This 2-day tour is the ultimate way to experience all the highlights of São Miguel, guided by a passionate local storyteller who brings the island’s culture, geology, and legends to life. Explore the east and west sides of the island at a relaxed pace, discovering why São Miguel is often called “Portugal’s Hawaii.”
Your journey begins with convenient pick-up from your hotel or nearby point, so you can maximise your holiday time. Each day is carefully designed to immerse you in the island’s breathtaking natural beauty, volcanic landscapes, and charming villages.
(The tour runs over two consecutive days, and you can choose to start with either the West or East tour)
Day 1 – Full-Day West Side: Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo
Begin at a pineapple plantation, discovering how this tropical fruit thrives on São Miguel.
Stop at Vista do Rei viewpoint on the edge of the volcanic crater and admire the famous Blue and Green Lakes.
Descend into the crater and visit Cerrado das Freiras viewpoint and Sete Cidades parish, where you can stroll along the lake’s edge, explore the village, or enjoy buffet lunch if selected as an add-on.
Continue to Escalvado viewpoint for ocean views, Ponta da Ferraria, and the Mosteiros Islets.
Explore Santa Barbara black sand beach and visit Lagoa do Fogo and Pico da Barrosa viewpoints for panoramic views of the volcano and western São Miguel.
Return to your starting point in Ponta Delgada.
Day 2 – Full-Day East Side: Furnas Volcano & Ribeira dos Caldeirões
Start with a visit to Santa Iria viewpoint, one of the most beautiful on the north coast.
Explore one of Europe’s only two industrial tea factories, enjoy a tasting, and walk through the 100% natural tea plantation, where goats roam freely and no pesticides or fertilisers are used.
Discover Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, with historic watermills, lush greenery, and the “Véu da Noiva” waterfall.
Explore Furnas village, known as the “Mouth of the Volcano,” with its hot springs, mineral water sources, and steaming volcanic areas.
Optional: savour the traditional Cozido das Furnas, a unique stew slow-cooked underground in volcanic heat for seven hours (lunch add-on).
Optional: visit Terra Nostra Botanical Garden and enjoy the thermal pool surrounded by tropical and subtropical plants (€17 per person, extra fee, paid on site).
Stop at Nossa Senhora das Vitórias Chapel, beautifully located by Furnas Lake.
On the return, pass Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel’s first capital before its destruction in 1522.
Return to your starting point in Ponta Delgada.
Important information:
Lunches are not included for tax reasons, but can be added as an optional add-on. Simply select the “Lunch Add-on” at checkout and we’ll handle your reservation.