São Miguel: Furnas Volcano & Tea Plantation Tour & Lunch

If you’re dreaming of discovering the natural beauty and unique flavors of São Miguel, this Furnas Volcano & Tea Plantation Tour might just be your perfect day out. Although I haven’t personally experienced it, reviews highlight a well-rounded trip packed with scenic views, cultural insights, and tasty local food.

What makes this tour stand out? Travelers love the knowledgeable guides, the stunning volcanic landscapes, and the chance to taste the famous cozido na caldeira — a stew cooked naturally in volcanic soil. Plus, you’ll get to visit Europe’s only tea plantation, offering an uncommon glimpse into Azorean agriculture.

One consideration? The full-day schedule means an early start and some long hours on the road, which might be tiring for those with limited mobility or a preference for more relaxed sightseeing. Still, this tour suits travelers eager for a comprehensive, immersive experience of São Miguel’s highlights in just one day.

If you’re after a balanced adventure blending nature, culture, and cuisine, this tour is a fantastic choice — especially for those who appreciate passionate guides and authentic local experiences.

Good To Know

• Expert-guided experience with in-depth knowledge shared by guides like Joaquim, Jose, and Bruno.
• Diverse stops including volcanic lakes, viewpoints, a pottery village, and Europe’s only tea plantation.
• Authentic local food, with the cozido na caldeira cooked in volcanic soil, plus sweet treats and drinks included.
• Stunning vistas from viewpoints like Pico do Ferro, offering panoramic views of the Furnas Valley.
• Good value with hotel pick-up and drop-off, entrance fees, and a full day of activities included.
• Limited mobility: Not suitable for electric wheelchair users, and some walking involved.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Exploring São Miguel in a Day: A Practical Breakdown

This tour offers a generous taste of São Miguel’s highlights, packed into roughly 8 hours. Starting from Ponta Delgada, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and whisked away along the island’s south coast, where scenic vistas and volcanic landscapes await.

The Journey along the South Coast and Lagoa

The day begins with a drive along São Miguel’s south coast, famous for dramatic cliffs and lush farmland. A stop in Lagoa lets you explore a traditional pottery workshop, a charming way to connect with local craftsmanship. Reviewers mention the guides’ depth of knowledge about the island’s history and geology, making these stops more meaningful.

Vila Franca do Campo and Furnas Valley

Next, the tour visits Vila Franca do Campo, once the island’s capital, with its quaint streets and historical charm. Then, your journey takes you into the Furnas Valley, a volcanic hub with steaming fumaroles and lush greenery. Here, you’ll enjoy Furnas Lake, a peaceful spot where the star attraction awaits.

The Cozido na Caldeira Experience

The highlight? The lunch of cozido na caldeira, a hearty stew slow-cooked underground using volcanic heat. This dish embodies the culinary ingenuity of the Azores, with ingredients simmered for hours in the earth’s embrace. Reviews describe the cozido as delicious and generously portioned, often the star of the day’s meal. Guests also enjoy the chance to taste local pastries, drinks, and coffee included in the tour fee.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Pico do Ferro Viewpoint

After lunch, the tour takes you to the Pico do Ferro belvedere. The panoramic views of the Furnas Valley and the volcanic caldera are breathtaking — perfect for photos and just soaking in the scenery. One reviewer described it as a magnificent viewpoint, and it’s easy to see why.

The Tea Plantation and Return Route

The trip then heads north, stopping at Europe’s only tea plantation. Here, you’ll see how tea is cultivated in the Azores and enjoy a tasting session. This is a rare chance to experience the local agricultural tradition, which many travelers find charming and informative.

The return journey follows the island’s north road, offering glimpses of the coastline and volcanic terrain before heading back to Ponta Delgada.

The Experience of Guided Tours in São Miguel

Most reviews praise the guides’ friendliness and knowledge, with names like Joaquim, Jose, Bruno, and Mario frequently mentioned. They add layers of context, making the visits more engaging — from explaining volcanic activity to sharing stories about local customs.

Guests appreciate the small group sizes, which make the experience personal and flexible. One reviewer mentioned the freedom to explore the botanical garden at their own pace, while others highlighted the guides’ attentiveness to individual needs.

The transportation is comfortable, and the itinerary is well-paced, balancing guided commentary with free time for photos and exploration. However, some reviews point out that the full-day schedule could be tiring if you’re not accustomed to long days or if you prefer a more relaxed pace.

What’s Included and What to Consider

For about the cost, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees to Furnas Lake, and all meals and drinks (including coffee and dessert). This makes it a convenient, hassle-free way to see the best of São Miguel without worrying about logistics.

The only extra expense noted is the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden & Thermal Pools entrance fee, which costs €16 per person if you wish to add a thermal bath experience. Reviews mention the thermal pools as a popular optional activity, especially since the thermal bath in Terra Nostra was temporarily closed during some visits — but alternatives like Poça da Dona Beija still deliver relaxing thermal waters.

Considerations

• The tour is not suitable for electric wheelchair users due to terrain and transportation constraints.
• It requires comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a camera to fully enjoy the day.
• Vegetarian options are available if requested, ensuring dietary needs are accommodated.

The Value of the Tour

Many travelers note that this tour offers remarkable value. For a full day of sightseeing, food, and cultural experiences, the price includes so much: expert guides, transportation, meals, and entrance fees.

Guests often highlight the quality of the food, particularly the cozido, and the stunning viewpoints that are included in the itinerary. Plus, the opportunity to taste Azorean tea and learn about local agriculture adds a special touch you won’t find on every island tour.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those who want a comprehensive introduction to São Miguel in one day, especially if you prefer guided tours that take care of logistics. It’s well-suited for travelers interested in volcanoes, local cuisine, and scenic viewpoints, and who enjoy a mix of cultural and natural attractions.

It’s also ideal for food lovers, given the famous cozido and local pastries, and for anyone curious about Azorean agriculture, with visits to the tea plantation and pottery village.

However, it may not be suitable for those with limited mobility or anyone seeking a more relaxed, less structured day.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in Ponta Delgada, making it very convenient.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts around 8 hours, with different starting times available. Check with the provider for exact schedules.

What’s the main focus of the tour?
It combines scenic viewpoints, volcanic landscapes, a traditional stew, a tea plantation visit, and cultural insights — all in one day.

Are meals included?
Yes, lunch (including cozido na caldeira), dessert, drinks, and coffee/tea are part of the package.

Can vegetarians or special diets be accommodated?
Vegetarian options are available upon request, so it’s worth mentioning when booking.

Is it suitable for children or families?
While most reviews are positive for families, the full-day schedule and walking involved might be better suited for older children or active travelers.

Are thermal pools included?
The entrance fee for thermal pools like Terra Nostra is not included but can be added for €16. Alternatives such as Poça da Dona Beija are also available.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a fantastic blend of São Miguel’s most iconic sights, with knowledgeable guides making every stop informative and engaging. You’ll get to see volcanic landscapes, taste traditional dishes, and learn about Azorean culture — all in one well-organized day. If you’re after a memorable adventure with good value, stunning visuals, and authentic experiences, this trip is an excellent pick.

It’s especially suited for those who thrive on guided group tours, appreciate local cuisine, and want to maximize their time on the island without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. Just be prepared for a full, energetic day — and bring your camera, sunscreen, and comfy shoes.

Experience Provider

Green Visions Tours

Explore São Miguel’s volcanic beauty and local flavors with this thoughtfully curated full-day tour — a memorable way to start your Azores adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: