Fogo lake, is the most pristine lake among the biggest lakes from São Miguel island. Reachable only by walking.

The pickup may be done at your accomodation site. The transport for the group will be the FUNtastic van of 9 seat with air conditioning to ensure confort. Having a small group will also make the tour much more pleasing and friendlier.

Our van will take the group to Água D'Alto, an area of the south coast, where we will observe the area of Caloura and where we start the trail on foot heading toward the north. Initially the trail presents an uphill path to get to an altitude of nearly 600 meters. After this climb we find the levada site, where it was doing the supplying of drinking water from the Fire Volcano aquifers to the populations on the island's south coast. This is a good place to enjoy an almost flat walk and to enjoy the stunning vegetation, including some endemic species.

We find the following area of the aquifer and its drainage system. Soon after, we reach the Fogo lake where we lay next to the south bank and where we enjoy our picnic lunch. It is here where you can swim in the lake and enjoy an incredible panoramic landscape over the lake.

After the walk, we stop at Caloura shore to spend 30m to relax and rest near the sea.

Sounds great, isn't it? 

Furnas, the most intriguing site from the Azores since the islands occupation. This walk has two optional starting points which differ the trail’s length and difficulty.
The longer and more difficult option starts on the top of Pico do Ferro viewpoint, a place where you can see the whole vulcanic crater, the Furnas caldera.

In the valley you may also see the Furnas settlement. The trail starts with a downhill path leading to the Furnas lake.

The easir and shorter option starts at Furnas settlement and we walk on a road área until we arrive at the lake.

Once we get to the lake we find the fumarolic field from which the Furnas stew is steam-cooked underground. From here we start the walk around the whole lake, passing by several different environments and having different perspectives of the area.

On the mid-way we stop for the lunch next to the monitoring and research centre of the lake.

Afterwards we continue the walk, finding a smal gothic style chapel and summer house of José do Canto, an important Azorean man from the 19th century.
Once we do the complete round of the lake, we head to the starting points completing the circular trail.

After the walk, we show you some of the most interesting spots of Furnas parish and there is the possibility of enjoying the local hotsprings.

Make sure you bring your swimsuit and a (preferably) dark towel.

Furnas, the most intriguing site from the Azores since the islands occupation. This walk has two optional starting points which differ the trail’s length and difficulty.
The longer and more difficult option starts on the top of Pico do Ferro viewpoint, a place where you can see the whole vulcanic crater, the Furnas caldera.

In the valley you may also see the Furnas settlement. The trail starts with a downhill path leading to the Furnas lake.

The easir and shorter option starts at Furnas settlement and we walk on a road área until we arrive at the lake.

Once we get to the lake we find the fumarolic field from which the Furnas stew is steam-cooked underground. From here we start the walk around the whole lake, passing by several different environments and having different perspectives of the area.

On the mid-way we stop for the lunch next to the monitoring and research centre of the lake.

Afterwards we continue the walk, finding a smal gothic style chapel and summer house of José do Canto, an important Azorean man from the 19th century.
Once we do the complete round of the lake, we head to the starting points completing the circular trail.

After the walk, we show you some of the most interesting spots of Furnas parish and there is the possibility of enjoying the local hotsprings.

Make sure you bring your swimsuit and a (preferably) dark towel.

Travel with us all the way to the southeast area of the island.

The pickup may be done at your accomodation site.

The transport for the group will be the FUNtastic van of 9 seat with air conditioning to ensure confort. Having a small group will also make the tour much more pleasing and friendlier.

Explore the first settlement from São Miguel island. This is our first stop, at Povoação village where you can get to know it and prepare yourself before we do the hiking. The trail starts very close to the next parish, where we start with some climbing on a cobblestone path.

At the top we have a magnificent view over Faial da Terra before we continue the walk in the forest. Right after it we meet Sanguinho, the old and traditional Azorean style town.

