São Miguel Island: Full Day Furnas and Furnas Lake Tour

São Miguel Island’s Furnas and Furnas Lake Tour offers travelers a captivating glimpse into the island’s volcanic wonders. From scenic lookouts to the historic Gorreana Tea Factory, the day-long excursion immerses visitors in the region’s rich geological and culinary heritage. Guests can savor the renowned Cozido das Furnas, a unique dish cooked using the area’s geothermal steam, and unwind in the natural hot springs of Furnas Lake. With personalized attention from multilingual guides, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that leaves one eager to discover more about the enchanting São Miguel Island.

This experience made our list of the 13 Best Full-Day Tours In Sao Miguel Island.

Key Points

• The full-day Furnas and Furnas Lake Tour explores the volcanic landscape of São Miguel Island, including stops at the Santa Iria Lookout, Gorreana Tea Factory, and Furnas Lake.
• Highlights of the tour include relaxing in natural hot springs, experiencing the traditional Cozido das Furnas dish, and visiting the Terra Nostra Park.
• The tour is offered in a small-group format with a multilingual live guide and includes pickup and drop-off services within a 5km radius of Ponta Delgada.
• Customer reviews praise the tour guides, scenic routes, and standout features like the tea plantation and Furnas cuisine, though the tour may not be suitable for pregnant women.
• The tour provides an immersive exploration of the island’s geological wonders and culinary delights, allowing participants to fully experience the volcanic and cultural heritage of São Miguel.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Details

On São Miguel Island, visitors can embark on a full-day Furnas and Furnas Lake Tour. Priced from €64 per person, this 1-day excursion explores the island’s volcanic landscape.

The tour includes pickup within a 5km radius of Ponta Delgada and stops at the Santa Iria Lookout, Gorreana Tea Factory, Pico do Ferro Lookout, Furnas Lake, and Furnas village.

Highlights include relaxing in hot springs heated by volcanic steam and enjoying traditional Cozido das Furnas, a boiled dish cooked in natural boilers.

The small-group tour is led by a live guide in Portuguese, Spanish, and English, and includes tickets to Terra Nostra Park and Furnas Lake.

Advance booking is recommended, as the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour kicks off with a visit to the Santa Iria Lookout, providing travelers a chance to soak in the breathtaking vistas of the island’s rugged coastline. Next, the group will venture to the Gorreana Tea Factory, Europe’s oldest tea plantation since 1883, for an immersive look at the tea-making process. The Pico do Ferro Lookout offers panoramic views of the volcanic landscape before reaching the picturesque Furnas Lake, where guests can explore the area and enjoy the natural hot springs. The final stop is the charming Furnas village, known for its unique Cozido das Furnas stew cooked in the volcanic ground.

Stop	Duration
Santa Iria Lookout	30 min
Gorreana Tea Factory	50 min
Pico do Ferro Lookout	25 min
Furnas Lake	1 hour
Furnas village	1 hour

Experiences and Attractions

Visitors can relax in the natural hot springs heated by volcanic steam, soaking in the therapeutic waters of Furnas.

The tour also includes a visit to the Gorreana Tea Factory, the only natural tea factory in Europe since 1883. Guests can witness the traditional Cozido das Furnas, a hearty boiled dish cooked underground using the volcanic heat.

Plus, travelers have the option to dive into the hot springs at Jardimra Nostra or Dona Beija, though entry fees aren’t included.

This diverse range of experiences provides an immersive look into the island’s geological wonders and traditional culinary delights.

Tour Features

This Furnas and Furnas Lake Tour features a small group limited to 14 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

A live tour guide is available in Portuguese, Spanish, and English, providing clear communication and insights throughout the journey.

Pickup and drop-off services are included, along with headsets to enhance the tour experience.

Visitors will also receive tickets to Terra Nostra Park and Furnas Lake, granting access to the area’s natural wonders.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, as it may involve activities that could pose health risks.

With its well-curated itinerary and thoughtful amenities, this tour offers an engaging and immersive exploration of São Miguel Island’s volcanic landscapes.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Positive sentiment radiates through the customer reviews for this Furnas and Furnas Lake Tour, with an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 6 reviews. Travelers highlight the knowledgeable tour guides, like Nuno and Francisco, who provide exceptional service and insightful commentary about the island. The scenic routes and informative experiences are also praised, with the tea plantation and natural boiler cuisine in Furnas being standout highlights. While the tour may not be suitable for pregnant women, the overall consensus is that this tour offers a comprehensive and enjoyable exploration of the Furnas region.

Review Highlights	Positive	Negative
Knowledgeable Guides	✓
Scenic Routes	✓
Informative Experiences	✓
Tea Plantation	✓
Furnas Cuisine	✓

Pickup and Dropoff Locations

The Furnas and Furnas Lake Tour provides pickup service for locations within a 5km radius of Ponta Delgada. This convenience allows travelers to easily access the tour, regardless of where they’re staying on the island.

The pickup is included in the tour price, ensuring a seamless start to the day’s adventures. After the tour, guests are dropped off back at their original pickup location, making the transportation process simple and efficient.

This pickup service caters to the needs of travelers, allowing them to focus on enjoying the stunning sights and experiences that the Furnas region has to offer during the full-day tour.

Volcanic Steam Relaxation

One of the highlights of the Furnas and Furnas Lake Tour is the opportunity to relax in the natural hot springs heated by volcanic steam.

Visitors can take a rejuvenating dip in the therapeutic waters, which are rich in minerals and known for their healing properties.

The tour includes an optional visit to the Jardimra Nostra or Dona Beija hot springs, where guests can enjoy the steaming pools and soak up the serene, natural atmosphere.

This unique volcanic experience is a must-do for anyone seeking to unwind and revitalize during their time on São Miguel Island.

Traditional Cozido Dish

During the Furnas and Furnas Lake Tour, visitors can savor the traditional Cozido, a mouthwatering boiled dish cooked in the natural geothermal steam vents of Furnas.

This unique culinary experience allows guests to witness the preparation of this local delicacy. Cozido is a stew made with pork, beef, chicken, and a variety of vegetables, all slow-cooked underground for several hours.

The geothermal heat infuses the dish with a rich, earthy flavor. Visitors have the opportunity to visit the cooking pits, observe the process, and later enjoy the flavorful Cozido alongside other traditional Azorean specialties.

This authentic experience is a highlight of the Furnas and Furnas Lake Tour, offering a deep dive into the island’s volcanic and culinary heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, but it’s not required. The tour includes a stop at Furnas village, where visitors can purchase local cuisine and refreshments if desired.

Are There Any Additional Fees for Optional Activities?

There are optional activities like diving into hot springs at Jardimra Nostra or Dona Beija, but their entry fees are not included in the tour price. Travelers can pay for these optional experiences on the day of the tour.

Is There a Limit on the Number of Participants?

The tour has a small group size limit of 14 participants. This allows for a more personalized experience and clear communication with the live tour guide available in multiple languages.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is allowed during the Furnas and Furnas Lake tour. The small group size of up to 14 participants provides ample opportunities to capture the scenic landscapes, volcanic features, and cultural experiences throughout the day’s itinerary.

Can I Request a Specific Language for the Tour Guide?

Yes, you can request a specific language for the tour guide. The tour offers live guides available in Portuguese, Spanish, and English, allowing you to choose the language that best suits your needs.

Recap

The São Miguel Island Full Day Furnas and Furnas Lake Tour offers an immersive exploration of the island’s volcanic wonders. Visitors can witness the geological marvels, savor the traditional Cozido dish, and unwind in the natural hot springs. With small group sizes and multilingual guides, the tour provides a personalized journey through São Miguel’s rich heritage, making it an engaging and unforgettable experience for travelers.

You can check if your dates are available here: