Full Day: Furnas, Tea Plantations & More With Lunch

Discover the Volcanic Charm of São Miguel on a Full-Day Tour of Furnas and Beyond

This comprehensive tour offers a taste of São Miguel’s most distinctive landscapes and traditions, perfect for travelers wanting an authentic island experience. While we haven’t been on this exact trip ourselves, it’s clear that with a mix of natural beauty, cultural highlights, and authentic cuisine, this tour hits many of the right notes.

What we especially appreciate are the carefully curated stops — from the peaceful Furnas Lake to the unique tea plantations — and the fact that it includes a traditional “Cozido” lunch cooked underground using volcanic heat. One potential consideration is that this is a full day of sightseeing, which might be a long excursion if you prefer more relaxed, less packed days.

This tour suits travelers eager to see natural wonders, learn about local customs, and enjoy some of the best scenery the island has to offer. It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate guided insights and small-group intimacy, ensuring a more personal experience.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Enjoy a traditional “Cozido” meal, slow-cooked underground with volcanic heat—an iconic taste of the Azores.
• Natural Wonders: Explore Furnas Lake, relax in geothermal pools, and see steaming fumaroles up close.
• Unique Attractions: Visit Europe’s only tea plantations, offering scenic views and tea tastings.
• Cultural Insights: Discover charming coastal villages like Vila Franca do Campo and Caloura, rich with history and stunning ocean views.
• Small Group Setting: Limited to only 8 participants for personalized attention and more meaningful encounters.
• Comfort & Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off included, with comfortable transportation and expert guides.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Journey Through São Miguel’s Natural and Cultural Highlights

Starting the Day: From Coastline to Volcanoes

The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel, usually early enough to maximize your day. We love the way the route takes you along the South Coast of São Miguel, where rugged cliffs meet the Atlantic—Caloura’s scenery alone makes you want to keep the camera handy. As you head inland, the landscape shifts to lush greenery, hinting at the volcanic activity that shapes this island.

Arriving at Vila Franca do Campo, we learn it was the island’s first capital, and the views of its tiny islet are striking. The historic streets of Vila Franca are charming, with colorful houses and a relaxed vibe that hints at the local life. This stop offers a perfect blend of history and scenery, giving you a taste of the island’s past amid its natural beauty.

Exploring Furnas: Geothermal Marvels and Steam

The heart of the tour is Furnas, a geothermal area famous for its bubbling fumaroles and volcanic activity. We loved the way the guide explained how these natural features result from the island’s ongoing volcanic activity. Walking among the steaming vents and bubbling ground, you can really appreciate the raw power beneath the surface.

Next, you’ll visit Furnas Lake, a peaceful volcanic crater surrounded by greenery. The calm waters and lush landscape provide fantastic photo opportunities. As one reviewer put it, the lake offers “tranquil views” and is a “natural setting” that’s hard to match.

A highlight here is the chance to relax in thermal pools—a therapeutic experience that leaves you feeling rejuvenated. While the tour doesn’t include the entrance fee to the thermal pools, many travelers find the experience worth the extra cost. The warm waters, heated by volcanic activity, are both fun and soothing, making them a perfect way to unwind after walking among the fumaroles.

The Iconic Cozido: Cooking with Volcanic Heat

No visit to Furnas is complete without trying the “Cozido das Furnas,” a stew slow-cooked underground using volcanic heat. We love how the tour includes this traditional dish, which offers a genuine taste of local culture. The process involves burying a pot of ingredients in the hot earth and letting it cook for several hours—an ancient technique that results in tender, flavorful meat and vegetables.

As one happy reviewer noted, “we indulged in a delicious plate of Cozido, which is slowly cooked in the volcanic soil, such a unique experience.” It’s a hearty, comforting meal, especially after a day of exploring the natural wonders.

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Visiting Europe’s Only Tea Plantations

After lunch, the journey continues north to Europe’s only tea plantations. These lush fields are a striking contrast to the volcanic scenery, offering a peaceful setting to stroll and learn about tea production. The visit includes a complimentary tea tasting, allowing you to sample freshly harvested and processed local teas that are unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere in Europe.

Travelers have praised the tea plantations for their scenic views and the chance to see how Azorean tea is made. The guide’s insights help deepen your appreciation for this unique agricultural feature, which, as one reviewer shared, is “an incredible and scenic experience.”

Wrapping up in Coastal Villages

On the return journey along the North Coast, you’ll pass through charming villages like Caloura and enjoy spectacular ocean views. Caloura’s rugged cliffs and crystal-clear waters make for stunning photo opportunities, and the peaceful ambiance offers a fitting end to a busy day.

The tour concludes with a comfortable drop-off at your accommodation, leaving you with a full day of memorable sights and experiences.

Pricing and Value

At $85 per person, this tour offers solid value considering the inclusion of transportation, a guided experience, the traditional “Cozido” lunch, and the visit to Europe’s only tea plantations. The small group size (limited to 8) enhances the experience, making it easier to ask questions and get personalized attention.

While the entrance fee for thermal pools isn’t included, many travelers find the added cost worth it for the chance to soak in volcanic waters—a true highlight of the island.

This tour provides a well-rounded day that balances scenic beauty, cultural authenticity, and relaxation. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting a comprehensive taste of São Miguel’s natural and cultural highlights without the hassle of organizing multiple visits.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This full-day outing is ideal for travelers who want an authentic, immersive experience. If you’re curious about volcanic activity, enjoy scenic drives, and love tasting local cuisine, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. The small group setting is perfect for those who prefer a more intimate, relaxed tour rather than large bus crowds.

It’s particularly suited for first-time visitors eager to see a wide array of highlights in one day, especially if you enjoy learning from knowledgeable guides who share stories and insights along the way.

However, if you prefer very relaxed, unstructured days or have mobility issues, keep in mind that this tour involves quite a bit of walking and multiple stops.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes transportation in a climate-controlled van, a knowledgeable local guide, hotel pickup and drop-off within designated areas, and a traditional “Cozido” lunch cooked with volcanic heat.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, the entrance fee to the thermal pools in Furnas and Furnas Lake is not included.

How long does the tour last?
The full experience lasts about one day, with specific starting times depending on the schedule.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, small group sizes and gentle natural stops suggest it could be suitable for older children with an interest in nature and culture.

What languages are available for the tour guide?
Guides speak English, Portuguese, and Spanish, making it accessible for diverse travelers.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
This detail isn’t specified, so it’s worth checking directly with the provider if you have mobility concerns.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking, along with a swimsuit if you plan to use thermal pools, and possibly a jacket for cooler weather.

To sum it up, this tour offers a fantastic way to see São Miguel’s highlights in a single day, blending natural wonders, culture, and local cuisine. It’s perfect if you value guided insights, enjoy scenic landscapes, and want to experience the island’s geothermal marvels firsthand. With its small-group approach and thoughtfully curated stops, it promises a memorable slice of Azorean life for curious travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here: