Full Day Tour Northeast / Full Day Northeast Tour (Min. 2 Persons)

If you’re considering a day trip to explore some of São Miguel’s most captivating sights, this full-day tour from BigBlue Adventures promises an immersive experience. It’s a chance to see breathtaking viewpoints, lush waterfalls, traditional villages, and even sample local food—all in about eight hours.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines natural beauty with cultural stops, giving you a well-rounded glimpse of this part of the island. Plus, the fact that lunch is included at a local restaurant in Povoação makes it easier to relax and enjoy the day without worrying about where to eat.

That said, one of the main considerations is that the tour can be quite packed, with multiple stops in a relatively short span, so if you prefer a more leisurely pace or deeper exploration, this might feel a bit hurried. Also, it’s worth noting that the tour’s value shines if you’re looking for a rundown rather than an in-depth experience of each site.

This tour suits travelers who want an efficient, scenic, and cultural introduction to São Miguel’s northeast. It’s perfect for those who enjoy seeing multiple highlights in one day and appreciate local food and picturesque views.

Key Points

• Diverse Stops: Combines natural sights, viewpoints, waterfalls, and cultural villages.
• Value for Money: Includes lunch and all fees, offering a hassle-free experience.
• Comfortable Transport: Air-conditioned vehicle with pickup options.
• Guided Experience: Knowledgeable guides who enhance your understanding of the sites.
• Time Management: About 8 hours, so it’s a full but not exhausting day.
• Suitable for Most: Most travelers can participate, with service animals allowed.

This tour is designed to give you a comprehensive look at São Miguel’s northeast, an area famed for its flowers, lush green landscapes, and dramatic vistas. It’s a well-structured itinerary, blending scenic stops with cultural insights, making it a good choice whether you’re on a quick visit or want a taste of more than just the beaches.

Starting Off: Ribeira dos Caldeirões

The day kicks off at Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões, about an hour from Ponta Delgada. Here, you’ll see the Véu da Noiva waterfall, which is a favorite for its striking, veil-like cascade. You’ll also visit traditional water mills—an old-world charm that’s very photogenic. From reviews, we know that this spot is appreciated for its natural beauty and tranquility.

Expect to spend around an hour here. It’s a good warm-up for the day, and since entry is free, it’s easy to enjoy without extra costs. The waterfall alone makes this a worthwhile start, and it sets the tone for the lush scenery ahead.

Stunning Viewpoints: Ponta do Sossego and Ponta da Madrugada

Next, you’ll move along to Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego, a spot that’s often called one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the Azores. The gardens surrounding the belvedere are peppered with flowers, and the views over the ocean and cliffs are truly impressive.

After taking in Ponta do Sossego, you’ll visit the Ponta da Madrugada, another viewpoint that offers different perspectives of the coast. We love the fact that these stops are in a pleasant village setting, adding a cultural touch to the scenic beauty.

You’ll spend about two hours here, which is enough to enjoy the vistas, take photos, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. The views here are perfect for anyone who loves nature and photography.

Exploring Povoação: The Island’s First Settlement

Lunch is scheduled in Povoação, one of the oldest villages on São Miguel and historically significant as the first settlement. The village’s old streets and buildings give a real sense of the island’s history, and we’re told that the local food is a highlight.

You’ll get about two hours for lunch and a quick stroll through the historic center. From reviews, many travelers mention how friendly and knowledgeable guides enhance this experience, sharing stories that bring the village’s past to life. The included lunch at a local restaurant makes this a relaxed pause in your busy day.

Passing Through Furnas Valley

While the tour doesn’t include a stop in Furnas, passing through the valley gives you a scenic drive past geothermal activity and lush landscapes. If you’re interested in thermal baths or hot springs, you might find this a quick glimpse rather than a dedicated attraction here.

Vila Franca do Campo’s Islet View

The next highlight is the Vila Franca do Campo islet, a tiny volcanic formation just off the coast, designated as a Natural Reserve. The viewpoint offers a dramatic photo opportunity of this unique spot, though the visit is brief—about 30 minutes.

This is a popular spot for its striking shape and wildlife, and many reviews appreciate seeing it from a distance without the need for a boat trip.

Visiting the Ceramics Factory and Beaches

The tour wraps up with a visit to Cerâmica Vieira, a ceramics factory in Lagoa. Here, you can see traditional pottery-making, which adds a cultural element to the day. You’ll spend about an hour here, and it’s a good chance to pick up souvenirs.

Finally, the day concludes at Praia do Pópulo, a black sand beach of volcanic origin. It’s a relaxing spot to unwind and enjoy the ocean before heading back to Ponta Delgada. This hour-long stop is appreciated for its volcanic sands and scenic coastline.

Returning and Final Thoughts

The vehicle is air-conditioned and comfortable, making the long day more bearable. Most travelers find the pace quite reasonable, although some mention that the itinerary is a bit full, leaving little time to linger at each stop.

The tour concludes around the early evening, giving you a full day of varied experiences without feeling rushed. The guides’ knowledge and friendliness are often noted as a real plus, especially if you appreciate a guide who can share local insights and stories.

Looking at the reviews, many visitors highlight the stunning scenery, friendly guides, and delicious local lunch as the main perks. However, a negative review pointed out a “rude tour guide” who focused more on his personal history than the island’s. This is a reminder that guide personalities can vary, so temper your expectations accordingly.

In terms of value, at just over $100, with lunch included and nearly a full day of sightseeing, this tour offers a lot—especially if you want a broad overview without the hassle of planning each stop yourself.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal if you’re after a scenic, cultural, and natural introduction to São Miguel’s northeast. It’s perfect for first-timers or travelers with limited time who want to see the highlights efficiently. It’s generally suitable for most travelers, but keep in mind it’s a fairly full day, so young children or anyone preferring a slower pace might find it tiring.

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, pickup is available, making it easier to start your day comfortably.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, from about 9:15 am until early evening.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the guided tour, all fees and taxes, a typical local lunch, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Are entrance fees to parks included?
No, entrance fees to parks and attractions are not included, so you might need extra cash if you want to go inside specific sites.

What is the group size?
The tour can have up to 59 travelers, but reviews suggest it often feels more intimate, especially if booked early.

Can service animals participate?
Yes, service animals are allowed, which is helpful for travelers with disabilities.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather, and if canceled due to rain or poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This Full Day Northeast Tour from São Miguel offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, cultural insight, and local flavors. It’s a solid choice if you want to see a variety of highlights without the stress of planning each stop yourself. Expect stunning viewpoints, waterfalls, charming villages, and a taste of local life—all wrapped into a well-organized day.

While it’s not perfect—some might find the pace a bit quick—the overall experience is highly rated for its beautiful scenery and friendly guides. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy seeing a lot in a day and who value comfort and convenience.

If you love dramatic coastlines, lush gardens, and local food, this tour will give you a memorable snapshot of São Miguel’s northeast. Just remember to plan for a full day and bring your camera and curiosity!

Note: Always check the latest availability and weather conditions before booking to ensure the best experience.