Furnas Volcano: Full Day Tour, Hot Springs & Waterfalls

If you’re visiting the Azores and want to spend a day marveling at volcanic landscapes, lush waterfalls, and geothermal wonders, the Furnas Volcano: Full Day Tour, Hot Springs & Waterfalls offers a well-rounded experience. Starting from Ponta Delgada, this 8-hour journey takes you across São Miguel’s eastern side, revealing some of the island’s most iconic sights, from lush waterfalls to steaming fumaroles. The tour is priced around €135, with optional add-ons like the famous Furnas stew, making it a flexible choice for travelers eager for an authentic taste of island life.

What we especially appreciate about this trip is the chance to visit the last 100% natural tea plantation, where you can enjoy a guided tour and tasting—an authentic experience rarely found elsewhere. Plus, the scenic Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park with its waterfalls and watermills feels like stepping into a postcard. The variety of landscapes—coastal viewpoints, volcanic craters, and lush valleys—means your camera will get plenty of exercise.

A potential caveat is timing; some reviews mention that in a few locations, time can feel a bit rushed, which might limit your ability to explore fully. If you prefer slow, in-depth visits to each stop, be prepared for short windows of free time. Still, this tour is best suited for those who want a broad overview of São Miguel’s natural highlights in one day, especially if you’re keen to see both geothermal activity and scenic vistas.

This tour is ideal for those who enjoy a mix of nature, culture, and local flavors, and are comfortable with some walking. It’s also suited for visitors who appreciate small-group settings for more personalized attention, as well as those who want to cover a lot of ground without renting a car.

Key Points

Comprehensive Day Trip: Covers waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and a tea plantation.
Authentic Experiences: Visit the last natural tea plantation with tasting, and taste the traditional Furnas stew.
Scenic Views: Multiple viewpoints offer stunning vistas of the north coast and volcanic craters.
Limited Free Time: Some stops are brief, which may not suit travelers wanting to explore in depth.
Small Group Comfort: Maximize interaction with a knowledgeable guide in a cozy setting.
Value for Money: Price includes transportation, guided commentary, and a local tea tasting, with optional meal add-ons.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

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Starting Off in Ponta Delgada

Your day begins with a pickup from your hotel or specified location in Ponta Delgada. The van, comfortable and air-conditioned, whisks you away on a scenic drive that sets the tone for the day. The initial stops are mainly for viewing and short photo opportunities—like the Santa Iria Lookout—offering sweeping glimpses of São Miguel’s rugged coastline and lush inland valleys.

Exploring Gorreana Tea Plantation

One of the first major highlights is the Gorreana Tea Factory, a rare spot being the only tea plantation on Earth that is still fully natural, without artificial interventions. Here, you’ll get a guided tour explaining the plantation’s history and process, followed by a tasting of their locally grown tea. It’s a delightful pause that combines cultural insight with a sensory experience we really enjoyed. Travelers have praised this stop for its authenticity, with one noting, “the guide was knowledgeable,” and others appreciating the chance to sample fresh tea.

Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park

Next, you’ll visit the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, a lush valley filled with cascading waterfalls, watermills, and walking paths. The highlight here is the “Véu da Noiva” waterfall, which earns its poetic name—“Bride’s Veil”—for its delicate flow. Be prepared for some gentle walking, and take your time to soak in the tranquil atmosphere. Reviews reveal this stop to be a favorite for many; one visitor remarked, “feeling the water spray of the waterfall was magical.” It’s a perfect spot for photos and just unwinding amid nature.

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Panoramic Views from Pico do Ferro

Our journey then takes us to the Pico do Ferro Lookout, perched above the volcanic crater of Furnas. The views from this vantage point are spectacular—volcano to one side, lush valleys below, and the lake in the crater. Short stops like this are crucial for appreciating the landscape’s scale and complexity, and they often turn out to be the most memorable.

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The Heart of the Tour—Furnas Volcano

This is the main event. The Furnas volcano is a lively, steaming scene. The geothermal activity is visible everywhere—from bubbling fumaroles to boiling springs. Walking through the geothermal park, you’ll see how the old village has adapted to its volcanic environment. Travelers often find this part fascinating; one reviewer said, “it’s done differently here—the active hot springs and bubbling mud pots are extraordinary.”

Free time here lets you explore the area on your own or indulge in the “Cozido das Furnas”, a stew cooked underground using volcanic heat. The optional food is a real treat, providing insights into local culinary traditions. One reviewer noted that the “furnas stew tasted fantastic, cooked by volcanic heat,” which adds a flavorful dimension to your visit.

