Furnas & Terra Nostra Botanic Park Tour w/Lunch + Hotsprings

Exploring the Fascinating Furnas & Terra Nostra Botanical Park Tour in the Azores

If you’re planning a trip to São Miguel Island in the Azores, the Furnas & Terra Nostra Botanic Park Tour offers a comprehensive way to experience the island’s volcanic wonders, lush gardens, and local flavors. This guided day trip combines scenic drives, cultural insights, and opportunities for genuine relaxation.

What we love about this tour is its focus on authentic local experiences—from tasting the famous cozido stew cooked in volcanic steam, to wandering through one of the world’s most impressive botanical gardens. Plus, with a knowledgeable naturalist guiding you, every stop feels like a lesson in the island’s geology and flora. The main drawback? The tour’s 6.5-hour length means it’s a full day—so, it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a packed, active itinerary.

If you’re eager to see the heart of São Miguel’s volcanic landscape, appreciate beautiful gardens, and unwind in thermal hot springs, this tour is a perfect fit. It’s especially great for those who want a mix of nature, culture, and relaxation—all in one well-organized package.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic local cuisine: Try the famous cozido stew cooked with volcanic heat.
• Scenic volcanic landscape: Explore Furnas crater lake and the mysterious fumaroles.
• Beautiful botanical gardens: Walk through Terra Nostra’s lush, exotic plant collections.
• Expert guidance: Led by a biologist or naturalist with in-depth knowledge.
• Well-rounded experience: Combines geology, botany, local culture, and relaxation.
• Great value: All entrance fees, guided tours, and lunch included, making it a convenient package.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The journey begins at the Vila Franca do Campo marina, where your group checks in at the Azores Whale Watching TERRA AZUL station. The tour is limited to a small group of up to 7 participants, which ensures personalized attention and a more flexible experience. The air-conditioned van takes you comfortably around the island, with scenic drives that highlight São Miguel’s vibrant roadside flowers and lush landscapes.

Exploring Furnas Crater Lake and Village

The first major stop is the Furnas crater lake, a stunning body of water formed within a volcanic caldera. You’ll enjoy a quick sightseeing and photo session here, soaking in the views of the emerald-green lake framed by steaming fumaroles and bubbling geysers. The landscape is truly otherworldly, and your guide will explain the area’s volcanic activity and geothermal features.

In the village of Furnas, the atmosphere is quaint and slightly mystical. You’ll pass by water mills, charming chapels, and fountains that make the streets feel like stepping into a fairy tale. A highlight here is the chance to witness geysers and mineral fountains, which showcase the island’s geothermal power. According to reviews, guides like Sophie and Jackie do a great job explaining what the steaming holes are used for and sharing interesting facts about the local flora and fungi growing in the damp conditions.

More Great Tours Nearby

Tasting the Island’s Signature Dish

A true highlight is the lunch break at a local restaurant. The meal features the island’s famous cozido, a hearty stew cooked overnight in volcanic steam—an experience you won’t find elsewhere. Reviewers like Linda praise the generous portions and the unique flavor, remarking that the stew is “something you should try, you won’t find anything like it anywhere else.” The meal includes a variety of island dishes, with drinks and dessert, offering excellent value for the price.

Botanical Gardens and Rare Plants

At around 3:30 pm, you’ll meet your guide outside the Terra Nostra Gardens for a walk through one of the world’s most impressive botanical collections. This 18th-century garden features exotic, rare, and colorful plants from around the globe, housed in beautifully maintained pathways and avenues. Expect to see century-old trees, sculptures, fountains, and seasonal blooms that make every visit feel like a new discovery.

Guests like Pamela and Sanne appreciate their guides, Jacky and Sophie, for their deep knowledge and passion. Jacky, in particular, is praised for her ability to explain complex botanical and geological details in an engaging way. The gardens are vibrant year-round, and the experience is enhanced by learning about the cultural and historic significance of various plant species.

Relaxing in Hot Springs

The tour wraps up with a visit to a thermal hot springs pool. The mineral-infused waters are perfect for unwinding after a busy day of exploration. Note that the volcanic water is very hot and untreated, so it’s not suitable for pregnant women, those with recent surgeries, or open wounds. Reviewers mention that the hot springs are surrounded by nature, creating a tranquil atmosphere perfect for relaxing and taking photos.

End of the Day and Return

After a couple of hours soaking and unwinding, you’ll return to the marina around 6:30 pm, feeling fulfilled by a rich day of sights, flavors, and relaxation. The total duration of 6.5 hours makes it a full but manageable day trip, especially with the included transportation and guided commentary.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Knowledgeable Guides: Multiple reviews emphasize how guides like Sophie, Jackie, and Jacky bring the experience to life with their depth of knowledge. They’re adept at explaining volcanic activity, botanical diversity, and local traditions, making the tour both educational and engaging.

Authentic Experiences: From tasting cozido cooked in volcanic steam to wandering through Terra Nostra’s lush gardens, you’re getting a genuine taste of São Miguel’s natural and cultural heritage. The small group size ensures personalized attention and meaningful interactions.

Stunning Natural Beauty: The contrasts of steaming fumaroles, lush gardens, and crystal-clear crater lakes create remarkable photo opportunities and memorable moments. The drive showcases the island’s vibrant flora and volcanic landscape.

Value for Money: With all entry fees, guided tours, and a substantial lunch included, the tour offers a seamless experience for a reasonable price. It’s perfect if you prefer an all-in-one package that covers the main highlights without extra hassle.

Seasonal and Cultural Insights: Your guides tailor the visit based on the season, ensuring you see the most relevant highlights. This thoughtful approach enhances the experience, especially during the lush spring or vibrant summer months.

Practical Tips for Travelers

Plan to bring swimwear and a towel if you want to indulge in the hot springs, but be aware that volcanic mineral water can stain clothes. A change of clothes is recommended after the soak. Don’t forget your camera, as the scenery is picture-perfect, and a water bottle to stay hydrated during the day.

For those with dietary restrictions, make sure to notify the tour provider at booking. The hearty cozido is a local specialty but contains meat, so vegetarians should inquire ahead about alternatives. The tour doesn’t accommodate wheelchairs, so consider this if mobility is an issue.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for nature lovers, foodies, and culture seekers who want a well-rounded day on São Miguel. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy small group settings, guided insights, and authentic local flavors. If you’re looking for a scenic, educational, and relaxing outing that covers the island’s volcanic and botanical highlights, this tour ticks all the boxes.

The Sum Up

The Furnas & Terra Nostra Botanic Park Tour combines the best of São Miguel’s volcanic landscapes, lush gardens, and local cuisine in a carefully curated day trip. With expert guides, a small group size, and inclusive entry fees, it offers an excellent value for those wanting an immersive experience. The opportunity to sample cozido cooked in volcanic steam and unwind in natural hot springs makes this tour stand out.

While it’s a full day of activity, travelers who appreciate detailed explanations, beautiful scenery, and authentic cultural experiences will find it thoroughly rewarding. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for a deeper appreciation of the Azores, this tour provides a meaningful glimpse into the island’s natural treasures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 6.5 hours, making it a full but manageable day trip.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Vila Franca do Campo marina and concludes back there after the day’s activities.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a hearty lunch featuring island dishes like cozido stew, drinks, and dessert are included in the tour price.

Are all entrance fees covered?
Exactly. All admissions to Terra Nostra Gardens and other sites are included.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to use the hot springs, plus a camera, water, sunscreen, and possibly snacks.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly?
This tour is best suited for those able to handle a full day of sightseeing and walking. It isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Can I customize the experience?
While the tour is pre-planned, guides tailor their explanations and highlight seasonal features, making each trip unique.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely—reviews frequently mention guides like Sophie, Jackie, and Jacky for their expertise and engaging storytelling.

What if I have dietary restrictions?
Notify the provider upon booking. Vegetarians or those with allergies should specify needs in advance.

This Furnas & Terra Nostra Botanic Park Tour delivers a well-balanced taste of São Miguel’s volcanic beauty, lush gardens, and local flavors—making it a must-do for anyone wanting to see the true essence of the Azores.

You can check availability for your dates here: