Ponta Delgada isn’t just a gateway to the Azores; it’s a surprisingly rich area for Spa & Hot Springs Experiences. Whether you’re after a luxurious thermal bath, an all-day adventure exploring volcanic craters, or a private tour tailored to your pace, the region offers something for every kind of traveler. We especially love how some tours combine local culinary delights like cozido—cooked underground in volcanic soil—with relaxing dips in thermal waters. For example, the Full-Day Furnas Tour: Hot Springs, Traditional Lunch & Tea gives you a deep dive into the geothermal activity and lush gardens of Furnas Valley, with a chance to soak in a thermal bath and enjoy a hearty Azorean meal.
If you prefer a more intimate experience, the Couples PRIVATE Hybrid 4X4 Tour offers exclusive access to key sights with a personalized driver, making it ideal for couples or small groups seeking luxury and flexibility. Meanwhile, half-day tours like the Half Day Furnas And Hot Springs are perfect for travelers with limited time but a keen interest in volcanic landscapes and geothermal baths.
Below, you’ll find a detailed rundown of nine top-rated options, each with its own unique appeal—whether that’s private luxury, full immersion, or budget-friendly fun. Ready to relax and explore? Let’s dive in.
1. Full-Day Furnas Tour: Hot Springs, Traditional Lunch & Tea
At number 1, this 8-hour small-group tour offers an excellent balance of sightseeing, relaxing in thermal waters, and enjoying local cuisine. It starts with a visit to Vila Franca do Campo, a charming coastal town, where you can sample a Queijada da Vila pastry—still made by hand centuries later. From there, the tour takes you to Lagoa das Furnas, a volcanic lake bubbling with geothermal activity. The highlight is exploring the fumaroles and hot springs in the Furnas Valley, where the ground is so hot it’s used to cook the famous Cozido stew underground.
The experience at Terra Nostra Park is a key feature—soaking in the thermal waters amid lush gardens, an experience many reviews praise for its relaxing ambiance. You get a guided walk that explains the geothermal activity, plus the chance to see the steaming caldeiras and bubbling springs. Tour guide Leandro’s enthusiastic storytelling makes the tour memorable, and guests appreciate the included lunch, a true taste of Azorean tradition.
Key highlights include sulfur-smelling caldeiras, the scenic lake, and the botanical gardens. For $118.49, this tour offers a comprehensive day out, perfect for first-timers and anyone craving a mix of nature, culture, and relaxation. The reviews are glowing, with one saying, “All exceeded expectations—a highly recommended experience.”
Bottom line: Best for those who want a full, immersive day, with a knowledgeable guide and plenty of geothermal sights.
2. Couples PRIVATE Hybrid 4X4 Tour – Furnas (Inc Hot Springs and 3 Course Lunch)
For around $354.56 per group, the Couples PRIVATE Hybrid 4X4 Tour offers a custom, intimate way to explore the eastern side of São Miguel. This private tour is perfect if you want flexibility and comfort, with a seasoned guide leading the way. The vehicle’s hybrid 4X4 allows access to off-the-beaten-path spots, and your guide will adapt the itinerary based on your interests.
It includes highlights like Lagoa das Furnas, where you’ll enjoy a lakeside walk and see the historic Nossa Senhora das Vitórias chapel. Then, you’ll visit the geothermal area, where the famous ‘cozido’ is gently simmering underground—an extraordinary cooking method. The tour’s jewel is the time spent in Terra Nostra Park, relaxing in the thermal springs amidst beautiful gardens—perfect after a day of sightseeing. Guests rave about guide Andy’s extensive knowledge and friendly approach, calling the experience “personalized and informative.”
This tour is great for couples or small groups wanting a tailored experience that combines adventure, culture, and thermal relaxation. At $354.56, the value lies in exclusivity and a flexible schedule—perfect for travelers who dislike big groups or strict itineraries.
Bottom line: Ideal for couples seeking a private, fully customizable day with luxurious thermal baths and scenic stops.
3. Half Day Furnas And Hot Springs
If your time in Ponta Delgada is limited, this Half Day Furnas And Hot Springs tour is a practical choice. Lasting about 4.5 hours, it covers some of the key sights, including the caldeira, where the ‘cozido’ is cooked in volcanic soil. You’ll visit a fully operational tea plantation, Gorreana, where you can taste fresh teas—the only such factory in Europe.
Guests often comment on the small group size, which allows for more personalized attention from guides like Samuel. A highlight is soaking in Terra Nostra’s thermal pools, a perfect way to unwind after sightseeing. The tour price is budget-friendly at $47.47 per person, making it accessible for those on a tighter schedule or budget.
While it doesn’t cover as many stops as full-day options, it offers a well-rounded taste of Furnas’s geothermal activity, volcanic landscapes, and local culture—plus, it’s easier to squeeze into a busy itinerary.
Bottom line: Great for travelers short on time who still want the essential geothermal and volcanic experiences.
4. Private Tour Furnas Lake & Hot Springs
If privacy and a slower pace matter to you, this private tour for up to four people is a flexible way to see Furnas. The Private Tour Furnas Lake & Hot Springs takes you through the best sights with a local guide, including Lagoa das Furnas, where you can stroll along the lake and visit the Nossa Senhora das Vitórias chapel.
The highlight is the hot springs in Terra Nostra Park, where you can relax in thermal waters surrounded by exotic plants. The tour also includes a visit to Gorreana tea plantations—a European-only tea producer—and offers plenty of options for customizing your day. The price is $259.62, which includes the vehicle and guide, making it a good value for small groups seeking a personalized experience.
