Full-Day Furnas Tour: Hot Springs, Traditional Lunch & Tea
Description
Discover the volcanic wonders of Furnas on this full-day guided van tour, perfect for those who want to explore nature, culture, and local flavors in comfort. Travel through the scenic countryside with stops at Vila Franca do Campo—where you can try the famous Queijada da Vila pastry (optional, not included)—and the Gorreana Tea Factory, Europe’s oldest tea plantation. At Furnas Lake, see how the traditional Cozido stew is cooked underground using volcanic heat—then enjoy it at a local restaurant. Relax in the thermal pools of Terra Nostra Garden, one of the most iconic botanical parks in the Azores, and take in the stunning views from Pico do Ferro viewpoint. The tour includes all entrance fees, lunch, and expert guidance on volcanic activity, Azorean traditions, and the island’s lush landscape. With small groups and comfortable transport, you’ll enjoy a more intimate experience—more like a private day with friends than a big bus tour. The ideal way to explore!
Tour Options
Itinerary
Step into the charm of the island’s first capital! Wander the cobbled streets of Vila Franca do Campo, a quaint coastal town where history meets flavor. Don’t miss the chance to try a freshly baked Queijada da Vila (optional), a beloved local pastry that’s been made by hand for centuries. It's a sweet bite of Azorean heritage!
Experience the raw power of nature at Furnas Lake, where bubbling geothermal vents and steaming fumaroles create a truly otherworldly scene. Watch locals unearth pots of “Cozido” stew—slow-cooked for hours underground in volcanic soil. It’s not just a meal; it’s a dramatic and delicious tradition you’ll never forget.
The various boilers emit vapors and the smell of sulfur content on nostrils. It is something amazing to see this true force of nature to be freed, not only in the boilers but also by land, by bubbling incessantly.
Lose yourself in the magic of Terra Nostra Garden, a 200-year-old botanical paradise filled with exotic trees, flowering plants, and winding walking paths. At its heart lies a steamy, rust-colored thermal pool, rich in minerals and naturally heated by volcanic energy. Take a rejuvenating dip and feel like you're bathing in the heart of the Earth.
Climb to one of São Miguel’s most breathtaking viewpoints at Pico do Ferro. From this panoramic perch, gaze down over Furnas Valley, where green hills cradle a shimmering lake and wisps of steam curl into the sky. It’s the perfect photo stop—and a moment of pure Azorean awe.
Breathe in the crisp aroma of lush green hills at the Gorreana Tea Factory, where tea has been grown and processed since 1883. Stroll through the rolling fields of vibrant tea plants and see how the leaves are still dried and packaged using traditional machinery. Sip a warm cup while gazing out at the Atlantic—it’s a taste of history in every drop.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
If your pick-up is delayed do not worry! Our guides might be having some trouble with traffic.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(37)
Do it. Great to see the island and how locals live. Food from underground pots was delicious. Portugese people are lovely.
Bring a swimsuit and flip flops for the heated pools. Have really good walking shoes. This is a really good travel experience, must do if you are on the Azores.
Science study tour organized by the school ran for 7 days with each day having a packed agenda to explore Azores. Goncalo was the local tour for the entire trip. He was an excellent choice for the group. His knowledge and awareness about the area was excellent and that helped with keeping the group engaged and entertained at all times. We as parents only heard positives about Goncalo and his work. Kudos to him for his efforts!
We had an excellent guide who was very accommodating with the group’s desires. We got to walk along the lake and through the beautiful hydrangea bushes of many shades and colours. This was early august. We also walked through the woods to furnas and met up with him. The lunch was a sit down lunch and we had choices of fish stew, traditional meat stew, and chicken? Then we stopped at a tea plantation and had tea and dessert later in the afternoon.
Pico adventures were excellent. The driver/guide was very good and full of good information. The tour went all day and we had lunch at Tony's, traditional volcanic steam heated stew. It was delicious. One platter easily fed the two of us. As the weather changes frequently in November, Mario our guide/driver had flexible itineraries, that he changed as the weather changed. The van holds up to eight people, plus driver and if you have several larger persons, it gets a little cramped. If you go in November, bring a rain coat. We did three more tours with Pico, we found them all interesting, diverse and good value for the money. We certainly recommend Pico Tours
Our tour guide Mario was very knowledgeable and considerate. This was our third tour with Pico. Pickup was on time and efficient. The ford van was ok. Really enjoyed our huge lunch, and the vegetarian option looked great. Wine, beer, and other beverages included. Fresh local Pineapple was fabulous. Mario made this an excellent day!
Practically everything exceeded our expectations. The guide was knowlagble, the route has scoped most of San Miguel points, the group is small, highly recommend.
Thank you guys it was an amazing day! The tour guider made an excellent tour that lunch was perfect and really enjoyed it! 🙂
Fun but a bit long day seeing the sights. Day included a dip in hot springs which we opted not to do for a few reasons. Mainly the crowds and dark water. There were other hot springs that looked more inviting. Park was being renovated so not all pools were open. We enjoyed a walk in the walk and a cool drink at a coffee shop. We continued to the boilers were good was being cooked in the hot boiling water. Afterwards we enjoyed a delicious meal that has been cooked. Went on to see the crater lake at hot of volcano. We continued on to taste natural mineral water and to a tea plantation. Good day.
Awesome trip through the island with our guide Leandro, we visited beautiful spots and lakes. In between visits, we had fun anecdotes. The food tasted was good and local. Definitely recommend it.
