São Miguel: Furnas and Nordeste Full-Day Tour with Lunch

If you’re thinking about visiting São Miguel in the Azores, this Furnas and Nordeste full-day tour offers a fantastic way to see some of the island’s most iconic sights without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. We’ve come across a lot of reviews and details about this experience, and it seems like a well-rounded option for travelers eager to soak in volcanic landscapes, lush gardens, and local culture—all in one day.

What really stands out are the stunning views of volcanic craters and waterfalls and the chance to enjoy a traditional stew cooked underground in volcanic soil, which adds a delicious local flavor to the day. Plus, the knowledgeable guides seem to be a highlight, making the journey informative and engaging. However, a potential consideration is the length and pace—it’s a full 8-hour trip packed with stops, which might feel long if you prefer a more relaxed, less busy schedule.

This tour feels best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive snapshot of São Miguel’s natural beauty and local traditions, and who don’t mind spending a full day on the move. It’s a good pick if you’re wanting to see diverse highlights in one go, especially if you’re interested in volcanoes, waterfalls, and tea.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Combines volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, hot springs, and tea plantations.
• Knowledgeable guides: Reviewers rave about guides who are friendly, informative, and accommodating.
• Includes lunch: Offers a traditional cozido stew cooked in volcanic soil, with additional dining options.
• Variety of stops: From viewpoints and geysers to watermills and botanical gardens—lots to see and do.
• Full-day commitment: Expect an 8-hour journey, ideal for those wanting a thorough overview.
• Value for money: The price of $107 per person covers a lot of ground, great for the experience it offers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

An Introduction to São Miguel’s Volcanic Heart

Starting from Ponta Delgada, the journey kicks off along Avenida do Mar, giving you your first glimpses of the island’s coast. The bus then weaves past beaches of Água D’Alto, setting the tone with scenic ocean views. The first major stop is Vila Franca do Campo, where you’ll find the Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo, an island formed during a volcanic eruption, and a site that hosts the well-known Red Bull Cliff Diving competitions. This spot definitely makes for a memorable photo and offers a quick break to admire the sea and volcanic history.

Exploring the Volcanoes and Geysers of Furnas

Next, your trip takes you to Lagoa das Furnas, a geothermal area famous for its cozido, a stew slow-cooked underground by volcanic heat. You’ll observe the unique process of pots being unearthed from the volcanic soil—something you won’t see elsewhere—and get to taste their delicious results. While entry to the area isn’t included, many choose to visit, and you’ll have the chance to see fumaroles and boiling boilers that are part of the volcanic activity.

A highlight here is the option to relax in hot springs pools—either Poça da Dona Beija or the Parque Terra Nostra—both of which are fed by thermal waters over 30°C. Multiple reviews praise the thermal experience, with comments like “the gardens and thermal waters were quite extraordinary,” and “we loved relaxing in the hot springs after the sightseeing.” Keep in mind, entrance fees aren’t included, so plan accordingly if this experience appeals to you.

Scenic Vistas and Waterfalls

After lunch, the tour heads north to Ribeira dos Caldeirões, a lush park with historic watermills and a stunning waterfall. It’s a favorite for photos and getting a feel for the island’s natural power. The walks and views here are appreciated by visitors, with some calling it “one of the most visited areas in Nordeste,” and reviewers mentioning the beautiful waterfalls and mills as highlights.

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The Tea Route and Local Flavors

The final stop is at the Gorreana Tea Factory or Porto Formoso, where you’ll get a taste of the island’s famous tea. The factory offers a scenic drive and a chance to sample locally produced tea in a lovely garden setting. Many mention the tea tasting as a delightful end to the day, and some wish they’d had more time for the actual tea plantations, though that’s not included in the tour.

The Experience as a Whole

What makes this tour stand out is how it balances nature, culture, and relaxation. The guides are repeatedly praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the long day feel engaging rather than tiring. The stops are well-chosen to give a broad overview of island life, geology, and scenery, all while providing sufficient time at each location.

The price of $107 feels reasonable given the variety of sights and activities packed into the 8 hours—especially considering the included lunch and the fact that transportation, guide, and some entrance fees are covered. On the downside, some reviews note the additional costs for certain entrances, such as Terra Nostra or Dona Beija, which could add to the overall expense if you choose to visit those places.

Practical Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes since there’s walking involved at several stops.
• Bring a water bottle and phone chargers, as some reviews mention the availability of chargers for devices.
• Be prepared for a full day—plan for energy and possibly a light snack if you’re prone to hunger.
• If thermal baths interest you, consider bringing a towel or swimwear, though these aren’t provided.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive day exploring São Miguel’s most iconic spots without the stress of arranging each visit independently. It suits those who enjoy geological wonders, waterfalls, and plant life, as well as the local culinary tradition of cozido. It’s also great if you’re a small group who appreciate personal attention—since the group size is limited to 8 participants, the experience feels more intimate.

Keep in mind, the tour is long and busy, so if you prefer a more relaxed pace or are traveling with very young children, you might want to consider how much activity you’re comfortable with in a day.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, starting with pick-up from various locations in Ponta Delgada or nearby towns.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a traditional cozido stew is included, with options for other dishes, plus drinks, dessert, and coffee.

Are entrance fees included?
Entry to Terra Nostra or Dona Beija hot springs and Furnas Lake are not included, but visiting these is optional. You can choose to pay on the day if you wish.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are a must, and bringing a water bottle and possibly an umbrella could come in handy. Some stops may involve walking or standing for a while.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but it’s worth confirming with the provider beforehand, especially for specific mobility needs.

Can children join?
Child seats are available upon prior request, and due to the nature of the trip, it’s suitable for families with children up to 12 years old or 36 kg.

What’s the group size?
The tour is limited to 8 participants, making it a more personalized experience compared to larger bus trips.

Final Thoughts

This São Miguel tour offers a well-rounded taste of the island’s best features—volcanoes, waterfalls, geothermal springs, and local flavors—packed into a single day. It’s especially appealing if you’re eager to see diverse landscapes without the headache of planning each stop yourself. The small group size and friendly guides seem to make all the difference, creating an engaging and memorable experience.

However, be prepared for a full day of sightseeing and walking. If you thrive on variety and want a comprehensive snapshot of São Miguel’s natural beauty and culture, this tour could be a perfect fit. For those who prefer more leisure or have specific accessibility needs, make sure to communicate those beforehand.

All in all, it looks like a solid choice for adventure lovers eager to maximize their time on this stunning island, especially if good value and knowledgeable guides are top priorities.

You can check availability for your dates here: