THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover the culinary traditions of Furnas with BigBlue Adventures. Visit local markets, cook with expert chefs, and unwind in thermal waters amidst breathtaking views—an authentic Azorean experience awaits.
Discover the culinary traditions of Furnas with BigBlue Adventures. Visit local markets, cook with expert chefs, and unwind in thermal waters amidst breathtaking views—an authentic Azorean experience awaits.
Book with BigBlue Adventures
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by BigBlue Adventures · Ponta Delgada, Açores
In the heart of the Azores, Lagoa das Furnas offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and local tradition, fittingly paired with a hands-on culinary journey offered by BigBlue Adventures. Their 'Furnas - Chefe por um dia' activity invites participants into the local way of life through a lively market visit, where fresh, locally sourced ingredients are gathered for a communal cooking experience. As seasoned chefs demonstrate their craft, visitors learn about Azorean cuisine, transforming raw ingredients into a delicious, hearty meal.
After indulging in culinary creation, guests are guided on a scenic walk around the lagoon, taking in lush landscapes dotted with volcanic pinheiro trees and steaming thermal waters—signature features of Furnas. The thermal springs, known for their mineral-rich waters, provide a relaxing soak that caps off the day on a rejuvenating note. Dining amidst panoramic views of the crater lake, diners enjoy the fruits of their labor, savoring authentic Azorean flavors combined with stunning natural surroundings.
BigBlue Adventures stands out for its genuine focus on local culture and sustainable tourism. Their activities seamlessly blend outdoor exploration with cultural immersion, making them a perfect choice for travelers eager to connect deeply with the Azores landscape and culinary traditions. Whether you're a food enthusiast or a lover of natural scenery, their culinary adventures encapsulate the spirit of Furnas—rich in both landscape and culture.
Ideal for those seeking a balance of engaging activity and relaxation, this experience offers an authentic taste of the Azores that will leave a lasting impression. Join BigBlue Adventures for a day that combines food, scenery, and restorative thermal waters, creating memories as flavorful as the meal you'll share.
easy.
4–5 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; some walking involved.
Yes, the activity is family-friendly, with light walking and hands-on cooking.
The full experience takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, including market visit, cooking, and relaxation time.
Yes, inform the guides ahead of time for any dietary requirements or preferences.
English-speaking guides are available, but some basic Portuguese may enhance your experience.
No, all ingredients are provided as part of the cooking session.
No prior experience is needed; the activity is suitable for all skill levels.
Furnas has been harnessing geothermal activity for centuries, utilizing natural hot springs for cooking and bathing since the 18th century.
Efforts are underway to preserve Furnas’ geothermal integrity, ensuring sustainable use of the thermal waters and surrounding ecosystem.
BigBlue Adventures is a Ponta Delgada–based tour operator specializing in guided experiences across São Miguel, Azores. The company offers a diverse program of half‑day and full‑day trips that showcase the island’s volcanic landscapes, thermal springs, crater lakes, tea plantations and coastal viewpoints. Highlights include guided hikes to Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo, a hands‑on Furnas culinary experience with a market visit and a supervised preparation of the traditional 'cozido', and walks through the Gorreana tea plantation with tea tastings and insights into local production. BigBlue runs eight‑hour full‑day hikes that visit Lagoa das Furnas, Pico da Barrosa, Pico do Ferro and viewpoints such as Vista do Rei, as well as shorter four‑hour half‑day options to Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, Rocha da Relva and Gorreana. Tours feature opportunities to relax in Caldeira Velha and thermal waters, sample artisanal liqueurs in Ribeira Grande, and enjoy picnic or traditional meals in rural settings. A dedicated whale‑watching (observação de cetáceos) offering and private transfers are also included in the program. Pick‑up and drop‑off are provided for select experiences, and many itineraries combine scenic drives, guided walks and cultural stops like the Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Vitorias and local pineapple greenhouses. All descriptions remain factual to each itinerary, making it simple for travelers to choose a trip that matches fitness level, duration and interests on São Miguel. Booking information, availability and specific meeting points are provided on each tour listing so guests can plan logistics before arrival, and transportation details when applicable.
Book with BigBlue Adventures