São Miguel in 2 Days: Island Highlights Small-Group Tour

The Pico da Barrosa viewpoint is located at the summit of the Fogo volcanic crater and offers a striking panoramic view over the western side of São Miguel Island. On clear days, visitors can see both the north and south coasts, taking in the vast Atlantic Ocean and the dramatic volcanic landscapes that define the island’s natural beauty.

At the Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint, travelers are treated to one of the most striking landscapes in São Miguel. Designated a nature reserve since 1974, this protected area is also an important sanctuary for seabirds and migratory species, which find a safe nesting ground in its untouched environment. From this viewpoint, visitors can enjoy a sweeping view over Lagoa do Fogo, a crystal-clear lake set within a volcanic crater and located at the highest altitude of any lagoon in the Azores.

Discover the story of São Miguel’s pineapple, a unique and authentic agricultural tradition in the Azores that dates back over a century. During the guided visit, guests are taken through the distinctive glass greenhouses where the famous 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 flavour and texture make it one of the island’s most iconic delicacies.

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.

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 centre, 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.

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.

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 favourite spot among locals, it is an ideal place to relax, enjoy a picnic, and take in a magnificent sunset over the Atlantic.

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”.

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.

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 flavour 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.