About this tour
Furnas is a village built inside an active volcanic crater on the east of São Miguel. More than twenty mineral springs bubble up in its streets, and locals still cook their Sunday lunch in the ground. The full-day private tour combines the best of Furnas with the south coast and the tea fields of the north. The half-day version focuses on Furnas itself: the lake fumaroles, the village hot springs and Terra Nostra Park.
We time the visit so you see the cozido pots lifted from the ground around midday, then have lunch at a restaurant we trust, before a relaxed afternoon in the thermal waters.
Itinerary (full day)
- Hotel pickup in Ponta DelgadaDrive east along the south coast.
- Vila Franca do CampoViews over the islet's circular lagoon and a queijada (sweet cheese tart) tasting.
- Furnas Lake fumarolesWalk among steaming vents and watch the cozido pots being lifted out.
- Cozido lunch & village caldeirasTraditional lunch, then taste mineral water straight from the springs.
- Terra Nostra ParkBotanical garden and a swim in the iron-rich thermal pool.
- Gorreana Tea PlantationFree tea tasting at one of Europe's oldest tea plantations, then back to Ponta Delgada.
What's included
- Private vehicle and licensed local guide
- Pickup and drop-off in Ponta Delgada (hotel, cruise terminal or airport)
- Queijada tasting and bottled water
- Not included: cozido lunch, Terra Nostra Park entrance
Good to know
Pack a dark swimsuit and a towel: the iron-rich water stains light fabrics. The full-day tour lasts about 8 hours and the half day about 4 hours. Walking is easy and flat.
FAQ
What is cozido das Furnas?
Cozido das Furnas is a traditional Azorean stew of meats, sausages and vegetables, slow-cooked for about six hours in pots buried in the hot volcanic ground beside Furnas Lake. On our tour you can watch the pots being lifted out and then eat it in a local restaurant.
Can I swim in the hot springs at Furnas?
Yes. Terra Nostra Park has a large iron-rich thermal pool at around 95–104°F, and Poça da Dona Beija has smaller pools open into the evening. Bring a dark swimsuit, as the iron-rich water can stain light fabrics.
Short on time? We can combine Furnas with Sete Cidades in one long day, or add Lagoa do Fogo on the way.