moderate
5–6 hours
Participants should have moderate fitness to handle uneven trails and some elevation changes.
Discover cascading waterfalls, Europe’s only tea plantation, and the geothermal marvels of Furnas crater lake on this 6-hour Sao Miguel adventure.
Starting at 30€ | 6 Hours or the cruise ship stay | Discover different waterfalls on the island!
Embark on a captivating 6-hour journey across Sao Miguel Island, starting at breathtaking viewpoints and exploring lush landscapes. Visit Europe's only tea plantation, marvel at stunning waterfalls, and discover the geothermal wonders of Furnas crater. Experience rich history and picturesque towns, all while enjoying the island's unique natural beauty.
6 Hours or during the cruise ship stay here
Pick up at the sea pier after the ship is fully attached.
We will start driving from the South coast, where your ship is docked, to the North coast. Our first stop is at the viewpoint "Miradouro de Santa Iria", here you will see the dramatic North coast cliffs and the rural part of Sao Miguel island, small villages that blend into the vast green pastures that slowly climb up towards the top of the mountains.
From there we will drive to the only Tea Plantation Factory in Europe. Here we will see tea plants, vintage machinery, process explanation, their tea shop, and at the end relax with a cup or two of tea.
When everyone is ready we will drive to our next stop, the "Ribeira dos Caldeirões" Park, where you will see the most popular waterfall on Sao Miguel Island. At the park you can go inside ancient watermills, visit the local handicraft shop, walk on paths to admire the different vegetation and scenery in the valley park.
From there we will drive up to one of the highest views of our tour "Salto Cavalo" viewpoint (if weather conditions are favorable), where you can see Furnas Caldera (lake and village), Povoação town (the first settlement of Sao Miguel in 1432), and big part of Sao Miguel island with is high picos. If weather conditions are not so favorable at Salto do Cavalo viewpoint we will go to "Pico do Ferro" viewpoint, here you can admire the biggest volcanic crater of the island and see Furnas lake and village.
Then we will drive down into Furnas crater to see "Caldeiras", the main attraction in Furnas area, where you will see many impressive fumaroles, and thermal springs where you can drink some of their many water springs.
In the village it will be a good suggestion to have a light lunch, your Guide will give you several suggestions.
When everyone is finished we will leave Furnas village, on our way out of the crater to go to the South side of the island. While driving still in Furnas crater we will pass beside Furnas lake, where you saw from the higher viewpoint, you may better admire the splendid greenery and feel that you are really in an old volcano.
After driving up a while and you start to see the ocean, shortly you will see from a distance Vila Franca do Campo town (the first capital of the island, before the earthquake in 1522) and the islet of Vila Franca do Campo, a circular submarine volcano.
Our next stop is the chapel of "Nossa Senhora da Paz" that is on a high hill viewpoint. From there you can see or even walk up the zigzag stone stairs into an eighteen century reconstructed chapel and have a better look of the town of Vila Franca do Campo with several banana and pineapple plantations, and the islet of Vila Franca do Campo, sometimes named as the ring of the Princess due is circular volcanic structure and an emerald colour water pool. After that we will check the time and determine what more we can fit our client's mood (for example Caloura viewpoint or Agua de Alto beach, if time permits).
During the Tour there will always be WC stops, and in the middle of this Tour a stop to drink and eat depending how long your ship stays here that day, and what the clients feel like doing.
Note: Sao Miguel island weather may affect this itinerary and alternate sites may be visited if necessary.
Pack plenty of water to stay refreshed during hikes around waterfalls and volcanic areas.
The rocky trails around waterfalls and volcanic terrain can be uneven and slippery—good shoes are a must.
Weather on Sao Miguel can change quickly; a lightweight rain jacket ensures comfort during sudden showers.
Keep a safe distance from fumaroles and hot springs to avoid injury and preserve delicate natural features.
The Furnas region has been inhabited for centuries, with traditions shaped by volcanic geothermal activity.
Sao Miguel promotes sustainable tourism practices to protect its fragile volcanic landscapes and endemic species.
Provides grip and support on rocky and uneven paths near waterfalls and volcanic sites.
Protects from sudden rain showers common in Azores spring weather.
spring specific
Staying hydrated is crucial during outdoor activities on the island.
Capture stunning landscapes of waterfalls and geothermal areas.