São Miguel Island: Full Day Furnas And Furnas Lake Tour

Discover the captivating wonders of São Miguel Island on this exhilarating full-day tour. Enjoy the serene beauty of Furnas Lake, a tranquil volcanic crater housing a remarkable geothermal ecosystem. Venture beyond the lake to uncover the island’s rich cultural heritage, from the historic Gorreana Tea Factory to the unique culinary delight of Cozido das Furnas, cooked in the very earth itself. With breathtaking viewpoints, soothing hot springs, and a chance to connect with nature’s raw power, this tour promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Azores. Get ready to be captivated by the island’s enchanting wonders.

Key Points

This full-day tour from São Miguel Island takes visitors to the renowned Furnas Lake and surrounding volcanic features.
Highlights include scenic viewpoints, a visit to Europe’s only natural tea plantation, and experiencing the geothermal hot springs and traditional ‘cozido’ dish.
Travelers can relax in the geothermal hot springs heated by volcanic steam and explore the charming Furnas village.
The small group tour, available in multiple languages, offers an immersive experience with the island’s volcanic wonders.
Booking includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve a spot and pay later.

Tour Overview

This full-day tour from São Miguel Island whisks visitors away to the breathtaking Furnas Lake, providing an immersive experience of the region’s natural wonders.

Starting from Ponta Delgada, the tour takes you on a journey through scenic viewpoints, a historic tea factory, and the quaint village of Furnas.

Along the way, you’ll have the chance to relax in hot springs heated by volcanic steam, indulge in the region’s unique ‘cozido’ dish, and explore the diverse thermal sources that make Furnas a true natural marvel.

With a maximum group size of 14 and available in multiple languages, this tour offers an unforgettable taste of São Miguel’s volcanic landscape.

Itinerary Highlights

The Furnas tour’s itinerary highlights a diverse array of captivating experiences, from picturesque vantage points to a historic tea factory and the enchanting village of Furnas itself.

First, visitors will soak in the stunning views at the Santa Iria Lookout. Then, they’ll venture to the Gorreana Tea Factory, Europe’s only remaining natural tea plantation, established in 1883.

At the Pico do Ferro Lookout, they’ll be treated to panoramic vistas. The centerpiece of the tour is Furnas Lake, where they can explore the area’s remarkable thermal features.

Afterwards, guests will have the chance to wander through the charming Furnas village before returning along the scenic south coast.

Throughout the journey, stunning backdrops and unique local encounters promise an unforgettable day.

Key Experiences

São Miguel Island: Full Day Furnas and Furnas Lake Tour

Key Experiences

Visitors on the Furnas tour can indulge in a variety of captivating experiences, from relaxing in hot springs heated by volcanic steam to exploring the diverse thermal sources throughout the region.

They’ll have the chance to visit the only natural tea factory in Europe, established in 1883, and learn about the unique production process.

An absolute highlight is the opportunity to savor the traditional Cozido das Furnas, a delicious boiled dish cooked in the natural boilers of the volcanic landscape.

Adventurous travelers can even opt for a refreshing swim in the hot springs at Jardim do Nostra or Dona Beija, for an unforgettable connection with the island’s geothermal wonders.

Booking Information

Booking the Furnas tour is straightforward, as visitors can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Travelers also have the option to reserve their spot now and pay later, making it convenient to secure their place on this exciting adventure.

The tour has a few important restrictions to be aware of:

No oversize luggage, strollers, or large bags are permitted on the vehicle.
Bringing your own food, drinks, or alcohol isn’t allowed.
Remember to bring your passport or ID card, as this is a required item.

With these simple guidelines in mind, booking the captivating Furnas tour is a breeze, allowing you to focus on anticipating the incredible experiences that await.

Customer Feedback

Judging from the overall 4-out-of-5-star rating based on a handful of reviews, travelers have, by and large, expressed satisfaction with the Furnas tour, particularly praising the knowledgeable guides and the engaging nature of the experiences.

Guests have appreciated the guides’ deep understanding of the region’s unique geology, flora, and cultural heritage, enhancing the immersive nature of the tour.

The opportunity to witness firsthand the fascinating thermal activity and indulge in the traditional Cozido das Furnas stew cooked in natural boilers has left a lasting impression on visitors.

While a few minor logistical issues have been noted, the overall consensus is that the Furnas tour provides an unforgettable glimpse into the volcanic wonders of São Miguel Island.

Picturesque Viewpoints

The tour’s picturesque viewpoints offer breathtaking panoramas of São Miguel Island’s stunning natural landscapes. From the Santa Iria Lookout, visitors can gaze out over lush, rolling hills and valleys, while the Pico do Ferro Lookout provides sweeping vistas of the island’s volcanic features, including the mesmerizing Furnas Lake.

Along the way, the tour also treats participants to:

Sweeping views of the island’s verdant coastline and pristine beaches
Glimpses of the island’s quaint, charming villages nestled among the hills
Opportunities to spot unique flora and fauna endemic to the Azores archipelago
Perspectives that showcase the incredible diversity and beauty of São Miguel Island’s natural wonders.

Volcanic Wonders

As participants venture deeper into the Furnas region, they’ll be captivated by the area’s remarkable volcanic features, from the steaming fumaroles and bubbling mud pots to the heated thermal springs that dot the landscape.

Beneath the lush, verdant exterior lies a dynamic, geothermally-active environment that showcases the raw power of the island’s volcanic origins.

Visitors can relax in the natural hot springs, heated by the underground volcanic activity, or explore the diverse thermal sources that percolate throughout the Furnas valley.

The Cozido das Furnas, a traditional stew cooked by the steam from the volcanic vents, is a must-try culinary experience that highlights the region’s unique geothermal wonders.

Refreshing Dip

After experiencing the diverse geothermal wonders of the Furnas region, visitors can look forward to a refreshing dip in the area’s renowned thermal springs.

Located throughout the Furnas valley, these natural hot springs offer a soothing respite, with their mineral-rich waters heated by the island’s volcanic activity.

Visitors can choose from a variety of options, including:

The enchanting Jardim do Nostra, where they can enjoy the tranquil, steaming pools surrounded by lush greenery.
The popular Dona Beija thermal baths, featuring multiple pools of varying temperatures and a picturesque waterfall setting.
The Poca da Dona Beija, a naturally formed hot spring pool with breathtaking views of the Furnas valley.
The Parque Terra Nostra, home to a large, iconic iron-rich thermal pool nestled in a stunning botanical garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code for this tour, allowing travelers to dress comfortably. Casual, weather-appropriate attire is recommended, with comfortable walking shoes ideal for exploring the natural wonders and visiting the thermal areas.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Bus?

No, you cannot bring your own food and drinks on the bus. The tour provider has restrictions in place to maintain a clean and comfortable experience for all guests. Only small personal items are allowed on the tour.

Do the Tour Guides Provide Any Historical or Cultural Commentary?

The tour guides provide engaging historical and cultural commentary throughout the day, enriching the experience with insights into the unique natural features, local traditions, and fascinating heritage of the Furnas region.

Are There Any Physical Activity Requirements or Limitations?

This tour is suitable for most visitors, with minimal physical activity required. While there are some short walks, the overall pace is leisurely, allowing participants to enjoy the scenic viewpoints and attractions at their own comfortable pace.

Can We Extend Our Stay in Furnas Village After the Tour?

Guests can extend their stay in Furnas Village after the tour to further explore the thermal sources, traditional cuisine, and charming local atmosphere. The tour operator is flexible in accommodating any requests to extend the itinerary.