Full-Day Tour to Furnas, enhanced with additional stops to make the experience even more complete and special. In addition to exploring Furnas, we’ve included extra visits to unique locations such as the beaches of Pópulo and Água D’Alto, the Pisão Viewpoint, the Aldeamento do Ilhéu Viewpoint, Castelo Branco, and, of course, the must-see Capela do Santo Cristo dos Milagres.
Pisão Viewpoint: This viewpoint offers breathtaking views of the coastline and mountainous landscapes of the island, making it the perfect spot to capture the natural essence of the Azores and admire the region’s untouched beauty.
Chapel of Santo Cristo dos Milagres: A place of profound cultural and religious significance, the Chapel of Santo Cristo dos Milagres is a special stop for those who wish to experience Azorean spirituality and tradition in a truly charming setting.
Itinerário
We’ll begin your tour through Ponta Delgada, traveling along the scenic Avenida do Mar, skirting the coast until we reach the beautiful Praia do Pópulo, known for its unique dark-colored sand. From there, we’ll continue to the Pisão da Vila Viewpoint, which offers an unforgettable panoramic view of Caloura and the vast ocean.
Next, we’ll pass by the beaches of Água D’Alto on our way to the center of Vila Franca do Campo, the island’s first capital. Here, we’ll stop at the Vila Franca marina, where boats depart for Ilhéu de Vila, famous for hosting the Red Bull Cliff Diving competition annually for the past three years. This stop also includes a visit to the famous Queijadas de Vila Franca do Campo Factory, where you can try this cherished traditional sweet.
After a delightful break, we’ll head to the top of the stunning Miradouro da Ermida da Senhora da Paz. We’ll climb the impressive staircase of this chapel, decorated with ten symbolic platforms representing rosary prayers. From the top, we’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over the entire region of Vila Franca do Campo and the famous Ilhéu de Vila Franca, a fascinating geological formation created by an ancient underwater volcanic eruption. This is one of the island’s most iconic spots, perfect for admiring natural beauty and connecting with the volcanic history of the Azores.
It’s time to resume our journey toward the heart of the Furnas volcanic crater, where the idyllic Lagoa das Furnas awaits (entry not included). This area is renowned as the home of the famous “Cozido das Furnas,” a traditional dish that is slowly cooked in volcanic soil over six hours.
We’ll witness the unique process as local restaurants retrieve the steaming pots directly from the volcanic ground. We’ll also explore the numerous fumaroles and caldeiras in the region, offering a captivating display of Furnas’s geothermal activity. This is a truly unique place where nature and culinary tradition come together in an unforgettable experience.
Back on the road toward the village of Furnas, you’ll have the option to relax in natural thermal pools, heated to over 30 degrees Celsius and sourced from iron-rich springs.
This unique thermal experience is optional, with a choice between Poça da Dona Beija and the pools at Terra Nostra Park (entry not included). In addition to enjoying a relaxing soak, at Terra Nostra Park you can explore the spectacular botanical garden, recognized as one of the largest and finest in Europe.
Lunch is included and will be served at a local restaurant, where you can enjoy a full meal with everything provided.
Lunch Break (included), giving you the opportunity to sample traditional Azorean dishes. Take this time to savor authentic Azorean cuisine in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
After lunch, we’ll visit the center of Furnas Village to explore its fascinating fumaroles and caldeiras, where you can observe the unique geothermal activity up close. Additionally, we’ll have the chance to taste some of the mineral springs, known for their distinct flavors and beneficial properties.
To complete the visit, there will also be a tasting of delicious local liqueurs, giving you a sampling of traditional Azorean flavors.
From the top of Pico do Ferro, you can gaze upon Lagoa das Furnas and its lush green banks, creating a stunning contrast between the vibrant greenery of the mountains and the deep blue of the waters. This is one of the island’s most iconic panoramic spots, where you can fully appreciate the geological and scenic majesty of the Furnas area.
Next, we’ll continue our journey along the famous Tea Route, heading toward the island’s tea plantations and factories. Along the way, we’ll be treated to a magnificent view over the splendid bay and lush gardens—an ideal setting for this unique experience.
At the Gorreana Tea Factory or the Porto Formoso Tea Factory, both with centuries of tradition, we’ll be warmly welcomed. Here, you can enjoy an authentic tea tasting and have the chance to learn about the artisanal production process, appreciating the unique flavor of Azorean teas, cultivated in the only tea plantations in Europe.
