Full Day Furnas Volcano, With Traditional Lunch (East Tour)

If you’re considering a tour of Sao Miguel’s stunning Furnas Valley, this full-day adventure offers a well-rounded glimpse into the island’s volcanic beauty, local culture, and delicious cuisine. While I haven’t taken this specific trip myself, the reviews and details paint a vivid picture of what to expect.

What really caught our attention are the expert guides who make the experience educational and engaging, and the chance to enjoy a traditional cozido stew cooked underground—an authentic culinary highlight. On the flip side, some travelers note that the tour can be quite packed with sights, which might leave little time for spontaneous exploring.

This tour appeals most to those who love a mix of nature, culture, and good food, especially if you’re keen to learn from knowledgeable guides and enjoy a small-group atmosphere. If you want a comprehensive day out that balances scenic vistas with cultural insights, this could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Small-group experience: You’ll join a group of no more than 32 people, ensuring a more personalized and relaxed vibe.
• Expert guidance: The guides are highly praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the day both informative and fun.
• Diverse stops: From volcanic lakes and thermal pools to ceramic factories and tea plantations, the itinerary covers a lot of ground.
• Authentic lunch: The highlight for many is the cozido, a hearty stew cooked underground with thermal heat—a must-try on Sao Miguel.
• Value for money: For around $87, you get a full day of sightseeing, transport, and a local meal, which many reviews confirm as worth the investment.
• Weather-dependent: The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to rain or poor conditions, a full refund or alternative date is offered.

What to Expect from the Tour

This full-day Furnas Valley experience is designed to give you a broad yet detailed taste of what makes this part of Sao Miguel so special. Starting at 9:00 am, you’ll be picked up from the designated meeting point in Ponta Delgada, with transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan. The tour lasts about 8 hours, making it a substantial but rewarding day out.

Morning: Exploring Furnas Village and Caldeira das Furnas

The first stop is Caldeira das Furnas, a charming village famous for its geothermal activity. Here, you’ll see colorful gardens, historic churches, and thermal pools where visitors often relax (though swimming might be optional or involve extra costs). Visitors often mention the peaceful vibe of this spot, perfect for wandering and snapping photos of the lush greens and steaming vents. As one reviewer notes, “The locations were beautiful and interesting,” and the thermal pools add a soothing element to the visit.

Crater Lake and Hot Springs

Next is Lagoa das Furnas, a stunning crater lake surrounded by the landscape’s volcanic energy. The hot springs around the lake add to the area’s allure. Visitors frequently praise the scenery, with many quoting the “beautiful crater lake” as a highlight. Expect about 40 minutes here, enough to take in the views and enjoy some peaceful moments.

Cultural and Local Highlights

Ceramic factories are included in the tour, giving insight into the island’s traditional crafts. The guides typically share interesting stories about local artisans, and many reviews mention how knowledgeable and approachable the guides are—making these stops more meaningful.

Then, a visit to one of Europe’s few tea plantations offers a chance to see the lush tea fields and learn about the island’s agricultural side. Guests often find the tour of the tea factory particularly insightful, with one reviewer praising Joaquim for his “incredible knowledge.”

Lunch: The Cozido Experience

Arguably the culinary star of this tour is the lunch of cozido, a hearty stew cooked by thermal vents underground. Watching the traditional method of digging up the pot and seeing the steam escape is part of the fun, and the stew itself is often described as delicious and satisfying. Several reviews highlight the quality of the meal, with one saying, “Lunch was delicious and amazing to see where it was cooked underground.” The experience of enjoying a meal with such a local touch tends to be a memorable part of the day.

Afternoon: Ribeira Grande and Additional Sights

After lunch, you’ll visit Ribeira Grande, a town famed for its beautiful architecture and lively streets, and enjoy more scenic views along the way. Depending on weather and timing, guides may tailor the stops—for example, taking the group to a mountain viewpoint if rain is imminent, which some reviewers appreciated.

The Experience: What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Based on numerous reviews, one of the most praised aspects is the guides’ wealth of knowledge and friendly attitude. Joaquim and Hugo, in particular, are mentioned multiple times for their ability to share fascinating insights while making everyone feel comfortable. One review notes that Joaquim “treated us like family and made the day very interesting,” which sums up the warm, personal touch many travelers appreciate.

The variety of stops keeps the day engaging—from natural wonders like the crater lake and thermal springs to cultural spots like ceramic factories and tea plantations. This mix ensures you’ll understand not just the island’s geography but also its cultural fabric.

Value for Money

At roughly $87 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive look at Sao Miguel’s east side. For that price, you’re not only getting transportation and a full-day itinerary but also a traditional meal, drinks, and the chance to visit multiple sites. Several reviewers emphasize that the experience is worth the cost, especially given the quality of the guiding and the delicious lunch.

Group Size and Pacing

With a maximum of 32 travelers, you’ll likely find the pace manageable and the atmosphere friendly. Many reviews mention that the tour was well-paced, allowing enough time at each stop without feeling rushed. The small group size also means fewer crowds and more opportunity to ask questions and interact with your guide.

Practical Considerations

One thing to keep in mind is the weather—this tour is weather-dependent, especially since some stops involve outdoor sightseeing and the thermal pools. If rain cancels the tour, you’ll be offered an alternative or a full refund.

The tour starts early at 9:00 am from Ponta Delgada, so be ready for a full day of sightseeing. Also, if you’re interested in the optional Terra Nostra botanical garden & geothermal pools, be aware there’s an extra cost of €16 per person. Many reviews, however, find the included highlights more than enough to satisfy.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a balanced mix of nature, culture, and cuisine, especially if they appreciate guided experiences led by knowledgeable locals. It’s suitable for those who enjoy comfortable transportation and don’t mind a busy schedule. If you’re keen to indulge in authentic local dishes like cozido and learn about the island’s volcanic landscape from passionate guides, you’ll find this tour very rewarding.

It’s also a great pick for first-time visitors wanting a well-organized overview of the eastern side of Sao Miguel without the hassle of planning each stop themselves. However, if you prefer more free time or are traveling with very young children, you might want to consider how the itinerary fits your pace.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking around villages, crater lakes, and some uneven terrain at stops. If you have mobility concerns, it’s best to check with the provider directly, but many reviews highlight the manageable pace and accessible stops.

What’s included in the price?
The tour price covers transportation, a driver/guide, lunch, coffee or tea, alcoholic beverages, soda, bottled water, and parking fees. The optional Terra Nostra botanical garden has an additional fee.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance. If canceled less than 24 hours before, the full amount may not be refunded.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes suitable for walking and layers in case of weather changes are advisable. Since part of the experience involves outdoor stops, waterproof gear might be helpful if rain is forecast.

How long are the stops?
Most stops range from around 40 minutes to two hours, enough for sightseeing and photos without feeling overly rushed.

Is the tour family-friendly?
While not explicitly marketed as family-specific, the relaxed pace and interesting sights make it suitable for travelers of most ages. Just consider the walking involved for younger children.

Final Thoughts

This Full Day Furnas Volcano Tour offers a thoughtfully curated experience that blends natural beauty, cultural insights, and delicious local food. With a highly praised guide and a manageable group size, it’s a reliable choice for those wanting to get a real feel for Sao Miguel’s eastern landscapes without the stress of self-guided travel.

If you’re interested in volcanic scenery, thermal pools, and authentic Azorean cuisine, you’ll likely walk away with a full heart and a full belly. The balance of sightseeing, storytelling, and tasting makes this tour a solid option for a well-rounded day on the island.

Whether you’re a first-timer or returning visitor, this adventure is set to highlight some of the best that Sao Miguel has to offer—just be prepared for a busy but rewarding day.