Reviews highlight how flexible and knowledgeable guides like Helder make the day memorable, with comments like “He knew so much about every aspect of Azores.” It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy a mix of natural beauty, local culture, and privacy.
Bottom line: Perfect for couples or small groups wanting a tailored, relaxed day with private transport.
5. Azores: Shore Excursion Furnas – Crater volcano and hot springs
Designed specifically for cruise passengers, this Shore Excursion combines convenience with thoroughness. For $79.10 per person, it offers a 4 to 5-hour trip with port pickup and drop-off included. It’s tailored for those who want a taste of Furnas’s geothermal and volcanic highlights without a full day commitment.
The itinerary features Gorreana Tea Factory, Pico do Ferro viewpoint, and Furnas caldeira, with optional stops at thermal springs and botanical gardens. Guests love the flexibility to customize the tour to fit their ship’s schedule, and reviews mention guides’ local expertise in making the most of limited time.
This is a reliable, stress-free way to experience the volcanic wonderland of Furnas during a cruise stop, ensuring you see key sights and enjoy some thermal waters before returning to the port.
Bottom line: Best for cruise travelers with limited time, wanting a guided, worry-free experience.
6. Full Day Furnas, Volcano Stew and Hot Springs
At number 6, this full-day tour offers a comprehensive look at the Furnas region for $80.67. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see the most scenic viewpoints, like Miradouro de Santa Iria and Pico do Ferro, and experience thermal baths at Terra Nostra. The tour also includes visiting the botanical gardens, sampling local liqueurs, and watching the ‘cozido’ cooking process in the ground.
Guests frequently praise the guide for sharing detailed insights, making the experience both educational and relaxing. For just over $80, this tour packs in a lot—ideal for those wanting a thorough exploration without feeling rushed.
Downside: It’s a long day, so some walking and hills may challenge those with limited mobility. Still, the variety of sights makes it well worth it for most.
Bottom line: Excellent value for a full, immersive day of volcanic wonder and thermal relaxation.
7. PRIVATE Hybrid 4X4 Tour – Full Day Furnas (Inc Hot Springs and 3 Course Lunch)
This private, eco-friendly Hybrid 4X4 Tour is tailored for up to four guests. It emphasizes sustainable travel, with off-road access and personalized attention. The focus is on local highlights like Lagoa das Furnas, hot springs at Terra Nostra, and a traditional Azorean lunch cooked underground.
Guests note how their guide, Andy, is knowledgeable and flexible, often adjusting the itinerary based on weather or interests. The private nature means you avoid crowded spots and can linger longer in your favorite places.
At $485.71, it’s a premium experience suited for discerning travelers who want comfort, exclusivity, and a deeper connection to the island. It is especially recommended for those looking for an eco-conscious tour with high-end touches.
Bottom line: Best for eco-minded couples or small groups seeking a luxurious, private day in Furnas.
8. Lagoa do Fogo Volcano and Caldeira Velha Hot Springs
For a less crowded experience, this group tour combines Lagoa do Fogo and Caldeira Velha, including a soak in geothermal springs. Priced at $67.72, it lasts about 7-8 hours and offers a chance to see ceramics craftsmanship and panoramic views from various viewpoints.
Guests enjoy the guided walks, like the one at Salto do Cabrito—a hidden waterfall—and time at the only tea plantation in Europe, Gorreana. The Caldeira Velha springs are a highlight, providing natural thermal pools amid lush surroundings.
While reviews note the group size can limit intimacy, the experience balances scenic views, cultural stops, and thermal relaxation well.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers wanting a full day with diverse sights, including natural springs and panoramic vistas.
9. Furnas Volcano Tour: Hot Springs, Bubbling Fumaroles & Tea
Finally, this 8-hour tour is designed for those wanting an in-depth immersion, with a focus on Furnas Valley’s volcanic landscape. For $171, you’ll visit Pico do Ferro for breathtaking views, explore Europe’s only tea plantation, and see steam vents and fumaroles.
Guests rave about guide expertise, with reviews mentioning how well the tour balances nature, culture, and local cuisine. The thermal springs at Terra Nostra and the chance to taste corn boiled in a caldera add to its appeal. It’s an excellent choice for travelers seeking a detailed, engaging experience with plenty of scenic highlights.
Bottom line: Best for travelers who want a thorough, multi-faceted tour of Furnas and its volcanic wonders.
$171 per group up to 1
How to Choose the Best Spa & Hot Springs Experience in Ponta Delgada
When selecting your perfect tour, consider your budget, available time, and whether you prefer a guided group experience or private tour. If luxury and privacy are your priorities, the Couples PRIVATE Hybrid 4X4 or Private Lake & Hot Springs Tour are excellent choices. For those on a budget or with limited time, the Half Day Furnas and Hot Springs or the shore excursion offer great value.
If you crave a full immersion, the Full-Day Furnas Tour and the Full Day Furnas, Volcano Stew and Hot Springs give you maximum sights and experiences. For a less crowded, scenic experience, pick the Lagoa do Fogo and Caldeira Velha trip.
Booking early is always wise, especially in peak season, to secure spots on your preferred tour. Consider combining activities—like a thermal bath with a scenic hike—to tailor your experience.
In The Sum Up
From private luxury tours to budget-friendly half-day excursions, Ponta Delgada offers a wide range of ways to enjoy its thermal waters and volcanic scenery. For a relaxed, comprehensive experience, the Full-Day Furnas Tour is hard to beat, while couples seeking exclusivity will love the personalized Couples PRIVATE Hybrid 4X4. No matter your choice, early booking guarantees a smooth, memorable experience—so get planning and enjoy the warm waters of São Miguel!