São Miguel Island: 2-Day Tour of Natural Wonders & Top Spots

Experience the Best of São Miguel in Two Days

This 2-day tour of São Miguel Island offers an ideal introduction to the Azores’ stunning landscapes and local culture. For around 130 euros, you’ll spend two days exploring famous landmarks like Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, and Furnas, guided by passionate local storytellers. The tour includes visits to the world’s last natural tea plantation, a pineapple plantation, and a thermal area where volcanic activity is on full display.

What truly makes this experience stand out are the personal touches from guides who engage with stories and local knowledge, and the chance to taste authentic Azorean food (if you choose the lunch option). We particularly appreciated the variety packed into each day — from panoramic viewpoints to lush waterfalls — all without the hassle of renting a car.

One thing to keep in mind is that lunch isn’t included by default but can be added easily, which means you can customize your culinary experience. While the tour is well-paced and covers many highlights, travelers should be comfortable with full days on the move. This trip is perfect for those who love nature, scenic vistas, and local flavors, and are eager to learn from guides with genuine passion for the island.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering both east and west sides of São Miguel
• Expert guides with local stories and insights
• Stunning views at viewpoints like Vista do Rei and Lagoa do Fogo
• Authentic food options including the famous Cozido cooked in volcanic earth
• Convenient pickup and transportation included
• Flexible add-ons for meals and entrance fees

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the São Miguel Tour Experience

This 2-day guided adventure offers a well-rounded look at São Miguel’s most captivating sights, balanced between scenic beauty, volcanic wonder, and cultural flavor. The tour is run by iGoAzores, with highly positive reviews praising the guides’ knowledge, friendliness, and ability to adapt — even when weather conditions aren’t cooperating.

Day 1: West Side Wonders — Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo

We start with a journey into the volcanic heart of the island, beginning at a pineapple plantation. Here, you get a chance to see how these sweet, juicy fruits are grown in the lush Azorean climate, and enjoy tastings that set the tone for the day.

Next, we climb to the “Vista do Rei” viewpoint, perched right on the rim of the Sete Cidades crater. This spot is a photographer’s dream — the twin lakes, one blue and one green, are framed by rugged volcanic cliffs. From here, we descend into the crater to explore the Sete Cidades village, a charming spot with a picturesque church and walking paths along the lakeshore. Optional lunch at a buffet here gives you a chance to sample local cuisine while soaking up views that are hard to beat.

Following the lakes, the tour takes us to Escalvado viewpoint, which offers sweeping vistas of the ocean, Ferraria, and Mosteiros Islets. From there, we venture north to the Fogo volcano, famed for its Lagoa do Fogo — a crater lake surrounded by steep slopes and greenery. The Pico da Barrosa viewpoint rewards us with a panoramic view of the entire western region of the island.

Throughout the day, the guides’ commentary enriches the experience, sharing insight into volcanic activity, local legends, and environmental conservation. Reviewers consistently commend guides like Andrea and Pedro for making the journey both informative and fun.

Day 2: East Side Exploration — Furnas & Ribeira dos Caldeirões

The second day begins with a scenic drive to Nordeste’s Santa Iria viewpoint, one of the island’s most beautiful north coast vistas, where the rugged coastline meets the Atlantic in a stunning display.

A highlight is the tea plantation visit, where you’ll see the last 100% natural tea farm on the planet. No pesticides or fertilizers are used here — just nature at its purest, and you get to taste fresh tea straight from the bushes. The farm’s valleys and mountainous terrain also offer a glimpse into traditional farming methods.

Next, the tour visits Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, a lush area filled with waterfalls, old water mills, and dense forests. It’s a favorite for those seeking tranquility and photo opportunities in a landscape that looks like a postcard.

In Furnas, you’ll feel the volcanic energy immediately — boiling springs, mineral waters, and the famous Cozido das Furnas, a stew slow-cooked underground in volcanic heat. Many travelers rave about this dish, and if you’ve booked the lunch add-on, you’ll have the chance to taste this unique Azorean specialty.

The visit to Parque das Caldeiras near Furnas lake provides an up-close look at volcanic activity, with bubbling hot springs and fumaroles. It’s fascinating to see how locals harness this geothermal power to cook and relax.

