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Vila Franca do CampoSmall group activities

Our most recommended Vila Franca do Campo Small group activities

Azores: Full Day Furnas & Nordeste with lunch (East Tour)

1. Azores: Full Day Furnas & Nordeste with lunch (East Tour)

This is the perfect tour to take you to discover how the Azoreans live in the volcano's mouth. Start your adventure day with a morning stop at the former Island capital, Vila Franca do Campo, for a small marina walk or try the island's unique pastry, the queijada da vila. Next, head to the mystical Furnas Valley, where geothermal wonders await. Soak in the area's enchanting charm discovering fumaroles and bubbling springs, a testament to the island's volcanic soul or a splash of pleasure by soaking in the thermal waters or visiting one of Europe's most beautiful botanical gardens, the Terra Nostra Natural Park and Thermal Pool. This Park is one of the must do thing in Furnas Volcano. (entrance fee not included) Savor a delectable local lunch, the "Cozido das Furnas" also with a vegetarian option and cooked in volcanic soil, perfectly crafted to tantalize your taste buds, this is a unique experience! After lunch break, venture to the picturesque Nordeste to visit Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, where a living watermill museum and cascading waterfalls that seem to belong to a fairy tale awaits you, preserving Azorean heritage in a magical setting. Capture the essence of local life, and immerse yourself in the island's vibrant past. On the way back to your hotel, there is nothing better than admiring one of the last two 100% natural tea plantations in the world while enjoying a tea tasting visiting Gorreana tea plantation.

São Miguel East: Full-Day Van Tour with Lunch

2. São Miguel East: Full-Day Van Tour with Lunch

Explore the highlights of the eastern half of São Miguel island on a guided tour by van. Discover the hot springs at Furnas, the waterfall at Ribeira dos Caldeirões, as well as the remote rugged beauty of the Nordeste region. Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the northern coast of the island until you get to the Santa Iria Lookout, with a spectacular, ample view of the north coast in both directions, before continuing to Furnas. Find yourself in Furnas and admire a spectacular panoramic stop to gaze over the lake and town. Descend where you will be given the choice of visiting the geothermal fields and tasting the sparkling waters, or bathing in the hot springs, for an additional fee. Next, discover a traditional way of cooking as your lunch of cozido (stew) is pulled from the warm volcanic soil. In the afternoon, continue the journey eastward, with a stop at the charming waterfall of Ribeira dos Caldeirões.  Explore Nordeste, the most unexplored and rural part of the island. Visit two amazing lookouts over the high cliffs that characterize the East coast of São Miguel, before returning to Ponta Delgada.

Vila Franca do Campo: Kayak Rental

3. Vila Franca do Campo: Kayak Rental

There's no better way to enjoy the Azorean sea than on a Kayak. Enjoy the freedom of paddling in an open sea along the unique coastline of Vila Franca do Campo, where you can spot the beautiful islet. Rent it for yourself or bring the family aboard (up to 4). All experience levels are welcome and the equipment is provided for free (vest and paddle). The kayaks you will be renting are safe and comfortable, difficult to flip in the sea and don't sink. This rental is valid for two hours per person. We look forward to welcoming you!

São Miguel: 2-Day Sightseeing Tour Including Lunches

4. São Miguel: 2-Day Sightseeing Tour Including Lunches

Your multi day tour will start by the West or East excursion according to the availability, you will informed about before the tour starts. • São Miguel West & highlights Tour (Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo) On the Western side Tour, we start by visiting a pineapple plantation in Ponta Delgada followed by the Pico do Carvão and Vista do Rei viewpoints. From this spot, you will admire all the beauty of the blue and green lagoon with the picturesque parish of Sete Cidades on its edge. Descending inside the volcano, stop at the Cerrado das Freiras viewpoint and then at the Sete Cidades parish for a regional lunch and to visit the main church of São Nicolau. After lunch we leave towards the viewpoint of Escalvado overlooking the ocean, Ponta da Ferraria and Mosteiros Islets. Departure to the Ribeira Grande city on the north coast to explore the historical center and the Jardim do Paraíso. Stop at the Mulher de Capote liqueur store for a tasting of traditional liqueurs, they are free and you can buy a nice souvenir. Up to the Fogo volcano with a stop at the Lagoa do Fogo and Pico da Barrosa viewpoints. The last one offers wonderful views over the lagoon and the whole western part of the island. Return to the starting point. • São Miguel East & Highlights Tour (Furnas & Nordeste) We start the tour to the East side stopping at the first island capital, Vila Franca do Campo, where you can enjoy a small walk along the marina or do a coffee breack and try a typical conventual sweet, the "Queijada da Vila" before heading to Furnas volcano. On the Furnas volcano, one of the most visited attractions by travelers is the Terra Nostra botanical garden, home to one of the most beautiful thermal pools. Although this attraction is not included in our tour it remains an option and all travellers will have the opportunity to visit or have a thermal bath if they wish to include this attraction in their day tour. The admission can be acquired at the ticket office costing 10€ per person. Lunch will consist of starters, Furnas stew (vegetarian option available), alcoholic drinks, juices, water, dessert and coffee or tea. After a lunch breack tasting this unique delicacy, visit and explore the exotic Furnas village where hot springs, gardens and boilers transport you into a magical volcanic world. Ascend to Pico do Ferro viewpoint for a privileged panoramic view over the entire volcano crater Head to Nordeste stopping at its ex-libris, the Ribeira dos Caldeires Natural Park inserted in a beautiful valley with 5 watermills and the famous waterfall "Véu da Noiva". Return by the north coast stopping at the tea factory where you will visit the last natural tea plantation in the world and do a tasting.

São Miguel: Furnas and Nordeste Full-Day Tour with Lunch

5. São Miguel: Furnas and Nordeste Full-Day Tour with Lunch

Starting through Ponta Delgada, along Avenida do Mar, following the beaches of Água D´Alto, until we reach the first capital of the island, Vila Franca do Campo, stopping at the viewpoint of Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo where we can see its incredible islet, the result of an underwater volcanic eruption and where the Red Bull Cliff Diving has been running for 3 years, now; After this short break, we will drive to the bucolic Lagoa das Furnas (Entry not included, available by choice or at customer’s expense), area where the famous “Cozido das Furnas” is cooked in volcanic soil for 6 hours, and here we can observe the removal of the pots from the volcanic ground by local restaurants. We will also visit the various fumaroles and boilers from that area; Back on the road and towards the parish of Furnas you can optionally relax in pools of hot springs, over 30 degrees, that spur incessantly from railway springs. This is an experience of thermal charisma, with the option of the client and alternative, between Poça da Dona Beija) and the pools of Parque Terra Nostra, where in addition to being able to swim, you can also visit its amazing Botanical Garden Terra Nostra Park, considered one of the best and largest in Europe. (Entry not included, available by choice or at customer’s expense); Lunch Break (Lunch included) After lunch, a pedestrian visit to the the center of the parish of Furnas; Driven north of the Island, next stop will be at the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, one of the most visited areas in the Nordeste area, with its 5 Watermills and her amazing waterfall; The last stop of the day, will be the tea route, until the tea plantations and their factories. A view of the splendid bay, a magnificent garden and a smiling welcome for a tea tasting at the Gorreana Tea Factory or Porto Formoso Tea Factory.

Nordeste Tour from Ponta Delgada

6. Nordeste Tour from Ponta Delgada

Start the tour by leaving Ponta Delgada and traveling towards the north coast. Make the first stop at Ribeira dos Caldeirões in the municipality of Nordeste. See the beautiful waterfall, known as Véu da Noiva, and the surrounding watermills and gardens. Pass through picturesque villages as you travel on towards the wonderful viewpoints of Ponta do Sossego and Ponta da Madrugada, on the eastern tip of the island. View the beautiful lighthouse from the top of the cliff. Stop for lunch which will be served in the village of Povoação, the oldest settlement on the island. In the afternoon, relax near the sea or explore the historic center of Povoação. Return to Ponta Delgada along the south coast, passing by Furnas Lake and Vila Franca do Campo.

Vila Franca Islet Off-coast Nature Reserve Tour

7. Vila Franca Islet Off-coast Nature Reserve Tour

The tour starts with a short briefing introducing to the volcanic islet’s geology, plant and animal species that can be found, the nature reserve’s rules, and safety. Everyone will follow the Guide and Skipper to their designated boat, for 10 minutes travelling by sea to the Islet. You will disembark at the islet’s harbor, for a hour-and-half tour to explore the volcanic marvel and its notorious features. The islet crater is rocky with endemic Azorean Heather, Firetree and other flora species making this a beautiful living habitat for wildlife, and often birds can be observed, such as Buzzards, Turnstones, Sanderlings, Little Egrets, Whimbrels, Canaries, Wagtails, and even Sally lightfoot crab colonies! It is life rich all year, especially in Autumn and Winter. Your guide will keep you informed on what you are observing and is available throughout your tour to provide answers to any specific questions - feel free to ask! At 16:15 it is time to be back to the Marina for check-out.

