Full Day Furnas and Furnas Lake Tour

If you’re planning a trip to São Miguel and want a well-rounded taste of the island’s natural beauty, this Full Day Furnas and Furnas Lake Tour could be just what you’re looking for. It promises a mix of scenic viewpoints, geothermal wonders, and cultural stops—perfect for those who enjoy seeing diverse landscapes without feeling rushed. Based on reviews and detailed itineraries, it seems to offer a solid experience at a reasonable price, especially if you’re interested in a full-day adventure that hits many highlights.

What we really like about this tour is how it balances spectacular scenery with cultural insights—you get both stunning vistas and the chance to learn about local traditions, like tea making. Plus, the tour includes free time at Furnas’s thermal springs and botanical gardens, which is always a hit for relaxing after a busy morning. On the downside, a couple of reviews point out that the logistics can be a bit rushed and the driver’s style may feel a little fast-paced, so it’s not the best choice if you prefer a super relaxed, unhurried pace.

This tour works best for travelers who want a comprehensive day out with a lot of different sights, especially if you’re okay with a moderate-sized group (up to 8 people). It’s ideal for those who like structured days but still want to see a variety of landscapes and sites in one go. If you prefer a more leisurely or private experience, you might want to consider other options.

Key Points

• Diverse experiences: The tour combines stunning viewpoints, geothermal activity, and cultural sites in one day.
• Value for money: At around $75, it covers many stops with detailed insights, making it a good deal for a full-day excursion.
• Small group: With a maximum of 8 travelers, it offers a more intimate experience, though some reviews mention the pace can be brisk.
• Scenic stops: Highlights like Miradouro de Santa Iria, Pico do Ferro, and Furnas Lake provide picture-perfect moments.
• Local flavor: Visits to Gorreana Tea Factory and Vila Franca do Campo introduce you to local traditions and cuisine.
• Flexible booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before means you can plan with some peace of mind.

A Detailed Look at the Full Day Furnas and Furnas Lake Tour

This tour is designed as a comprehensive exploration of São Miguel’s most iconic and scenic spots, making it perfect for travelers who want to see a lot in one day without the hassle of planning multiple excursions. Starting early at 9:00 am from Ponta Delgada, the tour sets out to give you a taste of the island’s diverse landscapes, natural wonders, and local culture.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting in Ponta Delgada, the journey begins with a quick drive to the first viewpoint, Miradouro de Santa Iria. After about 20 minutes on the road, you’ll arrive at this lookout point that offers breathtaking views over the north coast. It’s an ideal spot for photos and to get your first glimpse of the island’s rugged coastline.

Next, you’ll visit the Gorreana Tea Factory or Porto Formoso. This is a favorite for many, as it’s one of the few tea plantations in Europe still in production. You’ll learn about traditional tea-making processes and can enjoy tasting some of the local varieties. It’s a small but meaningful peek into the island’s agricultural heritage. The visit lasts about 50 minutes, so it’s enough to soak in the atmosphere without feeling rushed.

From there, the tour heads to Pico do Ferro. This panoramic viewpoint offers sweeping vistas of Lagoa das Furnas and the surrounding volcanic landscape. The climb isn’t strenuous, but the views are well worth the short walk. It’s a place where you’ll want to take your time to appreciate the scenery and capture some photos.

Lagoa das Furnas is next—a highlight for many visitors. Here, you’ll be able to observe geothermal activity in action—think bubbling mud pots and hot springs—as well as enjoy the natural beauty of the lake. The stop gives a real sense of São Miguel’s volcanic origins, and the natural steam vents are quite the spectacle.

Furnas itself is a lively spot to explore. You’ll have some free time to walk around Terra Nostra Park, famous for its thermal waters and botanical gardens. Many visitors choose to dip into the warm thermal pools—an excellent way to relax after a busy morning of sightseeing. The park’s lush greenery and the steaming waters create a surreal atmosphere.

Continuing on, the group visits Vila Franca do Campo. This charming seaside town was once the island’s first capital and offers lovely views of the islet nearby. It’s also famous for local cheese tarts—an easy, tasty snack if you’re craving a quick treat or just want to soak in the historic vibes.

Finally, the tour concludes at the Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Paz. Sitting above Vila Franca do Campo, this sanctuary offers stunning vistas over the coastline and the islet. It’s a peaceful spot to reflect on the day and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

Transport and Group Size

The tour uses comfortable transportation, which is crucial given the full day of travel and stops. With a maximum of 8 travelers, it promises a somewhat intimate experience—more personal than large bus tours but still efficient for covering many sites in a limited time.

Price and Value

At $75.49 per person, this tour packs in a lot. It includes all fees and taxes, making it straightforward to budget. However, note that entry to Furnas Lake itself is not included, so if you want to soak in the thermal waters at Terra Nostra Park, that’s an additional cost. Considering the number of sites visited and the insights provided, it’s a reasonable value—especially for travelers looking to maximize their day without the need to organize logistics themselves.

The Real Experience: What Travelers Say

One reviewer mentioned, “Tuvimos problemas para acordar sitios de recogida y el trayecto fue a toda velocidad para horario,” which translates to some logistical hiccups and the driver’s fast pace. This highlights that while the tour is well-rounded, the timing can feel a little rushed if you prefer a more relaxed approach.

On the flip side, many appreciate the stunning views, delicious local food, and authentic encounters. The cultural stops like the tea factory and Vila Franca do Campo add a nice flavor to the day, allowing you to connect with local traditions beyond just natural sights.

Who is this tour best suited for?

This tour is perfect for first-time visitors who want a snapshot of São Miguel’s highlights in a single day. If you enjoy a structured, guided experience that covers a lot of ground, you’ll find it very satisfying. It’s also suitable for those who value small group settings, as it offers a more personalized touch than large bus tours.

However, if you’re someone who prefers to explore at a slower pace or wishes to spend more time at specific spots, you might find the schedule a little tight. Also, if you’re keen on just relaxing at geothermal pools or want a private experience, this may not be the best fit.

Final Verdict

All in all, the Full Day Furnas and Furnas Lake Tour offers a good blend of scenic beauty, cultural insights, and relaxation opportunities for an affordable price. It’s well-suited for travelers eager to see many of São Miguel’s iconic spots without the hassle of organizing each detail themselves. The small group size, diverse stops, and expert commentary make it a solid choice for a comprehensive day out.

While some reviews point out minor pacing issues, most travelers leave satisfied with the variety and quality of the experience. If you’re looking for an all-in-one day trip that showcases the island’s volcanic grandeur, lush landscapes, and local flavor, this tour is worth considering.

FAQ

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, the tour includes comfortable transport from Ponta Delgada and covers all the scheduled stops.

What is the maximum group size?
Up to 8 travelers, which helps create a more intimate experience.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What’s not included in the price?
Entry to Furnas Lake (Terra Nostra Park) is not included and costs extra if you decide to soak in the thermal waters.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, but there are opportunities to taste local snacks like cheese tarts during the stops.

How long is each stop?
Most stops range from 40 minutes to about an hour and a half, giving enough time to enjoy each site without feeling overly rushed.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, the highlights are generally suitable for children, especially with the natural outdoor stops. Keep in mind the pace and walking involved.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, a camera or phone for photos, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended, especially for outdoor viewpoints.

Is there a lot of walking involved?
Most stops involve some walking, but nothing overly strenuous. Pico do Ferro and Furnas Lake require a short climb or stroll, so wear suitable shoes.

If you’re after a full, scenic, and culturally enriching day in São Miguel, this tour delivers most of what you’d want—just keep in mind the pace and plan for some optional extra costs like thermal baths. It’s a good choice if you want to see many highlights and enjoy a guided experience with small company.