São Miguel – West: Sete Cidades, Pineapple Plantation & Lagoa do Fogo

Miradouro da Barrosa - Situated at the peak of the Fogo volcanic crater, the Pico da Barrosa viewpoint provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the western side of São Miguel Island.

On clear days, visitors can admire both the north and south coasts, along with the expansive Atlantic Ocean and the dramatic volcanic landscapes that highlight the island’s natural allure.

Lagoa do Fogo - At the Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint, travelers are presented with one of the most stunning landscapes in São Miguel.

Designated as a nature reserve since 1974, this protected area serves as a crucial sanctuary for seabirds and migratory species, offering a safe nesting environment in its pristine surroundings.

From this viewpoint, visitors can enjoy a sweeping view over Lagoa do Fogo, a crystal-clear lake nestled within a volcanic crater, located at the highest altitude of any lagoon in the Azores.

Ananas Santo Antonio - Discover the history of São Miguel’s pineapple, a unique and authentic agricultural tradition in the Azores that has been around for over a century.

During the guided tour, guests are taken through the distinctive glass greenhouses where the renowned Azorean pineapple is cultivated, gaining insight into each stage of this artisanal process, from planting to harvest.

This is the only place in the world where pineapples are grown in glass greenhouses, with each fruit taking between 24 and 30 months to fully mature. Its distinctive flavor and texture make it one of the island’s most iconic delicacies.

Vista do Rei Miradouro - The timeless postcard of the Azores offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views in Portugal. From this viewpoint, visitors are greeted with a breathtaking perspective over the iconic Blue and Green Lakes.

Located within the heart of the Sete Cidades volcanic caldera, local legend tells that their formation came from the tears of two lovers separated by a forbidden love.

The scenery seen from Vista do Rei combines natural beauty and a sense of calm that lingers, creating a truly memorable highlight of any guided experience.

Sete Cidades - Continuing the journey, and passing the bridge where legend tells of two lovers once separated by forbidden love, we arrive at the Cerrado das Freiras viewpoint. From here, guests are rewarded with a remarkable perspective over the Sete Cidades lakes.

This privileged lookout reveals a different angle of the Blue and Green Lakes, framed by the dramatic mountain range that shapes the volcanic caldera.

Lunch will be served in the village center, featuring a traditional buffet of local dishes. Guests who have chosen the tour without lunch will enjoy free time to explore the shores of the Blue Lake and experience the peaceful atmosphere of the Sete Cidades parish at their own pace.

Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado - Located at the top of the cliff, this viewpoint offers a striking perspective over the coastline. Looking out towards the ocean, visitors can admire the Ilhéus dos Mosteiros, small rocky islets rising dramatically from the sea.

Ilheus dos Mosteiros - As you descend towards the village, the offshore rock formations take on a new character, carrying with them the local legend of a forbidden love between a priest and a nun.

You will pass a black sand beach that offers striking photographic opportunities before reaching one of the highlights of this area: the natural tidal pools of Mosteiros. A favorite spot among locals, it is an ideal place to relax, enjoy a picnic, and take in a magnificent sunset over the Atlantic.

São Miguel – East: Furnas Volcano, Véu da Noiva Waterfall & Tea Plantation

Vila Franca do Campo - Morning stop at the marina of Vila Franca do Campo, the former capital of São Miguel. This is a great opportunity to admire the islet of Vila Franca or enjoy a coffee while tasting the traditional convent-style pastry known as “Queijadas da Vila”.

Lagoa das Furnas - Discover the beauty of Furnas Lake with a peaceful walk along its shoreline, passing the remarkable Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias, a unique example of neo-Gothic architecture. Along the way, admire several artistic sculptures carved from ancient tree trunks that decorate the lakeside path.

Throughout the walk, informative panels provide insight into the rich flora and fauna of São Miguel, offering a deeper understanding of the island’s natural environment.

Furnas - Lunch break or free time, offering the flexibility to enjoy a meal of your choice or use this stop as extra time to explore at your own pace.

The village of Furnas, on São Miguel Island, is a picturesque settlement surrounded by an impressive volcanic landscape. Stroll through its quiet streets, discover local shops and cafés, and experience the rhythm of traditional Azorean life, all set within close reach of the island’s famous thermal springs and natural hot pools.

The “Cozido das Caldeiras” or “Cozido das Furnas” is a signature dish slowly cooked using the natural heat of the volcanic soil. This unique culinary tradition results in a rich, distinctive flavor that attracts thousands of visitors to the area each year.

A vegetarian option is also available, prepared exclusively with locally sourced vegetables.

Advance table reservation is strongly recommended, and we can arrange it for you upon request—please feel free to contact us.

Caldeira das Furnas - A visit to the “enchanted valley” or “mouth of the volcano” invites you to walk among boiling water calderas and steaming fumaroles, where the raw power of the volcanic landscape is truly felt.

This area is home to several natural mineral springs and is considered by specialists to be the largest hydropolis in the world, with 22 classified types of mineral and therapeutic waters.

Visitors may sample some of the most well-known waters or enjoy a tasting of traditional liqueurs available at a local handicraft shop.

This is undoubtedly a place of remarkable diversity and unique beauty, where the surrounding volcanic scenery creates a truly unforgettable atmosphere.

Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeiroes - A magnificent area of traditional watermills, now transformed into a natural park where cascading waterfalls are the main highlight. Considered one of the most beautiful areas in the Nordeste region, it offers a peaceful setting surrounded by lush greenery and flowing water.

Visitors can also discover the traditional handcrafted “corn leaf dolls”, made using ancestral techniques and available in a local handicraft shop.

Plantacoes de Cha Gorreana - On the return journey, a stop at the Gorreana Tea Factory offers a relaxing moment with a tasting of one of the world’s last fully natural teas still in production.

Its rolling tea plantations create a striking landscape, beautifully framing the surrounding valleys and adding to the charm of this unique setting.

Miradouro de Santa Iria - From this viewpoint, take in the vast beauty of São Miguel’s northern coastline, stretching from Sete Cidades to the Nordeste region, where dramatic dark cliffs trace the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.

This is our final stop before returning to your accommodation.

Parque Terra Nostra - Optional visit to the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden and Thermal Pool. This experience takes place after the lunch break; guests who choose not to have lunch will benefit from additional time to explore the site at their own pace.

The Terra Nostra Park spans 12.5 hectares of botanical gardens originally created between the 18th and 19th centuries. It combines lush vegetation—century-old trees, collections of camellias, ferns, and both endemic and exotic species—with shaded pathways, lakes, and tranquil green spaces ideal for walking and quiet contemplation.

At the heart of the park lies its iconic thermal pool, filled with iron-rich volcanic water naturally heated to between 35°C and 40°C, offering a deeply relaxing experience with well-known therapeutic benefits linked to the island’s geothermal activity.

This optional visit offers a unique balance of nature, heritage, and wellbeing, making it the perfect complement after exploring the Furnas valley.

Entrance tickets can be purchased on site for €17 per person.

• An experienced local guide accompanies you throughout the journey, sharing stories and insights as a true Azorean storyteller.
• Guided visits to traditional pineapple and tea plantations, including tastings.
• Comfortable transport in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle.
• Two full days of guided sightseeing tours to the Island Highlights.
• Scenic stops at Sete Cidades, Furnas Valley, and Lagoa do Fogo.

• Lunch (not included unless the lunch option is selected).
• Personal expenses (extra meals, drinks, and souvenirs).
• Terra Nostra entrance fee

Make the most of São Miguel with two thoughtfully planned days covering the island’s most iconic landscapes and experiences — from Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo to Furnas, the Northeast and the Gorreana tea plantation.

Designed for first-time visitors and travelers short on time, this small-group tour brings together the highlights of São Miguel without the hassle of planning routes, driving unfamiliar roads or booking several separate excursions.

Travel with a knowledgeable local guide, enjoy convenient pickup from the accommodation and discover the island at a comfortable pace. The itinerary may be adjusted according to local weather conditions, helping to make the most of the best viewpoints and experiences during the visit.

With two full days together, the tour offers a much broader introduction to São Miguel than a single-day excursion, while still enjoying the personal atmosphere of a small group.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.