São Miguel: 2-Day Island Tour, Tea & Pineapple Plantation

Embarking on a 2-day adventure around São Miguel with iGoAzores Tours truly offers a well-rounded taste of this captivating island. Whether you’re short on time or want a structured experience that hits all the highlights, this tour packs a lot into just two days, all while sharing the island’s stories through engaging local guides.

What we really love about this experience is the variety of sights, from lush plantations to volcanic craters; the knowledgeable guides, who bring local culture and history alive; and the chance to taste authentic Azorean food and drinks. A potential consideration is the fact that lunch isn’t included by default, so if you’re hungry or keen to try the local dishes, booking the meal add-on will make the experience even better.

This tour suits travelers who want a rundown of São Miguel without the hassle of renting a car or planning every stop. It’s ideal for those who love scenery, culture, and local flavors but don’t want to spend their whole trip inside a vehicle. Active hikers or those seeking a very low-key experience might find the schedule a bit packed, but for most, it offers a fantastic balance of sightseeing and comfort.

Good To Know

• Two full-day guided experience covering both east and west sides of São Miguel
• Includes visits to plantations and tastings of local tea and pineapples
• Stunning volcanic landscapes with panoramic viewpoints
• Option to add lunch for a taste of traditional Azorean cuisine
• Small group size with a local storyteller enhancing the journey
• Comfortable transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the São Miguel 2-Day Tour

This 2-day guided experience from iGoAzores is more than just a sightseeing trip; it’s a curated journey through the heart of the island’s natural beauty and local culture. For a price of $132 per person, you get a lot of value, especially considering the variety of stops, expert guides, and included tastings.

How the Tour Is Structured

You choose whether your first day explores the West side (Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo) or the East side (Furnas, Nordeste), with the second day covering the remaining side. This flexibility is great, as it allows travelers to start with their preferred scenery or skip certain areas if they’ve already been.

Day 1: The Western Side — Lakes, Volcanoes, and Ocean Views

The Western route begins with a visit to a pineapple plantation, which is not just about seeing the plants but also about tasting freshly cut pineapple, a sweet treat that highlights the Azores’ unique agriculture. Travelers note the plantation is a lush, pesticide-free environment, where goats often graze among the bushes, adding a charming detail.

Next, you’ll ascend to the “Vista do Rei” viewpoint, offering spectacular views of the crater lake, with its vivid blue and green hues. For many, this is a highlight — a perfect photo opportunity and a moment to appreciate the island’s volcanic landscape.

Descending into the volcano, you’ll stop at “Cerrado das Freiras”, another panoramic spot, and then explore Sete Cidades parish. Free time here allows for a gentle walk along the lake’s edge or a relaxed lunch if you’ve booked the meal add-on. Reviewers mention the “breathtaking views” and the chance to soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this iconic setting.

Further stops include the Escalvado viewpoint, where the coast, Ferraria hot springs, and the Mosteiros Islets are visible. These spots give you a taste of the island’s diverse scenery — from ocean cliffs to volcanic activity.

On the way back, the group visits Santa Barbara black sand beach, a striking contrast to the lush greenery, and then heads north to Lagoa do Fogo, one of the island’s most stunning lagoons. Stops at Pico da Barrosa provide sweeping views of the entire western coastline, perfect for letting your jaw drop.

Day 2: The Eastern Side — Thermal Springs, Tea, and Waterfalls

The East side tour begins with a spectacular viewpoint on the north coast — Santa Iria — known for its breathtaking vistas over green valleys and ocean.

A highlight of this day is visiting the tea plantation — one of only two industrial tea factories in Europe. The tour here is especially popular because of the 100% natural, pesticide-free cultivation. Visitors comment on the unique experience of walking through the valleys, seeing goats grazing, and tasting freshly brewed tea. It’s an authentic insight into the island’s agriculture and sustainability efforts.

Next, you’ll head to Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park in Nordeste, where powerful waterfalls and traditional water mills showcase how nature and history have coexisted. Many reviews emphasize how beautiful and peaceful this park is, with a sense of untouched wilderness.

In Furnas, the so-called “Mouth of the Volcano”, you’ll see bubbling hot springs and mineral waters. This is where the famous Cozido das Furnas is cooked — a slow-cooked stew prepared underground using volcanic heat, which many travelers find fascinating. Be sure to book the optional “Caldeiras” visit if you want to see the steaming ground up close.

The tour also passes Vila Franca do Campo, the island’s first capital, offering a glimpse into its historical significance before the volcanic destruction in 1522.

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The Value of the Experience

The tour provides comfortable transportation in air-conditioned vehicles, with hotel pickups in Ponta Delgada, Lagoa, and Ribeira Grande. A local storyteller enhances the experience, weaving engaging stories about the island’s geology, culture, and traditions — making the sights come alive.

