Full day Furnas | Hotsprings | Thermal Baths | Tea Factory

Exploring the Azores often means stepping into a landscape shaped by active volcanoes—nothing quite compares to the experience of visiting Furnas on São Miguel Island. This tour offers a comprehensive day packed with natural thermal waters, volcanic scenery, and a peek into the island’s famous tea production. It’s perfect for travelers who want a taste of both nature and culture in a manageable, guided outing.

Two features really shine here: the chance to see fumaroles and bubbling thermal pools up close and the visit to the only tea plantation in Europe, which provides a unique insight into local agriculture. On the flip side, some visitors have expressed disappointment about limited access to certain attractions, like the hot springs and tea factory tours. So if you love authentic, natural experiences and are flexible about how much time you spend at each site, this could be a great fit.

This tour suits those looking for a balanced, guided day through São Miguel’s volcanic heart. Adventure seekers, casual sightseers, or culture enthusiasts will find something to enjoy, especially given the diverse stops that combine natural beauty with local craftsmanship. Just be aware of the group size and whether you’re comfortable with some restrictions on access.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Day: Covers key volcanic sites, viewpoints, and cultural highlights in about 7.5 hours.
• Natural Thermal Experience: Includes visits to Furnas hot springs and the Terra Nostra botanical park.
• Cultural Insight: Visit Europe’s only tea plantation, along with a pastry stop in Vila Franca do Campo.
• Guided Convenience: Offers expert guidance, transportation, and a shared meal, providing good value.
• Limitations Noted: Some guests were disappointed about not being able to enter hot springs or tour the tea factory.
• Stunning Views: Key stops like Pico do Ferro provide panoramic views of the volcano, making for memorable photo moments.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Volcanic Heart of São Miguel

This tour provides a genuine look at São Miguel’s geothermal landscape. We loved the way the guide takes you through the bubbling fumaroles in Furnas, where the earthy smell of sulfur fills the air and tiny streams of sparkling spring water tempt the brave to taste. It’s a raw, natural experience that feels authentic—not just a tourist photo op.

The highlight for many is Pico do Ferro, which offers a sweeping view over the volcanic caldera. This spot is perfect for snapping photos and appreciating the island’s rugged geology. The scenery here is dramatic—the kind that makes you think about the raw power of the earth beneath your feet.

The tour also stops at Caldeiras, where you can observe the geothermal activity up close, and learn about the geothermal energy that powers much of the island. These stops are brief but give a visceral sense of the volcanic forces shaping São Miguel.

Thermal Baths and Botanical Gardens

A visit to Terra Nostra Park is a relaxing contrast to the volcanic drama. The gardens are beautifully maintained, showcasing the lush flora introduced over centuries. The thermal pool, heated naturally from beneath, offers a warm soak—though note that entrance costs €16 per person, so plan to budget for that if you want to relax here.

Guests often remark on the garden’s charm and the chance to unwind amid exotic plants. However, some travelers find that the thermal baths are not included in the tour price, which can be a downside if you’re expecting an all-included experience.

The Unique Tea Plantation

No visit to São Miguel is complete without experiencing its tea production, and this tour includes time at the Gorreana Tea Factory, Europe’s only remaining tea plantation. Visitors can walk around the plantation, learn about the tea-making process from the guided tour, and enjoy a warm cup of tea with scenic views.

A few reviews mention that the factory tour isn’t always as comprehensive as some might hope—some felt it was more of a quick visit than an in-depth explanation. Still, the chance to taste fresh tea and stroll through the plantation is a highlight, particularly for those interested in local industry.

The Itinerary in Detail

The day begins at ANC Azores Holidays, where the group gathers, and then heads out for a scenic drive across the island’s east side. The first stop is at Queijadas do Morgado, a pastry shop famous for local sweet treats—perfect for a quick photo and taste.

