Furnas: Night-Time Experience with Thermal baths and Dinner

If you’re heading to the Azores and want to combine relaxation with a taste of local culture, a night-time tour of Furnas featuring thermal baths and a traditional dinner is worth considering. This tour promises a unique way to wind down after a day of exploring, offering a relaxing soak in hot springs, a hearty regional meal, and a chance to enjoy the island’s volcanic landscape under the stars.

What we really love about this experience is how it blends nature, culture, and comfort in one evening. The thermal baths—Poça da Dona Beija—are a highlight, with warm waters that feel incredible after a day of sightseeing. Plus, the opportunity to try the famous “cozido”, a stew slow-cooked underground using geothermal heat, adds a deliciously authentic touch.

However, it’s worth noting that the ticket for the hot springs itself isn’t included in the tour price, so you’ll need to budget that separately. Also, this activity is well-suited for those who enjoy a bit of outdoor adventure and don’t mind a short walk during the guided nature tour.

This tour tends to attract travelers who want a relaxing, immersive experience without the fuss of planning everything on their own. It’s a great pick for couples, groups of friends, or anyone who appreciates good food, scenic views, and natural thermal waters.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Relaxing thermal baths in Poça da Dona Beija, ideal for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.
• Authentic regional cuisine, with dinner cooked underground using volcanic heat, offering a genuine taste of the Azores.
• Expert guides who are knowledgeable, friendly, and able to enhance your experience with local insights.
• Beautiful scenery in the Furnas volcano complex and a guided nature walk that captures the natural beauty of the area.
• Flexible booking options, including free cancellation and the chance to reserve now and pay later.
• Small group size (limited to 8 participants), making for a more intimate experience.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour, priced at around $82 per person, offers quite a bit for the cost. You’ll get pickup and drop-off within Ponta Delgada, a live guide, a guided nature walk, and a full dinner including drinks, dessert, and coffee or tea. The tour duration is approximately 6 hours, which means you can comfortably enjoy each part of the evening without feeling rushed.

On the downside, the ticket for the hot springs at Furnas isn’t included, and it costs about 16 euros. If you’re planning to indulge in the thermal baths, keep this extra fee in mind. Also, if you’re into hot showers or lockers, those are optional and rented separately.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Your evening begins with a pickup from your hotel or accommodation in Ponta Delgada, usually between 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM. Depending on the group size, your guide will transport you in an air-conditioned vehicle, setting the tone for a relaxed, cozy experience.

Once at Furnas, the first highlight is the Poça da Dona Beija thermal baths. Many reviews mention how soothing and memorable this experience is, especially at night when the warm waters contrast beautifully against the evening sky. Keep in mind that during busy times, the baths can be crowded, but there’s still plenty of space to enjoy the relaxing mineral waters.

The Guided Nature Walk

After soaking, your guide will lead you on a nature walk around the volcanic complex. This part of the tour offers chances to see the landscape’s volcanic features, bubbling calderas, and lush surroundings. Our sources mention that the walk can be steep—so if you have mobility issues or prefer a leisurely stroll, it’s good to pace yourself. One reviewer noted that “the walk up to the viewpoint is STEEP,” so plan accordingly.

Throughout this walk, your guide will share interesting facts about the volcanic activity, flora, and fauna, making it both educational and scenic. Expect ample opportunities to capture photos of the rugged landscapes and dramatic views.

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The Dinner: A Taste of the Azores

The highlight for many is the traditional “cozido” stew cooked underground in the volcanic caldera. This regional specialty is a hearty, flavorful dish that embodies the Azores’ volcanic roots. The meal is served family-style at Tony’s restaurant, and reviewers rave about how delicious and authentic it is. The dinner also comes with bottled wine, beer, and desserts, making it a genuine culinary experience.

One traveler described the meal as “beautiful,” and another said it “brought me back to Grandma’s cooking,” which is high praise. The dinner is served in a restaurant setting, so you don’t see the food being removed from the clay pots, but the flavors and atmosphere more than make up for that.

Evening Atmosphere and Reflection

As night falls, you can relax in the thermal baths once again or enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Many reviews highlight how atmospheric this experience is—watching the stars above, soaking in mineral-rich waters, and savoring regional dishes.

Some travelers mention that despite being busy, there’s enough room to enjoy the baths, especially if you go later in the evening. The combination of natural warmth and starry sky creates an almost otherworldly feeling.

This tour is especially suited for travelers seeking relaxation and local immersion. The knowledgeable guides, often praised for their friendliness and expertise, help make the experience more meaningful. The small group size (limited to 8) ensures personalized attention and a chance to connect with fellow travelers.

However, be aware that the hot springs ticket is an additional expense, and some parts of the walk can be challenging for those with limited mobility. Dress in layers, especially if visiting during cooler months, and bring swimwear and towels as recommended.

Price-wise, $82 covers transportation, guiding, the dinner, and the overall experience, which many reviewers feel offers good value for a memorable evening. That said, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer a more self-guided experience, you might find this tour slightly pricier than doing parts of it independently.

This experience is perfect for couples or small groups who want an authentic taste of the Azores in a relaxed, scenic setting. Those who appreciate good food, natural thermal waters, and a bit of gentle outdoor exploration will find it especially enjoyable. It’s also excellent for travelers looking to combine cultural insight with pure relaxation, all within a manageable 6-hour window.

If you’re traveling with mobility issues or prefer a more leisurely pace, make sure to communicate with your guide about the nature walk. The experience isn’t geared specifically toward children, but older travelers or anyone comfortable with short hikes and outdoor settings will find it rewarding.

Is the hot springs ticket included in the tour price?
No, the ticket for the Furnas thermal springs costs about 16 euros and is paid separately at the site.

What should I bring for the thermal baths?
Bring swimwear, a towel, and possibly a water bottle. Towels and swimsuits are recommended for the baths, and some reviews suggest arriving prepared for a quick change.

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts around 6 hours, including pickup, travel, soaking, walking, and dinner.

What’s the group size?
It’s a small group experience, limited to 8 participants, which helps keep things intimate and personalized.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
While not specifically targeted at families, older travelers or those comfortable with walking and outdoor activity will enjoy it. The walk can be steep, so consider that if mobility is an issue.

What language is the tour guided in?
Guides speak English and Portuguese, accommodating a range of travelers.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for uncertain schedules.

Is food included?
Yes, the dinner—featuring regional specialties, drinks, and dessert—is part of the package.

What is the atmosphere like during the hot springs visit?
It’s quite atmospheric, especially at night, with many reviewers describing it as magical, starry, and peaceful.

Would I recommend this tour?
Absolutely, especially if you enjoy natural settings, local cuisine, and a relaxed pace. Many reviewers call it a highlight of their trip.

The Furnas night-time experience with thermal baths and dinner offers a wonderful blend of nature, culture, and comfort. It’s a chance to relax in warm mineral waters, enjoy hearty regional food, and appreciate the volcanic landscape of São Miguel in the evening hours. With knowledgeable guides, a small-group setting, and the chance to create memorable moments under the stars, it’s a solid choice for travelers looking to deepen their connection with the Azores.

This tour is especially suited for those who value genuine local experiences, scenic outdoor activities, and the simple pleasure of unwinding after a busy day of sightseeing. If you’re after a relaxing, authentic Azorean evening, this is definitely one to consider.

You can check availability for your dates here: