Furnas: Volcano Wonders, Tea Plantation & Waterfall Tour

Join us for a full-day excursion to Furnas, one of the most captivating volcanic areas on São Miguel Island. Walk among steaming calderas, relax in natural thermal waters, and take in breathtaking views shaped by the island’s volcanic origins. This experience is ideal for those looking to connect with nature while enjoying a peaceful and restorative atmosphere. Stops include the Gorreana Tea Factory and plantation, the “Véu da Noiva” waterfall in Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, and several viewpoints showcasing the unique volcanic activity of the Furnas region. If you have chosen to include lunch, you will enjoy the most authentic dish in the Azores: the Furnas stew, slowly cooked underground using volcanic heat. Accompanied by a fully local guide, you will spend the day exploring some of the island’s most iconic landmarks on the east side of São Miguel. This small-group tour is limited to a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring a more personal and immersive experience of São Miguel’s eastern landscapes.

1. 1

   Miradouro de Santa Iria

   5 min

   From this viewpoint, take in the vast beauty of São Miguel’s northern coastline, stretching from Sete Cidades to the Nordeste region, where dramatic dark cliffs trace the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   30 min

   A stop at the Gorreana Tea Factory offers a relaxing moment with a tasting of one of the world’s last fully natural teas still in production. Its rolling tea plantations create a striking landscape, beautifully framing the surrounding valleys and adding to the charm of this unique setting.

3. 3

   Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeiroes

   30 min

   A magnificent area of traditional watermills, now transformed into a natural park where cascading waterfalls are the main highlight. Considered one of the most beautiful areas in the Nordeste region, it offers a peaceful setting surrounded by lush greenery and flowing water. Visitors can also discover the traditional handcrafted “corn leaf dolls”, made using ancestral techniques and available in a local handicraft shop.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   1 hour

   The unique gastronomy of the region is always a highlight of the best tours, and this is the moment to experience the famous Furnas stew. Slow-cooked for 6 to 7 hours in holes dug into the volcanic soil, the “Cozido das Furnas” is one of the most distinctive dishes in the Azores. Vegetarian and vegan guests can also enjoy a fully plant-based version, prepared using the same traditional underground cooking method.

5. 5

   Furnas

   25 min

   Furnas village is set within a valley locally known as the “Enchanted Valley of Furnas.” In this area, you will discover steaming hot springs and fumaroles that reveal the volcanic energy beneath the surface. Visitors also have the opportunity to taste several natural mineral waters, each with its own distinctive characteristics.

6. 6

   Lagoa das Furnas

   20 min

   Stop at Furnas Lake, where you will find the Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias, a unique example of neo-Gothic architecture. Around the lake, a collection of wooden sculptures creates an engaging and scenic setting, offering excellent opportunities for memorable photographs.

7. 7

   Caldeira das Furnas

   15 min

   Optional visit to the volcanic park where the famous “Cozido” is prepared near Furnas Lake, followed by a walk among steaming and bubbling mud pools and boiling hot springs. (Entrance fee not included: €3 per person)

• Service animals allowed
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.