Furnas by Nightfall: Mystic Tour (Dinner included) - Hot Springs
Description
Visit the lively Furnas Lagoon. Indulge your taste buds with the traditional Cozido das Furnas. Rejuvenate your body and soul in the Furnas hot springs of Poça da Dona Beija during the golden hour, between dusk and nightfall. These thermal baths are very rich in mineral-medicinal properties and naturally provide benefits for your body and mind. The ideal way to unwind amid your holidays. Discover the true mystique of the village of Furnas at night, the Furnas fumaroles after night sets are unlike anything I've seen. The steam catches the village yellow lights, above the black cobblestone, it looks truly something out of this world. Ivo is the local that will guide you through this eerie part of São Miguel, Azores, sharing insights and local stories.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We’ll start by picking you up at your accommodation (or meeting point), where we’ll give you a warm welcome and a brief orientation. On the way to Furnas, we’ll make a short stop to enjoy the beautiful coastline of Vila Franca and take photos of the islet of Vila Franca do Campo (Princess Ring).
The “Lagoa das Furnas,” naturally nestled within a caldera (an inactive volcano), stands out as a major attraction for tourists, hikers, biologists, and birdwatchers, thanks to its diversity of endemic and exotic species of flora and fauna that roam freely throughout the area (and are not dangerous). As an area so rich in geothermal activity, the locals have devised a unique way to harness it to cook a distinctive Portuguese dish: the “Cozido das Furnas,” a mixture of meats, vegetables, and root vegetables that are slowly cooked underground for about 6 hours;
As part of the culinary experience on this tour, we’ll sample the famous stew cooked using geothermal heat—mentioned earlier—at a traditional local restaurant, as part of a full-course meal: appetizer, main course, and dessert, plus hot and cold beverages (vegetarian options and children’s meals are available). Beware! This restaurant is known for its generous portions, so be sure to come hungry!
Immerse yourself body and soul in the thermal pools of Furnas, at “Poça da Dona Beija,” one of the most popular thermal facilities in Furnas, on São Miguel. With natural waters at a temperature of around 39°C (102°F), surrounded by a setting of splendid vegetation and enriched by birdsong, this is a moment of relaxation and contemplation that will take you away from your daily routine and worries during the golden hour of the day, between twilight and nightfall. These iron-rich waters are known as an excellent treatment for the skin, but are not suitable for dyed hair. Avoid the waiting lines—we’ll handle the reservation for you. Certain medical conditions may be incompatible with the thermal baths; please consult your doctor beforehand.
Let’s wrap up our tour by admiring the impressive fumaroles and “caldeiras” in the center of town at night: a spectacle of smoke and lights created by nature awaits you—a unique experience in the Azores. We’ll add a special touch to this stop with ancient tales and legends from the region. Taste the rich mineral waters from the springs, and to cleanse your palate, we’ll sample a local homemade sweet treat, a delicacy of the Azores.
We'll finish off our tour admiring the impressive boiling water pools at Furnas during the night time: a smoke and lights show given by nature awaits you, an unique experience in Azores. Have a taste of the rich mineral waters springs and enjoy a local homemade sweet delicacy.
We’ll drive back along the north side of the island in a safe and relaxed atmosphere. During this 45-minute drive, you can take a nap and/or get recommendations on other places to visit and things to do for the rest of your stay. We’ll pass by the tea plantations, which will be closed at that time.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Please wait at the entrance of your accommodation at the time specified by us when we reach out to confirm the last details of your booking (15 minutes is our maximum waiting time, after you'll be considered a no-show). We'll arrive in a grey van with our logo on its sides. Please note that pickups at Ribeira Grande will be charged an extra fee of 10€ at the end of this tour, for each booking not by person.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Entries for the "Dona Beija" hot springs (16€ per adult) only available online through their own site, book it for 20h30 (8:30pm), if not available, for 19h00 (7:00pm). Check thermal slots before you book this tour, if no availability, we can't guarantee you attend the thermals at another time.
- We book the "Dona Beija" entries for you: extra fee of 17€ charged over the listed tour price. Please confirm with us after booking if you opt for this choice. Guarantee your spot inside.
- The remaining time of the Tour (45 + 45 minutes difference) is the minimum time driving between our destinations. Don't worry we'll have plenty to see even while driving.
- Please bring swimwear and a bathing towel for the hot springs (light colored fabrics will get stained). Towel rental and other extras available at hot springs facilities.
- Any options chosen outside the menu for dinner will be charged separately.
- Certain health conditions are not safe to enter hot springs, please consult with your health physician before participating.
Reviews(97)
The experience has been perfect. The tour is very beautiful and impressive, the pools are very nice, very relaxing, the food is super abundant and very good, and the guide is perfect. Ivo was attentive to the group at all times, explaining and indicating the most important things. He is very kind and professional, has been punctual and patient. Thank you. We would repeat without hesitation.
Hola Dña. Yolanda y su Familia, Muchas gracias por tomar el tiempo para dejarnos una reseña y compartir su experiencia. Fue un placer compartir gran momentos en la isla de São Miguel, especialmente en Furnas al caer noche. Encantado por ayudar con todo lo necesario! Ha sido muy agradable compartir un poco de lo mejor que las Azores tienen para ofertar con su familia, me alegro mucho en saber que todo ha sido del agrado y ha cumplido con las expectativas. Mal puedo esperar por vuestra próxima visita a São Miguel! Un gran saludo y viajes seguros, Ivo Soares WildScape Azores Tours
This is a Must-Do! Our guide was extremely friendly and knowledgeable about local history and culture, and took us to beautiful scenic spots we never would have found on our own. The dinner was delicious, and visiting the hot springs at nighttime was perfect!!! We went on our last night of our trip and it was exactly the great end of a trip we needed. Highly recommend!
