PONTA DELGADA GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Furnas in a Day: Cozido, Craters and Thermal Baths from Ponta Delgada
An 8-hour private day tour from Ponta Delgada that links coastal viewpoints, the Lagoa das Furnas, the famous Cozido lunch and a soak in Terra Nostra’s thermal waters—this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.
Furnas in a Day: Cozido, Craters and Thermal Baths from Ponta Delgada.
From Ponta Delgada the route threads the island’s southern and northern coasts to arrive at Furnas: a volcanic basin of steaming caldeiras, a placid laguna and a botanical park with thermal baths. Over an eight‑hour private tour you’ll watch the Cozido being retrieved from the earth, spend time in Terra Nostra’s warm waters and visit the historic Chá Gorreana tea plantation—an itinerary that concentrates many of São Miguel’s signature experiences into a single day.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Lagoa das Furnas and its steaming edges
The Lagoa das Furnas announces the entrance to the parish, where geothermal activity punctuates the shoreline and the famed earth‑cooked Cozido is lifted from the caldeiras at the water’s edge.
Cozido das Furnas—lunch cooked by the earth
The itinerary includes the traditional Cozido das Furnas for lunch; if you prefer not to eat the Cozido the tour provides an alternative option.
Parque Botânico Terra Nostra and thermal soaks
A visit to Terra Nostra gives roughly 1:30 hours for either a stroll through the botanical park or a dip in its heated thermal waters (note: park entry fees are not included).
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
This is a full‑day, private circuit that departs Ponta Delgada and follows the island’s south coast before reaching Furnas. The rhythm alternates short coastal viewpoint stops and village miradouros with longer visits in Furnas—first the lakeside caldeiras and the Cozido lunch, then the botanical park and thermal baths—before returning along the north coast with stops at Pico do Ferro and the Chá Gorreana plantation and factory.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this private day tour suits best.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Full‑day private tour running approximately 8 hours: typical schedule is 09:00 to 17:00.
Pick‑up and drop‑off are provided from central Ponta Delgada or your hotel (within a 5 km radius); pickups beyond 5 km incur an extra charge.
Park entry to Terra Nostra and other site entrance fees are not included in the tour price and should be covered separately by participants.
This is a private group tour with a minimum requirement of two participants.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the tour last and what are the hours?
The tour is an 8‑hour full‑day excursion, typically running from 09:00 to 17:00.
Where does the tour start and finish?
All circuits start and finish at your hotel; pick‑up and drop‑off from central Ponta Delgada (or within a 5 km radius) are provided.
Is there a minimum number of participants?
Yes — the tour requires a minimum of two people.
Are entrance fees and the park included?
No — entrance fees to the caldeiras and Parque Terra Nostra are not included in the tour price.
Is lunch provided and what is it?
The program includes the traditional Cozido das Furnas for lunch; if you do not wish to eat the Cozido an alternative will be provided.
Will we visit a tea plantation?
Yes — the tour includes a visit to the Chá Gorreana plantation and factory, where you can sample local green and black teas.