São Miguel: 2-Day West and East Island Tour

Explore the vibrant landscapes of São Miguel with this comprehensive 2-day tour. Covering the island’s west and east, travelers will visit pineapple plantations, picturesque viewpoints, cascading waterfalls, and more. Convenient transportation, knowledgeable guides, and flexible cancellation policies make this an enticing option for those seeking to uncover the Azores’ natural wonders. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this tour promises to unveil the unique charm of São Miguel.

Good To Know

• A 2-day tour covering the highlights of the western and eastern sides of São Miguel island, including scenic viewpoints, natural parks, and cultural attractions.
• The tour includes pickup and drop-off service, air-conditioned transportation, a local guide, and entrance fees for thermal baths and natural parks.
• The western tour focuses on a pineapple plantation, Sete Cidades volcano, Fogo volcano, and scenic viewpoints, with optional lunch.
• The eastern tour includes a tea plantation, Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões, and panoramic vistas, with an optional visit to Lagoa das Furnas.
• Important information includes the tour schedule, dress code, and seasonal facility closures.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview

The São Miguel: 2-Day Island Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the idyllic island’s East and West sides.

Priced from $135.73 per person, the 8-hour daily tours over two consecutive days provide free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Priced from $135.73 per person, the 8-hour daily tours over two consecutive days offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Pickup from Ponta Delgada starts at 9 AM, with air-conditioned transportation and a local guide fluent in English and Portuguese.

Highlights include scenic viewpoints, natural wonders like Sete Cidades volcano and Lagoa do Fogo, and cultural experiences at a tea plantation and Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões.

Lunch options are available for sampling local cuisine.

West Tour Highlights

On the West Tour, visitors first visit a pineapple plantation, where they can learn about the island’s unique pineapple cultivation methods. They then explore the Sete Cidades volcano and Lagoa do Fogo, taking in scenic viewpoints along the way, such as Vista do Rei, Cerrado das Freiras, Escalvado, and Pico da Barrosa. Visitors have free time in the Sete Cidades parish, with an optional buffet lunch available. The tour also includes a visit to the Fogo volcano and the Santa Barbara black sand beach.

| Destinations | Key Highlights |

| — | — |

| Pineapple Plantation | Learn about local cultivation methods |

| Sete Cidades Volcano | Explore the volcanic landscape |

| Lagoa do Fogo | Take in scenic viewpoints |

| Sete Cidades Parish | Free time with optional lunch |

| Fogo Volcano | Visit the volcano and black sand beach |

East Tour Highlights

After exploring the wonders of the West side, the East Tour offers a diverse range of experiences.

Guests start their day with a stop at the picturesque Santa Iria viewpoint. Next, they visit a 100% natural tea plantation and sample the island’s renowned local tea.

Guests start their day with a stop at the picturesque Santa Iria viewpoint before visiting a 100% natural tea plantation for a taste of the island’s renowned local tea.

Exploring the Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões, they witness breathtaking waterfalls. At the Pico do Ferro Viewpoint and Parque das Caldeiras, they take in panoramic vistas.

An optional visit to Lagoa das Furnas and Vila Franca do Campo completes the day’s discoveries on the island’s eastern region.

Included in the Tour

This tour includes a comprehensive set of amenities to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Travelers will enjoy:

• Pickup and drop-off service in Ponta Delgada

• Air-conditioned transportation throughout the tour

• A refreshing bottle of water per participant

The tour also provides a local storyteller guide fluent in both English and Portuguese, who’ll share their expertise and insights.

Plus, entrance fees for thermal baths and natural parks are included, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the island’s natural wonders.

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Important Information

Although the tour may start from either the East or West side based on reservations, travelers should dress accordingly as some viewpoints may be cooler.

The Terra Nostra thermal pool will be closed for maintenance from October 21, 2024, to January 2025, so this won’t be included during that time.

Lunch isn’t part of the base price but can be added. Participants will receive one bottle of water per person, and entrance fees for thermal baths and natural parks are optional, payable on-site.

Customer Feedback

What do travelers say about this tour? Overwhelmingly positive reviews paint a picture of an exceptional experience.

Guides receive high praise for their knowledge and service, with one reviewer noting, "Our guide was fantastic – so knowledgeable and passionate about the island."

Our guide was fantastic – so knowledgeable and passionate about the island, according to one reviewer.

Travelers appreciate the comprehensive itinerary and opportunities to sample local cuisine, with one describing "the best lunch I’ve had in the Azores."

Highlights include:

• Guides’ expertise and personalized touches

• Diverse sights and activities across the island

• Delicious local food experiences

Getting to São Miguel

Reaching São Miguel, the largest of the Azores islands, is an accessible endeavor.

The island is served by Ponta Delgada International Airport, which receives daily flights from major European hubs. Travelers can also reach the island by ferry from neighboring islands or mainland Portugal.

From the airport, a tour pickup service provides convenient transportation to your hotel or the tour meeting point.

Whether arriving by air or sea, getting to São Miguel is straightforward, allowing you to focus on enjoying the island’s stunning natural beauty and unique cultural experiences during your 2-day tour.

Exploring the Azores

The Azores, a Portuguese archipelago in the mid-Atlantic, offer travelers a unique opportunity to explore a diverse and captivating island landscape.

This 2-day tour on São Miguel, the largest island, showcases the island’s natural wonders, cultural heritage, and local experiences.

Highlights include:

• Visiting a pineapple plantation, exploring volcanic craters and lakes, and discovering black sand beaches.

• Touring a 100% natural tea plantation and tasting local teas.

• Taking in the lush Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões, home to stunning waterfalls.

• Enjoying optional local cuisine tastings for an authentic culinary experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?

The tour’s average group size is not explicitly stated. However, it’s described as a "small group tour," suggesting an intimate group size that allows for a personalized experience.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drink on the Tour?

According to the tour overview, participants can bring their own food and drink on the tour. However, the tour provides 1 bottle of water per person as part of the inclusions.

Are There Restroom Breaks Throughout the Day?

Yes, there are restroom breaks throughout the day. The tour includes air-conditioned transportation, allowing for flexibility to stop as needed for bathroom access at the various sites and viewpoints visited during the 8-hour tours.

Can I Extend My Stay on the Island After the Tour?

Yes, travelers can extend their stay on São Miguel Island after the 2-day tour. The tour company doesn’t handle accommodations beyond the tour dates, but they can provide recommendations for extending one’s visit on the island.

Is Travel Insurance Included in the Tour Price?

No, travel insurance is not included in the tour price. The tour package covers transportation, guide services, and some park fees, but additional travel insurance would need to be arranged separately by the traveler.

The Sum Up

The São Miguel 2-Day West and East Island Tour offers an immersive exploration of the island’s stunning landscapes and rich culture. With visits to a pineapple plantation, breathtaking viewpoints, and natural attractions, the tour promises a memorable experience for all travelers. The air-conditioned transportation, knowledgeable local guide, and free cancellation policy make it a practical and convenient choice for exploring the Azores.

You can check availability for your dates here: