Full Day Nordeste (East Side)

The Nordeste region of Sao Miguel Island in the Azores offers a captivating full-day tour that showcases the island’s natural wonders and cultural heritage. From the historic Gorreana Tea Factory to the breathtaking Ribeira dos Caldeiroes waterfall, this tour immerses visitors in the authentic charm of the east side. Beyond the scenic highlights, the itinerary also includes a delightful lunch in the picturesque village of Povoacao, making it an unforgettable experience for those seeking to uncover the true essence of the Azores.

Key Points

• Explore the eastern side of Sao Miguel Island in the Azores on a full-day Nordeste tour.
• Visit the Gorreana Tea Factory, the only tea plantation in Europe, to learn about Azorean tea production.
• Witness the Ribeira dos Caldeiroes waterfall, surrounded by lush vegetation, for picturesque views.
• Discover the Furnas lagoon, a volcanic crater lake known for its thermal springs.
• Enjoy a local cuisine lunch in the charming village of Povoacao with stunning lookout points.

Tour Highlights

The Full Day Nordeste tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through the eastern side of Sao Miguel Island in the Azores.

Highlights include a visit to the Gorreana Tea Factory, the only tea plantation in Europe. Travelers will then witness the stunning Ribeira dos Caldeiroes waterfall, surrounded by lush vegetation.

The tour continues to the Furnas lagoon, a volcanic crater lake renowned for its thermal springs. Lunch is served in the charming village of Povoacao.

The Furnas lagoon, a volcanic crater lake renowned for its thermal springs, where lunch is served in the charming village of Povoacao.

Throughout the day, the tour showcases the island’s breathtaking lookout points, offering panoramic vistas of the Azorean landscape.

Itinerary

Beginning the tour, guests first visit the Gorreana Tea Factory, the only tea plantation in Europe. Here, they learn about the history and production of Azorean tea.

Next, the group travels to Ribeira dos Caldeirões, a stunning waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. After a scenic drive, they reach Furnas, a volcanic crater with a bubbling lake.

Lunch is served in the charming village of Povoação. The tour continues to additional viewpoints, showcasing the island’s dramatic coastlines and rolling hills.

Throughout the day, guests experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of São Miguel’s Nordeste region.

Gorreana Tea Factory

Guests’ first stop on the Full Day Nordeste tour is the Gorreana Tea Factory, the only tea plantation in Europe.

It’s been producing tea since 1883, making it one of the oldest tea factories in the world. Visitors tour the factory, seeing how tea leaves are picked, dried, and processed.

They’ll learn about the history and production of Azorean tea, which is unique due to the islands’ climate and volcanic soil. The factory produces both black and green tea varieties.

After the tour, guests can sample and purchase the factory’s award-winning teas to take home.

Ribeira Dos Caldeiroes Waterfall

Next, the tour visits the Ribeira dos Caldeirões waterfall, a stunning natural wonder tucked away in a lush green valley.

Cascading down over 90 feet, the waterfall creates a breathtaking display. Surrounded by lush vegetation, visitors can explore the tranquil trails and appreciate the serene atmosphere.

This picturesque spot offers an opportunity to appreciate the island’s natural beauty and learn about the unique ecosystem. The tour provides ample time to admire the waterfall, take photos, and soak in the peaceful ambiance of this hidden gem in the Azores.

Furnas Lagoon

The Furnas Lagoon is one of the highlights of the tour, offering visitors a chance to witness the unique volcanic landscape that defines the Azores.

Situated within a volcanic crater, the lagoon is renowned for its vibrant hues and steaming waters, a result of the ongoing geothermal activity in the area.

Visitors can explore the surrounding gardens and trails, taking in the breathtaking views and learning about the region’s geological history.

The tour also includes a stop at the Furnas Hot Springs, where travelers can experience the power of the island’s natural hot springs firsthand.

Povoacao Village

After exploring the volcanic wonders of the Furnas Lagoon, the tour moves on to the charming village of Povoacao.

This quaint coastal town is known for its picturesque harbor, historic architecture, and local cuisine.

Visitors can:

• Stroll along the scenic waterfront, taking in the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

• Visit the Church of Nossa Senhora da Piedade, a beautiful 16th-century church with intricate stone carvings.

• Savor a traditional Azorean lunch, featuring fresh seafood and locally-sourced ingredients, at one of the village’s cozy restaurants.

Scenic Viewpoints

Several breathtaking viewpoints dot the Nordeste tour route, offering panoramic vistas of the Azores’ dramatic landscapes.

Visitors can marvel at the lush green hills, sparkling lakes, and rugged coastlines from these scenic overlooks.

One must-see spot is the Pico do Ferro Viewpoint, which provides sweeping views of the Furnas Lagoon and the surrounding volcanic terrain.

Another highlight is the Salto do Prego Viewpoint, where visitors can gaze out at the crashing waves and towering sea cliffs.

These viewpoints showcase the natural beauty that makes the Azores a true wonder to behold.

Booking and Logistics

Booking the Full Day Nordeste tour is a straightforward process. Priced from $69.35 per person, it offers a flexible cancellation policy with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. Travelers can also opt for the "reserve now, pay later" option.

• Hotel pickup is included for accommodations in or near Ponta Delgada City, with additional fees for locations over 10 km ($20) and over 25 km ($40).

• The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but stroller and infant seats are available.

• Service animals are allowed, and the tour is located near public transportation.