Along the way we find interesting flora with endemic species and nice shades creating an excellent atmosphere. We also pass on several small streams and on a few wooden bridges which complements the atmosphere.

At the lunch time and after crossing all these elements we arrive at Salto do Prego waterfall, one of the trails highlights. Here we stop for the lunch time and for swimming next to it if you wish.

Once we finish the walk, we make a stop at Faial da Terra settlement to rest before we go back.

Let's do it ?

Walk around one of the 7 natural wonders of Portugal: Sete Cidades volcanic crater.

We offer you the possibility to choose from 2 available walking trails in Sete Cidades.

Both start in the south area of the crater and head to the settlement of Sete Cidades, but are different regarding their length and duration.

During our drive to the starting point we stop at Pico do Carvão viewpoint to show you one of the views that almost covers the entire island.

Both walks will offer you a varied perspectives of the the Sete Cidades lakes and the farming areas as well the parishes in the surrounding areas of the volcano. Both trails are considered easy since most parts are not steep and the soil is mostly even.

The picnic lunch is included and we will enjoy either during or after the walk.

After the walk we visit the Sete Cidades parish and some of its points of interest close to the twin lakes.

Walk around one of the 7 natural wonders of Portugal: Sete Cidades volcanic crater.

We offer you the possibility to choose from 2 available walking trails in Sete Cidades.

Both start in the south area of the crater and head to the settlement of Sete Cidades, but are different regarding their length and duration.

During our drive to the starting point we stop at Pico do Carvão viewpoint to show you one of the views that almost covers the entire island.

Both walks will offer you a varied perspectives of the the Sete Cidades lakes and the farming areas as well the parishes in the surrounding areas of the volcano. Both trails are considered easy since most parts are not steep and the soil is mostly even.

The picnic lunch is included and we will enjoy either during or after the walk.

After the walk we visit the Sete Cidades parish and some of its points of interest close to the twin lakes.

Join our excursion to Sete Cidades, one the 7 natural wonders of Portugal.

This excursion is similar to our half-day to Sete Cidades but we have some extra stops. 
We start our day with a visit to the Azorean pineapple plantations in the glass greenhouses at Fajã de Baixo. This is the first stop since the weather at 9 o'clock on the mountains is always more hazy/cloudy than later. You will get to know the local organic special tecnhiques which explains why the Azorean pineapple is unique.

After it, we start our drive going uphill and we make a stop on Pico do Carvão viewpoint so you can enjoy one of the best views over the island. Lagoa do canário and the viewpoint next to it are other spots you can't miss. From here you have an amazing first eye contact with the Sete Cidades caldera and you can see the most beautiful lakes of it (Rasa lake, Santiago lake and the twin lakes).

Next we are heading to Vista do rei viewpoint, from where you can admire the most famous perspective over the twin lakes of Sete Cidades. Next we have a drive to the Sete Cidades settlement next to the twin lakes and we explore the most interesting spots near the lake. On the way back we first pass by the viewpoint of Escalvado, allowing you to see Mosteiros settlement placed on a lava delta formation. We start the downhill drive and we explore Mosteiros.

After this we stop at the viewpoint of Escalvado to have a different perspective of the coastal area and Mosteiros. Then we drive down the hill to access to Ponta da Ferraria, which is a special place where there is a natural swimming pool warmed by an underwater fumarole. The visit time to this spot will depend on the low tide hour, changing our program.  

Sounds nice, right?

Reminder:

- Bring your swimsuit and a towell, in case you wish to enjoy the warm bath.

- During the fall and winter, bring a raincoat and confortable shoes.

Join our excursion to Sete Cidades, one the 7 natural wonders of Portugal.

We start our drive going uphill and we make a stop on Pico do Carvão viewpoint so you can enjoy one of the best views over the island. Lagoa do canário and the viewpoint next to it are other spots you can't miss. From here you have an amazing first eye contact with the Sete Cidades caldera and you can see the most beautiful lakes of it (Rasa lake, Santiago lake and the twin lakes).

