounded taste of what makes São Miguel so special, all in about eight hours.

What really draws us in about this tour are the opportunity to see diverse scenery with a knowledgeable guide and the chance to indulge in local flavors like the famous Cozido das Furnas. Plus, the option to soak in Terra Nostra’s thermal pool after a busy day of sightseeing is a nice touch. On the flip side, the cost per group (around $278 for up to four people) might seem steep if you’re traveling solo or as a couple, but considering the personalized service and all the stops, many will find the price reasonable.

This tour is especially suited for travelers who want a comprehensive day without the hassle of planning, who value expert guidance, and who appreciate a mixture of scenic views, cultural experiences, and relaxation. It’s perfect for those who prefer a private experience rather than a large group, and it works well for families or small groups wanting an in-depth day on the island.

Key Points

• Personalized experience with private transportation and a dedicated guide
• Diverse itinerary including scenic viewpoints, a tea plantation, and volcanic activity
• Flexible stops for tasting local food like Cozido and relaxing in hot springs
• Cost is around $277.82 per group, offering good value for a private day trip
• Advantage of insider knowledge from an experienced guide who shares compelling stories
• Good for those wanting convenience and an all-in-one day on São Miguel

This full-day journey offers a well-rounded experience, blending natural beauty, local culture, and relaxation. It’s a good option if you’re eager to see varied landscapes and learn about the island’s volcanic activity without the stress of organizing multiple visits yourself.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Miradouro de Santa Iria

Your day kicks off at this viewpoint near Porto Formoso, roughly 190 meters up. It’s the perfect spot to get a panoramic shot of the lush green landscape contrasting with the Atlantic blue. Thanks to its elevated position, you’ll likely appreciate a fresh breeze and stunning views. We loved the relaxed start here — just a peaceful moment to soak in the scenery before diving into the day’s adventures. It’s free to visit, so no worries about extra costs.

Stop 2: Plantacoes de Cha Gorreana

Next, you visit Europe’s oldest tea plantation, which still produces black, green, and white teas. You get to walk through the plantation and factory, observing how these teas are made in a setting that’s been growing since the late 1800s. This stop is particularly appealing if you’re a tea lover or curious about how local agriculture shapes the island. It’s a highlight for many travelers, with the chance to sample fresh teas and enjoy the lush surroundings. The best part? Admission is free, so it’s a simple yet memorable experience.

Stop 3: Miradouro Pico Do Ferro

At around 570 meters altitude, this viewpoint offers sweeping views over the volcanic crater of Vale das Furnas and Lagoa das Furnas. The landscape here is dramatic — crater walls and lakes that showcase the island’s volcanic roots. We enjoyed the way this spot combines natural beauty with a sense of scale, giving you a real feel for the island’s geological history. Expect about an hour here, with free access.

Stop 4: Lagoa das Furnas

This large volcanic crater lake sits at about 600 meters altitude. It’s famous for its boiling volcanic waters, which are used to cook the traditional Cozido. You’ll see 56 active holes in the ground where the cooking takes place, with some open to the public and others used commercially. Watching the process of digging the pits and hearing about the long cooking time (six to seven hours) brings a unique cultural insight. It’s a fascinating glimpse into local traditions, though note that the actual cost of the cozido isn’t included in the tour and you’d pay about 13 euros per person for entrance.

Stop 5: Restaurante Tonys

For lunch, you visit Tonys Restaurant, nestled in the heart of Furnas. Here, you can taste the famous Cozido or other local dishes. While the tour doesn’t include the meal, many find it a highlight of the day to enjoy authentic flavors in a casual setting. It’s worth considering that you’ll need to budget extra for food, but the experience of eating something cooked in volcanic earth is quite memorable.

Stop 6: Caldeira das Furnas

This active volcanic area is a must-see. You’ll see geyser-like spouts and mineral-rich muds springing from various vents. The area is lively, with mineral waters pouring from different spouts in a display of volcanic activity. It’s a great spot for science buffs or anyone interested in geology. Best of all, access here is free, making it a worthwhile, unmissable stop.

Stop 7: Parque Terra Nostra

Finally, the day ends at Terra Nostra Park — a lush botanical garden that has been around for over 200 years. The highlight here is the thermal pool, maintained at a comfortable 35-40°C, perfect for relaxing after a full day of sightseeing. We loved how the park blends exotic plants with a serene swimming experience, and many reviews rave about the beauty of this place. Entrance isn’t included, so plan for an extra fee, but many find this a perfect way to unwind.

The $277.82 fee covers private transportation, a dedicated guide, bottled water, beach towels, and air-conditioned vehicle. It’s a total package designed for comfort and convenience. The tour is private, so you’ll have the guide’s full attention, which many travelers appreciate.

However, entrance fees for some sights (around 13 euros per person) aren’t included, nor does the tour cover meals, which must be paid for separately at places like Tonys Restaurant. Many reviews mention that the guide shares fascinating insights, making the price worthwhile, especially for those who value a tailored experience over a large group tour.

Based on what travelers have shared, the biggest advantages are the knowledgeable and attentive guide, Lena, and the stunning viewpoints. Reviewers repeatedly emphasize how Lena’s storytelling and local insights enhanced their experience, making what might otherwise be a standard sightseeing day feel personalized and engaging.

The itinerary covers a good variety of natural, cultural, and geological sights, giving you a sense of São Miguel’s diversity. If you love beautiful vistas, authentic local experiences, and relaxing in thermal baths, this tour hits the mark.

That said, you should consider the cost per group if you’re traveling alone or as a couple, and be prepared for some extra expenses if you want to enjoy the meals and hot springs fully. The tour is designed for those who want a comprehensive, hassle-free day with expert guidance.

This private São Miguel tour offers a thoughtfully curated experience, combining scenic views, volcanic wonders, and local flavors. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer an intimate, flexible day with tailored commentary from a guide who clearly loves sharing the island’s secrets.

While it isn’t the cheapest option, many find it provides excellent value for the level of personalization, comfort, and insights included. The key selling points are the views from viewpoints like Pico do Ferro, the chance to see active volcanic phenomena, and the relaxing end in Terra Nostra’s thermal pool.

If you’re after a balanced, engaging day that blends nature, culture, and relaxation, this tour is definitely worth considering.

Is the tour private?
Yes, this is a private tour, so only your group will participate, allowing for a more personalized experience.

What’s included in the price?
It covers private transportation, bottled water, beach towels, and an air-conditioned vehicle. Entrance fees (~13 euros per person) and meals are not included.

How long does the tour last?
It’s approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am and ending in the late afternoon.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, with no penalty.

Is this suitable for children?
The tour is generally suitable for most travelers, but keep in mind the activities near hot springs and volcanic areas that require caution.

Do I need to prepare anything?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and possibly a towel if you plan to enjoy the thermal baths.

What are the highlight stops?
Many travelers rave about the viewpoints like Santa Iria and Pico do Ferro, the volcanic activity at Caldeira, and relaxing in Terra Nostra.

Are meals included?
No, you’ll need to pay separately at places like Tonys Restaurant if you want to try the local Cozido.

Is the guide knowledgeable?
Absolutely — reviews consistently mention Lena’s friendly, insightful commentary that enriches the whole experience.

If you’re seeking an all-in-one, personalized day on São Miguel, this tour hits many of the right notes. It balances stunning scenery, cultural insights, and relaxing moments — tailored to those who appreciate attention to detail and expert guidance.