Set out on a captivating journey through São Miguel’s volcanic wonders with the Furnas Wheelchair Accessible Van Tour. This immersive experience whisks visitors away to the enchanting Furnas region, where they’ll uncover a mesmerizing tapestry of geothermal marvels. From the serene Lagoa das Furnas crater lake to the steaming Caldeiras das Furnas, each stop promises to ignite the senses. And the culinary highlights? Prepare to be captivated by the traditional cozido stew, cooked underground and savored amidst the stunning vistas of Pico do Ferro. This tour unveils the Azores’ natural and cultural treasures, inviting you to delve deeper into the island’s captivating allure.
Key Points
- A 7.5-hour small group tour exploring the volcanic landscapes of São Miguel Island, including the Furnas region and its geothermal sites, with hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Visit the serene Lagoa das Furnas crater lake, witness the traditional cozido stew cooked in underground steam vents, and explore the lush Terra Nostra Garden.
- Observe the captivating Caldeiras das Furnas, a series of steaming geothermal vents, and taste the unique cozido stew cooked using geothermal power.
- Enjoy panoramic views of São Miguel Island’s landscapes from Pico do Ferro and stop at a local tea factory to learn about and sample Azorean teas.
- Explore the Santa Iria Viewpoint, offering stunning vistas of the island’s lush hills, deep valleys, and distant azure horizons.
Overview of the Tour
This wheelchair accessible van tour allows travelers to explore the stunning volcanic landscapes of São Miguel Island, the largest in the Azores archipelago, with ease and comfort.
Over 7.5 hours, a small group of up to 8 you will be whisked away to the captivating Furnas region, where they’ll witness the smoking fumaroles and taste the famous cozido stew cooked in the underground volcanic vents.
The tour also includes visits to the lush Terra Nostra Garden and its geothermal pool, as well as panoramic viewpoints that showcase the island’s dramatic beauty.
With hotel pickup and drop-off, plus all entrance fees covered, this tour provides an accessible and immersive experience of São Miguel’s natural wonders.
Visiting Lagoa Das Furnas
The tour begins at the serene Lagoa das Furnas, a breathtaking crater lake nestled in the heart of the volcanic landscape. Travelers will witness the captivating sight of the underground cooking holes, where the traditional cozido stew is prepared, slowly simmering in the natural steam vents that dot the lake’s edge.
| Lagoa das Furnas | Cozido Stew | Underground Cooking Holes | Volcanic Landscape |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serene crater lake | Traditional dish | Natural steam vents | Breathtaking views |
| Captivating sight | Slowly simmers | Dotting the lake’s edge | Nestled in the heart |
| Volcanic activity | Local delicacy | Unique cooking method | Dramatic scenery |
This incredible natural phenomenon provides a mesmerizing glimpse into the island’s geothermal wonders and the rich culinary traditions of the Azores.
Exploring Terra Nostra Garden
Next, visitors explore the enchanting Terra Nostra Garden, a lush botanical oasis brimming with vibrant flora and steaming geothermal pools.
This romantic-style garden transports guests to a serene world, where they can soak in the restorative thermal waters and lose themselves amidst the verdant landscapes.
Winding pathways lead them past colorful flowers, ancient trees, and tranquil waterfalls, creating a sense of wonder and relaxation.
The centerpiece is the inviting geothermal pool, where guests can enjoy the soothing, mineral-rich waters, easing any muscle tension and stress.
Strolling through this verdant paradise, visitors feel transported to a world of natural beauty and rejuvenation.
Observing the Caldeiras Das Furnas
Visitors marvel at the Caldeiras das Furnas, also known as the Fumarolas das Furnas, a series of steaming geothermal vents that continuously emit powerful jets of vapor and sulfurous gases, creating a captivating natural spectacle.
As they approach the site, the air is thick with the pungent smell of rotten eggs, a telltale sign of the volcanic activity beneath the surface.
The ground bubbles and hisses, with plumes of steam billowing upwards, blanketing the surrounding landscape in a mystical, otherworldly atmosphere.
It’s a mesmerizing display of nature’s raw, untamed power, drawing visitors in to witness this remarkable geological phenomenon firsthand.
Tasting the Cozido Stew
After marveling at the captivating geothermal vents, visitors can’t wait to savor the renowned local delicacy – the cozido stew.
This hearty, slow-cooked dish is a true taste of Furnas’ volcanic heritage, simmered to perfection in the steaming underground cooking holes.
As they dig into the tender meats, vegetables, and flavorful broth, guests relish the unique flavors that can only be achieved through this centuries-old, geothermally-powered cooking method.
The aroma alone is enough to tantalize the senses, transporting diners to the heart of the volcanic landscape.
With each bite, the depth of flavor and the comforting warmth of the cozido stew leave a lasting impression, a delicious embodiment of Furnas’ remarkable natural wonders.
Panoramic Views From Pico Do Ferro
From Ponta Delgada: Furnas Wheelchair Accessible Van Tour
Panoramic Views From Pico Do Ferro
With the cozido stew’s hearty flavors still lingering, the tour moves onwards to the Pico do Ferro lookout point, where sweeping vistas of São Miguel Island‘s stunning landscapes unfold before visitors.
From this elevated vantage point, guests are treated to a panoramic perspective of the island’s verdant hills, shimmering lakes, and gently smoking volcanic calderas. The vista is nothing short of mesmerizing, inviting visitors to soak in the natural splendor that defines this captivating Azorean destination.
Snap photos to capture the memories, or simply bask in the breathtaking views – either way, the Pico do Ferro lookout promises an unforgettable highlight of the Furnas day trip.
Stop at the Local Tea Factory
The tour continues with a stop at the Gorrena, a local tea factory where visitors can learn about the intricate process of cultivating and crafting the island’s finest teas.
Guests are welcomed into the charming facility, where the rich aroma of freshly brewed tea fills the air. They’ll witness the skilled tea masters delicately sorting, drying, and blending the fragrant leaves, each step crucial in creating the perfect brew.
Visitors can sample the various tea varieties and even purchase some to take home, a flavorful souvenir from their Azorean adventure. This stop offers a fascinating glimpse into the island’s proud tea-making heritage and the dedication of its artisanal producers.
Visit to the Santa Iria Viewpoint
Next, the tour reaches the scenic Santa Iria viewpoint, where visitors are treated to breathtaking panoramic vistas of São Miguel Island’s lush, verdant landscapes.
From this prime vantage point, they can gaze out over the rolling hills, deep valleys, and distant azure horizons that define the island’s captivating natural beauty.
The viewpoint offers a chance to pause and soak in the splendor of the Azores, with its patchwork of vibrant greens, the occasional burst of colorful wildflowers, and the shimmering ocean in the distance.
It’s a moment to appreciate the island’s majestic splendor and understand why São Miguel is considered one of Portugal’s true natural gems.
Recap
This wheelchair-accessible tour offers an immersive journey through São Miguel’s volcanic wonders.
Guests will witness the bubbling geothermal activity at Furnas, savor the traditional cozido stew, and relish panoramic vistas from Pico do Ferro.
With stops at a local tea factory and the scenic Santa Iria viewpoint, this comprehensive experience showcases the Azores’ natural and culinary treasures, leaving visitors awestruck by the island’s captivating landscapes.
