Full Day Tour Northeast / Full Day Northeast Tour (Min. 2 Persons)

If you’re visiting São Miguel and craving a taste of the island’s most picturesque spots, the Full Day Northeast Tour offers a compelling way to see the highlights in one day. Offered by BigBlue Adventures, this 8-hour experience promises breathtaking views, charming villages, and an authentic taste of Azorean life—all for a reasonable price of around $104 per person.

We love that this tour combines nature, culture, and local flavor, making it a balanced way to explore without feeling rushed. The standout features include visits to stunning viewpoints, a traditional lunch in Povoação, and a stop at the Vila Franca do Campo islet. However, the detailed itinerary requires some stamina, as there’s a lot packed into one day, and the group size can be up to 59 travelers — which may impact the intimacy of the experience.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want to see a variety of sights without planning each stop themselves. If you’re after a comprehensive, guided experience that hits multiple highlights, this could be a top choice. Just be aware that some reviews hint at uneven guide interactions, so attitudes might vary depending on who’s leading the way.

Good To Know

Beautiful landscapes – Expect waterfalls, mountain views, and flower-laden belvederes.
Cultural insights – Visit a historic village and a ceramics factory, gaining a sense of local life.
Convenient logistics – All transport, taxes, and fees are included, making for easy planning.
Taste of local cuisine – Enjoy a traditional Azorean lunch in Povoação.
Variety of stops – From waterfalls to viewpoints, this tour offers diverse experiences.
Group size – Up to 59 travelers, which may affect the personalized feel of the tour.

A Step-by-Step Look at the Itinerary

Stop 1: Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões

The day kicks off at Ribeira dos Caldeirões, a true highlight for lovers of waterfalls. The central feature here is the Véu da Noiva waterfall—a sight that draws in many travelers for its sheer beauty. Visitors can also stroll around the traditional water mills, giving a glimpse into how locals harnessed nature historically.

A reviewer, MaryC_K, described her experience as “breathtaking scenery” and appreciated the “wonderful food” and the guide’s friendliness. The 1-hour stop is ample for photos, a quick walk, and soaking in the lush surroundings. Since admission is free, it’s a perfect, cost-effective start to the day.

Stop 2: Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego and Ponta da Madrugada

Next, the tour heads to the belvedere of Ponta do Sossego, a garden and viewpoint that’s often regarded as one of the most beautiful spots on the island. Expect panoramic views over the coast and lush flora, perfect for photos or a peaceful moment. The nearby Ponta da Madrugada offers another vantage point with equally stunning vistas.

Travelers love these stops for their serenity and visual appeal, with one review noting “wonderful stops and different sites to see.” The two-hour window allows enough time to explore, take photos, and enjoy the fresh air.

Stop 3: Pico Longo Viewpoint and Povoação

After a scenic drive through the northeast, you’ll arrive at Pico Longo, offering a magnificent view over Povoação, the island’s first settlement. This is a fantastic spot to appreciate the island’s volcanic terrain and lush valleys, often leaving visitors in awe.

Following this, the group ventures into Povoação for lunch. The meal is served at a local restaurant, offering a taste of Azorean cuisine, and the visit includes walking through the historic village. One guest highlighted the delicious local food and the chance to familiarize with Povoação’s history, which adds depth to the experience.

Stop 4: Furnas Valley (Pass-through)

While not a dedicated stop, the tour mentions passing through the Furnas Valley, a famous thermal area. Though not included in the itinerary for an extended visit, the scenery here is often appreciated from the vehicle or viewpoints, adding a layer of volcanic landscape to the day.

Stop 5: Vila Franca do Campo Islet

The tour then reaches the belvedere of Vila Franca do Campo, a natural reserve famous for its small volcanic islet. Although only a 30-minute stop, this viewpoint offers iconic views of the islet, perfect for photos and a quick appreciation of the island’s volcanic origins.

Stop 6: Cerâmica Vieira and Praia do Pópulo

The final stops involve cultural and relaxation moments. The Cerâmica Vieira factory in Lagoa showcases local pottery craftsmanship, a great place to pick up unique souvenirs. Travelers have enjoyed seeing the artisan process, with one describing it as a “wonderful stop.”

Finally, the tour concludes at Praia do Pópulo, a black sand beach of volcanic origin. It’s an ideal spot for a quick walk or a last glimpse of the coast before heading back to Ponta Delgada. This relaxed ending leaves travelers with a memorable view of São Miguel’s volcanic beaches.

Practical Aspects and Value

Transportation and Group Size

Travelers are transported in an air-conditioned vehicle, making long drives more comfortable, especially considering the 8-hour duration. The maximum group size of 59 might seem large, but it helps keep costs affordable and ensures a lively atmosphere. Some reviews mention the guide’s focus on island history, which can be engaging or, occasionally, a bit off-topic depending on guide attitude.

Cost and Inclusions

At $104.11 per person, the tour offers solid value, especially since all taxes, fees, and a typical local lunch are included. The lunch not only provides a break but also a chance to savor regional flavors, enhancing the cultural experience.

What’s Not Included

Entrance fees for parks are not included, but most of the main stops are free to enjoy. You might want to bring some cash or a card for optional extras like souvenirs or additional activities.

Booking and Flexibility

Confirmed bookings are quick, usually within 48 hours, and the tour is cancellable up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Good weather is essential, but if canceled, a different date or full refund will be offered, reducing your risk.

Authentic Experiences from Past Travelers

One reviewer, Janice_H, pointed out a less positive experience, mentioning a “rude tour guide” who focused heavily on personal interpretations rather than engaging with the group. This highlights that guide quality can vary, so it’s worth considering this aspect when booking.

In contrast, MaryC_K raved about her guide Andrea, calling him “fantastic” and noting how knowledgeable and friendly he was. She appreciated that the stops were well-balanced, and the pace was comfortable. Her experience underscores how a good guide can transform the day.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour suits those who want a rundown of São Miguel’s northeast with minimal hassle. It’s ideal for travelers eager to see waterfalls, viewpoints, historic villages, and volcanic landscapes in one day. If you’re interested in local food and artisan crafts, the included lunch and pottery stop add meaningful touches.

However, if you prefer small, intimate tours or highly personalized guides, this might feel a bit crowded or impersonal. The large group size and mixed reviews about guides suggest it’s better suited for travelers who value convenience and variety over exclusivity.

Final Thoughts

The Full Day Northeast Tour from São Miguel offers a well-rounded introduction to the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. The combination of scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, historic towns, and a taste of local cuisine makes it an attractive option for first-time visitors or those on a tight schedule.

Expect a day filled with stunning vistas, meaningful cultural insights, and a relaxed pace that balances activity with downtime. While the guide’s quality may vary—something that’s common on larger tours—the overall value and the variety of sights make this tour a solid pick for many travelers.

If you’re craving a full-day adventure that captures the essence of São Miguel’s diverse landscapes, this tour will likely leave you with great memories and plenty of photo opportunities.

FAQs

Is transportation provided? Yes, you’ll travel in an air-conditioned vehicle throughout the day, making long drives more comfortable.

What is included in the price? The price covers all taxes and fees, a typical local lunch, and transportation. Entrance fees to parks are not included.

How long is the tour? The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, from 9:15 am until the late afternoon.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Is this suitable for all ages? Generally yes, as most travelers can participate, but consider the walking involved at viewpoints and stops.

Are there any extra costs? You might want to budget for souvenirs or optional extras, as entrance fees for parks are not included.

Will I see the Furnas Valley? While not a detailed stop, the tour passes through the valley, offering scenic views from the vehicle.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sun protection, and a camera are recommended for the varied scenery.