Next we are heading to Vista do rei viewpoint, from where you can admire the most famous perspective over the twin lakes of Sete Cidades.

Next we have a drive to the Sete Cidades settlement next to the twin lakes and we explore the most interesting spots near the lake.

On the way back we first pass by the viewpoint of Escalvado, allowing you to see Mosteiros settlement placed on a lava delta formation.

FUNtastic, right?

Join our tour to Furnas, a place that you can not miss during your stay in São Miguel.

After the pickup and our briefing, we travel along the south coast to the east and we stop at the viewpoint of Pisão. From here you can see Caloura, the southest area of the island with a few cultural subjects to talk about. Later on, we continue our trip and pass by Vila franca do Campo which used to be the main capital of the island before it suffered some natural disasters from the Fogo volcano. It is interesting also to pass along here so you can see its islet from close.

We continue our drive to the east but we make a detour heading to Castelo Branco, a small and old castle looking building in a farming area. From this place at a height of over 700m you will be able to see the whole Furnas caldera, the place we are exploring during the rest of the day. Then we head directly to Furnas lake stopping next to it. Next to the lake there is a fumarolic field, very interesting to visit it since it is one of the best places to observe the secondary volcanic activity on the Azores. Not only that, but it is also the site where the locals steam cook the famous Furnas stew. So here we spend some time to see the locals withdrawing their pots from the soil.

After this stage, we go straight to the center of Furnas settlement to enjoy our lunch (included), so you will be able to taste the stew.

After the lunch, the group will visit Terra Nostra park, considered the most beautiful bothanical garden from the island. Another highlight from this park is definately its water tanks filled by hot springs water, so you will be able to enjoy them and to explore it.

Later on, we take you to visit another fumaroles area, inside the settlement where there is this synergy between the locals and the volcanic activity. From here you can taste the several individual natural water springs, some with gas and others like ironish water.

When we leave Furnas, we head to the north and stop at the viewpoint of Pico de Ferro to see another amazing perspective of the lake and the surrounding areas that we visited.

Jump in!

Reminder:

- Make sure you bring your swimsuit and a dark towell (preferably) if you intend to enjoy the hot springs bath;

- During the winter it is advised to bring a raincoat.

Come with us to Nordeste, considered the Europe's most flowery county for many years.

Its name was actually based on its position on the island, meaning northeast and it is the oldest part of the island.

We start the tour driving along the north coast, passing by Ribeira Grande city and stopping at the viewpoint of Santa Iria. It is a nice place to enjoy and see how steep and high are the northern shores.

After it, we pass by the two Azorean tea factories and we enjoy a cup of black/green tea. Then we continue our tour heading to Nordeste, heading to the mountains and stopping at Salto do Cavalo where we can enjoy a view of the eastern side of the island.

Next we drive down to make a stop at Ribeira dos Caldeirões. This place is known for the beautifull waterfalls, by the stream surrounded by several impressive fern trees, but also by the presence of watermills which are still operational.

Our next drive will take us to Nordeste's village, the main settlement from the county with its interesting architectural stone buildings such as the main church, from the XVI century and the stone bridge of 7 arches from the XIX century. Next to the village there is the first official Azorean lightouse, the Arnel lighthouse and the impressive viewpoint next to it.

After this we have our lunch (included).When we come back to the main road we pass by Pedreira parish from where the Nordeste locals can see Santa Maria island, next to the beautifull steep hills.

After this we visit the viewpoint of Ponta do Sossego, the most flowery viewpoint from the island, also truly amazing for barbecues and picnics.
Our return will be done along the south coast, so you can have different views.

We will be glad to have you on board.

Reminder:

- During the fall and winter, bring a raincoat and confortable shoes.

Fogo lake, the most pristine lake among the biggest ones, placed in a collapsed volcano at the center part of island.

