The 4 Spa Days in Ponta Delgada Worth the Detour

1.Azores: Shore Excursion Furnas – Crater volcano and hot springs

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 47 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $94Our pick

Leave your cruise ship in Ponta Delgada for Furnas, where you’ll visit Gorreana Tea Plantation, view the volcanic lake from Pico do Ferro, see steaming springs, and watch stew cook underground. Optional time at Terra Nostra or Dona Beija costs extra. Guides include Pedro, Raphael, Andrea, and others.

“When they say the Azores is equivalent to Hawaii they are correct. It was a perfect tour on a beautiful island. Our favorite was definitely the tea plantation, absolutely breath taking. We saw the hot geysers and views from the top into the green/blue lakes. Our guide Raphael was excellent. Our only disappointment is that we did not make it to the orange hot springs and botanical gardens, but the rest of the stops were great.”

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2.Full-Day Furnas Tour: Hot Springs, Traditional Lunch & Tea

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 36 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $119Top rated

Spend about eight hours exploring São Miguel from Ponta Delgada with a group of up to eight. You’ll visit Vila Franca do Campo, Furnas Lake, Caldeira das Furnas, Terra Nostra, Pico do Ferro, and Gorreana Tea Factory, with volcanic Cozido lunch and tea included.

“Apart from disappointing weather had a great day. Guide was brilliant with plenty of knowledge. Seeing the lunch we were about to eat being cooked was a great experience. The bubbling pools also something you won’t forget! Lucky enough to be in a group of only four.”

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3.Private Guided Tour to Furnas and thermal baths.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 33 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $108

Travel from Ponta Delgada to Furnas in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with local guides such as Tiago or Nilton. See volcanic springs, Pico do Ferro, Terra Nostra Park, and Gorreana Tea Plantation. Bring swimwear and a towel, since thermal bathing is part of the plan.

“Wonderful day in Furnas! Nilton was an excellent guide - kind and knowledgeable. He navigated the tricky roads with ease in his very comfortable car. As a lifelong resident, he shared lots of interesting information about life on Sao Miguel. He brought us to places we would not have found on our own. He and his brother are a family business - they take pride in the business and their home and it shows! Highly recommend!”

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4.Couples PRIVATE Hybrid 4X4 Tour – Furnas (Inc Hot Springs and 3 Course Lunch)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · 8 hours (approx.)

Spend about eight hours with Andy on a private São Miguel tour from Ponta Delgada. Walk around Lagoa das Furnas, see volcanic cooking pits, soak at Terra Nostra, eat a three-course cozido lunch, taste Azorean tea, and stop for North Coast views.

“One of the best coordinated and relaxing tours. Andy was great! This was a very nice, low key, personal tour experience. We were not in the mood for rushing and wanted to spend a nice private experience in Furnas. Andy knows everything about the villages and culture. He was engaging at the right level, knew how to get everywhere with ease and since he is British but has lived in Furnas for 9 years, knows the locals, can speak fluently in Portuguese. One of the best overall relaxing and interesting tours I’ve done. Oh and the food was amazing (and gluten free for my celiac Husband).”

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