Furnas Volcano: Full Day Tour, Hot Springs & Waterfalls

A Detailed Look at the Furnas Volcano Full Day Tour in the Azores

If you’re eyeing a trip to the Azores, specifically São Miguel, you’ll find this Furnas Volcano: Full Day Tour, Hot Springs & Waterfalls an intriguing way to see some of the island’s most iconic sights. While I’ve yet to do this exact tour myself, I’ve read through plenty of reviews, tour descriptions, and seen the itineraries — and it’s clear that this experience offers a real taste of São Miguel’s volcanic beauty and lush landscapes.

What really stands out about this tour are two key features: the chance to see Ribeira dos Caldeirões’ stunning waterfalls and a visit to the last 100% natural tea plantation on Earth — both quite unique to this part of the island. Plus, the opportunity to soak in the geothermal hot springs of Furnas adds a relaxing dimension that many travelers find appealing.

That said, there are some things to keep in mind. The tour is quite packed, which means limited time at each stop, and some guests might feel rushed. Also, it isn’t designed for people with mobility issues or serious back problems, given the walking involved. This experience is best suited for those who enjoy scenic drives, natural beauty, and a good mix of sightseeing and cultural highlights.

Overall, if you’re after a comprehensive, day-long adventure that hits the highlights of São Miguel’s east side — and don’t mind a busy schedule — this tour could be a solid choice. It’s especially good for those who love waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and tasting local foods.

Key Points

• Stunning Waterfalls: Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park offers waterfalls and watermill views that are picture-perfect.
• Unique Tea Experience: Visit the last 100% natural tea plantation, with a guided tour and tasting included.
• Volcanic Landscapes: Explore fumaroles, hot springs, and the volcanic crater of Furnas volcano.
• Scenic Views: Several lookout stops like Santa Iria and Pico do Ferro give incredible views of the island.
• Culinary Highlight: Optional tasting of the famous “Cozido das Furnas,” cooked using volcanic heat.
• Full-Day Experience: Around 8 hours of sightseeing, perfect for those who want a comprehensive day trip.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary and What You Can Expect

Starting from Ponta Delgada, the tour kicks off with a convenient pick-up, usually from your hotel lobby. The first stop is a quick 15-minute drive to the Santa Iria Lookout, where you’ll be greeted with sweeping views of São Miguel’s coast — a great way to get your bearings and snap some early photos.

Next up is a visit to the Gorreana Tea Factory, which is a real highlight. It’s the last remaining tea plantation on the island, and a guided tour here offers insights into how tea has been cultivated on São Miguel for generations. You’ll have around 20 minutes to stroll the plantations, soak in the scent of fresh tea leaves, and enjoy a tasting. Many visitors mention how charming and educational this stop is — a truly authentic experience.

After this, the tour continues to the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, an area renowned for its waterfalls, lush greenery, and watermills. Walking around here, you’ll feel the power of nature — especially as you stand close to the Véu da Noiva waterfall, which is often a crowd favorite for its beauty. You’ll have about 25 minutes to explore, take photos, or just absorb the peaceful surroundings.

The next stop is the Pico do Ferro Lookout, where a short 10-minute stop offers panoramic views over the volcanic crater and the surrounding landscape. It’s a classic shot, and many say it’s worth the quick pause.

Furnas is the heart of this tour — and where things get particularly memorable. You’ll spend around 20 minutes exploring the geothermal area inside the volcano crater. Here, you’ll see active fumaroles and boiling springs, which create a surreal, steaming atmosphere. Some visitors choose to enjoy the Cozido das Furnas, a traditional stew cooked underground using volcanic heat (available as an add-on). It’s a fun cultural experience if you opt for it and adds a tasty local flavor to your day.

From there, a 25-minute stop at the Caldeiras Vulcânicas gives you a close-up look at the boiling mud pools and steaming vents. The following visit to Furnas Lake, where you can stroll or just admire the peaceful waters, caps off the volcanic exploration, taking around 20 minutes.

