I will be in Ponta Delgado for 3 full days in July. Traveling solo, so I’m keen on guided tours. For my 1st full day, I was thinking of joining an 4 hour food walking tour and then, taking an uber to Ilhéu de Vila Franca for ferry ride & swimming/hiking (3:30-6). Next day, I was planning a full day tour of the west side of the island (7 cities). And, I’m torn between doing my last full day of the east side with stops at the tea & pineapple plantations with stop at overlooks and Furnas , or morning boat ride with an evening tour with dinner & the furnas hotsprings. Any feedback on my plan?
Posted by
182 posts
We did a visit to the tea plantation, Furnas, and hot springs stops during our time in Ponta Delgado. It was nice to see other parts of Sao Miguel. I really enjoyed the hot springs. I think it would be nice to have some time out on the water while visiting the Azores and so I would probably suggest the morning boat ride and doing the evening tour with dinner & the furnas hot springs. The plantation is honestly a very quick visit so not sure it would be worth planning your last day around it.
Posted by
Rhode Island, USA
495 posts
Bolt just started service last month, and only in Ponta Delgada. Uber does not exist in the Azores.
No swimming is allowed this year at the Ilheu in Vila Franca do Campo, due to high bacteria levels. I do not know yet if boats will still go there or not.
Although they are not guided tours, taxis offer “excursions” all over the island. The price is for the taxi, NOT per person. There are posters in the luggage claim area and outside at the taxi rank where they take you and the prices. In my opinion, the costs are not expensive. There is also another poster near Portas da Cidade (Praça de Gonçalo Velho), at the corner of the main road. These do not need to be pre-booked.
The 7 cities (Sete Cidades) is a very tiny village with not much to see except the village church and the lagoas (lakes). The nearby miradouros are spectacular.
Furnas is worth a full day, including a thermal bath, visiting Parque Terra Nostra, the caldeiras, and exploring the village. Lunch or dinner (cozido) at Tony’s or O Miroma is a must.
Posted by
OP
Vermont
10 posts
Thank you for the details Carl! It sounds like I’d be better off on day 1 doing my 4 hr food/walking tour combined with an evening boat trip. Day 2 west side trip. Day 3 full day east side and fumas hotsprings.
Should I also try to squeeze in an evening trip to fumas???
Posted by
Rhode Island, USA
495 posts
A taxi from Ponta Delgada takes about 45 minutes each way, and probably at least 50 euros, to Furnas.
I sent you a private message regarding the taxi tour poster.