Full Day Furnas, Volcano stew and hot springs

If you’re heading to São Miguel in the Azores and want a day packed with authentic sights and experiences, this Full-Day Furnas tour offers a well-rounded taste of the island’s volcanic beauty and local culture. For $80.67 per person, you’ll spend about 8 hours exploring lush gardens, geothermal wonders, and charming villages, all while in a small group that guarantees more personalized attention.

What makes this tour stand out for us? First, it’s the chance to bathe in thermal hot springs—a luxurious and relaxing experience that truly connects you with the volcanic activity beneath your feet. Second, the opportunity to taste the famous “cozido”, a stew slow-cooked underground by volcanic heat, is both delicious and a fun, authentic culinary highlight.

One thing to consider is that some stops, like the thermal pools, require an additional admission fee, which isn’t included in the tour price. But if you love diverse scenery and learning how the Azoreans harness volcanic energy in everyday life, this tour hits the sweet spot. It’s perfect for curious travelers who seek authentic sights, natural thermal baths, and a taste of local cuisine in a relaxed setting.

Key Points

• Authentic nature and geothermal sites: Visit stunning viewpoints, fumaroles, and thermal pools.
• Small group experience: More personalized guidance and flexibility at stops.
• Cultural insights: Discover how volcanic energy is used in local life and taste traditional liqueurs and tea.
• Diverse scenery: From lush gardens to crater lakes, the landscape is varied and photogenic.
• Gastronomy: Enjoy a hearty Azorean lunch cooked underground, along with liqueur tastings.
• Flexible and convenient: Includes hotel pickup and round-trip transfers, saving hassle and time.

A Perfect Day from Ponta Delgada

Starting at 9:00am, this tour takes you on a scenic journey along the south coast of São Miguel, with the first stop being Miradouro de Santa Iria. This viewpoint offers sweeping views of the northern coast—ideal for snapping photos and getting a sense of how lush and volcanic the island landscape is. It’s a quick stop, but it sets the tone for the day: spectacular scenery.

The next highlight is Parque Terra Nostra, famous for its thermal pools and an 18th-century botanical garden. The pools are open to the public for an extra fee, but the experience of soaking in warm, mineral-rich water surrounded by vibrant foliage is worth considering. We loved how the guide explained the geothermal energy that keeps these pools heated—it’s a true natural marvel.

A real treat is the Caldeira das Furnas, where you can see the “cozido” being cooked underground by volcanic heat. This traditional method uses the geothermal activity to slow-cook local ingredients over several hours. Watching the stew being prepared is both fun and tasty—this is the kind of experience many travelers cherish, connecting food with the land. Just keep in mind that this stop’s entrance fee isn’t included.

The tour continues with visits to Nossa Senhora da Paz, a charming hilltop chapel with expansive views over Vila Franca do Campo, and the gothic church of Nossa Senhora das Vitorias, built in the 19th century. Both are free and offer peaceful moments and lovely photo opportunities.

One of the tour’s musical moments comes at the Caldeira das Furnas in the village center, where fumaroles and volcanic activity are on full display. Here, you’ll also get to sample some local azorean liqueurs, adding a flavorful twist to your day. The guide’s explanations about volcanic activity and how it shapes local life make this stop particularly enlightening.

Next, a short drive to Miradouro Pico Do Fero offers a panoramic view over the Furnas lagoon, a crater lake nestled in volcanic surroundings—a must-see for landscape enthusiasts.

The day wraps up with a visit to Plantacoes de Cha Gorreana, one of Europe’s few remaining tea plantations. You’ll get to walk among the tea bushes, learn about the process of tea production, and enjoy some tastings. It’s a refreshing contrast to the geothermal and volcanic sights—something that makes this tour well-rounded.

The Value of the Experience

While the tour price includes transportation, guide, and several viewpoints, the extra fees—such as for the thermal pools—are worth considering for a complete experience. Many travelers, like Helena and Allan, praise the knowledgeable guides, especially Samuel, for making the day both informative and fun. Helena highlights that “Sam is an amazing guide,” and Allan appreciated how flexible and well-paced the tour was, allowing plenty of time at each stop.