The Lake and the Neo-Gothic Chapel

Following the geothermal area, you’ll visit Furnas Lake—a tranquil spot with a charming chapel built between 1877 and 1888. It’s a romantic setting and offers nice photo opportunities. The tour includes a short walk around the lake, giving you some time to appreciate the peaceful scenery.

Scenic Drive to Vila Franca do Campo

As the day winds down, a scenic drive takes you past the historic Vila Franca do Campo, a town ravaged by the 1522 earthquake. The view of the Vila Franca Islet from afar reminds you of the island’s volcanic activity and resilience. It’s a fitting way to conclude the journey, with travelers commenting on the picturesque drive and the historical significance.

Return to Ponta Delgada

The journey ends with your driver returning you to your hotel or designated spot in Ponta Delgada. The whole day is a whirlwind of natural beauty, geothermal marvels, and cultural discovery, with plenty of opportunities for photos, tastings, and personal reflection.

The Practical Side: What You Need to Know

Transportation and Group Size

The tour uses a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan, ensuring a relaxed ride through the island’s scenic roads. It’s conducted in small groups, which tends to mean more personalized attention and less crowding—especially appreciated when navigating narrow mountain roads or busy viewpoints.

Duration and Timing

At around 8 hours, the day is quite full but well-paced. Starting times vary, so it’s worth checking availability for your preferred day. Some reviews mention that the stops are quick—about 10 to 25 minutes—so if you’re someone who loves to linger, you might find yourself wishing for a bit more time at each spot.

Cost and Value

The €135 price tag covers transportation, a local storyteller guide, and the tea tasting. Optional extras like the Furnas stew or Terra Nostra Park tickets cost extra—so budget accordingly if you want the full experience. Some travelers, like John, found the cost reasonable, but others felt that additional expenses quickly added up. Still, considering the breadth of sights covered, it’s a solid value for a full day of sightseeing.

Accessibility and Suitability

This tour isn’t designed for those with mobility issues or back problems, given the walking involved and uneven paths. Also, it might not be suitable for travelers over 115 kg (254 lbs) due to vehicle weight limits. Be prepared for some short walks and standing in geothermal areas.

Authentic Experiences That Stand Out

Many travelers highlight the knowledgeable guides who share stories and insights that bring the landscape to life. The tea plantation visit is especially praised for its authenticity—being the last 100% natural tea farm in the world—and for tasting fresh, locally grown tea. The waterfalls and geothermal areas are visually stunning, with the bubbling mud pots and steaming vents creating a sense of being on another planet. The chance to taste the famous Furnas stew, cooked underground, is a culinary highlight that adds a deeply local flavor to your day.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive look at São Miguel’s natural beauty without renting a car. If you love scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, and geothermal activity, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. It’s also suited for those eager to learn about local culture, especially through the tea tasting and culinary experiences. Keep in mind that if you prefer unhurried visits and more time at each location, this tour might feel a little rushed, but it offers a solid overview.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely, if you’re interested in exploring the island’s volcanic landscapes and natural parks in a single day with a knowledgeable guide. The combination of scenic vistas, geothermal wonders, and local flavors makes it a great value for the price. It’s particularly suited for first-time visitors or those short on time but eager to see a broad swath of São Miguel’s highlights.

However, if you crave more relaxed pacing or more in-depth exploration at each stop, you might want to consider a private tour or splitting your sightseeing into multiple days. Still, for an active, engaging, and visually stunning experience, this tour hits most of the key points in a manageable package.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a local storyteller guide, a visit to the tea plantation with tasting, and all the scheduled sightseeing stops. Food and drinks are extra unless you choose the additional meal option.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts about 8 hours, with multiple stops along the way. Starting times vary, so confirm with the operator when booking.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It isn’t recommended for those with mobility problems or back issues, due to walking and uneven terrain. Children are welcome, but consider their stamina for a full day of sightseeing.

Can I buy food during the tour?
Yes, there are several opportunities to buy food or snacks, and a popular optional meal is the Furnas stew cooked underground.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are essential, as there’s walking involved. Also, bring water, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the views.

Is there free time at the stops?
Yes, but it’s generally brief—around 10 to 25 minutes—so plan to see the highlights rather than explore every detail extensively.

This full-day tour of São Miguel’s east side offers a balanced mix of nature, culture, and local flavors. With scenic viewpoints, geothermal activity, and a taste of local life, it’s a solid choice for those wanting to experience the island’s volcanic soul in one satisfying day.