Next, you’ll visit Vila Franca do Campo, a charming seaside town with a rich history and scenic harbor views. Here, a short stop allows for photos and a quick look around before heading into the volcanic zone.

The Furnas area is the core of the trip, where fumaroles and boiling springs create a landscape reminiscent of another planet. You’ll spend about an hour here, exploring the bubbling calderas and smelling the sulfur-rich air. Be prepared for some lovely, earthy smells that are part of the charm.

From Furnas, the tour moves to Caldeiras for a guided visit, then to Pico do Ferro for breathtaking vistas.

In the afternoon, the group heads to Gorreana Tea Factory for a 30-minute visit, where you can see the tea fields and learn about the plant’s growth and processing.

The day wraps up with some free time at Vila Franca do Campo and the pastry factory before heading back to the starting point.

More Great Tours Nearby

Transportation and Group Size

The tour is conducted in a comfortable van or minibus, depending on the group size. For groups of 8 or fewer, a 9-seat van is used; for larger groups, a minibus with 10–22 seats. This setup helps keep the experience intimate and manageable.

Traveling in a guided group means you don’t have to worry about navigation or logistics, but it also means shared space with other travelers. The total duration of 7.5 hours makes it a full but manageable day for most.

Price and Value

At $80 per person, this tour offers a solid mix of natural sights, cultural stops, and scenic views. The price includes guide, fuel, and a provided lunch, making it fairly good value considering the comprehensive itinerary. However, it excludes entrance fees like Terra Nostra’s thermal baths, which are an additional expense.

Many travelers find that the price is justified by the convenience of guided transport and expert commentary. Still, be mindful of the fact that some attractions, like the hot springs and tea factory, may not be visited in depth or might have limited access.

What Reviewers Say

The overall rating of 3.7 from six reviews indicates a mixed experience. Several guests praised the driver, Joao, for his friendly attitude and knowledge, describing him as the “best thing about the trip.” On the other hand, some noted disappointment: “The worst thing was that we couldn’t go into the hot springs and at the tea plantation they didn’t give us a tour of the factory or the plantations,” highlighting potential limitations or restrictions.

Other reviewers appreciated the stunning views at Pico do Ferro and the opportunity to see geothermal activity firsthand. A few mentioned that the thermal baths weren’t included in the price or that the tour felt rushed at times.

Final Thoughts

This tour is a good choice for travelers who want a balanced introduction to São Miguel’s volcanic landscape, geothermal activity, and local culture. It offers enough flexibility and variety to keep most visitors engaged without feeling overloaded. If you’re interested in seeing fumaroles, bubbling springs, and enjoying scenic views—including the island’s only tea plantation—this trip delivers.

However, if you’re seeking in-depth tours of the hot springs or more comprehensive visits to the tea factory, you might find some limitations here. It’s also worth noting that entrance fees are not included, so budget accordingly if you want to relax in the thermal baths or explore further.

This tour provides value and authentic sights, especially suited for those who enjoy a guided, scenic, and varied day trip. It’s best for travelers who appreciate natural beauty, don’t mind some restrictions, and want a straightforward way to see São Miguel’s volcanic core.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
While generally suitable, it’s not recommended for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues, given the nature of some stops and terrain.

How long is the tour?
The full day lasts approximately 7.5 hours, including travel time, sightseeing, and breaks.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour provides a lunch, which is included in the price. However, entrance fees to attractions like Terra Nostra are extra.

Can I visit the hot springs in Terra Nostra?
Yes, but you need to bring your own bathing suit and towel. Access to the thermal baths costs about €16 per person and is not included in the tour price.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is offered in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, with a live guide.

Is there a refund policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

To sum it up, this full-day tour offers a well-rounded look at São Miguel’s volcanic and cultural highlights. It’s especially great for those who want to see geothermal activity, enjoy scenic viewpoints, and experience the island’s unique tea traditions without spending a fortune on private tours or numerous entrance fees. Just go with an open mind about access limitations and be ready for a day packed with natural beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: