Furnas

The island of São Miguel in the Azores is often celebrated for its volcanic landscapes and lush greenery, and few places embody this combination better than Furnas. Located on the eastern side of the island, Furnas is a striking volcanic caldera dotted with steaming fumaroles, mineral-rich thermal springs, and verdant botanical gardens. Pedro Ferreira Azores Tours offers a comprehensive 8-hour adventure from Ponta Delgada that introduces travelers to the very heart of this vibrant landscape.

Departing the regional capital of Ponta Delgada, the tour first traces the southern shoreline toward Vila Franca do Campo, with scenic stops like the Pisão Viewpoint showcasing dramatic ocean vistas and natural pools carved into volcanic rock. The journey then reaches Vila Franca’s famed volcanic islet, visible from the vantage point at Nossa Senhora da Paz. As you roll into Furnas, the signature steaming lagoon welcomes you to one of the most geothermally active spots in the Azores.

Here, local tradition meets nature with the Cozido das Furnas — a hearty stew slow-cooked underground using natural volcanic heat. After savoring this unique meal, visitors get to unwind in the warm, iron-rich waters of Terra Nostra Park, a century-old botanical garden renowned for its thermal pools. An added highlight of the tour is the visit to the Gorreana Tea Plantation, Europe’s oldest and only tea factory, where you can taste locally grown black and green teas grown on unique volcanic soils.

The tour concludes with a photo-worthy stop at Santa Iria viewpoint overlooking the northern coast’s rugged cliffs and endless Atlantic horizon. Pedro Ferreira Azores Tours stands out by weaving natural wonders, geology, culture, and local flavors into a seamless day-long itinerary. This experience offers a rare chance to witness volcanic forces shaping landscapes and traditions, making it an essential venture for anyone wanting to connect with the wild soul of the Azores.