On your way back, the tour includes a scenic drive through Vila Franca do Campo, the island’s former capital, which was destroyed in an earthquake in 1522. From this viewpoint, you’ll also get to see Vila Franca Islet, a small volcanic islet off the coast — a postcard-perfect scene.

What Travelers Say

The reviews are mixed but with a generally positive leaning. Many praise the knowledgeable guides and the beauty of the natural sights, especially Ribeira dos Caldeirões and the volcanic landscapes of Furnas. One reviewer mentioned, “It was a good day out, small party and the guide was knowledgeable,” which highlights the benefit of small-group tours for more personalized attention.

However, not all experiences are perfect. One traveler expressed frustration about the short time at each stop — sometimes just 10 minutes to see a lake or a fumarole isn’t enough to explore fully. They felt rushed and suggested that more time would improve the experience. Another review pointed out that some parts of the tour were skipped or lacked explanation, which can be disappointing if you’re eager to learn.

It’s also worth noting that the cost can add up if you choose extras like the Cozido tasting or entrance to Terra Nostra Park (tickets at €16). The tour itself offers great value considering the number of sights covered, but budget for some additional expenses if you want to indulge in local foods or attractions.

Practical Details That Matter

The tour lasts about 8 hours, making it a full-day commitment. It runs as a small group, which many find preferable for comfort and personalized interaction. The vehicle is air-conditioned, and you’re provided with a water bottle, which helps on a warm day. You can reserve your spot with the option to pay later, offering flexibility if your plans aren’t final.

The tour is conducted in Portuguese and English, and it’s not suitable for people with mobility issues or those with back problems due to walking and uneven paths. Also, it’s important to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some walking at each stop.

The Value of This Tour

At around €135 (plus optional extras), this tour offers a comprehensive way to see São Miguel’s east side in one day. The inclusion of a knowledgeable local storyteller makes a difference, enriching the experience with cultural insights. Visiting the natural sights, volcanic features, and a working tea plantation makes for a memorable day.

While some feel the schedule is tight, many appreciate the variety packed into one trip — waterfalls, geothermal areas, scenic views, and cultural stops. It’s especially suited for those who want a broad overview and are okay with a busy itinerary.

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Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best if you’re looking to see a wide variety of natural and cultural highlights in a single day with a small group. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy scenic drives, learning about local traditions like tea-making, and witnessing active volcanic landscapes. If you prefer a relaxed pace with more time at each stop, this might feel a bit rushed.

It’s also suitable for those who enjoy sampling local cuisine, especially if you add the Cozido tasting, and want to explore São Miguel’s east side without renting a car or planning multiple stops themselves.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children? The tour involves some walking and uneven paths, so it may not be ideal for very young children or those with mobility issues. Always check with the provider if unsure.

How long is the tour? It lasts about 8 hours, from pick-up in Ponta Delgada to return. Expect a full day of sightseeing.

Can I buy food during the tour? Yes, food and drinks are available at various stops, and the Cozido can be sampled as an optional add-on.

Does the tour include entrance fees? Entrance to Terra Nostra Park costs €16 per person and is not included, but most other sites are covered by the tour.

Is there flexibility in the itinerary? The schedule is fixed, though some reviews mention skipped stops or limited time at certain sites.

Is this tour weather-dependent? Yes, most outdoor sightseeing is weather-dependent, so be prepared for rain or sunshine depending on the forecast.

To sum it up, the Furnas Volcano Full Day Tour offers a well-rounded look at São Miguel’s volcanic wonders, with opportunities for scenic views, cultural insights, and a relaxing soak in geothermal springs. It’s a great choice for travelers who want to maximize their day and see the best of the island’s east side. Keep in mind the packed schedule and plan your expectations accordingly — the experience is as much about the sights as it is about enjoying the journey with a knowledgeable guide.

You can check availability for your dates here: