Furnas, Povoacão and Nordeste (east side of the Island)

Furnas, Povoação, and Nordeste (East Side of São Miguel)

This full-day group tour offers a fantastic way to see São Miguel’s stunning east coast for around $95 per person. Starting early from Ponta Delgada, it covers a diverse range of sights—hot springs, extinct volcanoes, charming villages, waterfalls, and spectacular coastal views—all in about eight hours. You’ll be accompanied by a guide, with transportation and hotel pickup included, which makes it a practical way to explore without the hassle of driving yourself or planning every stop.

What we love most about this tour is how it blends nature, history, and local culture. First, the stops at viewpoints like Nossa Senhora da Paz and Ponta do Sossego offer breathtaking vistas that make for memorable photo ops. Second, visiting Parque Terra Nostra gives you the chance to relax in naturally warm thermal waters while surrounded by lush botanical gardens—a perfect break in the middle of your day.

One potential consideration is that a couple of key attractions, like the hot springs and Caldeira das Furnas, are not included in the ticket price, meaning you may need to budget extra if you want to soak in the geothermal pools or see the famous cozido cooking underground. This tour is best suited for travelers who want a well-rounded, guided overview of the island’s highlights without the stress of organizing individual visits.

If you enjoy scenic drives, scenic viewpoints, and learning about volcanic activity, this tour will likely hit the mark. It’s especially perfect for those who appreciate authentic local experiences, appreciate knowledgeable guides, and want to see a wide variety of natural beauty in one day.

Key Points

• Comprehensive coverage of São Miguel’s east side, including waterfalls, volcanoes, villages, and viewpoints.
• Expert guides like Samuel receive high praise for their passion and knowledge.
• Value-packed with transportation, lunch, and multiple stunning stops all in one day.
• Flexible inclusions allow you to customize or skip certain attractions, like hot springs, if desired.
• Photogenic spots abound, especially at viewpoints like Ponta do Sossego and Santa Iria.
• Authentic experience with options to learn about volcanic activity and local culture firsthand.

The Full Experience: A Deep Dive

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour kicks off at Parque Urbano de Ponta Delgada at 9 a.m., with convenient pickup services. This central meeting point is easily accessible via public transport or a short walk from many hotels. With a maximum group size of 100 travelers, you’ll likely find yourself in a friendly, social environment, but the small group feel is maintained through personalized narrative from guides like Samuel.

The price of about $94.87 per person might seem modest, but it includes transportation, a generous lunch, and guided commentary. Considering the cost of individual entry fees (at some sites) and meals, this all-in-one package offers good value, especially since the reviews highlight how guides like Samuel make the experience both informative and fun.

Itinerary Breakdown

• Nossa Senhora da Paz: Your first stop provides a quick, free look at the village of Vila Franca do Campo and its islet. It’s a beautiful spot to start the day, with a panoramic view that sets the tone for the island’s volcanic landscape.
• Parque Terra Nostra: A highlight for many, this botanical garden and thermal spring complex invites you to soak in mineral waters that stay comfortably warm year-round. While the ticket isn’t included, you’ll have over two hours here—ample time for a dip, a stroll, and some photos.
• Caldeira das Furnas: Known for its volcanic activity, this area is famous for the cooked stew—cozido—which is slow-cooked underground by natural heat. While the tour doesn’t include the stew or thermal baths, you’ll see the lagoon, fumaroles, and bubbling hot springs, giving you a real sense of the island’s volcanic power.
• Povoação: As the first settlement on São Miguel, this village offers a glimpse into the island’s colonial past. The quick stop here is perfect for a stroll and a photo of traditional architecture.
• Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego and Farol do Arnel: These viewpoints offer sweeping coastlines, rugged cliffs, and the oldest lighthouse in the Azores. You’ll want your camera ready for the dramatic landscapes.
• Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeiroes: A lush park filled with waterfalls and watermills, it’s a peaceful spot to enjoy the island’s abundant freshwater and natural beauty.
• Plantations de Chá Gorreana: The only tea plantation in Europe, producing both black and green teas. A stop here is a treat, especially if you like learning about local agriculture and tasting fresh tea.
• Miradouro de Santa Iria: Final stop with stunning views of the rugged Atlantic coast, perfect for reflecting on the day’s scenic highlights.

Authentic, Local Flavors and Highlights

Reviewers mention the delicious lunch included and the chance to sample local foods. While the tour doesn’t cover the thermal pools at Poca da Dona Beija or the famous cozido, the guide’s commentary often enriches your understanding of how volcanic activity shapes local life.

Throughout the day, guides like Samuel are praised for their passion, knowledge, and flexibility—accommodating physical limitations and sharing personalized stories that bring each spot to life. As one reviewer said, “Samuel was so passionate and knowledgeable about the island,” which really underscores how a good guide makes all the difference in turning sightseeing into an engaging experience.

Transport and Comfort

The included transport makes it easy to relax and enjoy the scenery without the hassle of navigation. The buses are comfortable, and pickup from central locations simplifies planning. Given the itinerary’s length, the timing at each stop is well-paced, giving travelers enough time to explore without feeling rushed.

Price and Value

For just under $100, you get a full day of sightseeing, a local guide, and lunch. Considering the costs of individual entry fees and meals, it’s a good deal. The reviews confirm that travelers feel they received good value, especially because of the guided insights and the variety of locations visited.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a structured, guided day to see the best of São Miguel’s east side. It suits those who appreciate scenic vistas, volcanic geology, and authentic local food—and don’t mind a full day on the move. With the guide’s local knowledge, you’ll get a sense of how volcanic activity influences everything from the landscape to cuisine.

Final Thoughts

This full-day tour of São Miguel’s east coast offers a balanced blend of natural beauty, cultural insight, and convenience. It’s especially valuable if you want to see a wide array of sights without the stress of planning each one. The guides, notably Samuel, are praised for their enthusiasm and depth of knowledge, which enhances every stop.

While some attractions require additional tickets or are not included, the overall experience remains strong, providing a comprehensive snapshot of volcanic São Miguel, with spectacular viewpoints, soothing thermal waters, lush parks, and historic villages. It’s a great way to connect with the island’s raw landscapes and vibrant local culture.

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy guided adventures, scenic drives, and learning about volcanic activity—and for anyone who wants to see the island’s highlights without missing out. It’s a good choice whether you’re a first-timer or returning visitor eager to explore the east side’s lesser-known gems.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup at hotels, the airport, or the port, making logistics straightforward.

How long is the tour?
The full experience lasts about eight hours, giving enough time to explore each stop comfortably.

What’s not included in the price?
The hot springs and the Caldeira das Furnas geothermal area are not included in the ticket price, so you might want to budget extra if you plan to soak or visit the stew cooking area.

Is lunch provided?
Yes, a local meal is included, giving you a chance to taste authentic Azorean cuisine.

Can I customize the experience?
While the itinerary is fixed, guides like Samuel are praised for their flexibility and willingness to accommodate physical limitations or specific interests.

What are the main highlights?
Expect stunning viewpoints, volcanic lagoons, waterfalls, the oldest lighthouse, and Europe’s only tea plantations—plus insightful commentary on the island’s volcanic landscape.

How many people are on the tour?
The maximum group size is 100 travelers, but smaller groups are common, especially if you book in advance.

To sum it up, this guided tour provides an authentic and well-rounded introduction to São Miguel’s eastern coast. Its combination of natural beauty, cultural sites, and expert guides makes it a worthwhile choice for anyone wanting to see the highlights without the hassle. Whether you’re a nature lover, a curious traveler, or someone eager to learn about volcanic activity and local traditions, this tour offers a memorable, value-packed day on the Azores.