Furnas: the Mystic Tour (Dinner incl. + Hot Springs)

Imagine spending an evening exploring one of the Azores’ most captivating landscapes, with a blend of natural beauty, local cuisine, and pure relaxation. That’s exactly what Furnas: The Mystic Tour offers. This 6-hour journey combines scenic drives, geothermal wonders, a hearty traditional meal, and soothing thermal baths—making for a well-rounded taste of São Miguel’s most enchanting sights.

What we love about this tour is how it manages to balance educational moments with leisure. The knowledgeable guides bring the island’s stories alive, and the combination of sights, smells, and tastes makes it feel genuinely authentic. Plus, the chance to unwind in thermal springs at sunset is a highlight you won’t soon forget. The only caveat? If you’re not a fan of busier, scheduled activities, the fixed timing might feel a bit rushed, especially when fitting in dinner and thermal baths. But overall, this experience is perfect for those who want a comprehensive, immersive taste of Furnas without the hassle of planning.

This tour suits travelers eager to combine nature, culture, and well-being in one package. It’s especially ideal for first-timers wanting a reliable overview of São Miguel’s highlights, or for anyone who appreciates the magic of geothermal activity and hearty local food. If you’re looking for a warm, friendly guide and a bit of everything—this tour is likely to tick many boxes.

Key Points

• Authentic local experience: Enjoy a traditional Furnas stew cooked underground using geothermal heat.
• Beautiful scenery: Scenic drives, Furnas Lagoon, and lush gardens promise fantastic photo opportunities.
• Relaxation and wellness: Soak in thermal springs at Poça da Dona Beija, especially during sunset for a serene vibe.
• Knowledgeable guides: Guides are well-versed in the island’s geography, culture, and geology, enhancing the experience.
• Value for money: The price includes dinner, guide, transportation, and several scenic stops, making it a comprehensive package.
• Flexible options: You can reserve your spot with the option to pay later, adding peace of mind to your planning.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting the Day: Scenic Drives and Coastal Views

Your adventure begins with a pickup from one of three convenient locations—Ribeira Grande, Ponta Delgada, or Lagoa. From there, the journey toward Furnas takes you along the dramatic coastline, offering views of Vila Franca do Campo, a charming islet that’s a favorite for photos and relaxing strolls. Expect about an hour of scenic driving, which sets the tone for the day ahead—laid-back, picturesque, and brimming with the scent of ocean and volcanic earth.

Lagoa das Furnas: A Geothermal Wonderland

Next, you’ll visit the Lagoa das Furnas, a volcanic crater lake that’s famous for its geothermal activity. Here, the landscape is alive with bubbling vents and steaming geysers, creating a mystical atmosphere. The guided walk around the lagoon reveals endemic and invasive flora and fauna, giving you a taste of local biodiversity.

The reviews highlight how much visitors appreciate the guide’s knowledge—”Ivo (of Wildscape Azores) was not only gracious, friendly, and accommodating, but also an encyclopedia of Portuguese history,” one says. When we see the lake and the bubbling springs, it’s easy to understand why this area is so captivating. For many, the highlight is witnessing the geothermal cooking process—the Cozido das Furnas.

The Culinary Marvel: Cozido das Furnas

A culinary highlight of this tour is the chance to sample the famous Furnas stew, cooked underground by heat from the volcanic earth. The process involves locals placing a mix of meats, vegetables, and tubers into large pots, which are then buried in the ground for 6-7 hours. The result is a hearty, flavorful dish that captures the essence of Azorean ingenuity.

You’ll enjoy this meal at a traditional local restaurant, where the experience is complemented by starters, drinks, dessert, and coffee or tea. Vegetarian options are available, and the tour organizers cater to children with prearranged alternatives. The reviews rave about the authenticity and deliciousness of the stew, with one traveler commenting on the “tasty with all drinks included” meal.

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Gardens and Walks: A Short Stroll after Dinner

Post-dinner, you’ll have time for a quick walk through scenic gardens. This is a perfect way to digest and soak in the lush greenery, fragrant flowers, and peaceful atmosphere. It’s a chance to see more of the island’s well-kept natural beauty and perhaps snap a few additional photos.

