São Miguel in 1 Day for Couples - Miradouro do Pico do Ferro — sweeping Furnas valley panorama
In Collaboration with Azores Dynamic Tours. Updated on January 31, 2026.
A private full-day romantic itinerary exploring Furnas' volcanic wonders: panoramic viewpoints, steaming fumaroles, a traditional 'cozido' lunch, and relaxing thermal pools. Hotel pickup in Ponta Delgada is included. This version follows the Furnas itinerary from the original activity's agenda items and fits the vendor's 7h30 private tour.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Azores Dynamic Tours, inspired by the tour Full Day Private Tour São Miguel Island. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Miradouro do Pico do Ferro — sweeping Furnas valley panorama
- Caldeiras das Furnas — bubbling fumaroles and steam vents
- Cozido lunch cooked in volcanic heat (local specialty)
- Parque Terra Nostra — botanical garden and thermal pool
- Poça da Dona Beija — intimate hot-spring baths
Itinerary
Day 1
Furnas full-day private route — pick up in Ponta Delgada, scenic viewpoints, geothermal highlights, traditional cozido lunch, thermal garden and hot-spring soak; return to Ponta Delgada by late afternoon.
Pick-up: Brief meet & depart (Emigrant Statue, Ponta Delgada)
Meet your private guide/driver at the Emigrant Statue in Campo de São Francisco. Quick introductions, route overview, and departure. Driver will stow luggage and provide bottled water.
Tips from local experts:
- Have your phone ready for a quick photo — the statue and church façade make a pretty welcome-shot before you leave town.
- Wear a light layer for the drive and bring any motion-sickness medication if needed; coastal roads can be winding.
- Confirm any dietary needs or a special romantic request (e.g., surprise picnic) with the guide at pickup so they can adapt the day.
Scenic transfer to Furnas
Comfortable private drive east across São Miguel with coastal and inland views; the guide will share local stories and point out photo stops if weather allows.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the guide for a short, optional photo stop at a lesser-known viewpoint en route — they know hidden pull-offs for dramatic coastline shots.
- If you like local music, ask the guide to play Azorean fado or regional tunes for atmosphere during the drive.
- Use this time to relax and save your energy for the thermal pool later; the guide can advise on changing-room access timings.
Miradouro do Pico do Ferro — panoramic viewpoint
Arrival at the Pico do Ferro viewpoint for sweeping vistas over Furnas valley and the crater lake — perfect for couple photos and a quiet moment together.
Tips from local experts:
- Stand near the viewpoint railing on the right-hand side for the classic framed vista of Furnas lake — ideal for golden-hour-style photos.
- The area can be breezy; bring a wrap or windbreaker to stay comfortable during your photo session.
- Ask your guide about the local legend associated with the valley — sharing it here makes for a romantic story while you watch the steam rise.
Caldeiras das Furnas — geothermal fumaroles walk
Walk among the steaming fumaroles and boiling pots where locals cook the famous 'cozido' in the ground. A sensory and dramatic experience — good short strolls and photo opportunities.
Tips from local experts:
- Smell the mineral air together and take a slow stroll — early visits avoid the busiest times and allow more intimate moments.
- Surfaces can be hot and uneven — wear sensible shoes and avoid leaning over vents; keep close to your partner on the short trails.
- Bring a light scarf if you’re sensitive to sulphur smells; the guide can point you to the best photo angles away from the steam.
Lunch — traditional Cozido at Tony's / Furnas (local cozido experience)
Enjoy a leisurely lunch featuring the Furnas 'cozido' — a hearty, slow-cooked meal prepared using geothermal heat. Time to taste local wines and relax together.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a window or terrace table if possible — request this when booking to make the meal feel more intimate.
- Try local vinho verde or an Azorean white; ask the server for a recommended pairing to elevate the meal.
- If you prefer a lighter option, ask the kitchen for grilled fish or salads — many restaurants will accommodate requests if told in advance.
Parque Terra Nostra — botanical garden and thermal pool (special moment)
Stroll the lush botanical gardens and take a romantic soak in the famed iron-rich thermal pool — the day's special relaxing moment for couples.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring swimwear and a towel (some guests bring their own quick-dry towel); the warm thermal pool is a truly relaxing couple experience.
- Enter the pool later in your visit when the water is at its warmest; your guide can suggest the calmest corner for privacy.
- Wear shoes suitable for wet surfaces and use the lockers; after the pool, enjoy a slow walk through the quieter parts of the gardens hand-in-hand.
Poça da Dona Beija — intimate hot-spring baths
A short visit to the Poça da Dona Beija public thermal baths for a different hot-spring experience — multiple pools with varying temperatures in a cozy setting.
Tips from local experts:
- Book entrance times in advance where possible to avoid queues — an evening slot can be especially romantic, but mid-afternoon is quieter.
- Bring flip-flops and a waterproof bag for phones; some pools have dim lighting and stepping stones that set a tranquil mood.
- Limit your soak to 20–30 minutes per pool and alternate with a cool-down to feel refreshed for the drive back.
Return transfer to Ponta Delgada — relax on the drive back
Private transfer back to your hotel or the Emigrant Statue in Ponta Delgada. Use the drive to relax, enjoy views, and ask the guide for final photo stops if time allows.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the guide for a quiet coastal pull-off for a quick sunset shot if timing and weather align — a lovely close to the day.
- Keep hydrated on the return; thermal waters can be dehydrating, so sip water provided in the vehicle.
- If you want a champagne or local pastry surprise on return, let the guide know earlier in the day so they can prepare it.
Drop-off: Ponta Delgada central (Emigrant Statue)
Return to the meeting point / your hotel in Ponta Delgada. The guide will provide a short wrap-up, recommendations for evening romantic options, and help with onward arrangements.
Tips from local experts:
- If you’re staying nearby, ask the guide for a recommended romantic dinner spot — they can suggest quieter restaurants with great ambiance.
- Take a slow stroll around Jardim António Borges (nearby) if you want a calm post-tour walk together; it’s pretty at dusk.
- Check any items left on the vehicle and confirm the best way to tip the guide/driver if you enjoyed the day.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 4 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 5 |
| Total Places | 5 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Outdoor, Meal, Experience |