Greetings Mrs. Jennifer, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience, I'm super grateful for the kind words and couldn't be happier to hear your positive feedback! It was a pleasure having you on board sharing good moments and stories along Furnas during nightfall! Can't wait to have you back for more adventures! Kind regards and Safe travels, Ivo Soares WildScape Azores Tours
Ivo took us to visit the Lagoon that was an interesting site, then we move to Furnas. We had an early spot on the hot spring so the lights were not on yet but still was a lovely experience in a beautiful setting. The water has a perfect temperature of 39 degrees and you can relax in 4 different depth pools. There are additional costs of 2euro for the locker and 1 euro for the hot shower. After that we went for the dinner with the typical stew cooked with the volcano heat. The final stop of the tour was at the calderas, with the steam raising in the night sky, creating the mystic experience. A full experience that finished past 11 pm! Thank you Ivo!
Greetings, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience, I'm super grateful for the such detailed kind words and couldn't be happier to hear your positive feedback! It was a pleasure having you on board sharing good moments and stories along Furnas during nightfall! Can't wait to have you back for more adventures! Kind regards and Safe travels, Ivo Soares WildScape Azores Tours
A fabulous tour from Ivo. Transport was comfortable and spacious. The knowledge of the island, the geology and the culture was exceptional and easy to understand. We got to see so much more than we expected. The entrance to the thermal baths was extra (understandably as price changes are out of Ivo’s control). We bathed first and then went for a superb volcano cooked meal. This was all inclusive, including drinks and was exceptional value for money. The night finished with a tour of some local water drinking fountains, each offering different healing properties. Highly recommend this tour.
Greetings, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience, I'm super grateful for the such detailed kind words and couldn't be happier to hear your positive feedback! It was a pleasure having you on board sharing good moments and stories along Furnas during nightfall! Can't wait to have you back for more adventures! Kind regards and Safe travels, Ivo Soares WildScape Azores Tours
Excellent experience! Very new van for transport. Knowledgeable guide who answered questions. Hot springs were beautiful and clean. Delicious meal with great wine and dessert. The guide, Ivo, was very friendly. His mother baked a treat for the end! Such a fun evening!
Greetings, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience, I'm super grateful for the such detailed kind words and couldn't be happier to hear your positive feedback! It was a pleasure having you on board sharing good moments and stories along Furnas during nightfall! Can't wait to have you back for more adventures! Kind regards and Safe travels, Ivo Soares WildScape Azores Tours
What a awesome experience to live! Ivo is really nice and funny, we had a such great time. Definitely recommend it. :)
Greetings Mrs. Marie, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience, I'm super grateful for the such detailed kind words and couldn't be happier to hear your positive feedback! It was a pleasure having you on board sharing good moments and stories along Furnas during nightfall! Can't wait to have you back for more adventures! Kind regards and Safe travels, Ivo Soares WildScape Azores Tours
This experience was absolutely incredible, we got to know so much about the history and the locals of the island. I would definitely recommend. The host always had answers to any questions and even takes great pictures for you. 10/10 recommend ☺️
Greetings Mrs. Marie, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience, I'm super grateful for the such detailed kind words and couldn't be happier to hear your positive feedback! It was a pleasure having you on board sharing good moments and stories along Furnas during nightfall! Can't wait to have you back for more adventures! Kind regards and Safe travels, Ivo Soares WildScape Azores Tours
Very magical experience, highly recommend! The guide was extremely attentive and made the experience feel authentic and special.
Greetings Miss Alice, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience, I'm super grateful for the such detailed kind words and couldn't be happier to hear your positive feedback! It was a pleasure having you on board sharing good moments and stories along Furnas during nightfall! Can't wait to have you back for more adventures! Kind regards and Safe travels, Ivo Soares WildScape Azores Tours
Ivo (Wildscape Azores Tour) was a wonderful local guide with such an insight of the history of Azores. This was one of the best tours we booked during our stay in Sao Miguel. Nighttime atmosphere combined with mystical setting of the active thermal area created an experience we will never forget. Out of so many tours I’ve taken, this tour stand out due to Ivo’s outstanding service and his warmth he showed for every guest. I’d like to recommend this unforgettable tour for everyone.
Greetings Mrs. Kimberly, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience, I'm super grateful for the such detailed kind words and couldn't be happier to hear your positive feedback! It was a pleasure having you on board sharing good moments and stories along Furnas during nightfall! Can't wait to have you back for more adventures! Kind regards and Safe travels, Ivo Soares WildScape Azores Tours
This was our second tour with Ivo, who did not disappoint! He was knowledgeable, friendly, and gave us time to ourselves to do a bit of exploring on our own. We truly enjoyed this tour, and felt pampered too! Highly recommend this tour!
Greetings, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience, I'm super grateful for the such detailed kind words and couldn't be happier to hear your positive feedback! It was a pleasure having you on board sharing good moments and stories along Furnas during nightfall too! I thank you enough for your trust in booking a second experience with us and enjoy it to the most again. Can't wait to have you back for more adventures! Kind regards and Safe travels, Ivo Soares WildScape Azores Tours