Furnas: Thermal Springs & Tea Plantation Day Tour with Lunch

8. Furnas: Thermal Springs & Tea Plantation Day Tour with Lunch

Join us on an exciting expedition to the thermal village of Furnas, where you can enjoy the different thermal springs and natural pools. Starting with a visit to Parque Terra Nostra, a botanical garden with a long history of more than two centuries, where you can enjoy the natural pools of hot water and savor the famous “cozido”, a typical delicacy from Furnas, cooked in the heat of the Earth. . After enjoying a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, we'll head to the distinctive Furnas boilers, where you'll discover a variety of hot springs. Furthermore, we will explore the Gorreana tea factory, being the only tea factory in Europe that still employs traditional tea making methods. This is an unparalleled expedition, tailored for those who will immerse themselves in the natural wonders of the island of São Miguel.

São Miguel Island: Full Day All-in-One Tour

9. São Miguel Island: Full Day All-in-One Tour

Join this tour to visit the most iconic and historical areas of São Miguel Island. See views of the lakes from Vista do Rei, stop at the Santa Iria Viewpoint, try tea at a tea planation, try Furnas stew in Furnas Valley, and more. Start your journey to the Vista do Rei viewpoint and admire the landscape of the Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde lakes, located in Sete Cidades. Then, head to the mountains to enjoy the scenic view over Lagoa do Fogo and visit the Santa Iria Viewpoint. Stop at the Gorreana tea plantation and its factory. Taste black and green tea and then continue to Furnas Valley to admire the Pico do Ferro’s viewpoint. Watch powerful volcanic phenomena, known as fumaroles, in Furnas village.  Enjoy Furnas stew for lunch, a traditional dish cooked underground. Take a walk at Furnas Lake and learn about the Furnas stew cooking process. On your way back, drive along the south coast and stop at Vila Franca do Campo, the first capital of São Miguel.

São Miguel: Furnas & Terra Nostra Park Guided Tour w/ lunch

10. São Miguel: Furnas & Terra Nostra Park Guided Tour w/ lunch

Explore Furnas crater lake, village, local food, geysers, see beautiful botanic garden, exotic and rare plants, end with a hot springs thermal bath surrounded by Nature! Meet us at the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo for check-in at the specified time. The day starts with a short briefing and van tour up the Furnas volcano crater down to the mystic Furnas valley and lake, stopping for sightseeing and photos. Have lunch in a village restaurant, taste the most genuine island meal - an authentic geyser-cooked “cozido”. Visit nearby volcanic activity and fountains of mineral water. Have one hour free to explore the beautiful village’s streets, featuring crossing rivers, watermills, chapels and fountains. At 15:30 meet the guide at Terra Nostra Gardens gate, and start a walking botanical journey showcasing a singular collection of plants and flowers of cultural and historic value from all around the World. End with a relaxing mineral-infused and beautiful thermal pool surrounded by wonderful nature. No matter what season or level of expertise there’s always something interesting for everyone to enjoy. The gardens are exuberant all year with impressive century-old trees, huge collections of colorful, rare and strange plants, specialty gardens, beautiful avenues with sculptures and fountains, and dazzling year-round blooms of fragrant flower tones for the eye, nose, and camera! Your tour is tailored according to season’s highlights and special events occurring.

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What people are saying about Vila Franca do Campo

LOVED the full day tour with our amazing guide, Joao. He was very attentive and always made sure we were comfortable and having a good time. Doing the tour on our first day on the island was the perfect way to get familiar with the island so we could plan for the remainder of our week. Joao was very knowledgable about Sao Miguel and offerred so many interesting tidbits we otherwise would not have learned. Loved all the stops we made and never having to worry about parking or driving. The Furnas stew was delicious and loved that Joao joined us at the table while we dined. Also loved meeting the other people on the tour!! Amazing experience!

We had great weather for the boat tour, first there are some details about the island and the Azores in general. Then a short briefing, then it's already on the boat. Have circled the island once and then entered. We learned more about the birds, plants and the building. After the short hiking tour, everyone was allowed to move freely. A very nice place and one would like to jump into the water. Many Thanks :)

Joao was the best tour guide we have had so far! This tour was beautiful with amazing views and great culture. Also the food was delicious :). Highly recommend!

Thank you very much for a wonderful day Fantastic experience Mario is amazing and very knowledgeable Thank you very much Mario

The tour was great even though it was raining for some parts and cloudy!