Furnas Volcano Day Trip: Hot Springs, Cozido Lunch & Tea

Summary

Furnas crater lakes hot springs lunch & tea from Ponta Delgada

You’ll walk through misty volcanic valleys near Furnas crater lake, taste cozido stew cooked underground, sip odd-tasting mineral waters, and wander Europe’s only tea plantation—all with pickup from Ponta Delgada and a local guide who knows every winding road.

What’s the experience like?

João was already waiting by the van when we wandered out of our Ponta Delgada guesthouse—he grinned and handed us a bottle of water, saying something about “plenty of walking today.” First stop was a tiny ceramic workshop where the clay dust clung to my hands. I tried shaping a tile (not well), and the old woman working there just smiled and patted my arm. She didn’t speak much English but somehow made me laugh anyway. The drive out east had that thick green smell you only get after rain, windows fogged up for a bit as we climbed toward Caloura’s viewpoint—mist rolling over the cliffs, sea way below.

By Vila Franca do Campo, João pointed out a bakery famous for queijadas—I bought two, ate both before we even reached Furnas. The crater lake looked almost unreal with steam rising off the water in little wisps. We walked close enough to feel the warm air on our faces. There’s this spot where locals lower big pots into the ground to cook cozido—the smell is earthy and kind of metallic? Lunch in Furnas town was that same stew, all root veg and meat, served family-style. I tried to say “obrigado” properly but mostly got tongue-tied; João laughed and corrected me gently.

Later we tasted mineral waters bubbling up right from the ground—some sweet, some like licking coins (not my favorite). The hot springs hissed all around us; I kept thinking it sounded like a kettle just about to boil over. On the north shore, Santa Iria viewpoint had this wild wind that nearly knocked my hat off. Last stop was the tea factory—Europe’s only one apparently—which smelled faintly grassy inside. I still think about that view from Pico do Ferro, clouds moving so fast you could almost see them changing shape.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day Furnas volcano and sights

• Depart from Ponta Delgada
• Visit ceramic factory
• Stop at Caloura viewpoint
• Stop at Vila Franca Do Campo viewpoint
• Visit Furnas village and churches
• Enjoy Furnas crater lake and hot springs
• Lunch with Furnas Cozido stew
• Taste local mineral waters
• Visit additional hot springs
• Stop at Pico do Ferro viewpoint
• Stop at Santa Iria viewpoint
• Visit European tea factory
• Return to Ponta Delgada

Top questions

How long does the Furnas volcano day trip take?

The tour lasts a full day, departing from Ponta Delgada in the morning and returning in the evening.

Is lunch included on this Furnas tour?

Yes, lunch is included—a traditional Azorean cozido stew served in Furnas town.

Are hotel pickups available for this day trip?

Yes, pickup is included from accommodations in Ponta Delgada.

Do you visit hot springs during the tour?

Yes, you’ll visit several hot spring areas near Furnas Lake and taste local mineral waters.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed and infant seats are available.

What’s special about the tea factory on this tour?

You’ll visit Europe’s only tea factory on São Miguel Island’s north shore as part of the itinerary.

How many people are in each van?

The minivan carries up to 8 people per group for a more personal experience.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel in Ponta Delgada, transport by air-conditioned minivan (max 8 people), entry fees for all stops including ceramic workshop and tea factory visits, bottled water and soft drinks along the way, a traditional lunch with Azorean cozido stew (plus coffee or tea), tasting of local mineral waters—and you’ll be back in town by evening.