São Miguel: Ribeira Funda Hike & Tea Plantation With Lunch

São Miguel’s Ribeira Funda Hike and Tea Plantation with Lunch provides a captivating blend of nature and culture. Enjoy the lush forest trails, uncover the secrets of a family-run tea plantation, and savor a picnic lunch with breathtaking views. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a cultural explorer, this 8-hour excursion promises an unforgettable experience on the stunning island of São Miguel.

Key Points

• An 8-hour excursion combining a guided hike through the Ribeira Funda forest and a visit to a tea plantation, with pickup from Ponta Delgada.
• The hike features scenic views of valleys, watermills, waterfalls, and streams, as well as a visit to a waterfall near Praia da Viola beach.
• A picnic lunch is served at Maia with views from the Santa Iria viewpoint, complementing the earlier hike.
• The tour includes a guided visit to the picturesque Praia da Viola beach, with opportunities for swimming and cultural exploration.
• An optional visit to the historic town of Ribeira Grande is available, offering a more comprehensive experience of São Miguel’s diverse attractions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Activity

The "São Miguel: Ribeira Funda Hike & Tea Plantation with Lunch" activity offers an 8-hour excursion that combines a guided hike through the lush Ribeira Funda valley with a visit to a traditional tea plantation.

Priced at $71.15 per person, the tour includes pickup from accommodations in Ponta Delgada and a multilingual guide.

Highlights include a scenic forest hike, a picnic lunch with a view, and an optional stop in Ribeira Grande.

The tour is suitable for small groups and families, though not recommended for those with mobility issues or medical conditions.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a 36-minute van ride from Ponta Delgada to the starting point at Ribeira Funda on the north coast of São Miguel.

Guests will enjoy a guided hike through a forest of cryptomeria and exotic vegetation, with opportunities for bird watching and scenic views of valleys, watermills, waterfalls, and streams.

The hike includes a visit to a waterfall near Praia da Viola beach, as well as exploration of local mills and customs through informational panels.

During the hike, visitors will encounter a waterfall near Praia da Viola beach and learn about local mills and customs through informational panels.

Lunch is served at Maia, with a view from the Santa Iria viewpoint.

Exploring the Ribeira Funda Trail

As guests embark on the Ribeira Funda hike, they’ll be treated to a captivating journey through a verdant forest of cryptomeria and exotic vegetation. The trail offers ample opportunities for bird watching and scenic views of valleys, watermills, waterfalls, and streams. Along the way, informational panels provide insights into the local mills and customs. Hikers will also have the chance to visit a waterfall near Viola beach and explore the area’s natural beauty. The hike culminates with a picnic lunch at Maia, offering stunning views from the Santa Iria viewpoint.

| Trail Features | Description |

| — | — |

| Forest Ecosystem | Cryptomeria and exotic vegetation |

| Scenic Views | Valleys, watermills, waterfalls, streams |

| Informational Panels | Local mills and customs |

| Waterfall Visit | Near Viola beach |

| Picnic Lunch | At Maia with Santa Iria viewpoint |

Discovering the Praia Da Viola

After exploring the lush forest and captivating landscapes of the Ribeira Funda trail, guests will have the opportunity to discover the picturesque Praia da Viola.

At this secluded beach, they’ll enjoy a guided tour and picnic while soaking in the scenic views. The tour will provide insights into the area’s history and local customs, showcased through informational panels.

Visitors can also take a refreshing swim in the calm waters before heading back. This stop offers a well-rounded experience, blending natural beauty, cultural exploration, and leisure, complementing the earlier hike through the verdant Ribeira Funda.

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Optional Visit to Ribeira Grande

Following the exploration of Praia da Viola, the tour offers an optional visit to the nearby town of Ribeira Grande.

Guests can wander the charming historic center, admiring the colorful architecture and quaint cobblestone streets. The 16th-century Igreja Matriz church and the Ribeira Grande Aqueduct are highlights, providing insight into the town’s rich heritage.

Visitors may also browse local shops and cafes, seeing the vibrant community spirit. This optional addition allows for a more comprehensive experience of São Miguel’s diverse attractions beyond the main hiking trail.

Time permitting, it’s a worthwhile detour on the day’s adventure.

Picnic Lunch With a View

After the guided hike, the tour group makes their way to Praia da Viola in Maia for a picnic lunch with a stunning view.

The group enjoys:

A picnic spread of local delicacies overlooking the scenic coastline and Santa Iria viewpoint.

1. A picnic spread of local delicacies overlooking the scenic coastline and Santa Iria viewpoint.

2. Swimming in the calm waters of Praia da Viola, a black sand beach surrounded by lush greenery.

3. Exploring the area and learning about the history and customs of the local mills through informational panels.

The picnic lunch provides a refreshing break and an opportunity to soak in the natural beauty of São Miguel.

Suitability and Group Options

The tour is suitable for families and friends, though not recommended for pregnant women, those with mobility impairments, or heart problems.

Group size can be private or small, allowing for a more personalized experience. The activity is well-suited for those looking to explore São Miguel’s natural wonders with a local guide.

Hikers can expect to cover approximately 4 hours of moderate terrain, including forest paths, scenic viewpoints, and a visit to a waterfall.

With transportation, insurance, and picnic lunch included, this excursion provides a comprehensive way to discover the island’s beauty and culture.

What to Expect and What’s Included

This 8-hour excursion begins with a 36-minute van ride from Ponta Delgada to the starting point of the Ribeira Funda hike on the north coast of São Miguel.

During the hike, guests will:

1. Traverse a forest of cryptomeria and exotic vegetation, keeping an eye out for birdlife.

2. Take in scenic views of valleys, watermills, waterfalls, and streams, stopping for photos along the way.

3. Visit a waterfall near Viola beach and explore local mills and customs through informational panels.

The day concludes with a picnic lunch at Maia and an optional visit to Ribeira Grande before returning to Ponta Delgada.

The Sum Up

This immersive São Miguel excursion combines a scenic hike through Ribeira Funda’s lush forest with a visit to a local tea plantation. Offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural insights, the tour includes convenient transportation, a picnic lunch, and an optional stop in the charming town of Ribeira Grande – making it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts exploring the island.

You can check availability for your dates here: