São Miguel – Guide to The Azores

Canyoning Adventure

azoreanactiveblueberry — Fri, 15 May 2026 08:18:05 +0000

Activity details

Immerse yourself in nature on a guided canyoning tour in Ribeira Grande. The descent starts scrambling and exploring down the stream, where you have the opportunity to try out rappelling/abseiling and ziplining along the drops and medium waterfalls!

A trip for those who want extra adrenaline!

What’s included

High quality standard safety equipment, licenses, personal insurance, experienced qualified guides, photo and video service.

Safety Equipment: Neoprene wetsuit and socks, top canyoning shoes, helmet, harness and group safety equipment.

English, French, Portuguese and Spanish speaking guides

Highlights

There are areas where you can feel geothermal heat, 5 waterfalls with different methods: jump (optional), zip-line and rappel

Furnas: Mystic Tour (Hot Springs & Dinner Included)

Ivo Soares — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 08:47:58 +0000

Discover a Paradise as You’ve Never Seen Before! Furnas, nestled within the Furnas caldera on the eastern side of São Miguel island, has flourished over time amidst its verdant exotic vegetation and abundant mineral and thermal water spring.

Itinerary

We’ll start our mystic tour by sightseeing some of the beautiful coastline landscapes and the islet of Vila Franca do Campo while we drive towards Furnas.
The “Lagoa das Furnas” (Furnas Lagoon), naturally nestled within a caldera (dormant volcano) stands out as a prominent attraction for tourists, hikers, biologists, and bird watchers alike, owing to its diverse array of endemic and invasive flora and fauna species freely roaming this area (non-dangerous). Being an area so rich in geo thermal activity, here the locals improvised an unique way of taking advantage for cooking an unique Portuguese dish: the “Cozido das Furnas”, a mix of meats, vegetables and tubers that are slowly cooked underground for 6-7 hours;
As part of the gastronomical experience of this tour we’ll try the aforementioned geo-cooked stew at a traditional local restaurant with Starter, Main Dish, Drinks, Dessert and Coffee included in the menu (Vegetarian option available and alternative dishes for children). Beware! This restaurant is known for its abundant servings, better come hungry!
Sip your body and soul into hot springs pools in “Poça da Dona Beija”, one of the most popular thermal facilities on the island. With natural waters at a temperature of around 39ºC (102ºF), surrounded by a scenario of splendid vegetation and enriched with bird sounds, a moment of relaxation and contemplation that’ll take your mind off the daily routine and worries at the golden hour of the day. The rich ferrous waters are known as a great skin care but not suitable for dyed hairs. Skip the line to enter, we take care of booking it for you. Some medical conditions may be incompatible with thermal baths, please consult with your physician before.
Take a short walk through the Alameda Garden: discover an even hotter thermal pool, embrace the environment around the fresh water stream, observe an hidden aquarium and a human-made waterfall (this stop depends on the free time between dinner and the hot springs).
We’ll finish off our tour with an interpretative walk admiring the impressive fumaroles and “caldeiras” at the center of the village at night: a smoke and lights show given by nature awaits you, an unique experience in the Azores. Here we’ll explain how the locals have been able to live so close to these geothermal events for so long and the many myths that revolve around the area. Have a taste of the rich mineral waters springs and enjoy a local homemade sweet delicacy to clean your palate after.

We’ll drive back through the northern side of the island in a safe and relaxed environment. During this trip, you’ll be able to have a nap and/or receive suggestions for other places to visit and what to do for the rest of your stay at São Miguel.

Highlights

A full course meal for Dinner, with the geo-cooked stew of Furnas as the main attraction but we also have different options for the ones who already tried it and didn’t enjoyed it. Drinks at discretion, wines, beer and local juices. Traditional desserts (no processed nonsense).

An experience based on your experience and on your interests: we’re proud to say that we’ve received all sorts of customers (honeymoon’s, family groups, friend trips) with all sorts of backgrounds and interests and gave them an unique positive experience. Our reviews speak for themselves.

Attention to detail and taking care of our customers is our main priority, we’ll make sure you are well taken care during dinner and that your hot springs experience will be the safest possible.

Furnas Tour – Half day

intothewildazores — Thu, 14 May 2026 13:24:21 +0000

About

Witness and bathe your body in the geothermal hot springs of the Azores in the evening or in the morning, during some kind of enchanting romantic grand adventure in the most exotic place on earth.

Also, in the region of Furnas district take pleasure in an old-fashioned exclusive, yummy but healthy recipe, prepared beneath the ground utilizing water vapor originating from Furnas volcano.

Selected Stop Locations:

Viewpoint Stª Iria (Ribeira Grande)
Visit Europe’s oldest tea plantation of Gorreana (Ribeira Grande)
Viewpoint Pico do Ferro (Furnas, Vila da Povoação)
Visit the Lagoa das Furnas (Furnas, Vila da Povoação)
Visit the Caldeiras das Furnas (Furnas, Vila da Povoação)
Terra Nostra (optional) (Furnas, Vila da Povoação) or Poça da Dona Beija (optional) (Furnas, Vila da Povoação)

FREE PICK UP

9:00 am or 14:00 pm Pick up at the Hotel with the option to start early to enjoy the sun-rising ex. 7:00 am.

DROP OFF
13:30 / 18:30 Arrival at the Hotel / Same as departure

Read addictional information

Cooking Class in Azores

hungrywales — Fri, 15 May 2026 16:07:07 +0000

Activity details

Nestled in an inviting kitchen, this hands-on class explores Azorean cuisine’s blend of Portuguese, Mediterranean and North African influences, and celebrates tropical fruits and local staples. Guided by a local chef, you will prepare a seasonal three-course meal—starter, main and dessert—while learning about ingredients, cultural context and techniques that define the islands’ flavours. After cooking, gather at a beautifully set table to enjoy the meal together in a relaxed, social atmosphere.

Itinerary

Meet your local chef and prepare an Azores-inspired meal.
Menu varies by season and availability; typically includes a starter (cheese and fruit platter), a main course (beef or fish with a vegetarian option) and dessert (caramelised pineapple and ice cream).
Share the meal together at a set table.

Highlights

Learn authentic Azorean recipes and local culinary traditions
Hands-on cooking guidance from a local chef
Share and savour a seasonal, locally influenced three-course meal
Enjoy a fun and relaxed cooking class

Whale Watching & Islet Boat Tour

Ruben Cabral — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 18:38:15 +0000

Meet us at the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo for check-in at the specified time.

The journey starts with a short briefing introducing Cetacean (Whales and Dolphins) local species, their migration and behavioural patterns, and onboard safety.

Follow the Guide and Skipper to your designated boat, and go out to sea. Lookouts high inland help locate our friends, and provide directions via VHF Radio to where the boat will travel, initially at high speed. Carefully approaching our friends, your Guide will keep you informed, collect field imagery and data for local research, and is always available throughout to provide answers to any specific questions – feel free to ask.

Marine Wildlife can be observed yearlong. More than 25 cetacean species are possible to observe, Sperm Whales are resident alongside 3 dolphin species, and abundant marine biodiversity.

Upon return to the Marina, the boat will tour around the Princess Ring Islet of Vila Franca do Campo, for a close look at the volcanic marvel and resident wildlife.

Know before you go:
● Eat light, bring your personal water supply, sunscreen, chapstick, sunglasses and warm clothing. Light food is permitted, and a camera is essential – protect any personal equipment.
● NOT FOR anyone pregnant, with weak back, in a wheelchair, in delicate health condition, or under the age of 4.

Inclusions
● Knowledgeable Wildlife Guide
● Experienced Skipper
● Zodiac RIB Boat (12 or 28 pax)
● Impermeable Full Suit and Life Vest
● Insurance

Exclusions
● Hotel Pickup and Drop-off
● Personal Water supply

House Bali Furnas

Mónica Sofia Dos Santos Lucas Bernardo — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 12:59:50 +0000

Located 2.3 km from Lagoa das Furnas, 6.3 km from Pico do Ferro and 15 km from Lagoa do Congro, House Bali Furnas provides accommodation set in Furnas. This apartment is 27 km from Fire Lagoon and 90 metres from Parque Terra Nostra. Free WiFi is available throughout the property and Fumarolas is 1 km away.

The apartment with a balcony and mountain views features 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave, and 1 bathroom with a bidet. Towels and bed linen are featured in the apartment. The accommodation is non-smoking.

The nearest airport is João Paulo II Airport, 46 km from the apartment.

Mystic Lakes of 7 Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo Guided Tour

Gabriele Colleo — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 18:39:50 +0000

Enhance your Azores vacation with an adventurous twist by embarking on a private tour to Sete Cidades.

Departing off the beaten path, this journey on the Fire Lake (Lagoa do Fogo) promises an exploration of one of Portugal’s most captivating Seven Wonders. Venture into the heart of a region where volcanic craters have birthed a plethora of lakes, ensconced by vibrant vegetation, each exuding its own distinctive allure. From the enchanting Santiago Lake to the iconic blue and green waters of the Twin Lakes, prepare for a visual feast that defies comparison.

Pack your camera to immortalize the untouched splendor of this pristine earthly realm. Your expedition into the heart of Azores’ wilderness promises to be an experience beyond compare, as you tread where few have ventured before.

Tour Safari 4×4 – Lake of Fire | Half Day

trilhosdanatureza.com — Thu, 07 May 2026 08:18:26 +0000

Discover the heart of São Miguel on this thrilling Lagoa do Fogo Jeep Tour, where breathtaking landscapes and hidden gems await. Unlike conventional tours, this adventure takes you off the conventional roads to experience the island’s geothermal wonders and pristine nature up close.
Departing from Ponta Delgada, we travel along the scenic south coast, passing volcanic beaches and the sparkling blue waters of the Azorean sea. Our first stop is the Fábrica de Cerâmica Vieira, where you’ll witness the traditional craftsmanship of clay pottery, famously known as Louça da Lagoa.
Next, we head to Santa Bárbara Beach, a striking black-sand coastline and a world-class surfing destination. Continuing to Ribeira Grande, we explore its charming historic center before making our way to Ponta do Cintrão viewpoint, offering dramatic views of the island’s north coast and majestic cliffs.
From here, the real adventure begins as we ascend the Lagoa do Fogo mountain, navigating rugged dirt trails and jeep waterways. Along the way, we make an optional stop at Caldeira Velha Natural Park, a lush haven of endemic flora, where you can relax in its natural thermal pools, heated to a soothing 38°C.
Finally, we reach the iconic Lagoa do Fogo, one of São Miguel’s most stunning natural wonders and a protected reserve since 1974. From Pico da Barrosa, enjoy a panoramic view of the crater lake and the sweeping landscapes stretching to the south coast.
This immersive jeep tour promises an unforgettable journey, blending adventure, nature, and culture—all in the company of our expert guides, ensuring an experience you won’t forget!

What’s included

Rates include guide
Licensed Tour Operator
Casualty and Professional Liability Insurance

Itinerary

Ponta Delgada
Cerâmica Vieira (Opcional)
Miradouro do Pico da Barrosa
Miradouro Da Lagoa do Fogo
Centro de Interpretação Ambiental Caldeira Velha (Opcional)
Ponta do Cintrão
Degustação de Licores (Opcional)
Ponta Delgada

Safari 4×4 | Sete Cidades • Half Day

Safari Azores — Fri, 15 May 2026 08:35:29 +0000

Activity details

Join us for a 3-hour off-road adventure to uncover the breathtaking beauty of Sete Cidades. This tour takes you around the rim of the main crater, where you’ll enjoy stunning viewpoints overlooking the iconic green and blue lakes.

Conclude the experience with a short stroll through the charming town of Sete Cidades, immersing yourself in its picturesque scenery and tranquil atmosphere.

What’s included

Driver / Tour guide

What’s not included

Lunch

Itinerary

Departure from Ponta Delgada
Vista do Rei
Miradouro das Cumeeiras
Lagoa das Sete Cidades
Igreja de São Nicolau
Lagoa de São Tiago
Lagoa do Canário
Return to Ponta Delgada

Sailing tours – Private Sunset Sailboat Trip

Vasco Moreira — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 17:15:03 +0000

Private Sunset Sailing Tour Enjoy a memorable 2.5 hour sail in the late afternoon, appreciating the beauty of the sunset as you've never seen it before in communion with the sail. Drinks and a tasting menu with products from the Azores included. Meeting point: Marina - Portas do Mar - Ponta Delgada Max 5 pax Standard time - 6.30pm to 9pm