The small group setting (max 8 travelers) ensures that you won’t be herded around but instead can ask questions, take your time, and enjoy a more intimate experience. This is especially valuable when exploring cultural sites and tasting local products.

The price point offers good value, considering the variety of stops, the inclusion of some tastings, and the personal touch of a small-group tour. It’s a chance to see the island’s highlights without the hassle of planning multiple separate visits or dealing with large crowds.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Miradouro de Santa Iria

This viewpoint on the north coast provides a quick but impactful start to the day. It’s free, and you’ll appreciate the sweeping vistas—perfect for getting your bearings and marveling at the island’s volcanic topography.

Parque Terra Nostra

The 18th-century botanical garden and thermal pools are a favorite among visitors. The pools are heated naturally, providing a soothing experience while surrounded by lush greenery. Many reviewers find this to be one of the highlights, especially if they enjoy relaxing in warm mineral waters.

Caldeira das Furnas

Here, you see fumaroles and volcanic activity, and the “cozido” stew being cooked underground. Watching this process gives you a tangible sense of how volcanic heat is part of daily life in Furnas. The stew’s rich flavors and slow-cooked tenderness make it a culinary highlight, often praised in reviews.

Nossa Senhora da Paz & Gothic Church

Both sites are free, offering peaceful moments and opportunities for quiet reflection or photography. The hilltop chapel provides panoramic views over Vila Franca do Campo, while the gothic church’s architecture is striking and well-preserved.

Volcanic Activity & Liqueur Tasting

This stop is where you witness fumaroles and learn about the volcanic forces shaping the island. Sampling local azorean liqueurs adds a flavorful cultural touch.

Miradouro Pico Do Ferro

This viewing platform over Furnas lagoon offers one of the most photogenic vistas of the day—perfect for capturing the crater lake nestled within volcanic terrain.

Plantacoes de Cha Gorreana

Europe’s only tea plantation still producing tea is a true rarity. You’ll walk among the tea bushes, learn about tea processing, and taste different varieties—refreshing and educational.

Who Should Take This Tour?

This experience is ideal for curious travelers who enjoy a mix of scenic views, cultural insights, and natural baths. If you love learning how volcanic activity influences local life, you’ll find this tour particularly engaging. It’s also perfect for those who prefer small groups, allowing for a relaxed, interactive experience.

If you’re keen on tasting local products and seeing authentic sites away from typical tourist crowds, this tour offers a genuine taste of São Miguel’s volcanic heart.

The Full-Day Furnas tour offers a well-balanced exploration of São Miguel’s volcanic landscapes, charming villages, and local flavors. It’s a great way to see the highlights without feeling rushed, especially with a knowledgeable guide like Samuel. The combination of scenic viewpoints, geothermal pools, and cultural stops makes it a comprehensive experience for those wanting to understand how volcanic energy shapes life on the island.

While some costs, like the pools, are extra, the overall value comes from the diversity of sights and the small-group intimacy. It’s an excellent choice for travelers seeking an authentic, immersive day that combines natural beauty with cultural richness.

If your goal is to see the real Furnas, enjoy relaxing thermal baths, and taste local cuisine directly connected to the land’s volcanic activity, this tour is a smart pick.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers round-trip transfers from Ponta Delgada hotels, making logistics simple and convenient.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Are there any extra costs?
Some stops, such as the thermal pools, require an admission fee not included in the tour price. It’s worth considering if you want to take a dip.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed, making it accessible for families and those with special needs.

What’s the main focus of the tour?
It combines scenic viewpoints, volcanic activity, thermal bathing, and local cuisine, giving a well-rounded Azorean experience.

Can I customize the stops?
Given the small group size and knowledgeable guide, there’s some flexibility to explore certain sites at your own pace.

This Full-Day Furnas tour promises a memorable day immersed in the natural and cultural wonders of São Miguel—perfect for curious travelers eager to see the island’s volcanic soul up close.