Van Tour Furnas (Full Day)

Anyone visiting São Miguel Island in the Azores should consider a well-structured day trip to Furnas. This 7.5-hour tour covers a lot of ground — from tasting the island’s famous cozido stew cooked underground, to wandering through lush gardens and enjoying panoramic views. It’s offered by Azores For All and is fully wheelchair accessible, making it a considerate option for travelers with mobility concerns.

We appreciate that this tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as a guide/driver who keeps things running smoothly. It’s a busy itinerary, but well-balanced, blending natural beauty, local flavors, and cultural insights. Two aspects stand out: the chance to walk through the Terra Nostra Garden, renowned for its geothermal pools and exotic plant collection, and the opportunity to see Fumarolas das Furnas, with their bubbling springs and volcanic gases.

However, since the tour takes place rain or shine, you might want to pack appropriate clothing. Also, because it’s a full day, those with limited stamina or tight schedules might find it a bit exhausting. This experience suits travelers eager for a comprehensive, authentic taste of São Miguel’s volcanic and botanical riches, especially those who appreciate a focus on local cuisine and scenic viewpoints.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Full-Day Experience: Covers major highlights of Furnas, including gardens, lakes, and hot springs.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: Fully accessible van ensures everyone can enjoy the scenery and stops.
• Cultural & Natural Balance: Combines sightseeing, local food tasting, and botanical exploration.
• Expert Guide & Logistics: Includes hotel pickup/drop-off, entrances, and a friendly guide.
• Weather Preparedness: Rain or shine, the tour operates, so plan for varied weather.
• Value for Money: All entrance fees and lunch included, offering a convenient, all-in-one experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring São Miguel with a Focus on Furnas

The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel in Ponta Delgada. From there, we head eastward, with the first major stop at Lagoa das Furnas — a volcanic crater lake famous for its bubbling geothermal activity. Walking around this area, you’ll see the underground cozido cooking pits, where local chefs cook a stew buried in the earth for several hours. It’s fun to watch, especially knowing that the heat from volcanic gases stews the ingredients slowly, creating a distinct flavor.

One traveler noted, “Seeing the underground cooking was fascinating. It’s such a unique way to prepare food, and the stew was delicious.” This stop offers a genuine taste of local life and culinary tradition. You’ll also get a close look at the lakeside fumarolas, with their sulfurous vapors, which give off a strong smell but are an essential part of the island’s volcanic landscape.

Next, the journey takes you to the Terra Nostra Garden, a lush, romantic botanical garden that’s a highlight for many visitors. Built in the 18th and 19th centuries, this garden is packed with exotic plants and offers the chance to enjoy the warm, mineral-rich geothermal pool. It’s the perfect spot to relax and take in the beauty of the island’s flora. Several reviews praise the garden’s beauty, with one mentioning, “The garden was like stepping into another world, full of vibrant colors and fragrant flowers. The geothermal pool was a bonus.”

Following the garden, you’ll visit the Caldeiras das Furnas, or Fumarolas, where vapors and gases escape from the earth with a sulfur smell that’s quite unmistakable. These springs are a vivid reminder of São Miguel’s volcanic activity and add an element of awe to the landscape. Some travelers mention the smell as a minor drawback, but most find it part of the experience rather than a problem.

The tour then ascends to Pico do Ferro, the viewpoint offering sweeping vistas of the island’s rugged terrain and lush valleys. From here, you’ll grasp the scale and volcanic nature of São Miguel, with panoramic views that are well worth the short hike or drive.

Before returning to Ponta Delgada, the trip makes a stop at the Gorrena Tea Factory, the oldest tea plantation in Europe. Here, you can learn about the history of tea cultivation on the island and taste fresh Azorean tea — a unique experience since commercial tea is more associated with Asia. The visit is educational and adds a different flavor to the day, literally and figuratively.

Finally, the tour wraps up with a stop at Santa Iria Viewpoint, providing a final picture-perfect moment of the island’s diverse landscape. Throughout the day, the guide is attentive and informative, enriching the experience with local insights.

The Value of the Tour

Priced to include hotel transportation, all entrance fees, a traditional lunch, and guide services, this tour offers good value for those looking for a hassle-free, comprehensive day out. The convenience of a single booking that covers transportation, entry, and meal makes it appealing, especially for first-time visitors who want to maximize their time.

While you might find some stops a bit brisk — with tight schedules that leave little room for lingering — the itinerary is designed to give you a broad overview of São Miguel’s volcanic and botanical wonders. The inclusion of accessible transportation removes a common barrier, making this a welcoming choice for a diverse group of travelers.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour Most?

This full-day Furnas tour is ideal for travelers who want a curated, all-in-one experience without the hassle of planning multiple visits. It’s perfect if you’re interested in botanical gardens, geothermal activity, and local cuisine. Those who appreciate scenic outlooks, cultural insights, and a taste of the island’s culinary traditions will find it especially rewarding.

If you’re traveling with someone who has mobility challenges, the wheelchair accessibility makes it a considerate choice. However, be prepared for some walking at the viewpoints and gardens, which are generally manageable but worth noting for those with specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility challenges?
Yes, the van is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for travelers with mobility concerns, though some walking may be involved at stops like viewpoints and gardens.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entrances to all mentioned sites, a traditional lunch, and guide/driver services. Insurance is also covered.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?
Yes, it takes place rain or shine, so it’s wise to carry appropriate rain gear or warm clothing, depending on the forecast.

How long is the tour?
The full experience lasts approximately 7.5 hours, with start times available depending on availability. Check with your booking for specific schedules.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility for changes.

Is the food included local and authentic?
Yes, you’ll taste the famous cozido stew, cooked underground using volcanic heat, providing an authentic taste of island tradition.

This Van Tour Furnas offers a balanced look at São Miguel’s volcanic landscapes, lush gardens, and local flavors. It’s a smart choice for travelers seeking a comprehensive, accessible day trip with a knowledgeable guide. The inclusion of cultural sights, natural beauty, and a hearty local meal makes it a solid value, especially for first-time visitors wanting to see the highlights without the hassle of self-planning.

While it’s a full day with some early starts and busy schedules, the experience rewards you with memorable views and authentic tastes. Whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie, or someone eager to learn about the island’s volcanic heritage, this tour covers many bases in one convenient package. It’s best suited for curious travelers who want to soak in the essence of Furnas and São Miguel in a comfortable, organized manner.

Discover the volcanic beauty, lush gardens, and culinary traditions of São Miguel with this full-day, accessible adventure — a practical way to see the island’s highlights.

You can check availability for your dates here: