Half Day Furnas And Hot Springs

The Half Day Furnas and Hot Springs tour on São Miguel Island, Portugal, offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the island’s captivating geothermal landscapes. Travelers will explore the Furnas crater, witnessing the mesmerizing bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles, before indulging in the rejuvenating hot springs. The experience also includes a fascinating geothermal cooking demonstration, showcasing the traditional Azorean cuisine, and a visit to a local tea factory where guests can savor premium teas. With knowledgeable guides and a small group setting, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure that will leave you eager to uncover more of São Miguel’s natural wonders.

Key Points

• Explore the Furnas crater, a geothermal wonderland on São Miguel Island, featuring bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and hot springs for soaking.
• Witness the unique geothermal cooking method, where local chefs slow-cook traditional dishes by lowering pots into the earth’s heat.
• Visit a local tea factory to learn about the island’s rich tea-making heritage and sample premium Azorean teas.
• Enjoy a small-group tour with a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a personalized and interactive experience.
• Convenient hotel pickup is included for accommodations in or near Ponta Delgada City, with additional fees for pickups beyond 10 km.

Tour Overview

The half-day excursion to Furnas crater on São Miguel Island, Portugal, offers a small group experience with a maximum of 8 travelers.

Guests can choose from morning or afternoon tour options. The tour includes visits to warm thermal waters, geothermal cooking, and a local tea factory.

Travelers will also stop at several scenic lookouts to take in the breathtaking views. Bottled water is provided, and hotel pickup is included for accommodations in or near Ponta Delgada City, with additional fees for pickups beyond 10 km (€20) and 25 km (€40).

Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

Inclusions and Pickup

As part of the tour, bottled water is provided to participants.

The tour also includes hotel pickup for accommodations in or near Ponta Delgada City. However, there are additional fees for pickups over 10 km (€20) and 25 km (€40).

Confirmation for the tour is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

• Bottled water provided
• Hotel pickup included for accommodations in or near Ponta Delgada City
• Additional fees for pickups over 10 km (€20) and 25 km (€40)

Accessibility and Participation

The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but it is stroller accessible. Service animals are allowed to accompany travelers. Most travelers can participate in the excursion, though individuals with mobility issues may find certain activities challenging. The following table outlines the accessibility details:

Accessibility	Status
Wheelchair	Not accessible
Stroller	Accessible
Service Animals	Allowed
Participation	Most travelers can participate

While the tour may not be suitable for everyone, the majority of visitors can enjoy the Furnas crater and hot springs experience.

Positive Reviews

Travelers have praised the tour’s engaging and knowledgeable guide, Samuel Rego, in their overwhelmingly positive reviews. The five-star rating is a testament to the tour’s ability to deliver an exceptional experience for all ages:

• Reviewers highlight the guide’s passion for sharing the island’s fascinating geothermal history and culture, making the tour both fun and educational.

• Many appreciate how the small group size allows for a more personalized and interactive experience, with ample opportunities to ask questions and get insider tips.

• Guests also commend the tour’s well-organized itinerary, which seamlessly blends visits to natural wonders, local businesses, and scenic viewpoints.

Booking Information

Booking the "Half Day Furnas And Hot Springs" tour is easy and flexible. It starts at just $43.94, with a lowest price guarantee.

Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later, providing more flexibility. Plus, if plans change, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

The tour provides a small group setting, with a max of 8 travelers, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience.

With morning and afternoon options available, visitors can choose a time that fits their schedule best.

Exploring Furnas Crater

Trekking down into the Furnas crater, visitors enjoy the mesmerizing geothermal landscape of São Miguel Island.

This half-day excursion showcases the volcanic wonders of the region, including:

• Bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles that dot the crater’s surface, testament to the island’s fiery origins.
• Visits to the nearby hot springs, where travelers can soak in the naturally heated mineral-rich waters.
• Witnessing the unique geothermal cooking method, where meals are prepared by lowering pots into the earth’s heat.

These captivating sights and experiences provide an unforgettable window into the dynamic geological processes shaping this enchanting corner of Portugal.

Geothermal Cooking Experience

After witnessing the bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles in Furnas crater, visitors get to experience the unique geothermal cooking method found in this part of São Miguel Island.

Deep underground, the earth’s heat is harnessed to slow-cook various meat, vegetable, and bread dishes known as "cozido das Furnas".

Travelers can watch as local chefs carefully lower the heavy pots into the steaming ground, which acts as a natural oven.

After several hours, the piping hot, savory meal is retrieved, perfectly cooked by the geothermal energy.

This traditional cooking technique is a highlight of the Furnas tour, offering a delicious taste of Azorean culture and cuisine.

Local Tea Factory Visit

Following the visit to the geothermal cooking demonstration, the tour continues to a local tea factory on São Miguel Island.

At the factory, visitors can:

• Learn about the island’s unique tea production and processing methods
• Sample a variety of premium Azorean teas, including black, green, and herbal blends
• Explore the tea plantation and witness the hands-on harvesting and drying techniques

The knowledgeable tour guide provides insight into the region’s rich tea-making heritage and the meticulous care taken to craft these distinctive island-grown teas.

This stop offers a delightful sensory experience, allowing participants to deepen their appreciation for São Miguel’s vibrant cultural and culinary traditions.

Since You Asked

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour allows guests to bring their own food and drinks. However, bottled water is provided, and there are opportunities to visit a tea factory and enjoy geothermal cooking during the excursion.

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Excursion?

The tour involves moderate walking during the excursion. Visitors can expect to walk around the Furnas crater, thermal areas, and tea factory. The terrain is mostly paved, with some uneven ground. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Do We Get Free Time to Explore Furnas on Our Own?

The tour provides some free time for travelers to explore Furnas on their own. Guests can wander the charming town, visit the warm thermal waters, and discover local shops and eateries at their leisure during the half-day excursion.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Take This Tour?

The best time of year to take this tour is during the spring or fall months. The mild weather makes it ideal for exploring the Furnas crater and enjoying the scenic views. Crowds are also smaller during these shoulder seasons.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Tea Factory?

Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs at the tea factory during the Furnas crater tour. The factory offers a variety of local teas, tea-related products, and other mementos for travelers to bring home as keepsakes from their experience.

The Sum Up

The Half Day Furnas and Hot Springs tour offers an immersive experience exploring São Miguel Island’s geothermal wonders. Travelers will marvel at the Furnas crater’s bubbling mud pots, indulge in a geothermal cooking demonstration, and savor premium teas at a local factory. With knowledgeable guides and a small group setting, this excursion promises an unforgettable adventure amidst the island’s stunning natural beauty.