Exploring the natural wonders of São Miguel island in the Azores can be a captivating experience. Visitors will have the chance to enjoy the island’s diverse landscapes, from vibrant pineapple plantations to the only commercial tea plantation in Europe. Along the way, they’ll witness the breathtaking beauty of volcanic hot springs, cascading waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints that showcase the island’s unique geological features. Whether it’s indulging in unlimited tea tastings or witnessing the power of Furnas’ fumaroles, this comprehensive tour promises to leave a lasting impression on anyone seeking to discover the Azores’ hidden gems.
Key Points
- The tour includes visiting a pineapple plantation to learn about the island’s pineapple production.
- Visitors can explore the only European Tea Plantation and enjoy unlimited tea tasting.
- The tour showcases the scenic Vila Franca village and islet view.
- Travelers can witness the fumaroles and explore the Pico do Ferro viewpoint in the Furnas region.
- The tour provides breathtaking viewpoints showcasing the island’s natural beauty.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Tour Details
This all-day private guided tour of São Miguel island offers visitors the opportunity to explore a diverse range of natural and cultural attractions throughout the day.
Priced at $466.14 per group of up to 3 people, the tour lasts for 6 hours and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a local guide, and entrance fees to the pineapple and tea plantations.
Guests can look forward to unlimited tea tasting at the European Tea Plantation, the only one of its kind in Europe.
Plus, the tour includes visits to the Furnas hot springs area, the Ribeira Caldeirões waterfall, and various scenic viewpoints around the island.
Highlights
The tour takes visitors on a journey through São Miguel island’s diverse natural and cultural attractions, starting with a visit to a pineapple plantation where guests can learn about the island’s pineapple production.
Next, the tour explores the only European Tea Plantation, offering an opportunity to experience tranquility and indulge in unlimited tea tasting.
In the scenic Vila Franca village, visitors can admire the islet view and savor traditional pastries.
The highlight of the tour is the Furnas region, where guests can witness the fumaroles, explore the Pico do Ferro viewpoint, and taste the famous Cozido dish cooked using volcanic soil.
Throughout the day, visitors will encounter various breathtaking viewpoints showcasing the island’s natural beauty.
Inclusions
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a local guide, and entry to the pineapple and tea plantations. Visitors also receive unlimited tea tasting at the tea plantation, with an optional lunch available.
The inclusions of this tour offer a well-rounded experience:
| Inclusion | Description |
|---|---|
| Hotel Pickup & Drop-off | Convenient transportation to and from your hotel |
| Local Guide | A knowledgeable guide to provide insights throughout the tour |
| Pineapple Plantation Entry | Access to witness pineapple production |
| Tea Plantation Entry | Opportunity to explore the only European tea plantation |
| Unlimited Tea Tasting | Sample a variety of teas grown on-site |
| Optional Lunch | An additional meal for those who choose to include it |
These inclusions ensure a seamless and enriching tour of São Miguel island.
Activities
Along With the included sights, this tour offers a variety of engaging activities that allow visitors to fully enjoy the island’s culture and natural wonders.
Guests can learn about the unique process of pineapple production at a local plantation. They’ll also have the chance to experience the tranquility of the island’s stunning viewpoints, which offer breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscapes.
For a true taste of local flavor, visitors can indulge in traditional pastries from Vila Franca and sample the famous Cozido dish, cooked using the island’s volcanic soil.
Pineapple Plantation
Visitors on the tour can learn about the island’s unique pineapple production process at a local plantation. The tour guide will explain how São Miguel’s ideal climate and volcanic soil create the perfect conditions for growing exceptional pineapples.
Guests can observe the different stages of the pineapple lifecycle, from planting to harvesting. They’ll learn how the fruits are carefully cultivated and packaged for shipment around the world.
The guide will also discuss the economic importance of the pineapple industry to the Azores. Guests can take in the lush greenery of the plantation and appreciate the hard work that goes into producing this tropical delight.
This hands-on experience allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of São Miguel’s agricultural heritage.
Tea Plantation
After exploring the island’s renowned pineapple production, the tour continues to the only tea plantation in Europe, situated on São Miguel.
Guests can learn about the unique history and cultivation process of this distinctive crop, which thrives in the Azores’ temperate climate. The guide will provide insights into how the cool, humid conditions and volcanic soil create the ideal environment for growing high-quality tea leaves.
Visitors can look forward to:
- Discovering the story behind the plantation’s hotel
- Exploring the tea fields and learning about harvesting techniques
- Observing the intricate processing steps, from withering to drying
- Indulging in unlimited tea tastings to appreciate the diverse flavors
- Learning about the health benefits and cultural significance of Azorean tea
Vila Franca Islet
The enchanting Vila Franca village offers a captivating view of the volcanic Islet located just offshore.
This small, crescent-shaped island is a natural wonder, formed from the remains of an ancient volcanic crater. Visitors can take a boat ride to explore the Islet, which is home to a variety of marine life and lush vegetation.
The scenic overlook provides an excellent vantage point to admire the Islet’s striking cliffs and crystal-clear waters. Travelers can also indulge in traditional pastries, known as queijadas, which are a specialty of the Vila Franca region.
The Islet’s tranquil atmosphere and unique geological features make it a must-see destination for those exploring the beauty of São Miguel island.
Furnas Hot Springs
One of the highlights of the tour is the Furnas hot springs area, where visitors can witness the dramatic fumaroles and explore the Pico do Ferro viewpoint. These natural hot springs, formed by the island’s volcanic activity, offer a unique opportunity to experience the geothermal wonders of São Miguel.
The tour allows guests to:
- Gaze upon the steaming hot springs and bubbling mud pools
- Discover the Furnas village, known for its iconic cozido dish cooked using the volcanic soil
- Hike to the Pico do Ferro viewpoint for panoramic vistas of the Furnas crater and lake
- Indulge in traditional pastries, like the famous queijadas, from the nearby Vila Franca
- Soak in the restorative thermal waters, which are believed to have therapeutic properties.
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
- Full-Day 4×4 Nordeste Azores Tour From Ponta Delgada
- Ponta Delgada: Portugal/Europe Esim Roaming Mobile Data Plan
- Ponta Delgada Full Day Sailing Tour With Snacks
- Private Tour of Furnas Valley, Gorreana Tea – Island Gems
- Shore Excursions to Volcano Crater and Lake of Sete Cidades
- São Miguel: Full-Day Nordeste & Waterfall Tour With Lunch
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Get to the Starting Point of the Tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, so the guide will collect you from your accommodation at the start of the tour. This makes getting to the starting point easy and hassle-free.
What Should I Bring With Me for the Tour?
For this private guided tour, the traveler should bring comfortable walking shoes, a camera to capture the scenic viewpoints, sun protection, and a light jacket in case of cooler temperatures. Plus, they may want to bring a reusable water bottle.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour has no age restrictions. Children of all ages can participate. However, some activities may not be suitable for very young children. It’s recommended to check with the tour operator if you have any specific concerns about your family’s needs.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?
Yes, the tour can be customized to the traveler’s preferences. The private guided tour allows for flexibility in the itinerary, so guests can focus on the sights and activities that most interest them.
Is There an Option to Have a Private Driver Instead of a Guided Tour?
Yes, there is an option for a private driver instead of a guided tour. The tour provider offers a private transportation service that allows you to explore São Miguel island at your own pace without a guide.
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Recap
This comprehensive tour of São Miguel island in the Azores offers visitors an opportunity to explore the island’s diverse natural wonders.
Travelers can learn about pineapple production, indulge in tea tastings, and witness the breathtaking landscapes that showcase São Miguel’s natural beauty.
With visits to a pineapple plantation, tea plantation, scenic viewpoints, and the Furnas region, this tour provides a well-rounded experience of the island’s unique attractions.
