Van Tour Furnas (Full Day)

Exploring São Miguel with the Van Tour Furnas (Full Day)

If you’re looking to see the best of São Miguel Island without the hassle of planning every detail, the Van Tour Furnas (Full Day) offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, cultural highlights, and local flavors. Offered by Azores For All, this guided excursion provides a smooth, accessible way to explore some of the island’s most iconic sights, all while enjoying the comfort of wheelchair-friendly transportation.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it’s completely accessible, making it a fantastic choice for travelers with mobility needs. Second, the combination of gardens, lakes, and geothermal activity delivers a rich sense of the island’s volcanic heartbeat. Third, the inclusion of local food, like the famous cozido—slow-cooked underground using volcanic heat—gives you a taste of authentic Azorean cuisine.

A possible consideration is the seven-and-a-half-hour duration which might feel long if you prefer shorter outings. However, if you’re eager to learn about the island’s diverse scenery and culture, this tour packs plenty into a full day. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who appreciate guided experiences, want hassle-free transportation, and are keen to see a mix of natural and culinary highlights.

Whether you’re visiting São Miguel for the first time or seeking a rundown, this tour is ideal for those wanting an authentic, accessible, and educational experience that covers the island’s core attractions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Accessible and guided: Perfect for travelers with mobility needs, with a friendly guide to explain each site.
• Comprehensive itinerary: Visits to gardens, lakes, geothermal areas, a tea factory, and panoramic viewpoints.
• Authentic culinary experience: Tasting the traditional cozido stew adds a delicious local touch.
• Scenic viewpoints: Ponta do Ferro lookout offers breathtaking views.
• Includes transportation and entrance fees: Everything is covered, simplifying your day.
• Weather-independent: Rain or shine, the tour runs, so pack accordingly.

A Detailed Look at the São Miguel Van Tour

Convenient Pickup and Transportation

• The tour kicks off with hotel pickup in Ponta Delgada — no fuss about figuring out how to get there. The guide, identifiable by the blue ‘Azores for All’ logo on their T-shirt, ensures a smooth start. The vehicle is wheelchair accessible, which is a huge plus for guests with mobility considerations.

• The 7.5-hour duration might seem long, but it’s designed to maximize your experience without feeling rushed. You’ll enjoy comfortable, air-conditioned transport that allows you to relax and take in the scenery between stops.

First Stop: Lagoa das Furnas and the Underground Cozido

• The journey begins with a visit to Lagoa das Furnas, famous for its volcanic activity. Here, you’ll see the underground cooking holes where the traditional cozido stew is prepared—buried in volcanic soil and slowly cooked for hours. Some reviews mention the fascination of watching the steam escape from the fumaroles, a reminder of the island’s active geology.

• The hot springs and fumarolas at Caldeiras das Furnas emit vapors and gases with a sulfur odor, which, while strong, highlight the geothermal richness of the area. Many visitors find this natural spectacle both surprising and captivating, as you witness a natural cooking process that has been part of local tradition for generations.

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Terra Nostra Garden: A Botanical Treasure

• Next, you’ll visit the Terra Nostra Garden, a romantic and sprawling botanical park established in the 18th and 19th centuries. It’s a haven of exotic plants, fountains, and shaded pathways.

• The geothermal swimming pool here is a highlight, with warm waters fueled by the island’s volcanic activity. Several reviewers note the therapeutic feel of the mineral-rich water and the peaceful atmosphere, perfect for relaxing after a morning of sightseeing.

Exploring Fumarolas and Hot Springs

• The tour continues with a visit to Fumarolas das Furnas, where volcanic gases and springs create a sulfurous landscape. The gases, combined with the bubbling springs, give off a distinctive smell—something that might catch visitors off guard but also offers a true sense of the island’s volcanic nature.

• The guides often share interesting stories about how these geothermal features have shaped local life and legend, adding depth to this natural spectacle.

Pico do Ferro Viewpoint: Panoramic Island Views

• No visit to São Miguel is complete without a stop at the Pico do Ferro lookout point. Here, you’ll get sweeping views of the lush landscapes, crater lakes, and coastline. Many guests comment that the vista is breathtaking, capturing the island’s volcanic terrain and greenery in one frame.

