São Miguel Island: Full Day Furnas and Furnas Lake Tour

São Miguel Island: Full Day Furnas and Furnas Lake Tour
Location: Azores, Portugal
Price: $74 per person
Duration: One day (check availability for starting times)
Rating: 4.3 from 6 reviews
Provider: Safari Azores

This tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into some of São Miguel’s most iconic sights—think steaming hot springs, lush tea plantations, and panoramic crater views—all packed into a single day. Starting from Ponta Delgada, we’ll travel along the island’s scenic roads, often switching between north and south coasts based on weather and road conditions, which adds a touch of adventure.

What we loved most? First, the visit to the Gorreana Tea Factory, where we learned how the only natural tea factory in Europe produces green and black teas just as the Chinese introduced in the 19th century. It’s a surprisingly charming spot with a working garden where you can see the tea plants up close. Second, the viewpoints overlooking Furnas crater and the Lagoa das Furnas offered some of the most stunning landscapes of our trip—craters, steaming fumaroles, and lush greenery.

A potential drawback? The tour covers quite a bit of ground, and if you’re not a fan of bus rides or long days on your feet, it might feel a bit rushed at times. Also, some stops, like the thermal baths, are optional and require additional tickets, so you’ll want to plan accordingly if you wish to indulge.

This experience is perfect for travelers who crave authentic sights—think steaming geysers, volcanic landscapes, and local cuisine—without sacrificing comfort or time. If you’re interested in natural wonders, local culture, and enjoying a guided journey that balances education with breathtaking scenery, this tour will suit you well.

Key Points

Comprehensive Day Trip: Visits to Furnas Lake, hot springs, a tea plantation, and viewpoints all in one day.
Expert Guide: Guides like Francisco and Nuno are praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm.
Authentic Experiences: Opportunity to see the only natural tea factory in Europe and taste local thermal waters.
Scenic Views: Panoramic overlooks such as Pico do Ferro and Nossa Senhora da Paz give incredible photo ops.
Small Group Setting: Limited to 14 participants, making for a more personalized experience.
Value for Money: At $74, the tour offers a full day of diverse activities, although some sites like thermal baths cost extra.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the São Miguel Furnas and Furnas Lake Tour

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Starting from Ponta Delgada

The tour begins with hotel pickup, a feature that adds convenience after a possibly early morning start. We’re picked up in comfortable vehicles, and the small group size means we didn’t feel lost in the crowd. This setup allows the guide to tailor the day a bit more than a large bus.

Scenic Journey with Insightful Commentary

From the outset, we’re whisked along lush coastal roads, often winding through mountainous terrain and villages. The guides share stories and history, adding depth to what we see. Depending on weather, we might take either the northern or southern route—an intelligent move that helps optimize views and avoid foul weather.

Santa Iria Lookout

Our first stop offers a fantastic overview of the island’s terrain—craters, coastline, and maybe even the Atlantic horizon—giving us our first real taste of São Miguel’s volcanic character. We loved the way the guide pointed out features visible from this vantage point, making the landscape come alive.

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Gorreana Tea Factory

A highlight for many. Established in 1883, this factory is the only natural tea producer in Europe, and you’ll see the tea plants up close while learning about the cultivation process rooted in Chinese tradition. The 50-minute stop includes a walk through the gardens and a tasting of fresh tea—an authentic experience that’s both educational and delicious. As one reviewer put it, “You draw a garden from Camellia Sinensis, from which you have been made in the same place.”

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Pico do Ferro Lookout

Next, we visit this viewpoint perched above Furnas crater. We loved the way the panoramic vistas revealed the crater’s lush interior and the Lagoa das Furnas below. The 25-minute stop is perfect for photos and marveling at the natural volcanic artistry of the island.

Furnas Lake and Village

The heart of the tour, we arrive at Lagoa das Furnas, one of the most famous volcanic lakes in the Azores. Here, boiling fumaroles and thermal vents are all around, demonstrating the island’s ongoing volcanic activity. We spent about an hour exploring the area, watching local cooks prepare the famous Cérea—a stew cooked underground using volcanic heat. If time permits, a dip in the thermal hot springs at Jardim Nostra or Dona Beija is available, though note that entry fees are extra.