For this excursion, we start our day traveling along the south coast heading to Lagoa city. The first stop will grant you with a visit to the ceramic and pottery factory at Lagoa city, close to the volcano. This is the first stop since the weather at 9 o'clock on the mountains is always more hazy/cloudy than later. You will have the opportunity to find more about this Azorean tradition and the procedures. If the tour takes place during a weekday you will be able to see the employees molding, cutting and drawing on the ceramic and pottery pieces in different stages.

After this, we start our drive going uphill and we make a stop on Pico da Barrosa viewpoint so you can enjoy one of the best views over the island. On the very top you will see a panoramic landscape, including the Sete Cidades volcano, the north and south coastlands and the east side of the island as well. From here we will have a few other stops to enjoy the views over the Fogo lake, where it will be visible where it had its last eruption on 1563.

Next we are heading to Caldeira Velha, from where you can enjoy the hot springs surrounded by the beautiful vegetation and atmosphere. Next we have a drive going downhill to Ribeira Grande city, to have a taste of the local liquers and to know its main square.

This Full day combines two half-days into a full-day with lunch, for a better value.

During the morning, we start the day wiith an excursion to Sete Cidades, one the 7 natural wonders of Portugal.

But first, we start our day with a visit to the Azorean pineapple plantations in the glass greenhouses at Fajã de Baixo. This is the first stop since the weather at 9 o'clock on the mountains is always more hazy/cloudy than later. You will get to know the local organic special tecnhiques which explains why the Azorean pineapple is unique.

After it, we start our drive going uphill and we make a stop on Pico do Carvão viewpoint so you can enjoy one of the best views over the island. Lagoa do Canário and the viewpoint next to it are other spots you can't miss. From here you have an amazing first eye contact with the Sete Cidades caldera and you can see the most beautiful lakes of it (Rasa lake, Santiago lake and the twin lakes).

Next we are heading to Vista do Rei viewpoint, from where you can admire the most famous perspective over the twin lakes of Sete Cidades. Next we have a drive to the Sete Cidades settlement next to the twin lakes and we explore the most interesting spots near the lake.

The lunch is included and will take place in Sete Cidades.

On the way back we first pass by the viewpoint of Escalvado, allowing you to see Mosteiros settlement placed on a lava delta formation.

Afterwards, we head to Fogo lake, the most pristine lake among the biggest ones, placed in a collapsed volcano at the center part of island.

For this excursion in the afternoon, we start it by traveling along the south coast heading to Lagoa city. The first stop will grant you with a visit to the ceramic and pottery factory at Lagoa city, close to the volcano. You will have the opportunity to find more about  this Azorean tradition and the procedures. If the tour takes place during a weekday you will be able to see the employees molding, cutting and drawing on the ceramic and pottery pieces in different stages.

After this, we start our drive going uphill and we make a stop on Pico da Barrosa viewpoint so you can enjoy one of the best views over the island. On the very top you will see  a panoramic landscape, including the Sete Cidades volcano, the north and south coastlands and the east side of the island as well. From here we will have a few other stops to enjoy the views over the Fogo lake, where it will be visible where it had its last eruption on 1563.

Next we are heading to Caldeira Velha, from where you can  enjoy the hot springs surrounded by the beautiful vegetation and atmosphere. Next we have a drive going downhill to Ribeira Grande city, to have a taste of the local liquers and to know its main square.

That sounds FUNtastic, right? 

Come with us to visit the Fogo lake, the most pristine lake among the biggest ones, placed in a collapsed volcano at the center part of Island and the fantastic fumaroles and hotsprings from Furnas.

For this excursion we plan according to the weather,which means we go to either to Furnas or to Fogo lake according to the weather conditions.If the Fogo volcano is clear by the morning we start the day by traveling along the south coast heading to Lagoa city. The first stop will grant you with a visit to the ceramic and pottery factory at Lagoa city, close to the volcano. You will have the opportunity to find more about  this Azorean tradition and the procedures. If the tour takes place during a weekday you will be able to see the employees molding, cutting and drawing on the ceramic and pottery pieces in different stages.

