Furnas is one of the most captivating spots in the Azores, offering a mix of geothermal activity, lush landscapes, and charming villages. What makes it especially appealing for tours and experiences is the region’s rich natural features—hot springs bubbling at every turn, volcanic lakes reflecting the sky, and fragrant botanical gardens. Among the options, we particularly like the Furnas: Private Tour with Hike & Terra Nostra Hot Springs for its personalized approach and the chance to combine a leisurely walk with geothermal bathing. The Furnas: Guided E-bike Tour with Cheese Tasting is another favorite, perfect for those who want to cover more ground without tiring out and enjoy local delicacies. Lastly, the Furnas: Tea Plantation and Hot Springs Tour offers a scenic mix of ocean views, volcanic landscapes, and a rare visit to a European tea plantation. These experiences showcase Furnas’s distinct blend of geothermal wonders, culinary delights, and natural beauty.
Quick Overview
Our list includes a variety of tours designed for different interests and activity levels. For those seeking a private, full-day exploration, the Furnas: Private Tour with Hike & Terra Nostra Hot Springs offers an in-depth look at the area’s highlights. If you prefer a more active, eco-friendly way to explore, the Furnas: Guided E-bike Tour with Cheese Tasting combines adventure with local flavors. For a shorter, scenic trip that includes visits to a tea plantation and geothermal sites, check out the Furnas: Tea Plantation and Hot springs Tour. Finally, if you want the ultimate comprehensive experience covering the East Side of São Miguel, the S. Miguel East: Top Scenic Highlights 1 Day Private Tour offers a full day of diverse sights.
1. Furnas: Private Tour with Hike & Terra Nostra Hot Springs
This full-day private tour is perfect if you want a personalized experience of Furnas. It includes a guided nature walk around Lagoa das Furnas, a hike to a waterfall, and a visit to the Furnas Lake Interpretive Center to deepen your understanding of the geothermal activity and local ecosystem. One of the tour’s standout features is the chance to savor a traditional Cozido lunch, cooked underground by volcanic heat—a true taste of local life.
The tour also takes you to the Furnas hot springs, where you can soak in geothermal waters, and to the Furnas Cheese Factory for tastings. The guide shares insights about the volcanic activity shaping the region, making this a rich educational experience as well as an adventure. Guests consistently give this tour a 4.8/5 for its thoroughness, flexibility, and the chance to customize the day.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of nature, local cuisine, and geothermal relaxation in a private setting. It’s ideal for travelers who want a flexible, immersive day with a knowledgeable guide. The bottom line: a well-rounded, personalized day exploring Furnas with plenty of opportunities to relax and learn.
2. Furnas: Guided E-bike Tour with Cheese Tasting
For around $77 per person, this 3-hour guided e-bike tour takes you on a fun, eco-friendly ride through Furnas Valley. It’s especially suited for those who want to cover more ground without the fatigue of walking. The e-bikes make it easy to visit volcanic fumaroles, see bubbling hot springs, and enjoy sweeping panoramic views from Pico dos Milhos.
As you pedal through botanical gardens and past centuries-old buildings, your guide shares stories about the region’s volcanic history. The tasting component is a highlight—sampling local cheeses and regional products adds a delicious touch to the outing. You also get a close look at the fumaroles, where you’ll see the famous Cozido stew being cooked underground, offering a tangible connection to local traditions.
This tour is perfect for active travelers who want a mix of sightseeing, light exercise, and culinary experiences. Guests praise the knowledgeable guide and the panoramic views, with many noting the fun of the e-bike ride. The bottom line: a lively, engaging way to see Furnas while sampling its flavors.
3. Furnas: Tea Plantation and Hot springs Tour
This 3.5-hour scenic tour combines geothermal marvels with a visit to one of Europe’s few tea plantations. It’s a great option if you’re curious about local agriculture and natural geothermal features, with plenty of stunning sights along the way. The tour kicks off with a walk on a black sand beach, where you can feel the power of the Atlantic waves crashing nearby.
Next, you’ll visit a scenic viewpoint for panoramic views of the lush north shore, then explore the tea plantation, where you’ll learn about tea cultivation and, if in season, enjoy a tasting of locally grown tea. The tour also includes visits to bubbling hot springs and steaming fumaroles, offering a close-up look at the volcanic activity that defines Furnas.
This shorter tour is suited for travelers who want to combine nature, culture, and geothermal sights without a full day commitment. It’s particularly appealing for those interested in botany and geothermal landscapes. Reviewers appreciate the mix of ocean, volcano, and tea, making this a well-rounded experience. The bottom line: a scenic, educational tour that highlights Furnas’s geothermal and agricultural charms.
4. S. Miguel East: Top Scenic Highlights 1 Day Private Tour
This private tour covers the best of São Miguel’s east side over a full 8 hours. It’s ideal for travelers who want an in-depth look at Furnas and its surroundings. The tour includes a visit to the Furnas Lagoon, where earth’s bubbling activity is on full display, as well as stops at thermal hot springs in Terra Nostra Park.
You’ll explore waterfalls, lush gardens, and cliffs where the Atlantic pounds against volcanic rock. The tour also includes a visit to Nordeste, known for its tea and breathtaking viewpoints. The guides are experienced and attentive, making sure you get the most out of your day.
This option is perfect for those who want a comprehensive, flexible experience of São Miguel’s east side. The reviews are currently pending, but based on the itinerary, it promises a full day of natural beauty and geothermal activity. The bottom line: a thorough, scenic exploration suited for active travelers wanting a deep dive into the island’s eastern highlights.
How to Choose
Picking the right tour in Furnas depends on your interests, fitness level, and how much time you want to spend. If you prefer a personalized, flexible day, the Furnas: Private Tour with Hike & Terra Nostra Hot Springs offers a tailored experience. For those who love biking and culinary treats, the Furnas: Guided E-bike Tour with Cheese Tasting combines activity with local flavors at a reasonable price. If you’re curious about geothermal and agricultural sights in a shorter timeframe, the Furnas: Tea Plantation and Hot springs Tour is a great pick.
For travelers wanting the most comprehensive experience, especially if you’re in the eastern part of São Miguel, the S. Miguel East: Top Scenic Highlights 1 Day Private Tour covers a wide range of sights with flexibility.
Practical tips include booking early in the season (spring and fall are ideal), considering your activity level, and thinking about whether you prefer a private or group setting. Each tour offers something unique, so match your choice to your interests—whether that’s geology, local cuisine, or scenic landscapes.
Furnas offers a good variety of tours—from personalized full-days to active e-bike rides and quick scenic trips. The best choice depends on your priorities: for an immersive experience, the private tour is hard to beat; for a fun, active day, the e-bike option shines. And for those short on time but curious about geothermal and tea, the scenic tour hits the spot.
No matter what you pick, these experiences give you a richer understanding of Furnas’s volcanic magic. Book early to secure your spot, and prepare for a day of natural wonders, flavorful treats, and authentic Azorean charm.