Full Day Furnas, Volcano stew and hot springs

This full-day tour from Ponta Delgada offers a well-rounded look at Furnas, one of the Azores’ most captivating regions. For around $80, you’ll spend roughly eight hours exploring volcanic landscapes, soaking in thermal pools, and sampling local flavors — all in a small-group setting that keeps things intimate and flexible. Guided by knowledgeable hosts, this tour balances natural beauty with a taste of Azorean tradition, making it an excellent choice for travelers wanting a deeper connection to the island’s geothermal soul.

What stands out for me are the hot springs at Parque Terra Nostra, where you can relax in warm, mineral-rich waters amid lush gardens, and the chance to see the “cozido” being cooked underground at Caldeira das Furnas — an authentic, eye-opening process that ties natural forces to local cuisine. Plus, tasting Azorean tea at Gorreana adds a flavorful, cultural twist to the day. My only caution would be that the tour moves at a comfortable pace, so if you’re seeking a very leisurely, spontaneous adventure, be prepared for a full itinerary.

This tour offers a good balance of scenic viewpoints, geothermal wonders, and local flavors, with guides who know the area inside out. The small group size—limited to just eight travelers—means you get personal attention, and the variety of stops keeps the day engaging without feeling rushed.

Key Points

• Authentic experiences like seeing volcanic stew cooked underground and tasting Azorean tea.
• Small group size allows for more personalized attention and flexibility.
• Wide-ranging stops cover viewpoints, botanical gardens, geothermal activity, and cultural sites.
• Well-structured itinerary balances activity with relaxation, ideal for curious travelers.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with local insights and friendly service.
• Great value for a full day of diverse, memorable sights for around $80 per person.

Exploring the Magic of Furnas: A Complete Guide

If you’re heading to the Azores, a visit to Furnas is practically mandatory. It’s the part of São Miguel that’s alive with volcanic energy—steam rising from fumaroles, bubbling hot springs, lush gardens, and stories of fire deep beneath the earth’s surface. This tour, offered by Green Corner Tours, is specifically designed to capture that magic while making it easy and enjoyable for travelers without having to plan every detail yourself.

How the Day Begins: A Scenic Drive and Viewpoint

The tour kicks off with a pickup from your hotel in Ponta Delgada at 9:00 am, which immediately saves you the hassle of organizing transportation. As you head along the island’s south coast, your guide—likely Samuel Rego, based on glowing reviews—shares tidbits about the landscape while stopping at Santa Iria viewpoint. Here, you’ll get a quick but stunning vista of the north coast, offering a panoramic glance at the island’s rugged beauty.

The drive itself is pretty scenic, and the viewpoints along the way help set the tone—lush, green hills meeting the Atlantic, with farmhouses and vineyards dotting the landscape. It’s worth noting that the stops are timed to keep things moving without rushing, so you’ll have time to snap photos or soak in the views.

Thermal Pools and Botanical Gardens

Next, you visit Parque Terra Nostra, a highlight for many. The thermal pools here are legendary—warm, mineral-rich waters perfect for relaxing after a morning of sightseeing. The garden surrounding the pools dates back to the 18th century, packed with exotic plants and shaded pathways. Though the admission isn’t included and costs extra, soaking in the hot springs here is often described as a soothing balm after a morning’s exploration.

One seasoned reviewer called this the “best thermal pools” they’d ever experienced, praising the natural warmth and peaceful atmosphere. If you’re prone to cold feet or need some downtime, this spot is a real treat—and an opportunity to enjoy the healing properties of volcanic waters.

Witness the “Cozido” Cooking Process

No visit to Furnas is complete without seeing Caldeira das Furnas, where volcanic activity is visible in the form of fumaroles and bubbling earth. It’s here that the local “cozido”—a hearty stew—is traditionally cooked underground using the geothermal heat. You’ll see the pots placed in the ground, slowly cooking for hours beneath the earth’s surface, which lends the dish a unique flavor profile.

The magic of this process isn’t just for show; it’s a reminder of how the land and its geothermal power are harnessed in daily life. Travelers often find this to be a fascinating, almost surreal experience. A bonus here is the tasting of local liqueurs, which many guides include to showcase Azorean hospitality.

Religious and Scenic Stops

The tour also includes visits to the quaint Nossa Senhora da Paz chapel, perched on a hill with sweeping views of Vila Franca do Campo, and the Gothic-style Capela de Nossa Senhora das Vitorias. These sites offer tranquil moments and lovely vistas, making for nice photo stops and reflections.

In addition, the Miradouro Pico do Ferro viewpoint provides a breathtaking view of the Furnas lagoon’s crater, perfect for panoramic photos and appreciating the volcanic landscape from above. These scenic stops are appreciated by guests who want a wide-angle sense of the island’s geology and beauty.

Gorreana Tea Plantation and Final Notes

The last stop is at Gorreana, one of the few remaining European tea plantations still producing tea. Here, you’ll learn about the history of tea cultivation on the island and, best of all, taste some fresh leaves. It’s a great way to end the day on a flavorful note and see a less-common side of the Azores’ agricultural life.

What the Reviews Say

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, especially Samuel Rego, for providing a blend of information and flexibility. “He kept us on time and allowed us to explore at our own pace,” one reviewer said, which is a plus in small-group tours. The scenic views and thermal pools get frequent mentions as highlights, with many noting that they felt truly relaxed after a day full of activity.

As Helena_W remarked, “I strongly recommend booking this trip. You’ll see a lot of amazing places, relax in beautiful thermals, taste local food and drinks.” Meanwhile, Y8692YXallanh called it “one of the most informative days” they’d had, appreciating the balance of sightseeing and personalized attention.

Practical Considerations and Value

The tour costs about $80.67 per person, which is quite reasonable considering the variety of stops, the inclusion of transportation, and the experience of visiting several key sites in just one day. The small-group format enhances the experience, allowing you to ask questions and customize the stops slightly if needed.

While the itinerary is packed, it’s designed to minimize long bus rides with short walks at each stop. The flexible schedule means you can spend a bit more time at the thermal pools or scenic viewpoints if desired. The tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of natural beauty, local culture, and good company, especially those who appreciate a guided experience that balances information with leisure.

One consideration: the weather can impact the day. Since part of the tour involves outdoor stops and thermal pools, poor weather might necessitate rescheduling or a partial cancellation, but the provider offers full refunds if that happens.

Who Is This Tour Ideal For?

This full-day tour is perfect for curious travelers eager to see a range of Furnas’ natural and cultural highlights without the hassle of planning each stop. If you enjoy thermal baths, volcanic landscapes, and authentic local cuisine, this is a fantastic choice. It’s also well-suited for those who prefer a small-group setting that allows for more personal interaction and flexibility.

Families, couples, and solo travelers alike will find this experience rewarding, especially if they want to understand how volcanic activity influences daily life on São Miguel. The price reflects good value for such a comprehensive, well-organized look at Furnas’ most iconic sights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s included in the tour?
The tour covers transportation, guide services, and several scenic and cultural stops around Furnas. But keep in mind that entrance fees to Parque Terra Nostra and other sites are not included.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking and warm layers for thermal pools. Since some stops involve standing near fumaroles or on viewpoints, a jacket and sturdy shoes are advisable.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and children who enjoy outdoor activities and thermal baths should have a good time. Just check with the tour provider if you have specific concerns.

How long is the drive?
The drive from Ponta Delgada to Furnas generally takes about an hour, with brief stops along the way for viewpoints.

Can I skip any stops?
The tour is designed to be flexible, especially with a small group, so you may be able to spend more or less time at certain sites if you notify your guide.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes, it’s suitable for families, especially those interested in geology, nature, and local food. Keep in mind the physical activity involved at some stops.

What’s the best time of year to take this tour?
Anytime during the warm months, but check weather forecasts. The tour does require good weather, and significant rain or fog could reduce visibility or affect outdoor activities.

This Furnas tour blends natural wonder with cultural charm—loaded with scenic views, geothermal experiences, and delicious local flavors. For travelers who love authentic, hands-on encounters with the land, it offers a memorable slice of Azorean life. If you’re after a day packed with engaging sights and a touch of volcanic magic, this is a fine way to spend your time on São Miguel.