Before wrapping up, the tour passes through Vila Franca do Campo, the island’s first capital, adding a touch of history and charm to the day.

Transportation & Group Experience

Throughout both days, you’ll be traveling comfortably in air-conditioned vehicles, with a small group that fosters an intimate experience. Reviews highlight the helpfulness and friendliness of guides who often go beyond expectations — making sure everyone gets the most out of each stop, even if the weather isn’t perfect.

Pickup is available from key hotels in Ponta Delgada, Lagoa, and Ribeira Grande, making it convenient for most travelers. You’ll want to plan for full days, as each is packed with sights and stories, with optional stops for meals and entrance fees.

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Value & Flexibility

The tour’s base price includes transportation, guide storytelling, tastings at plantations, and stops at major landmarks. The lunch add-on offers a chance to experience authentic Azorean cuisine, like the Coziro das Furnas, which many reviewers say is a highlight. Entrance fees for parks and thermal baths are separate, giving you control over what to visit and how much to spend.

What we love most is the personalized guidance — guides who are passionate about their island and eager to share local secrets. The fact that some reviewers had guides like Andrea, Pedro, or Diogo who were described as knowledgeable, humorous, and friendly, adds genuine value.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who want a rundown of São Miguel without the hassle of renting a car. It’s ideal if you appreciate scenic viewpoints, natural parks, and volcanic landscapes, combined with a taste of local cuisine. Active travelers who don’t mind full days on their feet will find it rewarding, especially with the added bonus of expert storytelling.

However, those who prefer a completely flexible schedule or have mobility issues should note that some viewpoints are in high-altitude areas and not suitable for wheelchair users.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day guided tour of São Miguel offers a rich, authentic look at the island’s volcanic landscapes, lush gardens, and charming villages. The combination of stellar views, local food, and engaging guides makes it a standout way to see the best of the Azores in a short time.

The value is clear — you get a curated experience that covers a lot of ground, with the added comfort of knowledgeable hosts who bring each place to life. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for a deeper dive, this tour provides a balanced, immersive, and enjoyable introduction to São Miguel.

For travelers eager to explore natural wonders and taste the local flavors with expert guidance, this tour hits all the right notes. It’s well-organized, friendly, and offers enough flexibility to tailor your experience — all in a setting that truly captures the essence of the Azores.

FAQ

Is transportation provided?
Yes, transportation in air-conditioned vehicles is included, with pickup and drop-off in key locations like Ponta Delgada, Lagoa, and Ribeira Grande.

Are meals included?
Lunch is not included by default but can be added during booking. The tour features optional tastings at plantations, and the Cozido das Furnas can be sampled if you’ve booked the lunch option.

What sights will I see?
You’ll visit Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, Furnas volcano, Ribeira dos Caldeirões, and a tea plantation — covering the west and east sides of the island.

How physically demanding is the tour?
It involves full days with some walking and high viewpoints, but the pace is manageable. However, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues.

Can I see the volcanic activity?
You’ll see boiling springs and geothermal features in Furnas, where hot water is used for cooking, offering a close look at volcanic energy.

Is the tour customizable?
While the itinerary is fixed, you can choose to add meals and entrance fees as desired, giving you some flexibility in your experience.

What’s the weather usually like?
Viewpoints in high areas can be cooler or sunnier depending on the season. It’s wise to bring a warm jacket or sunscreen accordingly.

Can I book this tour if I’m staying outside Ponta Delgada?
Yes, pickup is available from selected locations, but contact the provider if you’re staying in narrow streets or outside main towns.

How many people are in each group?
The experience typically involves small groups, which allows for a more personalized and relaxed atmosphere.

Would I recommend this tour for families?
Absolutely, especially for families with active children who enjoy nature and sightseeing in a comfortable, guided setting.

To sum it up, this São Miguel 2-day tour offers a well-balanced taste of the island’s natural beauty and local culture, led by guides who are passionate and eager to share. It’s a fantastic value for those who want to see the highlights without missing the authentic charm. Perfect for first-timers and seasoned travelers alike, it’s a memorable way to fall in love with the Azores.

You can check availability for your dates here: