On this shore excursion you will be visiting the one of a kind Parish of Furnas the place where we cook underground the famous “Cozido” (meats and vegetables dish) and also known for it’s “caldeiras” and springs as well as the middle section of the island, specifically the volcano of Fogo and its beautiful lake with white sandy beaches and crystal clear water.
We will begin our tour by the South coast towards Vila Franca do Campo, a very picturesque village, the first Capital of the Island of São Miguel destroyed by a huge earthquake in 1522.
After driving by downtown Vila Franca do Campo, we will visit the chapel of Our Lady of Peace located at the top of a hill with the same name, with a spectacular panoramic view of the Parish and the famous lagoon known by “Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo”, a crater of a submarine volcano about 5000 years old, now a national reserved area.
Furnas Lake will be our next stop, the place where we cook underground the famous “Cozido”, a combination of different vegetables and meats.
After this incredible phenomenon, we will go to Caldeiras of Furnas, hot water springs, medicinal mud used for several skin and respiratory conditions.
Finally we will exit the big volcano of Furnas on the way to “Pico do Ferro” a magnificent view over the big Furnas Valley.
Now, on the North coast, Gorreana tea plantation will be our next stop, one of the last two tea companies of “Camellia sinensis” in Europe, producing black and green tea. You will have the opportunity to visit the factory and sample the tea.
Before Ribeira Grande we still have one more stop at Miradouro de Santa Iría, where you will have a dramatic view over the North coast of the Island, being able to spot the big volcano of Sete Cidades and the highest point of the Island called Pico da Vara at 1105 meters high.
After this wonderful stop we will take you downtown Ribeira Grande which became a city on June 29th 1981 a very picturesque city with an original garden build around the water stream.
After this magnific stop, is time to drive over the mountain of the volcano of Fogo, North side, enjoying spectacular landscaping views over the West, volcano of Sete Cidades as well as South, Central and North sides of the Island.
At the top of the volcano, Pico da Barrosa, standing at 947 meters high, you will be mesmerized with the view over the big volcanic caldera of Fogo and it’s magnificent lake with the same name.
It is time to drive back to Ponta Delgada through the South coast enjoying the fantastic landscape of São Miguel!
Note: Please read more about our SHORE EXCURSIONS before you send an email to us, as there you may have the answer of your questions!