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Vila Franca do CampoVolcano tours

Our most recommended Vila Franca do Campo Volcano tours

Furnas Valley Full-Day Volcano and Tea Plantation Tour

1. Furnas Valley Full-Day Volcano and Tea Plantation Tour

Depart Ponta Delgada and journey along the south coast of São Miguel before heading towards the Furnas Valley to experience its dramatic volcanic landscape. Stop at the village of Lagoa en route and visit a traditional pottery. Marvel at the former capital of the island at Vila Franca do Campo. Upon arrival in the Furnas Valley, go to the lake to enjoy a lunch of authentic cozido na caldeira (traditional Portuguese stew) cooked using the heat of the volcanic soil. Savor the ingredients characteristic of this typical dish. Next, go to the belvedere of the Pico do Ferro for a panoramic view of the valley. Return to Ponta Delgada via the island's north road, and stop at the site of Europe's only tea plantations and tea factory.

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

2. 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.

Vila Franca Islet Off-coast Nature Reserve Tour

3. 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.

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

4. 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

5. 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.

São Miguel: Lagoa do Fogo Volcano Geo Tour with Hot Springs

6. São Miguel: Lagoa do Fogo Volcano Geo Tour with Hot Springs

Marvel at the volcanic landscape of the Azores with a tour of the Lagoa do Fogo (Lake of Fire) on this guided tour in São Miguel, with optional hotel pickup. Stop at multiple viewpoints on the drive up to the crater. Take a dip in the Caldeira Velha thermal pools or the Salto do Cabrito waterfall. Start from the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo for check-in and a short briefing. Then, hop into a van to drive up to the protected Nature Reserve of Lagoa do Fogo. On the way, stop at the scenic viewpoints of Pico da Barrosa and Bela Vista to soak in some of São Miguel’s best island views. Finally, arrive at the 15 thousand-year-old crater that sits in the deep caldera of the Fogo Volcano. Admire the stunning lake and learn about its endemic flora and surrounding woodlands from your guide. Next, head down the mountain, passing by the Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Centre for information on the island's volcanic origin, biodiversity, and geothermal resources. Here, you can opt for a bath in Caldeira Velha’s manmade thermals pools and a natural waterfall pool – all heated by the nearby Fogo Volcano. Alternatively, go further ahead to the Salto do Cabrito waterfall, tucked away in a lush forest. With any time left, you visit the Historic Center of Ribeira Grande, the 16th-century fountain of Largo de São Pedro, or the sandy beach of Santa Barbara. Finally, head back to the marina to end the tour.

Full-Day Furnas Azores 4x4 Tour from Ponta Delgada

7. Full-Day Furnas Azores 4x4 Tour from Ponta Delgada

Travel from Ponta Delgada to Furnas Azores on a full-day 4x4 tour on the island of São Miguel. Furnas Azores has a history of volcanic activity that has left behind a legacy of particularly impressive natural geysers, hot springs, calderas, and fumaroles. Along the way, you will visit a number of locations with stunning landscapes and unique and intriguing features, such as Vila Franca do Campo, where you can see the famous islet, a tea factory, and views from various spots. Upon arriving at Furnas Azores, admire the lake and its geysers, which are surrounded by lush nature.

Private Full-Day Tour CUSTOMIZED

8. Private Full-Day Tour CUSTOMIZED

Join us on a car tour to Furnas and discover the natural beauty of the Azores. We'll start by visiting a pineapple plantation, where you'll learn about the cultivation of this tropical fruit. Then, we'll drive through Ribeira Grande and Santa Bárbara, taking in stunning coastal views. Our next stop will be Santa Iria viewpoint, where you can admire panoramic views of the north coast. After that, we'll head to the only European tea plantation, where you'll have the opportunity to taste unlimited tea. Then, we'll visit the charming village of Furnas and see the geysers and fumaroles, a testament to the volcanic activity of the island. We'll also make a stop in Vila Franca to see the island's iconic islet. Finally, we'll visit the botanical garden in Ponta Delgada, where you'll see a variety of flora from around the world. Our knowledgeable guide will share insights and stories throughout the tour, making it a truly enriching experience. Join us for a day of adventure, discovery, and natural beauty. Book your car tour to Furnas today.

São Miguel: Full Day Tour to Furnas

9. São Miguel: Full Day Tour to Furnas

Depart from Ponta Delgada for a full-day adventure on São Miguel Island. A dip in the Furnas thermal baths is sure to make you forget all your worries. Get a taste of local flavor with a traditional lunch. Take in some great island views and cap off the experience with a visit to Gorreana tea plantations. Following hotel pickup, head to Vila Franca do Campo, the once capital of the island and home to the Azores' best-known sweets and quintessentially magnificent landscapes. The tour then continues to Furnas Valley, with the option of a thermal bath in the morning. Visit the terra nostra botanical garden and soak in the pool and jacuzzis. Check out the boilers in the center of the parish. Lunch, served in a local restaurant, will be the famous Cozido das Caldeiras (Furnas stew). Continue on to the Pico do Ferro viewpoint, overlooking the largest and oldest volcanic crater on the island. Descend to the north side of the island, stopping to visit the Gorreana tea plantations with the chance to taste and purchase tea. Stop at the Santa Iria belvedere for more classically Portuguese views of the countryside and the Atlantic before returning to Ponta Delgada.

Ponta Delgada: Full-Day Van Tour to Furnas Valley

10. Ponta Delgada: Full-Day Van Tour to Furnas Valley

Embark on an extraordinary and exclusive journey that's simply impossible to miss. Discover the ancient volcanic origins of Furnas, a mesmerizing realm pulsating with geothermal marvels. Our escapade commences with a morning pickup in Ponta Delgada, ushering us to the renowned Gorreana tea factory for a glimpse into its legacy. Soon, we'll ascend to the breathtaking Pico do Ferro viewpoint, capturing both the landscape and essence before descending to the effervescent Caldeiras das Furnas. Here, we'll explore famed fumaroles and relish the singular notes of gasocarbonic mineral springs. En route to Lagoa das Furnas, we'll pause at a local eatery for a taste of the iconic "Cozido" dish. A fusion of regional ingredients, simmered through volcanic prowess, this gastronomic journey is a must-not-miss experience. After this culinary marvel, we'll enter the hallowed Terra Nostra botanical garden, where the echoes of indigenous Azorean flora and global adaptability intertwine. Following our day, an iron-rich hot water pool beckons, offering a luxurious soak in waters heated by the Earth itself, an exquisite finale to our day. As we return to Ponta Delgada, we'll traverse the scenic South Coast, making a detour to Vila Franca do Campo. Gaze upon the Princess Ring islet, delve into the island's inaugural capital, and unveil the seismic history of the formidable 1522 earthquake. This journey unveils the Azores' natural allure and vibrant heritage, an experience that defies comparison.

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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 :)

Amazing tour! The guide was very informative and helpful. The meal that was included was one of the best meals we have had! We got to see so much of the island and learn so much as well! Highly recommended

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!