Furnas Tea Plantation, Lake and Volcano Guided Tour Azores
- Duration8 hours
- Daily
- Group
- Pickup available
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Overview
This full-day guided tour crosses the central and eastern parts of São Miguel in one loop. You start with Gorreana, the tea plantation on the north coast, then climb to viewpoints above Furnas and explore the volcanic valley with its steaming fumaroles, walk beside Furnas Lake and look across to the Vila Franca islet. The day ends at a pineapple plantation near Ponta Delgada. Hotel pickup from select points and a knowledgeable guide are included.
Highlights
- Gorreana tea plantation with a complimentary tea tasting
- Steaming fumaroles and hot springs in the Furnas valley
- Walk beside Furnas Lake and Pico do Ferro viewpoint
- Terra Nostra Park with its warm thermal pool, when you choose to visit
- Viewpoint over the Vila Franca do Campo islet
- Visit to a pineapple plantation near Ponta Delgada
Full Description
Gorreana tea plantation on the north coast
Gorreana has produced tea since 1883 and remains a working plantation, with neat green rows running down towards the sea. The Azores climate and volcanic soil suit the plant, and visitors can follow the process from leaf to cup. Searches such as "Gorreana tea plantation tour" and "Gorreana tea factory opening hours" point to this stop, because it is one of the most unusual places to visit in Portugal.
On this tour a tea tasting is included, so you sample the black and green teas while looking over the fields. You also get time for a short stroll between the rows and a look inside the old factory, where the machines still do the work.
Furnas valley, fumaroles and Pico do Ferro
The valley of Furnas lies inside a crater with plenty of volcanic activity, including bubbling pools and jets of steam in the village centre. Pico do Ferro viewpoint gives the best panorama over the valley and lake, and the guide uses it to explain how the volcano still shapes daily life.
People looking at "things to do in Furnas São Miguel" usually want the hot springs, the traditional cozido cooked in the ground and a walk by the lake. This tour includes the valley visit, with free time for the thermal experience when it is available, so bring swimwear if you want to bathe.
Furnas Lake and Terra Nostra Park
Furnas Lake sits in a large caldera surrounded by forest and has a quiet path that runs along its shore. Near the lake you can see a small chapel and the geothermal vents where lunch is slowly cooked underground. It is among the best places in São Miguel for a gentle walk and photographs.
Terra Nostra Park, a historic botanical garden, holds a large iron-rich thermal pool where many visitors take a dip. Entrance to the park and the hot springs is not included and is paid separately, but the guide can tell you how long to allow.
Vila Franca islet viewpoint and the pineapple plantation
On the way back to the capital the tour pauses at a viewpoint over the islet of Vila Franca do Campo, a ring-shaped volcanic crater that rises out of the sea. It is a favourite photo stop and a good moment to learn about the old capital of the island.
The final stop is a pineapple plantation near Ponta Delgada, where the fruit grows in greenhouses over about two years. You can see the plants, taste local snacks and decide whether to buy souvenirs before being dropped off at the pickup point.
Itinerary
- Hotel pickup in Ponta DelgadaBe ready at the pickup point by about quarter to nine in the morning.
- Gorreana tea plantationA guided visit with a tea tasting, about 35 minutes.
- Pico do Ferro viewpointA photo stop with sweeping views over the Furnas valley, about 15 minutes.
- Terra Nostra ParkFree time to walk, or to swim in the thermal pool; entrance is paid separately, about an hour.
- Furnas village and lunchA break of about an hour and a half for lunch, which is not included.
- Caldeiras and Furnas LakeA look at the steaming fumaroles, then a walk beside the lake, about an hour in total.
- Vila Franca do Campo islet viewpointA short photo stop before heading back.
- Pineapple plantation and drop-offA short visit near Ponta Delgada, then return to your pickup point.
What's included
- Pickup and drop-off at select hotels
- Transport during the tour
- Tour guide
- Visit to the Gorreana tea plantation with complimentary tea tasting
- Informational booklets
Not included
- Breakfast and lunch
- Entry fees at parks and hot springs
- Tips
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Families with children
- Travellers without a car — hotel pickup is included
- Nature and wildlife lovers
- Food lovers
Think twice if
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
Meeting point
Pickup is included from select hotels and pickup points in Ponta Delgada. Guests must be ready at the designated pickup point at about quarter to nine in the morning, although traffic or a full vehicle can cause small delays. Confirmation shows your exact pickup point.
Important information
- Breakfast and lunch are not included; entry fees to the parks and hot springs are paid separately; tips are optional.
- Bring swimwear and a towel if you want to bathe in the hot springs, and comfortable shoes and clothes.
- Please be ready at the pickup point by 8:45 in the morning; delays are possible due to traffic or the number of passengers.
- Pickups outside Ponta Delgada may be available on request; contact us before booking.
- The route can change with the weather, and the itinerary is for reference only.
- Food and drinks are not allowed in the vehicle; pets, smoking and fire are not allowed.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Furnas tea plantation and lake tour cost?
The price depends on the option and the number of travellers. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off from select hotels and pickup points in Ponta Delgada are included.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about eight hours, from the morning pickup to your return in the late afternoon.
Is lunch included?
No. Breakfast and lunch are not included, and there is a break in Furnas village where you can try the local cozido or other dishes.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children can join the tour, although the day is long. Wheelchair users cannot take this tour.
What should I wear and bring?
Comfortable shoes, layers, swimwear and a towel if you want to bathe, plus sunscreen and a light rain jacket.
Is the Terra Nostra Park entrance included?
No, the park and hot springs are paid separately. The guide explains the options at the stop.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
You can select any available date in the booking panel. Booking earlier gives you the best choice of dates.
Is Gorreana worth a visit?
Yes. It is a unique stop where you can see Europe's tea-growing tradition, with a tasting included on this tour.
Can I swim in the hot springs?
Yes, when the pools are open and available. Entry is paid separately, and the water temperature varies from pool to pool.
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