Private Tours Best spots (views) in So Miguel Island

If you’re planning a trip to São Miguel—often called the Green Island of the Azores—you might be overwhelmed by the sheer abundance of natural beauty. Luckily, this private tour promises an in-depth look at some of the island’s most breathtaking sights, all tailored to your interests. While I haven’t personally been on this exact journey, the glowing reviews, detailed itinerary, and thoughtful planning make it clear this experience offers serious value.

What really stands out is the flexibility of the trip: you can follow the suggested route or customize your stops, making it ideal for those who want a truly personalized day. The guide, Artur, is highly praised for his responsiveness and friendliness—something that’s often the secret sauce to a memorable tour. The chance to see iconic spots like Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, and Furnas, all with a local expert, sounds like an unbeatable way to grasp the island’s natural and cultural richness.

One thing to keep in mind? The tour lasts around 6 to 8 hours, so it’s a full day of exploration. While the price of about $567 for up to 8 people might seem high initially, considering the private guide, transportation, and access to stunning viewpoints, it’s a good deal for those seeking an intimate, in-depth experience. Perfect for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, or anyone eager to see the best of São Miguel without the rush of large group tours.

Good To Know

• Tailored Experience: You can follow a preset route or suggest your own sights.
• Incredible Views: Stops include the iconic Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, and Furnas.
• Local Guide: Artur offers personalized insights, making the journey more meaningful.
• Flexibility: Stay as long as you like at each stop, with optional hot springs visits.
• Comfort & Convenience: Pickup is offered, and the tour is private for your group.
• Value for Money: For the price, you get a full-day, customized adventure with a knowledgeable guide.

Why Choose This Private Tour?

This tour is especially well-suited for travelers who prefer a flexible, intimate experience over large group excursions. If you want a thorough overview of São Miguel’s top natural highlights, paired with the comfort of a private guide who can adapt the itinerary, this is a strong pick. It’s also perfect if you’re traveling with family or friends, as the tour can comfortably accommodate up to 8 people.

A Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

First Stop: Sete Cidades

The journey begins at Sete Cidades, often described as one of the most photogenic spots on the island. The tour includes visits to the lakes within the volcanic crater, such as Lagoa do Canário, Lagoa de Santiago, Lagoa Verde, and the famous Lagoa do Fogo, known for its stunning hues and peaceful surroundings. The route is chosen to maximize the beauty of the landscape, filled with vibrant flowers, butterfly ginger, and a variety of trees that create a kaleidoscope of colors and textures.

Travelers report that the sound of birds and the gentle rustling of leaves add to the serenity. As one reviewer notes, “we felt peace of spirit,” which is exactly how this spot tends to make visitors feel. The view from the King’s Viewpoint and Cerrado das Freiras overlooks the lush valleys below, offering fantastic photo opportunities. Expect around three hours here, with plenty of time to soak in the scenery, take photos, or simply sit and enjoy the tranquility.

Second Stop: Lagoa do Fogo

Next, the journey takes you to Lagoa do Fogo, often regarded as one of the island’s most pristine lakes. The drive from the south side of the island offers some of the most spectacular views, with vistas from Serra da Barrosa that leave visitors speechless. Passing by geothermal centers and waterfalls like Salto do Cabrito adds an extra dimension of natural wonder.

The highlight here is the Lagoa do Fogo, a volcanic crater lake surrounded by unspoiled nature. With the included admission, you can explore the area freely—either walk down to the lake or simply admire it from above. The scenery is so mesmerizing that one reviewer describes it as impossible to explain in words, emphasizing just how striking this spot is.

Third Stop: Furnas

The final major stop is Furnas, a geothermal hotspot renowned for bubbling fumaroles and hot springs. The tour includes a visit to Pico do Ferro, where you can look down into the volcanic caldera, offering panoramic views of Furnas, the lake, and the town.

A personal favorite among the reviewers is the visit to Santa Iria, where travelers have the chance to explore a tea plantation, adding a cultural touch to the natural sights. The Furnas park of fumaroles presents an active volcanic landscape, with steaming vents and mineral-rich waters. Visitors often enjoy tasting the different local waters, with 23 types available—an unusual yet delightful experience.

If weather conditions prevent visits to certain areas, the guide is flexible, often showing alternative scenic spots, ensuring that your day is still filled with stunning sights and memorable moments.

Hot Springs & Optional Add-ons

While the standard tour does not include hot springs, there is an option to add time at volcanic hot springs, which many travelers find appealing after a day of sightseeing. This can provide a relaxing end to your adventure, especially if you enjoy thermal waters.

What’s Included and What to Expect

The main value here is the professional guide, who is praised for responsiveness and knowledge. The tour includes pickup, making logistics effortless, especially if you’re based in Ponta Delgada. The transportation is private, ensuring comfort and flexibility to explore at your own pace.

On the flip side, tickets to hot springs are not included, so if that’s a priority, you’ll need to budget accordingly. The tour operates on a full-day basis (6-8 hours), so it’s best suited for those ready for a day of exploration.

Experience Highlights from Reviewers

Jane describes her experience as “an awesome day,” highlighting how the flower-filled scenery during the hydrangea blooming season made her trip extra special. Meanwhile, Kathryn mentions how Artur, the guide, handled their group’s specific needs, including traveling with a small child, showcasing the personalized nature of the tour.

Transport & Timing

Starting at 9:00 am, the tour offers plenty of daylight hours to explore. The group size limit of 8 means you’ll avoid the crowds and get a more intimate experience. The flexibility to stay longer or shorter at each stop ensures you won’t feel rushed—something that often makes or breaks sightseeing days.

Why This Tour Could Be Perfect for You

If you’re someone who loves stunning natural landscapes, appreciates personalized attention, and wants a convenient, all-in-one day trip, this private tour ticks all the boxes. It’s especially appealing if you prefer a slow-paced exploration with plenty of opportunities to take photos, ask questions, or just enjoy the scenery.

Also, value-conscious travelers should consider how the cost covers a full day of guided exploration, transportation, and access to some of the island’s most iconic spots. It’s a good investment for those who want an authentic, relaxed, and immersive experience—rather than rushing from place to place on a crowded bus.

Final Thoughts

In essence, this private São Miguel tour offers a well-rounded, flexible way to soak in the island’s most picturesque sights with expert guidance. It’s ideal for nature lovers, families, or small groups seeking a tailored adventure that balances stunning views, cultural stops, and relaxation. While the price might seem steep, the personalized service, local insights, and access to top spots justify the expense.

The combination of iconic lakes, volcanic landscapes, and lush greenery ensures that you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the island’s natural beauty, along with plenty of photos and memories to cherish.

This experience is perfect for travelers who dislike large crowds and value a personalized approach. It’s ideal if you want a rundown of São Miguel’s top natural attractions but with the flexibility to customize your day. Families, small groups, and anyone eager to enjoy the island at a relaxed pace will find this tour a worthwhile investment.

If you’re curious about volcanoes, lakes, and lush scenery and want a guide who can personalize your experience, this private tour is a fantastic choice. Conversely, those seeking a quick snapshot or on a tight budget might want to explore other options or group tours.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention traveling with children and the guide’s ability to adapt activities to suit family needs, making it a family-friendly option.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 to 8 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore comfortably and take your time at each stop.

Are tickets to hot springs included?
No, the tour does not include hot springs admission, but there is an upgrade option if you want to include time at volcanic thermal waters.

Can I customize the route?
Yes, the tour allows you to follow the pre-set route or suggest sights that interest you, making it highly flexible.

What is the group size?
The tour is private for your group, with a maximum of 8 people, providing a more personalized experience.

How much does the tour cost?
The price is $567.04 per group, which makes it a good value considering the full-day, private, guided experience for up to 8 travelers.

This private tour of São Miguel blends stunning scenery, cultural insights, and personalized service into a memorable day. Whether you’re here for the vistas, the volcanoes, or just to escape into nature, it’s a hassle-free way to see the best of the island—crafted just for you.