São Miguel: 2-Day Island Tour, Tea & Pineapple Plantation

Planning to visit the Azores and wondering how to make the most of your limited time? This 2-day guided tour by iGoAzores offers a comprehensive introduction to São Miguel’s best sights, natural wonders, and local flavors. It’s perfect if you want a well-rounded experience without renting a car or losing yourself in endless planning.

What we love about this tour is its balanced mix of scenic viewpoints and cultural stops—from stunning volcanic lakes to tasting traditional treats—making it a fantastic choice for travelers eager to see the island’s highlights. On the flip side, since the tour runs on a tight schedule, those who prefer a more relaxed, leisurely pace might find it a bit rushed. Still, if you’re looking for an engaging, well-organized overview, this trip delivers. It’s especially suited for curious travelers, first-timers, or those short on time but eager to get a real sense of São Miguel’s natural beauty and local life.

Key Points

• Comprehensive two-day experience covering both the east and west sides of São Miguel.
• Expert guides provide engaging storytelling and local insights.
• Inclusion of unique visits such as a 100% natural tea plantation and pineapple plantation.
• Stunning views of volcanic lakes, waterfalls, and ocean panoramas.
• Flexibility to add meals, making it easier to enjoy local cuisine.
• Ideal for travelers who prefer organized tours over self-driving adventures.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the São Miguel 2-Day Tour

This tour, operated by iGoAzores Tours & Activities, combines two full-day excursions into one package, giving you a thorough glimpse of the island. You’ll start each day with a convenient pickup, traveling comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle, led by knowledgeable guides who weave in local stories. The tour’s price of $132 per person offers significant value considering the number of sights covered and the inclusions like tastings and expert commentary.

How the Tour is Structured

You have the flexibility to begin either side first—West or East—depending on your preference or hotel location. Each day is designed to showcase the island’s most iconic landscapes and cultural highlights. The overall experience balances sightseeing, tasting, and educational storytelling.

The West Side: From Pineapples to Lagoa do Fogo

Starting with the West tour, your day begins at a pineapple plantation, where you’ll see how these tropical delights are cultivated in the Azores’ unique climate. The tour then takes you to the “Vista do Rei” viewpoint, perched on the edge of a volcanic crater, offering breathtaking views of the blue and green lakes. This iconic spot is a photographer’s dream and a highlight of the island.

Descending inside the volcano, you’ll visit the “Cerrado das Freiras” viewpoint and explore the charming Sete Cidades parish. Here, you’ll have free time to walk along the lake’s edge, soak in the scenery, or enjoy a buffet lunch if you’ve added the meal option.

The next stops include the Escalvado viewpoint, which provides sweeping ocean vistas overlooking Ponta da Ferraria and the islets of Mosteiros. Later, heading north along the coast, you’ll see the Santa Barbara black sand beach, a rare and striking landscape. The tour continues with a visit to the Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint—”Lagoa do Fogo” means “Lagoon of Fire,” and the sight of this crater lake, set within lush surroundings, is unforgettable. The day wraps up with panoramic views from Pico da Barrosa, overlooking the western part of São Miguel.

From reviews, travelers frequently mention the “amazing views” and appreciate the chance to see multiple viewpoints that best capture the island’s volcanic essence. One noted guide, João, was praised for weaving engaging stories, making the experience both educational and entertaining.

What You’ll Love

The variety of landscapes—from crater lakes to ocean vistas—means you’ll leave with a solid mental map of São Miguel’s volcanic origins. The scenic viewpoints are truly photogenic and give you a sense of the island’s dramatic geology. Plus, seeing a pineapple plantation in full swing offers a glimpse into local agriculture that’s unique to the Azores.

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The East Side: Fumarolas, Tea, and Waterfalls

The East tour begins with a visit to Furnas, a volcanic village famous for its geothermal activity. You’ll stop at “Mouth of the Volcano”, where hot springs and mineral waters bubble away—an impressive display of nature’s heat. Here, you’ll learn how locals cook the famous “Cozido”, a hearty stew slow-cooked underground for hours using volcanic heat. If you’ve added the lunch option, you’ll get to taste this signature dish, which is a culinary adventure in itself.

Next, visit the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park in Nordeste, a lush area filled with waterfalls and old water mills. It’s a spot where nature’s power is on full display, with enormous cascades and verdant surroundings. The park’s well-maintained trails and scenic spots make it an ideal place for brief walks or simply soaking in the lush environment.

A highlight of this side of the island is the tea plantation, where you can enjoy a tea tasting at one of the only two factories in Europe that operates without pesticides or fertilizers—a rarity. The plantation’s valleys and mountains are a stunning backdrop to the process, making it clear how natural and sustainable their approach is.

The tour also takes you past Vila Franca do Campo, the island’s first capital, offering a glimpse into history and local culture.

According to reviews, guides like Maia and Andrea have been praised for their warmth and expertise, making the experience memorable. Many travelers loved the combination of natural beauty and authentic local food.

Why This Side Matters

The geothermal features and the chance to taste furnas stew make this side of the island a cultural and culinary highlight. Walking through waterfalls and lush parks reminds you of the Azores’ wild, untouched landscape.

The Food and Tasting Experience

While lunches are not included by default, you can easily add the “Book Lunch” option during booking, which many travelers find worthwhile. The local cuisine—especially the Cozido—offers a taste of how volcanic heat influences Azorean cooking. The pineapple and tea tastings are also integral parts of the experience, giving you a taste of the island’s agriculture that is both delicious and educational.

Several travelers’ reviews mention the quality of the local food and the kindness of guides who ensure everyone gets the full experience, even if weather or other factors change plans.

Transportation, Group Size, and Value

Transportation is in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, which makes long days easier and more pleasant. The tour is operated in small groups, allowing for a more personalized experience and flexibility with stops if needed—something many reviews appreciate. The price of $132 per person covers two full days, multiple viewpoints, tastings, and expert storytelling, making it a strong value for an immersive island exploration.

Participants are picked up from central locations like Ponta Delgada, Lagoa, and Ribeira Grande, and the tour keeps a good pace, balancing sightseeing with enough time to enjoy each stop.

This tour is ideal if you prefer a structured, guided experience that maximizes your time and covers a wide range of sights. It’s perfect for first-time visitors eager to get a broad overview, nature lovers interested in volcanic landscapes and waterfalls, and foodies wanting a taste of local cuisine.

If you’re not into long bus rides or prefer a leisurely, unstructured day with hikes and free exploration, this might feel somewhat rushed. But for most travelers who want a comprehensive yet manageable overview of São Miguel, it hits the mark.

This 2-day tour offers a well-rounded introduction to São Miguel’s natural beauty, cultural quirks, and local flavors. The combination of scenic viewpoints, volcanic features, and authentic tasting experiences makes it a valuable choice for travelers seeking an organized, engaging way to explore the island.

The guides’ storytelling skills, along with the variety of stops, ensure you’ll leave with not just photos, but meaningful stories and memories. The price is reasonable given the scope, and the added options for meals help deepen your connection to the local culture.

While weather can sometimes impact the experience—as noted by some reviews—most travelers walk away feeling they’ve seen the best São Miguel has to offer, thanks in large part to guides’ flexibility and knowledge.

If you’re looking for a convenient, insightful, and delicious way to explore São Miguel in just two days, this tour is definitely worth considering.

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation is provided in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, with pickup and drop-off in central locations like Ponta Delgada, Lagoa, and Ribeira Grande.

Can I choose which side to start with?
Yes, your first day can be either the West or East tour, depending on your preference or hotel location.

Are meals included?
Lunch is not included by default, but you can add the “Book Lunch” option when booking. The tour includes tastings at plantations, such as pineapple and tea.

What sights are covered during the West side tour?
Highlights include the Vista do Rei viewpoint, Sete Cidades crater lakes, viewpoints overlooking the ocean like Escalvado, and the Lagoa do Fogo. You also visit pineapple plantations and scenic coastal spots.

What can I expect on the East side?
You’ll explore Furnas, see geothermal hot springs and “Mouth of the Volcano”, taste the local Cozido stew, and walk through waterfalls in Ribeira dos Caldeirões. The tea plantation is a key stop.

Is this tour suitable for active travelers?
It’s primarily a sightseeing bus tour with some short walks. If you enjoy hiking or moving at a slower pace, this might feel a bit quick. It’s best for those who prefer a guided overview.

How long are the days?
Each day is a full-day experience, with pickups starting around 9:00 a.m. Expect to be out until late afternoon or early evening, depending on the schedule.

Are guides fluent in English?
Yes, guides speak both English and Portuguese, and reviews praise their storytelling and local knowledge.

What should I bring?
Bring layers for changing weather, especially in high viewpoints, sunscreen, water bottles, and comfortable shoes. The tour provides water and tastings, but extra snacks or personal items are up to you.

In essence, this tour offers a robust, enjoyable way to see São Miguel in a short time, blending natural beauty, local culture, and delicious food—all driven by expert guides eager to share their island.

You can check availability for your dates here: