Poça da Dona Beija

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!

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. Skip the line to enter, we take care of everything for you. - 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.

See the best of São Miguel's east side on an 8-hour small group tour by minivan from Ponta Delgada. Be amazed by the viewpoints on the north coast of São Miguel. Visit the last 100% natural tea plantation on earth. Nest, enter Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park. Feel the water spray of the waterfall "Véu da Noiva" and discover a picturesque watermill area in a charming valley. Continue to one of São Miguel most iconic features at Furnas volcano, where everything is done differently. Admire the beauty of the volcanic crater and visit the geothermal area in the village located inside the crater. Marvel as the active hot springs on the area spews steam from its boiling waters into the atmosphere. Continue to the lake area to discover the result of a romantic promise, a charming Neo-Gothic chapel built between 1877 and 1888. Returning to Ponta Delgada, pass by the former capital of the island, Vila Franca do Campo, destroyed in 1522 by the biggest earthquake in history and have a view over Vila Franca islet during your scenic drive back. In addition, there are several opportunities to buy food or snacks during the tour.

Start the day by being picked up directly from your hotel, to start your journey. First, we head to Parque da Ribeira dos Caldeirões, one of Nordeste's biggest attractions. This natural park is full of endemic flora and serene spots, and even an iconic waterfall. If you are lucky, you might even be able to spot a Priolo, a bird species that is endemic to this area of the island. Next, we visit the Nordeste parish, that was once named the most flowery county in Europe. After that, we'll stop at three viewpoints that provide amazing views of the Northern Coast, each one different from the other. For lunch, we'll stop at Povoação, a delightful and quaint town, where you'll get to eat at a local restaurant that serves authentic traditional meals. After lunch, come take a stroll through this town and enjoy the relaxing setting. Next, we head to Furnas Village, to visit one of the most requested places there, the 'Caldeiras'. To end the day, bathe in the soothing and therapeutic waters of the Poça da Dona Beija hot springs. 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 other reasons; - Pickups outside of Ponta Delgada will be charged extra; - The hot springs baths are closed for maintenance until April 2025. Although the pools are closed, visiting will still be available.

On this tour, you will be in contact with nature in a unique experience on a active volcano and wild lakes. Depart from your hotel and journey along the south coast of São Miguel before heading towards the Furnas Valley to experience its dramatic volcanic landscape. We will start with a photo stop at the Pico do Ferro viewpoint for a great shots to the volcanic crater, followed by a soak at D. beija hot springs. You will have the benefit of having a genuine local tour guide that will do all the driving for you while doing a story telling of the island.

You’ll travel along many secondary roads, as you explore São Miguel on the way to Furnas. Pass small villages on the southern coastal road before stopping at the Nossa Senhora da Paz chapel for the scenic views over Vila Franca do Campo, the island’s first capital. Be sure to bring a swimsuit on this full-day 4WD tour to enjoy the thermal waters at Poça da Dona Beija. Dona Beija is part of a series of iron-rich hot springs warmed by the volcanic activity that is part of the history of the Furnas Valley. The springs arise from underground thermal aquifers that are in permanent contact with rocks subjected to high temperatures. The average temperature of the water is 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Enjoy cozido for lunch, a typical stew-like dish that is cooked for 6-8 hours in the hot springs. After visiting the many hot springs and fumeroles in the Furnas Valley you’ll stop at Pico do Ferro for an overview of the Furnas Crater. Returning along the northern shore, you’ll stop to unwind at a tea plantation. Take a short tour of the factory and sample some of the island’s tea.

We start the evening with your pick-up, and then we head Furnas with a stop at "Gorreana" tea plantation, and "Pico do Ferro" viewpoint on our way. Once in Furnas, you get to walk amongst the "caldeiras" where the famous "cozido" dish is cooked under ground, by the breath of the volcano. While your dinner is being prepared relax and enjoy your time at the magical hot springs of Poça D. Beija (entrance included). After the bath you will be ready to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, tasting the most famous island delicacy- the "cozido". Dinner after bath guarantees good digestion and sleep, while the other way around, like most tours do, will not be digestion friendly. Finish your evening enjoying the enchanting geysers under the night starry sky, before our drive back to your accommodation. We pick up at any location on Ponta Delgada, Lagoa, Ribeira Grande, Vila Franca and Furnas areas. Other locations are subject to request, you might need to meet us at a meeting point, or pay an extra fee. Please inquiry. Pick-up time: between 4-5PM

The tour always includes part of the north coast and the south coast of the island. There is always the possibility of stopping if the customer wants to take a photo. The «Poça da Dona Beja» is always a favorite place for an outdoor thermal bath. Romantic and paradisiacal. This is followed by a thermal cooked dinner made underground. There is always a fish or vegetarian option if the customer prefers. After dinner, return to the hotel.

Walk through the cooking pods and breathtaking view points like Pico do Ferro and Miradouro de Santa Iria. Indulge yourself in a steaming bath at Poça D. Beija hot springs (ticket included), a great experience even under bad weather. Pit stop for local delicacies like "Bolo Lêvedo'' or corn cooked on the steam pods. Although not included, you can stop to lunch the typical "cozido" at a local restaurant. Please advise so we book in advance, and please note the meal costs about 25€ per person and will take about 1h30. To complete this amazing experience, you will also be at the Gorreana tea plantation, visit the factory, shop and plantation slopes. This experience takes about 5-6h. Please note if you stop for lunch we might need to take less time on other locations. We pick up at any location on Ponta Delgada (including Cruise Ships and Airport), Lagoa, Ribeira Grande, Vila Franca and Furnas areas. Other locations are subject to request, you might need to meet us at a meeting point, or pay an extra fee. Please inquiry. Pick-up time: 9:30 AM (if you need a different pick up time please advise)

The tour begins in the parish of Faial da Terra, where we will start a hike along a stream, with a moderate ascent through trees, creating a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere. We continue through the forest, crossing wooden bridges and stone paths, following routes once used by the local inhabitants. The destination is the Salto do Prego waterfall, a special spot where we will take a break. The waterfall has a natural pool, ideal for a quick swim or simply relaxing and enjoying the surroundings. On the return, the trail takes us to the village of Sanguinho, an old settlement that was abandoned several decades ago and is currently being restored. This route offers panoramic views of the valley and the ocean, completing the hike with a connection to the region’s past. After the hike, we will enjoy a picnic lunch, taking the opportunity to recharge. The afternoon will be dedicated to the parish of Furnas, one of the most visited locations on São Miguel Island. Here, we will explore the fumarolic fields, where it is possible to observe volcanic activity, such as fumaroles and hot and cold springs. To end the day, you can choose to relax in one of the island’s famous thermal spots. Choose between the Terra Nostra Park, with its historic gardens and large hot water pool, or Poça da Dona Beija, a cozy space with several outdoor thermal pools. NOTE: -Entrance tickets to the thermal sites are not included in the activity price; -Depending on weather conditions, the activity may undergo changes in its structure.