Ponta Delgada, the vibrant capital of São Miguel Island in the Azores archipelago, is the perfect launchpad for an unforgettable journey through the volcanic wonders of this captivating Atlantic destination. Over two days, explorers will discover the mesmerizing calderas of Sete Cidades and Fogo, hike dramatic crater slopes, and savor the iconic Cozido das Furnas stew, cooked underground using volcanic steam. From lush forests and cascading waterfalls to pineapple plantations and tea factories, this tour promises to ignite the senses and leave travelers eager to uncover the island’s geological and gastronomic treasures.
Key Points
- Exploration of the captivating Furnas volcano and its steaming calderas, natural hot springs, and the Nordeste region’s picturesque waterfalls.
- Discovery of the mesmerizing Sete Cidades and Fogo volcanoes, hiking through their dramatic landscapes, and savoring traditional Azorean cuisine.
- Immersion in the volcanic wonders of the Furnas caldera, including the iconic Cozido das Furnas stew cooked in geothermal steam vents.
- Intimate look into the island’s vibrant tea and pineapple plantations, learning about their cultivation and production processes.
- Rejuvenating experience in the mineral-rich thermal baths of the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, surrounded by lush foliage and unique geological formations.
Tour Itinerary
The first day of the tour whisks explorers away to the island’s eastern reaches, where they’ll discover the Furnas volcano, renowned for its steaming calderas and natural hot springs.
Delving into the lush Nordeste region, they’ll wander through the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, marveling at cascading waterfalls.
Lunch is a regional specialty – the iconic Cozido das Furnas stew, slow-cooked underground using the volcano’s geothermal heat.
In the afternoon, they’ll tour a pineapple plantation and a tea factory, learning about these iconic Azorean crops.
The day culminates with an optional dip in the thermal baths of the stunning Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, surrounded by the island’s verdant beauty.
West Side Highlights
On the second day, explorers head to the island’s west side, where they’ll discover the mesmerizing Sete Cidades volcano and the dramatic Fogo volcano.
They’ll wander through the lush Sete Cidades caldera, marveling at its twin lakes – one emerald green, the other sapphire blue, separated by a narrow isthmus. Lunch is a feast of traditional Azorean cuisine, showcasing the region’s bountiful seafood and produce.
The tour then ventures to the Fogo volcano, a towering stratovolcano with a stunning summit crater. Hiking trails wind through the crater’s rugged slopes, offering breathtaking panoramas of the island’s dramatic coastline.
Throughout the day, the group immerses themselves in the island’s volcanic wonders, each vista more awe-inspiring than the last.
East Side Highlights
From the moment explorers set foot on the island’s east side, they’re immersed in a mesmerizing world of volcanic wonders. Venturing into the Furnas caldera, they encounter the bubbling geothermal springs and fumaroles that have earned this region its moniker as the ‘Valley of the Smokers.’
Hiking through the lush, verdant landscapes, they discover hidden waterfalls cascading through rugged ravines in the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park.
The tour also includes a visit to a 100% natural tea plantation, where they can learn about the unique processes involved in cultivating this beloved beverage.
And no trip to the east side would be complete without sampling the iconic Cozido das Furnas, a hearty stew cooked in the area’s geothermal steam vents.
- Immerse in the volcanic landscapes of the Furnas caldera
- Discover hidden waterfalls in the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park
- Explore a 100% natural tea plantation and learn about its production
- Savor the iconic Cozido das Furnas, a stew cooked in geothermal steam vents
Azorean Gastronomy
Across the Azores, the culinary landscape brims with a vibrant tapestry of flavors, where the region’s bountiful produce and time-honored techniques converge to create an unparalleled gastronomic experience.
From the sizzling cozido das Furnas, a hearty stew slow-cooked in volcanic steam vents, to the delicate, artfully crafted tea leaves cultivated on pristine plantations, each bite and sip beckons travelers to enjoy the islands’ rich cultural heritage.
The Azorean gastronomy celebrates the island’s volcanic origins, seamlessly blending the bounty of the land and sea to craft dishes that are as visually stunning as they’re delectable.
Whether savoring the unique flavors of the cozido or sipping on the fragrant Azorean tea, the flavors of the Azores linger long after the last bite.
Natural Tea Plantation
The verdant tea plantation, nestled in the lush Azorean landscape, beckons visitors to witness the traditional craft of tea cultivation. Leafy green tea bushes stretch across the rolling hills, their delicate leaves glistening in the warm island sun. Passionate growers meticulously tend to each plant, ensuring the leaves are harvested at the optimal time to capture the essence of the Azores terroir.
The unique microclimate that lends the Azorean tea its distinct flavor profile.
The centuries-old techniques used to process the leaves into fragrant, high-quality tea.
The importance of sustainable farming practices in preserving the island’s natural beauty.
The opportunity to savor a steaming cup of freshly brewed Azorean tea, a true taste of the islands.
Pineapple Plantation
Tucked amidst the lush greenery of São Miguel’s interior, the pineapple plantation captivates visitors with its bountiful display of the island’s prized tropical fruit.
Rows of vibrant, spiky leaves shelter the plump, golden pineapples as they slowly ripen under the Azorean sun, their tantalizing aroma drifting through the warm, humid air.
Guests are invited to explore the plantation’s winding paths, learning about the intricate cultivation process that yields these juicy, sweet delights.
From the delicate flowers that bloom into the iconic pineapple shape to the careful harvesting techniques, every aspect of the plantation showcases the dedication and expertise of the local growers.
Sampling the freshly picked pineapple is a true taste of São Miguel’s abundant natural wealth.
Thermal Baths Experience
Stepping into the serene confines of the Terra Nostra botanical garden, visitors are enveloped by the soothing warmth of the thermal baths that dot the lush landscape. Sinking into the mineral-rich waters, one’s senses are immediately captivated by the earthy aroma and the gentle caress of the steaming currents, a tranquil respite from the outside world.
The therapeutic experience is further enhanced by:
- The rejuvenating properties of the iron-rich waters, which are believed to have restorative effects on the skin and circulatory system.
- The opportunity to unwind amidst the tranquil surroundings, with lush foliage and the gentle sounds of nature providing a calming ambiance.
- The option to indulge in a soak in the open-air baths, allowing one to truly immerse in the natural thermal wonders of the Azores.
- The chance to explore the expansive botanical gardens, discovering a diverse array of flora and the island’s unique geological formations.
Important Details
Alongside the soothing thermal baths and lush gardens, this 2-day tour of São Miguel island offers a wealth of additional highlights that enhance the experience.
Visitors can anticipate exploring a 100% natural tea plantation and a pineapple plantation, seeing the island’s distinct agricultural heritage.
On top of that, the option to visit the Terra Nostra botanical garden‘s thermal baths, with their rejuvenating mineral-rich waters, provides a chance to truly unwind amidst the tranquil surroundings.
The tour also includes convenient pickup and drop-off services, ensuring a seamless experience, as well as a maximum of 8 participants for a more personalized journey.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour offers flexibility and peace of mind.
Recap
Enjoy the volcanic wonders of São Miguel Island. Hike the dramatic crater slopes, savor the iconic Cozido das Furnas stew, and witness cascading waterfalls.
Discover the lush landscapes, geothermal marvels, and Azorean agriculture that make this tour a captivating exploration of the island’s natural beauty. Relax in thermal baths and delight in the flavors of this unique destination, where the Earth’s power and beauty collide.