Village Thermal Boilers

A stop in Furnas village reveals a collection of steaming geysers and bubbling pots, showcasing the incredible geothermal energy beneath the island. We found it fascinating to see how local residents harnessed the volcano’s power for cooking and bathing.

Vila Franca do Campo and Miradouro da Nossa Senhora da Paz

Next, we visited the charming town of Vila Franca do Campo, once the island’s first settlement, with a lovely harbor and a relaxed vibe. The guided walk here offers insights into the area’s history and culture. We also stopped at the Miradouro da Nossa Senhora da Paz—a viewpoint that provides sweeping views of the coastline and the Atlantic, perfect for those postcard shots.

Return Along the Coast

Finally, the journey back takes us along the south coast, stopping at viewpoints and beaches, providing a relaxing way to end the day. The tour wraps up with hotel drop-off in Ponta Delgada, making it easy to continue your exploration or relax after an active day.

How to Make the Most of This Tour

Bring your passport or ID for identification, especially if planning to visit thermal baths or other attractions with entrance fees.
Wear comfortable walking shoes—some stops involve walking on uneven terrain or exploring volcanic sites.
Prepare for weather changes—the Azores can be unpredictable; packing a light rain jacket is advisable.
Be mindful of additional costs like tickets for thermal baths or entry to parks if you wish to indulge.
Keep your camera or smartphone handy—the viewpoints and landscapes are picture-perfect.

What the Reviews Say

Travelers consistently mention the guides as a highlight. Norah appreciated Nuno’s thorough knowledge and enthusiasm, saying, “Our guide, Nuno, was very informative and went above and beyond.” Others highlight the well-paced itinerary, noting that there’s enough time at each stop without feeling rushed. Jan remarked, “Very good route, not too many ‘highlights,’ but enough time to see the sights,” emphasizing how the tour strikes a good balance.

Leigh praised Francisco for taking them to “a couple of out-of-the-way places,” which added a layer of authenticity many travelers seek. The tour’s combination of natural beauty and local culture seems to resonate well with guests looking for an authentic yet manageable day trip.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re looking for a comprehensive and scenic day that covers São Miguel’s volcanic marvels, lush landscapes, and local flavors, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate guided commentary—the guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness—and who want to see a variety of sites without the hassle of organizing transportation or multiple tickets.

While it’s a full day, it’s not overly packed, leaving room for genuine moments—like tasting fresh tea or marveling at crater views—that make your visit memorable. Also, if you enjoy learning about local traditions and natural phenomena, this trip offers real insights along with stunning sights.

This experience is less ideal for travelers who prefer a slow, relaxed pace or have mobility restrictions, as some stops involve walking or climbing viewpoints. Also, those who want to spend extended time in thermal baths should plan for extra tickets and time.

This tour offers excellent value for a well-organized, authentic, and picturesque exploration of São Miguel’s volcanic heart—perfect for curious travelers eager to see the island’s highlights with expert guidance.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, if you’re staying in Ponta Delgada or within a 5 km radius, your hotel will be arranged for pickup and drop-off.

How long is the tour? It lasts approximately one full day, with a variety of stops along the way. Exact start times depend on availability.

What languages are available? The tour is offered in Portuguese, Spanish, and English, with knowledgeable guides providing commentary in these languages.

Are drinks or food included? No, food and drinks are not included in the price. You may purchase snacks or meals during the stops.

Can I visit the thermal springs? Yes, there’s an optional visit to the hot springs at Jardim Nostra or Dona Beija, but tickets are extra.

What should I bring? A passport or ID card, comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera.

Is this tour suitable for children or pregnant women? Pregnant travelers are advised to consider their comfort, as the tour involves some walking and hot spring visits.

How physically demanding is the tour? Moderate; some walking and standing are involved, but it’s manageable for most travelers with average mobility.

Will I have free time? The tour is carefully paced, with enough time at each stop to enjoy the sights and take photos.

What makes this tour special compared to others? The combination of natural volcanic features, authentic local experiences like tea tasting, and the guided insight from passionate guides make it stand out.

In sum, this São Miguel Furnas and Furnas Lake tour offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, cultural insight, and comfort, making it a fantastic way to experience the island’s volcanic heart in just a day. Whether you’re a nature lover or someone curious about local traditions, you’ll come away with memorable images and a richer understanding of this intriguing landscape.