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Ribeira Grande
Small group activities

Small group activities

Our most recommended Ribeira Grande Small group activities

São Miguel West: Full-Day Van Tour with Lunch

1. São Miguel West: Full-Day Van Tour with Lunch

Explore the highlights of the western half of São Miguel island on this guided tour by van. Discover the famous crater lakes of Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo, picturesque waterfalls, amazing cliffs, and stunning rock formations around the coast of the island. Start with a visit to Ribeira Grande, one of the most picturesque towns of the Azores, followed by a surprising view of some amazingly beautiful cliffs on the North coast. Then travel to the inner areas of the island to see the gorgeous waterfall of Salto do Cabrito, surrounded by wild vegetation. Drive to the top of Fogo Volcano to enjoy views of the most pristine and magical of the crater lakes of São Miguel. From the top of the mountain, enjoy the stunning views over a large portion of the island. After a tasty meal to restore your energy levels, head to Sete Cidades, to understand why this is considered by the postcard of the Azores. Enjoy views from two completely different perspectives over the famous twin lakes.  End the day in Mosteiros, on the western coast of the island, where the lava rocks have formed enchanting small islets and natural pools.

São Miguel Island: 2-Day Guided Island Tour with Meals

2. São Miguel Island: 2-Day Guided Island Tour with Meals

2x Full-days Package excursions Furnas + Nordeste + Sete Cidades + Fogo Lake (4 Tours in 2 days) 1st Full Day tour to Furnas & Nordeste. (8 hours tour)) 2nd Full Day tour to Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo. (8 hours tour) As the reservation calendar only allows you to mark 1 day at a time, the 2nd day of the tour will be automatically reserved for the following day Ex; if you book for the 8th of May, automatically the 2nd day of the tour will be the 9th. What will make your reservations on the 8th and 9th of May. *The order of days tours may be changed. Our local gastronomy will be represented on both days. On the day of Furnas & Nordeste tour, we will have the opportunity to lunch the famous “Furnas Stew”, cooked in volcanic soil for 6 hours, and also have the opportunity to see taking out our pot from the interior of the volcanic soil, and all the volcanic manifestations existing there. On the day of Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo tour, lunch will be served as a “Buffet” with different meat and fish dishes. (Full lunch on both of 2 days of activities with starters, drinks, dessert and coffee included) In these 2 days of activitiest, you will have the privilege of having a general view of the most iconic places of the entire “green” island, from which stand out the emblematic viewpoints such as Vista do Rei in Sete Cidades, (winner of the 7 Wonders of Portugal ) or Pico do Ferro, where you can see from the top of the crater one of the most active volcanoes in the Azores archipelago and learn all about its eruptive history with more than 100,000 years. You will also have the opportunity to relax in hot thermal pools, heated by Furnas volcano, at one of the biggest and best Botanical Parks in Europe, Terra Nostra Park. Also the visit to Pineapple and Tea Plantations will be a “must”. In the Northeast area, we will visit the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park with its 5 water mills and its imposing and majestic waterfall, entitled “Véu da Noiva”. We have selected the best TOP places to visit throughout São Miguel island in Sete Cidades, Furnas, Lagoa do Fogo and Nordeste areas, making in a 2 full days activities the most complete experience as possible at São Miguel Island in Azores

São Miguel: Full-Day Tour to Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo

3. São Miguel: Full-Day Tour to Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo

Start by visiting a traditional pineapple plantation, which is a biological culture developed on greenhouses where it’s possible to taste the pineapple´s liquor. Continue along the west coast of the island where it´s possible to enjoy the view of both São Miguel’s coasts from the Pico de Carvão‘s viewpoint. Surrounded by the greenest vegetation, visit the Vista do Rei‘s viewpoint at Sete Cidades. From this point, see the twin lakes with their varying colours. Then, inside the crater, admire the stunning Santiago lake. Head next to the stop will be made in the picturesque town of Sete Cidades where lunch will be served in a regional restaurant. After lunch, admire the beauty of São Nicolau church. In the afternoon, continue along to the Escalvado Viewpoint. Along the north coast, stop to visit the town of Ribeira Grande where you can explore its historic center. Visit the Regional Liquors' Factory to taste a variety of its products. The last stop will be at the fantastic Lagoa do Fogo for fantastic views of the island. Finally, return to Ponta Delgada, through Pico da Barrosa.

From Ponta Delgada: Half-Day Sete Cidades Single Quad Tour

4. From Ponta Delgada: Half-Day Sete Cidades Single Quad Tour

Enjoy a half-day quad tour around Sete Cidades, the largest freshwater lake in the Azores, situated in the western part of the island of São Miguel. Starting from Ponta Delgada, discover the stunning landscapes of the island.   Experience the amazing view over the island at the Pico do Carvão viewpoint, with Ponta Delgada on one side, and Ribeira Grande on the other. Climb up into the mountains to see the Lagoas Empadadas, and the Serra Devassa. The mountains and lakes in this region play a very important role supplying water to the villages. Stop at Canário Lake for one of the best views of the Boca do Inferno trail.   On the way back to the city, you will see the majestic view at Vista do Rei, providing you with spectacular views of the magical blue and green colors that characterize the waters of these lakes.

Azores: Canyoning in Salto do Cabrito

5. Azores: Canyoning in Salto do Cabrito

This excursion starts and finishes at the Salto do Cabrito Waterfall, an amazing place located near to the city of Ribeira Grande and Caldeira Velha in São Miguel Island (+/- 20 minute drive away from the city of Ponta Delgada). When we get there, we will proceed with the equipment distribution and a safety briefing, followed by a walk of around 30 minutes on average until we reach the canyoning site where the fun will begin! After a new briefing with a few more instructions, we begin the descent of this canyon, passing through several waterfalls and surrounded by the exuberant nature of this volcanic area. The descent is made through several rappels (between 4 and 16 metres) and for unforgettable moments of fun, there is also the option of a zip-line. The highest rappel is approximately 16 metres and you can optionally make a jump of approximately 3 metres. NOTE: – The exact itinerary including jumps, rappel and other techniques will depend on local conditions and seasons. The terrain, landscape and flow of the stream normally change throughout the year.

Azores: São Miguel and Lagoa do Fogo Hiking Trip

6. Azores: São Miguel and Lagoa do Fogo Hiking Trip

Explore the impressive landscapes and amazing panoramas on a hiking trip to São Miguel. In the area of “Lagos”, start the trail on a dirt road that will get considerably steeper for the first 3 km, at which point you will meet an irrigation channel that will lead you to Lagoa do Fogo. Wander along an easy path through the forest, where soon you will find yourself hiking inside the crater, with its massive walls of greenery all around you. Reaching the shores of this famous lake, take a break and enjoy a picnic lunch of regional products with a view. Setting off once more, continue upwards slightly for better views of the lake and then head back down to the starting point through another steep and winding trail, with views of the south coast and the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo along the way. Return to the starting point while enjoying another perspective of the south coast and the Atlantic Ocean. Visit the bathing zone of Caloura, or Agua D’Alto Beach, where you can practice snorkeling.

From Ponta Delgada: Lagoa do Fogo Half-Day Jeep Tour

7. From Ponta Delgada: Lagoa do Fogo Half-Day Jeep Tour

Explore one of the largest lakes in the Azores on a 3-hour tour of the Lagoa do Fogo by 4WD vehicle. After hotel pickup, first, stop at Pico da Barrosa viewpoint and enjoy panoramic views of Lagoa do Fogo. Surrounded by native trees and beautiful flowers, the lake is best accessed and appreciated by off-road vehicles, getting you to more remote and picturesque areas. During the tour, you will stop at a variety of interesting locations en route, with highlights including the Calderas of Ribeira Grande. See the fumaroles, geysers and a wonderful waterfall of the warm, iron water. Finally, visit the city of Ribeira Grande and taste local liqueurs.

Lagoa do Fogo: Volcano Geo Tour w/ Hot Springs

8. Lagoa do Fogo: Volcano Geo Tour w/ Hot Springs

Marvel at the volcanic landscape of the Azores with a tour of the Lagoa do Fogo (Lake of Fire) on this guided tour in São Miguel, with optional hotel pickup. Stop at multiple viewpoints on the drive up to the crater. Take a dip in the Caldeira Velha thermal pools or the Salto do Cabrito waterfall. Start from the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo for check-in and a short briefing. Then, hop into a van to drive up to the protected Nature Reserve of Lagoa do Fogo. On the way, stop at the scenic viewpoints of Pico da Barrosa and Bela Vista to soak in some of São Miguel’s best island views. Finally, arrive at the 15 thousand-year-old crater that sits in the deep caldera of the Fogo Volcano. Admire the stunning lake and learn about its endemic flora and surrounding woodlands from your guide. Next, head down the mountain, passing by the Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Centre for information on the island's volcanic origin, biodiversity, and geothermal resources. Here, you can opt for a bath in Caldeira Velha’s manmade thermals pools and a natural waterfall pool – all heated by the nearby Fogo Volcano. Alternatively, go further ahead to the Salto do Cabrito waterfall, tucked away in a lush forest. With any time left, you visit the Historic Center of Ribeira Grande, the 16th-century fountain of Largo de São Pedro, or the sandy beach of Santa Barbara. Finally, head back to the marina to end the tour.