• It’s a perfect spot for photos and to truly appreciate the scale and beauty of São Miguel.

Tea Factory Visit: A Taste of the Azores

• The final highlight is the Gorrena Tea Factory, where you can tour the oldest tea plantation in Europe. The Azores are one of the few places in Europe where tea is grown commercially, and many reviews mention how fascinating it is to see the tea production process up close.

• You’ll also have the chance to sample freshly brewed tea, a delightful way to end your day. Many visitors find the combination of scenic, cultural, and culinary experiences here to be particularly memorable.

Viewpoints and Final Stops

• Before wrapping up, the tour makes a stop at Santa Iria viewpoint for one last look at the island’s rugged coastline and lush landscape, providing a fitting end to a day rich in sights and stories.

Is the Price Worth It?

Considering that the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees, lunch, and a knowledgeable guide, the price offers good value for a full day of diverse experiences. The convenience of all-inclusive pricing and wheelchair accessibility simplifies logistics, making it a trip that appeals to a wide range of travelers.

The inclusion of local culinary experiences, especially tasting the cozido stew, adds an authentic local flavor that many visitors find enhances the overall value. Plus, the guided commentary ensures you won’t miss out on the geology, history, or cultural stories behind each site.

What Reviews Say

Guests have expressed appreciation for the friendly and informative guides, often mentioning guides like “Joana,” who offer insights in multiple languages, including English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Reviewers also note the well-paced itinerary, with enough time at each stop to explore comfortably, and the clean, accessible vehicle making a big difference for travelers with mobility needs.

Practical Tips for Your Tour Day

• Wear comfortable footwear: While the van is accessible, some stops involve walking on uneven ground.
• Bring a rain jacket or umbrella, as the tour runs rain or shine.
• Photographers will love the viewpoints, so don’t forget your camera.
• Pack a small bottle of water, especially if you’re sensitive to sulfur odors at fumarolas.
• Reserve early: This tour is popular, and spots fill up quickly, especially in peak season.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This full-day tour is best suited for travelers who want an all-in-one experience of São Miguel’s landscapes, geothermal activity, and local culture. It’s ideal for those who prefer guided tours with transportation included and are comfortable with a full day of sightseeing. The wheelchair accessibility broadens its appeal, making it accessible for many.

It’s suitable for families, seniors, and solo travelers alike, especially those eager to see the island’s highlights without the stress of self-driving or planning multiple activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility needs?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it a good choice for travelers with mobility considerations.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera are recommended. It’s also useful to carry some water and a small snack if desired.

Will I see volcanic activity?
You’ll visit areas with geothermal springs, fumarolas, and bubbling springs, which are a direct result of the island’s volcanic activity.

Is lunch included?
Yes, the tour provides lunch, which is included in the price. It’s an opportunity to taste the local cozido stew.

What if it rains?
The tour runs rain or shine. You should be prepared for the weather, especially at viewpoints and outdoor sites.

How long are the stops at each site?
Stops are designed to be long enough to explore comfortably, with some guests mentioning ample time at Terra Nostra Garden and the viewpoints.

Can I book this tour last-minute?
Availability depends on the season, but generally, you can reserve in advance or book closer to your travel date, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours beforehand for a full refund.

Final Thoughts

The Van Tour Furnas (Full Day) offers a well-rounded, accessible way to explore São Miguel’s stunning volcanic landscapes, lush gardens, and unique geothermal features. It combines natural beauty, cultural insights, and local cuisine into a seamless experience perfect for curious travelers who prefer guided tours. The inclusion of lunch and entrance fees, along with the comfort and accessibility of the vehicle, makes it a convenient choice for most visitors.

Whether you’re interested in the scenic vistas of Pico do Ferro, the bubbling fumarolas, or the tranquil beauty of Terra Nostra, this tour provides a comprehensive snapshot of what makes São Miguel special. It’s particularly valuable for those who want to see a lot in one day without the hassle of arranging each stop independently.

The tour’s friendly guides and flexible scheduling make it a reliable, enjoyable option for anyone eager to get an authentic taste of the Azores—delivered with comfort and care.

You can check availability for your dates here: