Furnas Volcano Experience Nature, Hot Springs & Scenic Views

Experience the Heart of São Miguel: Furnas Volcano & Natural Hot Springs

If you’re headed to São Miguel in the Azores, a guided tour of Furnas promises a day filled with stunning volcanic landscapes, thermal waters, and a taste of authentic Azorean culture. For $79, you’ll spend roughly eight hours exploring some of the island’s most compelling sights, with a small group of no more than 8 travelers ensuring a personal touch. Led by knowledgeable locals, the tour includes stops at breathtaking viewpoints like Santa Iria and Pico do Ferro, visits to the Gorreana Tea Factory, and a chance to relax in natural hot springs.

We particularly love the way this tour balances natural beauty with cultural experiences. The highlight for many is the opportunity to taste Cozido das Furnas, a stew cooked underground using volcanic heat — a unique culinary experience you won’t find anywhere else. The guide’s insights and attention to detail make even the most scenic stops come alive, providing a genuine flavor of local life and volcanic activity.

One potential consideration: the tour involves several short walks and some uneven terrain, especially at sites like the waterfalls and thermal parks. If mobility is an issue, plan accordingly. But overall, it’s perfect for travelers eager to see key sights without the hassle of renting a car or navigating unfamiliar roads themselves. This tour suits those who love nature, delicious food, and authentic local culture, especially visitors with a curiosity about volcanic landscapes and mineral waters.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Small group size (max 8) allows for tailored interactions and ample time at each stop.
• Diverse Highlights: From viewpoints and waterfalls to geothermal cooking and local villages, the itinerary offers a comprehensive view of São Miguel’s eastern landscapes.
• Authentic Food: Tasting Cozido cooked in volcanic soil provides a memorable culinary touchstone.
• Expert Guidance: A local guide shares insightful stories, making the scenery and history come alive.
• Value for Money: At $79, the tour covers transportation, multiple attractions, and tastings, offering a rich experience for the price.
• Flexible & Well-Organized: The tour adapts seamlessly if some sites are under renovation, ensuring you won’t miss key sights.

In-Depth Review of the Furnas Volcano Experience

The Itinerary: A Day Packed with Wonder

Starting at Miradouro de Santa Iria, you’ll quickly understand why São Miguel’s north coast is a favorite among visitors. This panoramic viewpoint offers sweeping views over the rugged coastline and lush greenery, perfect for snapping some memorable photos. The 5-minute stop here sets the tone for the day, emphasizing the spectacular natural scenery that characterizes the island.

Next, you’ll visit the Gorreana Tea Factory—the only remaining 100% natural tea plantation in Europe. A highlight for many, this stop not only offers the chance to stroll through the verdant tea fields but also to sample and purchase some of the finest teas from the Azores. As one reviewer noted, “The tea plantation was a nice finishing touch to the day,” and many travelers find it a peaceful break amidst the volcanic landscape.

From there, the tour takes you into the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, home to the Véu da Noiva waterfall. This site combines both natural beauty and a touch of history, with old water mills now serving as part of the park’s charm. The 30-minute stop is a favorite for nature lovers, offering opportunities for photos and a chance to experience the sound of flowing water in a lush setting. Reviewers loved the enchanting waterfalls and the chance to buy local handicrafts.

The Pico do Ferro viewpoint provides another quick but breathtaking scene—a sweeping view over the Furnas lagoon and the charming village of Furnas itself. During this 5-minute stop, you’ll get a sense of the volcanic caldera’s scale and beauty. One traveler remarked, “The view from Pico do Ferro was magnificent,” and it’s easy to see why.

A truly unique aspect of this tour is the lunch at Restaurante Tony’s, where you’ll taste Cozido das Furnas, a stew slow-cooked underground using volcanic heat. The process takes about 6-7 hours, but here it’s served fresh, rich, and full of local flavors. For many, this is the culinary highlight—an authentic dish cooked with volcanic geothermal energy, offering a taste of local life and tradition.

Following lunch, your next stop is Furnas village, famous for its bubbling boiling boilers and fumaroles. Walking among steaming vents and mineral-rich waters, you’ll understand why this volcanic area is called the Vale Encantado or “Enchanted Valley.” Tasting the mineral waters adds an extra layer of local authenticity.