São Miguel West: Sete Cidades and Fogo Tour with Lunch

9. São Miguel West: Sete Cidades and Fogo Tour with Lunch

Your first stop on this full-day circuit will be at Pico do Carvão viewpoint. From here you'll be able to see the north coast (Ribeira Grande) and south of the island (Ponta Delgada) of São Miguel Island, against the backdrop of a vast expanse of volcanic cones between the incredible Sete Cidades volcano and the majestic 900-meter-high fire volcano. Continuing to one of the most emblematic viewpoints of São Miguel, in the Azores, Vista do Rei, known as the King D. Carlos and Queen D. Amélia. Time to continue your incredible all-day circuit into the massive volcanic interior of the Sete Cidades, considered one of the most incredible locations on the island of Sao Miguel in the Azores, amid epic paths and flanked slopes of hydrangeas. If you have never known what it is like to be inside a volcanic crater, then this is yet another reason to book this incredible full-day guided tour. Admire the Seven Cities Lagoon at a must-stop on the famous bridge that divides it, in the center of a volcanic crater. Breathe nature in the quiet parish of Sete Cidades and visit São Nicolau church. With a heart purified by nature, time to go to the Escalvado viewpoint, situated on a pyroclastic cliff, where from the top, you can admire the Monasteries and Ferraria, generated by the volcanic force of this area. Lunch break (lunch included). After lunch, time to return to head towards the second highest point of the island of São Miguel, at 900 meters, where the Pico da Barrosa viewpoint is located. From here you can see the north coast with its city of Ribeira Grande and the city of Ponta Delgada on the south coast of the island, as well as the entire amazing Lagoa do Fogo crater. Going down the north coast, the next stop will be at the Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint. Next up is the Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Center for visiting or bathing in natural hot springs pools. (Entry not included, available by choice or at customer’s expense). The last stop of your full-day tour will be at the Pineapple Plantations to learn the whole process of growing pineapple in greenhouses and see for yourself why pineapple is considered the King fruit in Sao Miguel, and the Azores.

Ponta Delgada: Whales and Volcanoes Tour with Lunch

10. Ponta Delgada: Whales and Volcanoes Tour with Lunch

Benefit from mini van pick-up at your accommodation in Ponta Delgada and the area around and then explore the coastline of São Miguel island by boat. Spend 3 hours looking for majestic whales and playful dolphins in their natural environment.  Reconnect with the natural world as you go in search of the sperm whales, blue whales, humpback whales, fin whales and sei whales that make the archipelago one of the best places in the world to see different marine mammals. Keep a look out for turtles, flying fish, sea birds and jumping dolphins along the way.  Disembark at the marina and enjoy a tasty lunch at local restaurant. Afetr lunch make your way to the volcanic landscapes of Lagoa do Fogo crater lake. See one of the most beautiful lakes in São Miguel and experience the amazing interior of the island up close. Learn about how is used the volcanic heat to produce renewable energy to the island.

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What people are saying about Ribeira Grande

First things first, we would like to thank our guide, Vera, for this amazing experience! She is very smart, funny and kind person and we were lucky to have here by our side during this trip, 10/10 ❤️ However, if we could rate this tour 4,5 stars, we would just because the agenda. The thing is thermal bathtubs: the location we went to on the first day was magnificent, but the second day..we didn't enjoy it that much. We would 100% recommend to take this tour, however we suggest to switching east and west part in order to not lose this sparkle, you know

Our tour of the west side of São Miguel island with João was fantastic! We lucked out with terrific weather following the previous day's heavy storm and were able to see all of the sights with João's expert read of the clouds and timing. It was so great to hear about the island's history and current self-sustaining and sustainability practices from a born-and-bred local. The small group was fantastic and felt like the perfect size. João was extremely knowledgeable, an excellent driver, and a great photographer to boot! It was a magical day!

the trip was perfect. We had the best guide, very friendly with sense of humour and lot of knowledge.

Very entertaining guide. Saw lots of things that we would never have found on our own.

This tour was a wonderful introduction to the island!