Evening Soak at Poça da Dona Beija

As dusk falls, it’s time to head to Poça da Dona Beija, one of the Azores’ most renowned thermal baths. Entry is charged separately (around €16-20), and booking in advance is essential. The outdoor pools, heated to about 39°C (102°F), are surrounded by tropical vegetation and filled with mineral-rich waters known for their healing properties.

The experience of soaking in warm waters under the changing light and bird sounds is described by many as a highlight. “Entering the baths at night was amazing,” one review notes. The thermal waters are not only relaxing but also believed to have therapeutic and cosmetic benefits—perfect for unwinding after a day full of sightseeing.

Nighttime Geysers and Boiling Pools

The tour wraps up with a visit to the famous boiling water pools in Furnas. The steam and bubbling waters illuminated by moonlight create a surreal scene. This natural show, complete with gentle hissing and swirling vapors, offers a memorable end to the evening. As one reviewer said, “a smoke and lights show given by nature,” it’s an experience that truly feels like witnessing the earth’s own magic.

Flexibility and Practicalities

The tour’s itinerary is adaptable; dinner and thermal baths timings depend on availability and weather conditions. You’ll be picked up and dropped off at your hotel, with the guide ensuring a smooth, stress-free experience. The group size tends to be small, which enhances the personalized feel, and the vehicle is a comfortable, panoramic 9-seater van.

Pricing and Value

At $103 per person, this tour offers a solid value considering that it includes transportation, a guided tour, dinner, and several scenic stops. The thermal baths are an additional €16-20, which you pay directly, but the overall package covers most key experiences in one day. The reviews suggest that the quality of guides and the authenticity of the food make the price worthwhile.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you appreciate a mix of outdoor adventure, culture, and pure relaxation, this tour is ideal. It suits those who want a seamless, guided experience and enjoy learning from local experts. Food lovers will appreciate the traditional cozido, and relaxation seekers will relish the thermal baths at sunset. It’s also a great option for travelers who prefer to see a lot without the stress of planning each detail.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour offers alternative dishes for children and is generally suitable for families. Please inform the organizers ahead of time about any special needs.

Do I need to book the thermal baths separately?
Yes, entry to Poça da Dona Beija is not included in the base price and must be booked online in advance. It’s recommended to reserve for the 19:00 or 20:30 time slots.

What should I wear for the geothermal walk?
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking, and bring weather-appropriate clothes since it can be cool in the evening.

Can I do this tour if I have health issues?
If you have low blood pressure, circulatory issues, or other health concerns, consult your doctor before entering hot springs, as the thermal waters are quite warm.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers transportation in a panoramic van, a knowledgeable guide, dinner, and a local sweet treat. Entry to thermal baths and extra options are paid separately.

How long is the thermal bath visit?
You will spend approximately 1.5 hours at Poça da Dona Beija, enough to relax and enjoy the hot waters fully.

What are the main stops on this tour?
The tour includes scenic coast drives, Vila Franca do Campo, Lagoa das Furnas, dinner, gardens, thermal baths, and the geothermal boiling pools.

Is the tour available in multiple languages?
Yes, guides speak English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

What if I have to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Final Thoughts

Furnas: The Mystic Tour is a compelling way to discover the Azores’ geothermal and culinary charms in a single afternoon and evening. The combination of scenic drives, authentic food, and soothing thermal baths offers a well-rounded and memorable experience. The knowledgeable guides bring depth and personality to the journey, making it more than just a sightseeing bus ride.

This experience is best for travelers who want a thoughtfully curated taste of São Miguel—those who enjoy learning about local traditions, relaxing in natural hot springs, and soaking in the island’s stunning landscapes. It’s especially perfect if you’re short on time but want to feel the pulse of Furnas and its mystical geothermal energy.

In short, if you’re after an authentic, relaxing, and visually stunning tour that balances nature, culture, and well-being, this is a highly recommended choice. The glowing reviews speak to its quality, and the carefully planned itinerary makes it a dependable highlight of any Azores visit.

You can check availability for your dates here: