Furnas

Waterfalls tours

1st Full Day tour to Furnas & Nordeste. (8 hours tour)) 2nd Full Day tour to Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo. (8 hours tour) *The order of days tours may be changed. On the day of Furnas & Nordeste tour, we will have the opportunity to lunch the famous “Furnas Stew”, cooked in volcanic soil for 6 hours and also have the opportunity to see taking out our pot from the interior of the volcanic soil, and all the volcanic manifestations existing there. On the day of Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo tour, lunch will be served as a “Buffet” with different meat and fish dishes. (Full lunch on both of 2 days of activities with starters, drinks, dessert and coffee can be added to your tour when booking) In these 2 days of activitiest, you will have the privilege of having a general view of the most iconic places of the entire “green” island, from which stand out the emblematic viewpoints such as Vista do Rei in Sete Cidades, (winner of the 7 Wonders of Portugal ) or Pico do Ferro, where you can see from the top of the crater one of the most active volcanoes in the Azores archipelago and learn all about its eruptive history with more than 100,000 years. You will also have the opportunity to relax in hot thermal pools, heated by Furnas volcano, at one of the biggest and best Botanical Parks in Europe, Terra Nostra Park. Also the visit to Pineapple and Tea Plantations will be a “must”. In the Northeast area, we will visit the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park with its 5 water mills and its imposing and majestic waterfall, entitled “Véu da Noiva”.

Explore the highlights of the eastern half of São Miguel island on a guided tour by van. Discover the hot springs at Furnas, the waterfall at Ribeira dos Caldeirões, as well as the remote rugged beauty of the Nordeste region. Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the northern coast of the island until you get to the Santa Iria Lookout, with a spectacular, ample view of the north coast in both directions, before continuing to Furnas. Find yourself in Furnas and admire a spectacular panoramic stop to gaze over the lake and town. Descend where you will be given the choice of visiting the geothermal fields and tasting the sparkling waters, or bathing in the hot springs, for an additional fee. Next, discover a traditional way of cooking as your lunch of cozido (stew) is pulled from the warm volcanic soil. In the afternoon, continue the journey eastward, with a stop at the charming waterfall of Ribeira dos Caldeirões.  Explore Nordeste, the most unexplored and rural part of the island. Visit two amazing lookouts over the high cliffs that characterize the East coast of São Miguel, before returning to Ponta Delgada.

Explore São Miguel's Natural Wonders: Tea Plantations, Hot Springs, and More! Discover the breathtaking natural beauty of São Miguel with our guided tour, starting right from your accommodation. Immerse yourself in lush landscapes, stunning vistas, and captivating landmarks throughout your journey. Begin your adventure with a visit to Gorreana Tea Plantation, Europe's oldest tea plantation, and enjoy complimentary tea tasting amidst the picturesque plantation. Stroll through the tea fields, taking in the serene surroundings. Next, make your way to Furnas, where you'll explore the enchanting valley and indulge in a soothing dip in the hot springs (when available), a perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature. After your revitalizing hot spring experience, enjoy a traditional lunch in Furnas and have the famous “Cozido das Furnas” or explore the diverse menu options available. Following lunch, take a leisurely walk around the picturesque lagoon to fully embrace the natural beauty. Continue your journey with a visit to the viewpoint of the world-renowned islet of Vila Franca, known for its unique charm and allure. Finally, conclude your unforgettable tour in Ponta Delgada with a visit to the captivating pineapple plantations. Book now to embark on an unforgettable adventure through São Miguel's natural wonders! NOTE: - All passengers must be ready at the designated pickup location at 8:45 a.m. Delays may be expected, due to traffic, high number of passengers or distance from Ponta Delgada; - Pickups outside of Ponta Delgada may be charged extra, depending on the location requested.

Unwind at the hot thermal springs of an active volcano on an evening tour from Ponta Delgada. Head to the volcanic complex of Furnas in Povoação and bathe in the warm waters of Poça da Dona Beija.  Go for a guided nature walk to discover the beautiful surroundings and get plenty of opportunities to take souvenir photos of the dramatic landscapes. End the evening with a traditional stew from the region, cooked beneath the ground using the heat from the surrounding thermal springs. Come and create unforgettable memories with us!

Depart Ponta Delgada and journey along the south coast of São Miguel before heading towards the Furnas Valley to experience its dramatic volcanic landscape. Stop at the village of Lagoa en route and visit a traditional pottery. Marvel at the former capital of the island at Vila Franca do Campo. Upon arrival in the Furnas Valley, go to the lake to enjoy a lunch of authentic cozido na caldeira (traditional Portuguese stew) cooked using the heat of the volcanic soil. Savor the ingredients characteristic of this typical dish. Next, go to the belvedere of the Pico do Ferro for a panoramic view of the valley. Return to Ponta Delgada via the island's north road, and stop at the site of Europe's only tea plantations and tea factory.

Spend the day exploring the stunning volcanic landscapes of São Miguel's East side along with its coastline on a full-day sightseeing tour from Ponta Delgada. Discover how the Azoreans live inside the Furnas volcano's crater in a small group tour atmosphere. This experience also have a lunch option and is designed to show you the best of East side. ITINERARY: Following a pickup from your hotel or meeting point between 09:00 to 09:20, travel to the gorgeous Santa Iria viewpoint located on north shore where you can admire the magnificent volcanic cliffs that shape the coastline. Next, refresh your adventure with a morning stop and tea tasting at Gorreana Tea Factory, the last 100% natural tea plantations on earth. Contemplate the beauty of the tea plantations undulating through the hills. São Miguel has the only two tea plantations in Europe Venture to the picturesque Nordeste to visit Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park. A watermill museum, cascading waterfalls and experience this Azorean heritage in a magical setting. Next, head to the mystical Furnas Valley, where geothermal wonders await to be amazed by the enchanting charm of this place while seeing fumaroles and bubbling springs, a testament to the island's volcanic soul. Travel to the geothermal area of Furnas (Caldeiras). Marvel as the actives hot springs with boiling waters and mud release steam into the air creating a magical landscape. Furnas is considered to be one of Europe's largest hydropolises due to its wide variety of mineral and thermal springs. One of these, is Terra Nostra Botanical Garden & Thermal pool, appreciated for its medicinal benefits and the beautiful garden. For food lovers who have chosen the tour with lunch option, you will enjoy the most authentic dish in the Azores, Furnas stew, (Cozido das Furnas) which is cooked in volcanic soil and perfectly crafted to tantalize your taste buds. Beverages, dessert and coffee are included. On the picturesque Furnas lake, the magnificent neo-Gothic Nossa Senhora das Vitórias Chapel built on its shore tells a beautiful love story. Start your return passing through Vila Franca do Campo, the former island capital, admiring its beautiful islet, locally known as the Princess Ring Islet. The scenic road through the southern part of the island is the perfect way to end your fantastic island discovery. NOTE: Our tours are relaxed and conducted with true Azorean spirit and usually end between 17.30 and 18.30. Enjoy and feel like you're on vacation :)

The perfect Azores adventure: • One Full Day Tour to Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo (West side) • One Full Day Tour to Furnas & Ribeira dos Caldeirões (East Side) IMPORTANT INFO: • For tax reasons, lunches are not included but available as an add-on. Choose the "West & East Lunch add-on" on your checkout, we'll take care of your reservation and you'll pay for your meal on the spot. • Furnas Thermal Polls are closed for renovation until late April. • The tour takes place on 2 consecutive days and can start by the West or East Tour. The Experience: - On the West Tour, start by visiting a pineapple plantation followed by the most scenic viewpoint in the Azores, the "Vista do Rei" viewpoint on the edge of the volcanic crater, witness the beauty of the blue and green lake. Descend inside the volcano, stop at the "Cerrado das Freiras" viewpoint and Sete Cidades parish. Here you will have free time to explore the picturesque parish, walk along the edge of the lake or enjoy a typical buffet lunch if you have opted for the "Boock Lunch" option. Next, stop at Escalvado viewpoint overlooking the ocean, Ponta da Ferraria and Mosteiros Islets. Departure to the north coast, stop at Santa Barbara black sand beach. Explore Fogo volcano with a stop at the "Lagoa do Fogo" and "Pico da Barrosa" viewpoints. The last one offers wonderful views over the lagoon and the whole western part of the island. Return to the starting point. - On the East side Tour, discover Furnas volcano & Nordeste (Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park) starting with a morning stop at one of the most beautiful viewpoints on the north coast of São Miguel, Santa Iria. Enjoy a tea tasting by visiting one of the only two industrial tea factories in Europe. Admire all the beauty of the tea plantation, traveling through valleys and mountains where goats clean the bushes. This is not just any plantation, it is the last one in the world where no pesticides or fertilizers are used, being 100% natural. Head to the "Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões" in Nordeste, here, the nature lives! An old water mill park converted into a Natural Park of great beauty with its enormous waterfalls. "Pico do Ferro" Viewpoint is our next spot to discover what awaits you by admiring the magnificent panoramic view of the interior of the Furnas volcano crater. In Furnas village, explore the place locally called "Mouth of the Volcano" where you will find hot spring, countless sources of mineral waters and stroll among boiling waters. Stop for a gastronomic adventure and try the “Cozido das Furnas”. Stewed in holes set in the volcanic soil for around 7 hours, this is perhaps the most “unique” dish in the Azores. Don't forget to select the option to book lunch Next, visit the "Parque das Caldeiras" close to the Furnas lake and learn how the locals cook, using holes in the volcanic ground. The last stop will be in Vila Franca do Campo, which was the first capital of São Miguel, before its destruction in 1522.

Taking the road that travels along the North coast reach Nordeste, usually referred as the 10th island for its remoteness, and the oldest geological part of São Miguel. Mountains, woods, waterfalls, belvederes that rise over the sea, beautiful villages, and a multitude of flowers mark this area. It is possible to find genuine handicrafts and delicious gastronomy here which you can see and taste at your stop in Nordeste village. After lunch continue the tour around the east part of the island until you reach the village of Povoação, the place where the first settlers set foot on the island. Finish the day with a stop at Salto do Cavalo belvedere.

Furnas, nestled within the Furnas volcano crater on the eastern side of São Miguel island, also known as Caldera, has flourished over time amidst its verdant exotic vegetation and abundant mineral and thermal water spring. - We'll start this tour by sightseeing some of the beautiful coastline landscapes and the islet of Vila Franca do Campo while we drive towards Furnas. - Secondly we'll visit the “Lagoa das Furnas” (Furnas Lagoon), naturally nestled within the “Caldera das Furnas,” stands out as a prominent attraction for tourists, hikers, biologists, and bird watchers alike, owing to its diverse array of endemic and invasive flora and fauna species freely roaming this area (non-dangerous). Being an area so rich in geo thermal activity, here the locals improvised an unique way of taking advantage of this for cooking an unique portuguese dish: the "Cozido das Furnas", a mix of meats, vegetables and tubers that are slowly cooked underground for 6-7 hours. - As part of the gastronomical experience of this tour we'll try the aforementioned geo-cooked stew at a traditional local restaurant with Starter, Main Course, Drinks, Desserts and Coffee/Tea included in the menu (vegetarian option available and alternative dishes for children with pre-warning). - Take a short walk after dinner around some of the most lush and beautiful gardens at the island. - Sip your body and soul into the hotsprings pools of Poça da Dona Beija. At a temperature of around 39ºC (102ºF), surrounded by a scenario of splendid vegetation enriched by bird sounds, this outdoor thermals are always under high demand, especially during the golden hour of the day. The switch from dusk to night make it a true moment of relaxation and contemplation that'll take your mind off the daily routine and all the worries. The rich ferrous waters are famous for its therapeutical and cosmetic effects. Booking online on Dona Beija website is mandatory before starting this tour, availability is limited. Please book for the 19h00 or 20h30 time slot, we can't guarantee attendance at other times. We book the "Dona Beija" entries for you: extra fee of 17€ charged over the listed tour price. Please confirm with us after booking if you opt for this choice and guarantee your spot inside. - We'll finish off our tour admiring the impressive boiling water pools at Furnas during the night time: a smoke and lights show given by nature awaits you, an unique experience in Azores. Have a taste of the rich mineral waters springs, a challenge with different levels and enjoy a local homemade sweet delicacy to clean your palate after. Return to your accommodation relaxed and without a worry in a safe environment with our tour guide driving. We may need to adjust the dinner and thermals hours, depending on the availability of the day.

We created this tour exclusively to offer you the rare opportunity of visiting the most iconic and historical areas of São Miguel Island so you can appreciate our nature and culture on your short trip. See views of the lakes from Vista do Rei, stop at the Santa Iria Viewpoint, try tea at a tea planation, try Furnas stew in Furnas Valley, and more. Start your journey to the Vista do Rei viewpoint and admire the landscape of the Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde lakes, located in Sete Cidades. Then, head to the mountains to enjoy the scenic view over Lagoa do Fogo and visit the Santa Iria Viewpoint. Stop at the Gorreana tea plantation and its factory. Taste black and green tea and then continue to Furnas Valley to admire the Pico do Ferro’s viewpoint. Watch powerful volcanic phenomena, known as fumaroles, in Furnas village. Enjoy Furnas stew for lunch, a traditional dish cooked underground. Take a walk at Furnas Lake and learn about the Furnas stew cooking process. On your way back, drive along the south coast and stop at Vila Franca do Campo, the first capital of São Miguel.