The optional lunch is a clever addition, with many reviewers praising the local cuisine and the chance to sample dishes like Furnas stew or typical Azorean snacks. It’s worth considering the extra fee to fully enjoy the gastronomic side of the island.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Reviewers consistently mention the guides’ knowledge and friendliness as a major plus. Guides like João, Andrea, and Maia are praised for their storytelling skills and genuine enthusiasm, making the trip both educational and fun. Several mention how guides go out of their way to ensure everyone sees key sights, even adjusting plans around weather or time constraints.

The stunning viewpoints and breathtaking landscapes truly give a sense of the island’s volcanic power and lush fertility. Many travelers are especially fond of the lagoons, waterfalls, and coastal vistas, describing them as unforgettable.

The Practical Side: Timing, Cost, and Comfort

At $132 per person, the tour offers a solid value, considering the transportation, guide, tastings, and entrance to plantations. Since lunches are optional, you can tailor the experience to your appetite and budget. The tour spans two full days, starting around 9:00 a.m., with pickups arranged based on your accommodation location, although some pickups might be in nearby meeting points.

Group size tends to be small, which means more personalized attention, and the vehicles are air-conditioned for comfort. Keep in mind that viewpoints in high areas can be cooler — packing a light jacket or sunscreen depending on the season is advisable.

Limitations & Considerations

While many reviews highlight the quality of guides and scenic stops, some mention weather as a factor. For instance, heavy fog or rain can obscure views or limit access to certain attractions like the thermal baths. Also, the tour is mostly vehicle-based with limited walking, so if you’re into hiking, this might feel a bit tame. Oversized luggage isn’t permitted, and those with mobility issues might find some viewpoints challenging.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This two-day experience is tailored for travelers eager to see the island’s highlights comfortably. It’s perfect if you want a structured, informative trip with local guides who bring the scenery to life. Food lovers will appreciate the chance to taste local specialties, especially if they opt for the meal add-on.

If you’re short on time but still want a comprehensive introduction to São Miguel, this tour hits most of the must-see spots without the need for extensive planning. It’s also great for those who prefer small group tours that offer more intimacy and personalized insights.

However, if you’re after active hiking or want to explore remote trails, this might not be the best fit. Also, those traveling with large luggage or seeking a very flexible schedule may find it less suitable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, pickup and drop-off are included in Ponta Delgada, Lagoa, and Ribeira Grande. If your accommodation is in a narrow street, you’ll be directed to the closest accessible point.

How many days does the tour last? The tour takes place over two consecutive days, with each day dedicated to either the West or East side of the island.

Can I choose which side to start with? The schedule is flexible — your first day can be the West or East side based on availability and your preference.

Is lunch included? No, lunches are optional and need to be booked separately as an add-on. The tour’s price does not include meals, but you can choose to add the “West & East Lunch” during booking.

What’s in the itinerary? Highlights include pineapple and tea plantations, scenic viewpoints like Vista do Rei and Pico da Barrosa, waterfalls at Ribeira dos Caldeirões, volcanic lakes, and the geothermal areas of Furnas.

Are entrance fees included? Entrance fees for thermal baths and natural parks are not included but can be purchased on-site if you choose to visit these attractions.

What is the guide like? The guides are praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and storytelling abilities, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors? It’s generally suitable for most, but those with mobility issues should consider the high viewpoints and walking involved. It’s best for travelers comfortable with a full-paced schedule and vehicle travel.

How much does it cost? The tour costs $132 per person, offering a well-rounded experience for the price considering transportation, guide, and tastings.

What should I bring? Pack a jacket or sunscreen depending on the season, and bring a camera to capture the stunning views. A small backpack for water bottles and personal items is also handy.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day São Miguel tour provides a fantastic way to see the island’s most iconic sights without the stress of planning. It balances scenic viewpoints, geological marvels, and local culture, all with friendly guides and small-group intimacy. The inclusion of tastings and optional meals makes it feel authentic and satisfying.

If you’re after a comprehensive yet manageable way to explore São Miguel, especially if short on time or traveling with family or friends who prefer comfort, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially praised for the knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and delicious local food, making it a memorable slice of Azorean life.

To sum it up, this tour offers a well-structured, visually stunning, and culturally enriching experience perfect for travelers wanting to tick off São Miguel’s highlights effortlessly. While weather can occasionally be a factor, the overall value, comfort, and local insight make it a top contender for exploring the Azores’ crown jewel. The small group size and passionate guides ensure you’re not just touring, but truly experiencing the island’s soul.

You can check if your dates are available here: