Sao Miguel East Exclusive : Full-Day Guided Tour ( Including Lunch)

Exploring Sao Miguel’s Eastern Charm: An Honest Look at the Full-Day Guided Tour

Sao Miguel, Portugal’s largest island and often called “The Green Island,” offers a landscape packed with lush greenery, volcanic wonders, and charming towns. The Sao Miguel East Exclusive tour from Bravo Portugal Tour claims to showcase the region’s best sights in a single day, and from what I’ve gathered, it’s a good way to get a well-rounded taste of this volcanic paradise. The tour includes visits to Furnas, Vila Franco do Campo, Ribeira dos Caldeires, and the Northeast coast, topped off with a hearty Portuguese lunch.

Two aspects that stand out are the opportunity to explore geothermal activity up close and the stunning panoramic views from high-altitude viewpoints like Senhora da Paz and Pico do Ferro. The guide’s local knowledge and the chance to try the famous cozido stew, cooked underground in volcanic soil, add an authentic touch that many travelers appreciate.

One potential drawback? The 8-hour duration means a pretty packed schedule, leaving little room for spontaneous exploration or relaxing at each stop. If you prefer more leisurely, in-depth visits, this may feel a bit rushed. Still, it’s a solid overview that balances natural beauty, local culture, and delicious food.

Key points / Takeaways

• Comprehensive regional coverage ensures you see key highlights of eastern Sao Miguel in one day.
• Geothermal activity at Furnas is a standout, offering a chance to walk through volcanic landscapes and see bubbling hot springs.
• The local lunch featuring cozido is both delicious and educational, highlighting traditional Azorean cooking.
• Stunning viewpoints such as Senhora da Paz and Pico do Ferro provide picture-perfect vistas of the crater lake and volcanic landscape.
• The small group size of up to 20 travelers helps maintain a personal atmosphere and allows for better interaction with the guide.
• The tour includes pick-up and drop-off within Ponta Delgada, making logistics simple.

Discovering Sao Miguel’s Eastern Wonders: An In-Depth Review

Starting Point and Overall Experience

The tour kicks off with a convenient pick-up within five kilometers of Ponta Delgada’s city center, which is helpful if you’re staying in town. The guide, whose name isn’t specified but is described as knowledgeable, immediately sets a friendly and professional tone. The transportation feels comfortable for a full-day trip, and the group size is capped at 20, keeping things intimate enough for questions and personalized attention.

In my experience, the key to appreciating a tour like this is the guide’s ability to balance storytelling with the flexibility to enjoy the scenery. From what I’ve read, Bravo Portugal Tour’s staff excels at this, making the long day feel engaging rather than rushed.

Scenic Drive along the Southern Shore

The first part of the journey is a scenic drive along the southern coast of Sao Miguel, which offers a gentle introduction to the island’s lush landscape. If you love spotting small villages and enjoying the fresh Atlantic air, this part sets the mood perfectly. The drive provides opportunities for photos and taking in the natural beauty of the island’s verdant hills and rugged coastline.

Vila Franca do Campo: A Historic Village

The first stop is Vila Franca do Campo, a historic fishing village with narrow streets and a charming harbor. It’s a peaceful place that hints at the island’s maritime past. While not a long stop, it’s a good chance to stretch your legs and soak in some local flavor before heading inland.

The Breathtaking Senhora da Paz

Next, the tour visits Senhora da Paz, a secluded church perched high in the highlands. Here, you’ll be treated to a panoramic view of the town below and a small island offshore. The view is truly breathtaking and provides a perfect photo opportunity. It’s a quiet spot that reminds you of how much natural beauty is packed into the island’s less-visited corners.

Walking Through Geothermal Wonderlands in Furnas

Perhaps the most memorable part of the day is the stop at Furnas, known for its active geothermal landscape. Walking through bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and volcanic craters, you really get a sense of the island’s volcanic heartbeat.

What makes Furnas unique is the chance to see the traditional “cozido” stew being cooked underground in volcanic soil—a process that’s both practical and fascinating. The tour includes the opportunity to watch this cooking process, which is a highlight for many travelers. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also pay a small fee to swim in thermal pools, adding a relaxing element to the geothermal experience.

Pico do Ferro Viewpoint: A Volcanic Panorama

In the afternoon, you’ll visit Pico do Ferro, a viewpoint at the top of a volcanic crater. The views of the famous Furnas Lake and the surrounding landscape are stunning. It’s the kind of scene that stays with you—smoky volcanoes, lush valleys, and an almost surreal sense of being on another planet.

Ribeira dos Caldeires Waterfall and the Northeast Coast

Later, the journey takes you to the Northeast coast, where towering cliffs and the Ribeira dos Caldeires waterfall await. The waterfall is impressive, especially if you’re a fan of natural waterfalls and rugged coastlines. The views along the cliffs are dramatic, with wind and sea spray adding to the wild feeling.

Return via North Shore and Santa Iria Overlook

The final scenic stop is at the Santa Iria overlook along the northern route back to Ponta Delgada. It’s a fitting end to a day filled with volcanic vistas, lush landscapes, and authentic local experiences.

Lunch and Refreshments

The included lunch, with drinks, dessert, and coffee, is a highlight. The meal offers a taste of local flavors and provides a necessary energy boost. The water bottle included is a thoughtful touch, especially on warm days.

Overall Value and Considerations

At $114.52 per person, the tour offers a lot—transport, a guide, meals, and access to some of the island’s most scenic and geothermal spots. For those looking for a well-rounded introduction to Sao Miguel’s east side, it’s a strong value.

However, the tight schedule means you’ll spend a good portion of the day on the bus, and some stops might feel brief if you love to linger. The extra fee for thermal pools might be worth it if you enjoy relaxing in hot water, but it’s not included.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour Most?

This trip is ideal for travelers who want to see a variety of highlights without the hassle of organizing multiple visits themselves. It’s perfect if you enjoy natural scenery, geothermal activity, and authentic local food in a compact day. It suits those who don’t mind a busier schedule and appreciate having a guide to help interpret the sights.

If you’re traveling with family, couples, or solo adventurers eager to tick off key spots with minimal planning, this tour hits the mark. It also offers a chance to meet fellow travelers and gain insights from a local guide, adding a layer of richness to the experience.

Final Thoughts

The Sao Miguel East Exclusive tour provides a balanced mix of natural beauty, cultural interest, and good food—all packed into a day. It’s a practical way to see the highlights of the island’s eastern side for a reasonable price. While it’s somewhat fast-paced, the stunning views and geothermal adventures make it worthwhile. Just come prepared with comfortable shoes and an adventurous attitude, and you’ll enjoy a memorable slice of the Azores.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a guide, lunch with drinks, dessert, coffee, pick-up and drop-off at your hotel within 5 km of Ponta Delgada, and a water bottle.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, from pick-up to return, covering multiple scenic stops and attractions.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, transportation is provided by a vehicle that comfortably accommodates the group size, with stops at key points.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, admission to thermal pools costs about 6 euros if you choose to swim. The rest of the experiences are included.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are essential, along with weather-appropriate clothing. If you plan to swim, bring swimwear, a towel, and flip flops.

Can I customize or skip certain stops?
No, the itinerary is fixed, but the guide may be able to offer brief explanations or alternatives if needed.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Generally yes, but keep in mind the full-day schedule and walking involved. Children should be comfortable with bus travel and outdoor activity.

What is the group size?
A maximum of 20 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Does the tour operate rain or shine?
Most likely, so dress accordingly. Some stops, like viewpoints, may be less enjoyable in bad weather.

How do I book this tour?
You can book through the link provided by Viator or contact Bravo Portugal Tour directly at +34631593105 or via email.

In the end, if you’re after a compact, well-organized way to see the eastern highlights of Sao Miguel—geothermal sights, scenic viewpoints, and a taste of local cuisine—this tour offers solid value and authentic experiences. It’s especially suited for those eager to tick off major sights with a knowledgeable guide, all in one memorable day.