Hot Springs

Starting through Ponta Delgada, along Avenida do Mar, following the beaches of Água D´Alto, until we reach the first capital of the island, Vila Franca do Campo, stopping at the viewpoint of Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo where we can see its incredible islet, the result of an underwater volcanic eruption and where the Red Bull Cliff Diving has been running for 3 years, now; After this short break, we will drive to the bucolic Lagoa das Furnas (Entry not included, available by choice or at customer’s expense), area where the famous “Cozido das Furnas” is cooked in volcanic soil for 6 hours, and here we can observe the removal of the pots from the volcanic ground by local restaurants. We will also visit the various fumaroles and boilers from that area; Back on the road and towards the parish of Furnas you can optionally relax in pools of hot springs, over 30 degrees, that spur incessantly from railway springs. This is an experience of thermal charisma, with the option of the client and alternative, between Poça da Dona Beija) and the pools of Parque Terra Nostra, where in addition to being able to swim, you can also visit its amazing Botanical Garden Terra Nostra Park, considered one of the best and largest in Europe. (Entry not included, available by choice or at customer’s expense); Lunch Break (Lunch included) After lunch, a pedestrian visit to the the center of the parish of Furnas; Driven north of the Island, next stop will be at the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, one of the most visited areas in the Nordeste area, with its 5 Watermills and her amazing waterfall; The last stop of the day, will be the tea route, until the tea plantations and their factories. A view of the splendid bay, a magnificent garden and a smiling welcome for a tea tasting at the Gorreana Tea Factory or Porto Formoso Tea Factory.

First stop of this full-day circuit will be at Pico do Carvão viewpoint, from where we will be able to see the north coast (Ribeira Grande) and south of the island (Ponta Delgada) of São Miguel Island, against the backdrop of a vast expanse of volcanic cones between the incredible Sete Cidades volcano and the majestic 900-meter-high fire volcano. Continuing to one of the most emblematic viewpoints of São Miguel, in the Azores, Vista do Rei, known as the King D. Carlos and Queen D. Amélia. Time to continue your incredible all-day circuit into the massive volcanic interior of the Sete Cidades, considered one of the most incredible locations on the island of Sao Miguel in the Azores, amid epic paths and flanked slopes of hydrangeas. If you have never known what it is like to be inside a volcanic crater, then this is yet another reason to book this incredible full day guided tour of the Seven Cities and the Lagoa do Fogo. Admire the Seven Cities Lagoon at a must-stop on the famous bridge that divides it, in the center of a volcanic crater. Breathe nature in the quiet parish of Sete Cidades and visit São Nicolau church. With a heart purified by nature, time to go to the Escalvado viewpoint, situated on a pyroclastic cliff, where from the top, you can admire the Monasteries and Ferraria, generated by the volcanic force of this area. Lunch break (lunch included). After lunch, time to return to head towards the second highest point of the island of São Miguel, at 900 mts, where is located the viewpoint of Pico da Barrosa, from where you can see the north coast with its city of Ribeira Grande and the city of Ponta Delgada on the south coast of the island, as well as the entire amazing Lagoa do Fogo crater. Going down the north coast, the next stop will be at the Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint. Next up is the Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Center for visiting or bathing in natural hot springs pools. (Entry not included, available by choice or at customer’s expense). The last stop of your full day tour will be at the Pineapple Plantations to learn the whole process of growing pineapple in greenhouses and see for yourself why pineapple is considered the King fruit in Sao Miguel, and the Azores.

Explore the highlights of the western 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.

Begin your tour with pickup at your hotel or accommodation. Leave Ponta Delgada and make your first stop at Vila France do Campo, the first capital of São Miguel located on the south coast. Here, taste the famous Queijada da Vila pastry, a type of cheesecake created by nuns. Next, head toward Furnas Valley and spot volcanic phenomena, known as fumaroles, near Furnas Lake as you arrive. Find out how the true gastronomic specialty of Azores, the famous Cozido das Furnas, or Furnas stew, is cooked. Follow this with a visit to the Terra Nostra Garden and have the opportunity to experience a thermal bath before lunch is served. After lunch, see more volcanic phenomena in Furnas village, as well as the fumaroles in a mix of hot and fresh waters, some with medicinal properties. On the way up to the mountains, stop to admire the amazing over Furnas Valley from Pico de Ferro's viewpoint. Then, visit the Gorrean tea plantation and its factory in Ribeira Grandes, on the north coast. Taste two kinds of tea found in São Miguel, black and green. Finally, make your last stop at Santa Iria's viewpoint to have a gorgeous view over the north coast. Take some photos and capture great memories before being dropped off back at your hotel or accommodation at the end of the tour.

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.

Explore one of the largest lakes in the Azores on a 3-hour tour of the Lagoa do Fogo by 4WD vehicle. After hotel pickup, first, stop at Pico da Barrosa viewpoint and enjoy panoramic views of Lagoa do Fogo. Surrounded by native trees and beautiful flowers, the lake is best accessed and appreciated by off-road vehicles, getting you to more remote and picturesque areas. During the tour, you will stop at a variety of interesting locations en route, with highlights including the Calderas of Ribeira Grande. See the fumaroles, geysers and a wonderful waterfall of the warm, iron water. Finally, visit the city of Ribeira Grande and taste local liqueurs.

Discover hidden secrets on São Miguel aboard a jeep, which takes you to places where others do not go with a friendly, english speaking local guide. Embark on a trip to Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo and get amazing views along the way. Dine at a local restaurant for a delicious lunch. Leave Ponta Delgada behind and travel to the Empadada Lakes. Be surrounded by the natural beauty as the sound of silence embraces you. Make many stops, while exploring the western craters of São Miguel. See the rim of the crater and get the best views in São Miguel. Visit the church of São Nicolau, and get breathtaking views from Vista do Rei. Eat a delicious lunch with drinks at a local restaurant. Discover the beautiful crater of Lagoa do Fogo, also known as Fire Lake in the afternoon. If the weather is clear, you can view the island of Santa Maria from afar. Enjoy an optional swim in the thermal waters and a visit to Caldeira Velha.

Benefit from pick-up at your accommodation or other location tailored to your needs, and then make your way to the Furnas region of São Miguel Island. Take a thermal bath in the hot springs of the Azores, and then enjoy a traditional dinner at a unique location! Experience the thermal waters in the calm of the evening, when the air temperature is mild and there is magic in the air. Before arriving at Furnas, stop at the Pico do Ferro viewpoint to enjoy a panoramic view of the volcanic crater. Then, drive to the hot springs of Poça da Dona Beija and relax in the healing waters. The water is said to have medicinal properties, while the landscape of sub-tropical palm trees and conifers is beneficial to your sense of well-being! Finally, enjoy a delicious dinner at a restaurant in Furnas and watch as the locals demonstrate the art of cooking a traditional stew using the steam created by the volcano. Get dropped off at your accommodation at the end of the night for your comfort and convenience.

Travel from Ponta Delgada to Furnas Azores on a full-day 4x4 tour on the island of São Miguel. Furnas Azores has a history of volcanic activity that has left behind a legacy of particularly impressive natural geysers, hot springs, calderas, and fumaroles. Along the way, you will visit a number of locations with stunning landscapes and unique and intriguing features, such as Vila Franca do Campo, where you can see the famous islet, a tea factory, and views from various spots. Upon arriving at Furnas Azores, admire the lake and its geysers, which are surrounded by lush nature.

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.