After this, we start our drive going uphill and we make a stop on Pico da Barrosa viewpoint so you can enjoy one of the best views over the island. On the very top you will see  a panoramic landscape, including the Sete Cidades volcano, the north and south coastlands and the east side of the island as well. From here we will have a few other stops to enjoy the views over the Fogo lake, where it will be visible where it had its last eruption on 1563.

Next we have a drive going downhill to Ribeira Grande city, to have a taste of the local liquers and to know its main square. Later on, we take you to visit Furnas, the famous caldera and the valley where you can see a fumarolic area and its settlement where there is this synergy between the locals and the volcanic activity. From here you can taste the several individual natural water springs, some with gas and others like ironish water and enjoy the hotsprings.

As we get close to Furnas, we stop at the viewpoint of Pico de Ferro to see an amazing perspective of the lake and the surrounding areas. Then we will have our lunch at Furnas settlement, After it you will have an opportunity to relax at the hotsprings, either at Terra Nostra garden or Poça da Dona Beija, your choice.

Reminder:

- Make sure you bring your swimsuit and a dark towell (preferably) if you intend to enjoy the hot springs bath;

- During the autumn and winter it is advised to bring a raincoat.

FUNtastic Azores has a guide with extensive photographic experience resulting from his freelance photography career, several years of practice and training. Taking advantage of this potential and associating to the wide photographic possibilities on the island of São Miguel, we organized some photographic tours with an educational essence.

Our Photo-Lover tours are designed for true lovers of photography, hiking and nature. During these tours, our photographer-guide will take you to favorable spots for photograph and, in the same time, he will show you how to master photography techniques. You will also have access to some photographic accessories lended by the guide, increasing the quality of your recorded pictures during your stay in São Miguel.

Impress your family and friends with your new photo gallery !

All the Photo-Lover tours are full-day and include:

- Pickup and drop off, in Ponta Delgada’s tourism office/client accommodation;

- Driver and photographer-guide;

- Full meal at a local restaurant with drinks, desserts and coffee/tea included;

- Insurance (does not cover your photography gear);

- Access to photography accessories;

- Teoretical and practical classes during the activity.

Itinerary:

 - Stop at Pico da Barrosa;

 - Walking Trail going down to the beach of Fogo lake;

 - Lunch (picnic) by the lake;

 - Walking up and entering Caldeira Velha;

 - Stop at Santa Iría viewpoint;

- Returning to the Hotel/ Tourism Office.

Let's shoot!

Reminder:

- Make sure you have your photographic gear, with memory card/film and battery;

- Use adequate and confortable walking shoes;

- We recommend to bring an impermeable protection for your camera and lenses;

 - Bring a water bottle.

FUNtastic Azores has a guide with extensive photographic experience resulting from his freelance photography career, several years of practice and training. Taking advantage of this potential and associating to the wide photographic possibilities on the island of São Miguel, we organized some photographic tours with an educational essence.

Our Photo-Lover tours are designed for true lovers of photography, hiking and nature. During these tours, our photographer-guide will take you to favorable spots for photograph and, in the same time, he will show you how to master photography techniques. You will also have access to some photographic accessories lended by the guide, increasing the quality of your recorded pictures during your stay in São Miguel.

Impress your family and friends with your new photo gallery !

 All the Photo-Lover tours are full-day and include:

- Pickup and drop off, in Ponta Delgada’s tourism office/client accommodation;

- Driver and photographer-guide;

- Full meal at a local restaurant with drinks, desserts and coffee/tea included;

- Insurance (does not cover your photography gear);

- Access to photography accessories;

- Teoretical and practical classes during the activity.

Itinerary:

9:30 / 10:00 - Stop at Pico do Carvão;

10:10 - Access to Lagoa do Canário viewpoint;

- Driving and stopping along Pico da Cruz / Grota da Cova (East side of Cumeeiras)

- Lunch in a restaurant from Sete Cidades parish (included);

- Exploring and photographing the west side of the twin lakes, from Sete Cidades, along the watershed line and on the bridge;

- Stop at Santiago lake;

- Stop at Vista do Rei viewpoint;

- Back to the hotel/ tourism office

Let's go!

Reminder:

- Make sure you have your photographic gear, with memory card/film and battery;

- Use adequate and confortable walking shoes;

- We recommend to bring an impermeable protection for your camera and lenses;

- Bring a water bottle.

FUNtastic Azores has a guide with extensive photographic experience resulting from his freelance photography career, several years of practice and training. Taking advantage of this potential and associating to the wide photographic possibilities on the island of São Miguel, we organized some photographic tours with an educational essence.

Our Photo-Lover tours are designed for true lovers of photography, hiking and nature. During these tours, our photographer-guide will take you to favorable spots for photograph and, in the same time, he will show you how to master photography techniques. You will also have access to some photographic accessories lended by the guide, increasing the quality of your recorded pictures during your stay in São Miguel.

Impress your family and friends with your new photo gallery !

 All the Photo-Lover tours are full-day and include:

- Pickup and drop off, in Ponta Delgada’s tourism office/client accommodation;

- Driver and photographer-guide;

- Full meal at a local restaurant with drinks, dessert and coffe/tea included;

- Insurance (does not cover your photography gear);

- Access to photography accessories;

- Teoretical and practical classes during the activity.

Itinerary:

- Stop at Pisão viewpoint;

- Stop at Senhora da Paz viewpoint;

- Stop and exploring the Furnas lake and see the secondary volcanic activity next to it. Watch the procedures of the Furnas stew, related to the fumaroles;

- Full service lunch in Furnas parish (included);

- Possibility of a guided tour at Terra Nostra park, take the opportunity to enjoy a thermal bath (ticket not included);

- Stops in photographic interesting points in Furnas;

- Back to the hotel / tourism office by the northern coast.

Let's go!

Reminder:

- Make sure you have your photographic gear, with memory card/film and battery;

- Use adequate and confortable walking shoes;

 - We recommend to bring an impermeable protection for your camera and lenses;

 - Bring a water bottle. 

We love to relax in the thermal springs at night, when the place is quiet, the air temperature is more adequate and the atmosphere is magical. Then we have a diner at Furnas as these waters open everybody’s apetite.  So we tought: why not offer this experience to our customers?

As we approach Furnas, you will see the whole village as we drive downwards towards the interior of the Furnas caldera. As we arrive we drive through the active vulcanologic fields surrounded by active fumaroles, sprouting hot waters enrichened with sulphur. This field will make you feel pretty close to an actual volcano and make you feel its power.

After it we head directly to the restaurant for a typical local dinner. Here you will have the chance to try the famous "Cozido das Furnas", along with local bread, cheese, included drinks, dessert and coffee/tea.

Finally we head to Poça da Dona Beija hot springs. Here we have a great relaxing moment. A truly magical place!

Come with us and be prepared for the best evening of your trip.

Reminder:

- Bring your swimsuit and a towell, in case you wish to enjoy the warm bath.

- During the fall and winter, bring a raincoat and confortable shoes.

A custom-made itinerary to suit your needs!

A specialized and enthusiastic guide will be your company in a spacious van that takes up to 6 passengers, it's air conditioned, and both combined will be the best to meet your needs. You can't miss the 4 regions of São Miguel island: Furnas, Nordeste, Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo! Choose which ones you'd like us to guide you.

Enjoy the tour in our roomy and comfortable Mercedes Vito.

Pick up at the hotel at Ponta Delgada included!


-Shore excursions may have a different quote. We can pick you at ther cruise ship terminal.

Contact us for the price and tour arrangements.