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Island Highlights · Full Day

São Miguel East Tour

Furnas, geothermal landscapes, waterfalls and the wild northeast of São Miguel — explored at an unhurried pace with a local guide.

Book São Miguel East Tour

Choose your experience

Small Group

Share the experience with a small group of up to 8 travellers.

Private Tour

Enjoy this itinerary exclusively with your own group, at your own pace.

Local expertise. Personal attention. An unforgettable São Miguel experience.

  • Duration

    Full Day (7–9 hours)

  • Group Size

    Maximum 8 guests

  • Pick-up

    Included

  • Lunch

    Not included

  • Languages

    English & Portuguese

  • Activity Level

    Easy

Experience Highlights

The east, shaped by fire and water.

  • Nossa Senhora da Paz and sweeping south-coast views

  • Furnas and its steaming geothermal landscape

  • Pico do Ferro above the Furnas volcanic crater

  • Salto do Cavalo and panoramic views across the northeast

  • Ribeira dos Caldeirões, waterfalls and historic watermills

  • The wild nordeste coast and flower-filled viewpoints

Full Tour Description

An island still shaped by the elements.

Discover the eastern side of São Miguel on a full-day tour through volcanic landscapes, waterfalls and coastal viewpoints, from Furnas to Nordeste.

Start at Nossa Senhora da Paz, overlooking Vila Franca do Campo and its offshore islet, before continuing to the steaming fumaroles and mineral springs of Furnas.

During the main stop in Furnas, choose between visiting Terra Nostra Park, known for its botanical gardens and thermal pool, or visiting Lagoa das Furnas followed by lunch at a local restaurant, where you can try Cozido das Furnas, slowly cooked underground using volcanic heat.

Park entrance and lunch are not included in the tour price. The lunch option, including access to Lagoa das Furnas, costs €25 per person, must be requested in advance and is paid on the day. You can also bring your own food.

Continue to Pico do Ferro and Salto do Cavalo for views across the volcanic landscape, then visit Ribeira dos Caldeirões, with its waterfalls and historic watermills. The day continues along the northeast coast, with stops at scenic viewpoints, before returning via the north coast and stopping at Santa Iria viewpoint.

Travel with a local guide in a modern 100% electric van, with a maximum of eight guests per vehicle. Join a small-group tour or reserve the same itinerary privately.

Before You Go

Important information.

  • Pick-up and drop-off are available in Ponta Delgada and Lagoa, as well as from Ponta Delgada Airport and the Ponta Delgada Cruise Terminal.

    Please provide your accommodation, flight details or cruise ship name when booking. We will confirm your exact pick-up point and time before the tour.

    Pick-ups begin at 9:00 AM. Please be ready at the confirmed location at the agreed time. As we collect guests from different locations, your pick-up may take place up to approximately 20 minutes after 9:00 AM.

  • Wear comfortable footwear and bring a light waterproof layer, even when the morning begins clear.

    Bring water, sun protection and a small day bag for personal items.

    Bring your own lunch, or bring money/card if you prefer to have lunch at a local restaurant during the tour.

    If you plan to visit the thermal pool at Terra Nostra Park, bring a swimsuit and towel.

  • Island weather can change quickly. Your guide may adjust the order of stops to find the best conditions and visibility.

    Tours operate in most weather unless conditions make travel unsafe or significantly affect the experience.

  • A lunch break is included in Furnas, but the meal itself is not included in the tour price.

    You can choose from local restaurants, including the opportunity to try the traditional Cozido das Furnas, or select another option that suits you. Meals are paid directly at the restaurant.

    If you have dietary requirements, please let us know in advance so we can help you understand the available options.

  • Most of the tour is easy and relaxed, with short walks and minimal physical effort.

    Some stops may involve steps, slopes or uneven ground, but longer walks are not required as part of the standard itinerary.

    If you have mobility concerns, please contact us before booking so we can discuss the tour in more detail.

  • Children are welcome when accompanied by an adult. Age-appropriate child seats are available free of charge and should be requested in advance.

    Vehicle and route accessibility can vary, so individual requirements should be confirmed with the team before booking.

  • Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

    If Pure Azores must cancel because of unsafe weather or operating conditions, we will contact you directly and explain the available alternatives.

Guest Experiences

  • Viator

    “We really enjoyed this tour and a brilliant way to see all the main sights of interest on the east of the island. This part of the island is interesting as you get to see the geothermal park and the stunning coastline, not to mention beautiful waterfalls and landscape.”

    Claire_D
  • GetYourGuide

    “The landscapes in the east were absolutely spectacular, with beautiful viewpoints, lush nature, and that incredible Azorean scenery everywhere we went. Each stop had something special (…)”

    Diana
    ·
    Spain
  • Google

    “We saw the most beautiful scenery, tasted mineral waters in Furnas, explored waterfalls, and had a delicious cozedo lunch. We’ve had such a great day we are looking at booking another tour with Pure Azores(…)”

    Natalie Jensen

Ready when you are

Experience São Miguel East.

Join a small group on a scheduled departure, or reserve the same complete tour exclusively for your group.