The picturesque Lagoa das Furnas features the Nossa Srª das Vitorias chapel, a Gothic-style church surrounded by wooden statues—great for photos and soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. This stop is often praised for its scenic charm and peaceful vibes.

Next, you’ll visit Vila Franca do Campo, the first capital of São Miguel. Though its history was marked by destruction in 1522, today it offers a relaxed ambiance and charming streets. A quick visit to the Vila Franca Marina lets you enjoy a coffee and some of the local “Vila Queijadas,” traditional sweet treats that many reviews mention as a must-try.

Finally, optional visits to the Caldeira das Furnas allow you to witness the geothermal activity up close—boiling boilers and muddy waters create a surreal landscape. While entrance fees are separate, many find the experience well worth it for the immersive volcanic atmosphere.

The Transport & Group Size

Travel is in an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring comfort as you hop between scenic stops. The small group (up to 8 travelers) fosters a more relaxed and engaging environment, allowing for questions and tailored experiences. Pickup and drop-off are included from key locations like Ponta Delgada, Lagoa, and R. Grande, making logistics straightforward.

The Guide & Authentic Experience

Participants consistently praise the knowledgeable local guides—on reviews, words like “incredible,” “kind,” “punctual,” and “very helpful” appear frequently. Guides don’t just point out sights—they tell stories, answer questions, and make the day feel personalized. Many reviewers mentioned that their guides adjusted plans when some sites were temporarily closed, ensuring they still saw the highlights.

The Food & Cultural Highlights

The Cozido served at Tony’s is the kind of food you’ll remember long after your trip. Cooked underground with volcanic heat, it’s a slow process turned into a fast-paced tasting, capturing the essence of Furnas’ volcanic culture. Several reviews called this a “highlight,” and for good reason: it’s a rare chance to try something truly unique.

The tea tasting and visits to local villages and markets add cultural depth, giving you a taste of everyday life in the Azores. Many reviewers appreciated the combination of scenery, history, and local flavors, making this more than just a sightseeing trip.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a rundown of São Miguel’s volcanic east side without the hassle of self-driving. It’s ideal if you’re keen on stunning vistas, thermal experiences, and authentic local cuisine. If you love small groups and personal attention, you’ll find the 8-person cap a real bonus. It’s also well-suited for those who prefer a well-organized, balanced mix of nature, culture, and culinary delights.

Final Thoughts

The Furnas Volcano Experience offers a rich, well-rounded day exploring São Miguel’s volcanic heart. It combines breathtaking viewpoints, geothermal wonders, and delicious traditional food, all led by a guide who genuinely loves sharing their knowledge. It’s a fantastic way to see the highlights without rushing, in a cozy small-group setting.

While it’s not a day for those seeking exhaustive hiking or extensive free time, it’s perfect for travelers who want an authentic, engaging, and visually stunning introduction to the island’s volcanic landscapes. The value is clear: all logistics handled, local insights provided, and a genuine taste of Azorean life packed into one memorable day.

FAQ

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am and returning to your meeting point in the late afternoon.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are offered at hotels in Ponta Delgada, Lagoa, and R. Grande, making it convenient to join.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, offering a more personalized experience and easier interaction with your guide.

Are meals included?
Lunch is included if you select the “Tour with lunch” option. The highlight is the Cozido stew, cooked in volcanic soil, and served at Restaurante Tony’s.

Can I visit the thermal pools?
While the main tour doesn’t include entry to the thermal pools, you can visit the Caldeira das Furnas optionally, with entrance fees not included.

What are some key sights I will see?
Expect to visit scenic viewpoints like Santa Iria and Pico do Ferro, waterfalls at Ribeira dos Caldeirões, a historic village, and volcanic features like boiling boilers and fumaroles.

Is the tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the walking involved at parks and waterfalls. It’s a comfortable day overall but not a strenuous hike.

What should I bring?
Bring layers, comfortable shoes, a camera, and perhaps a swimsuit if you want to enjoy the hot springs beforehand or afterward.

This tour is a wonderful way to connect with São Miguel’s volcanic soul, enjoy authentic Azorean flavors, and see the island’s most scenic and culturally rich spots—all in one satisfying day.