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Things to do in Nordeste

Our most recommended things to do in Nordeste

São Miguel East: Full-Day Van Tour with Lunch

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

Explore the highlights of the eastern half of São Miguel island on a guided tour by van. Discover the hot springs at Furnas, the waterfall at Ribeira dos Caldeirões, as well as the remote rugged beauty of the Nordeste region. Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the northern coast of the island until you get to the Santa Iria Lookout, with a spectacular, ample view of the north coast in both directions, before continuing to Furnas. Find yourself in Furnas and admire a spectacular panoramic stop to gaze over the lake and town. Descend where you will be given the choice of visiting the geothermal fields and tasting the sparkling waters, or bathing in the hot springs, for an additional fee. Next, discover a traditional way of cooking as your lunch of cozido (stew) is pulled from the warm volcanic soil. In the afternoon, continue the journey eastward, with a stop at the charming waterfall of Ribeira dos Caldeirões.  Explore Nordeste, the most unexplored and rural part of the island. Visit two amazing lookouts over the high cliffs that characterize the East coast of São Miguel, before returning to Ponta Delgada.

Sao Miguel: Ribeira dos Caldeiroes Canyoning Experience

2. Sao Miguel: Ribeira dos Caldeiroes Canyoning Experience

Discover the diverse green vegetation, clear and fresh waterfalls and old water mills on this adventurous canyoning tour through the forest. Unless you choose the option with pickup from Ponta Delgada, your adventure starts at Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões, one of the most popular natural areas in the Nordeste region.  The activity starts with you picking up your safety equipment, followed by a short walk of about 20 minutes. Once at the entry point to the stream, listen to a safety briefing.  Along the route there will be vertical challenges at waterfalls, which you will combat with the technique of abseiling. The highest waterfall is 8 meters in height. In between there are short walking sections, as well as a more playful area with a slide and jump of about 5 meters.

Nordeste Tour from Ponta Delgada

3. Nordeste Tour from Ponta Delgada

Start the tour by leaving Ponta Delgada and traveling towards the north coast. Make the first stop at Ribeira dos Caldeirões in the municipality of Nordeste. See the beautiful waterfall, known as Véu da Noiva, and the surrounding watermills and gardens. Pass through picturesque villages as you travel on towards the wonderful viewpoints of Ponta do Sossego and Ponta da Madrugada, on the eastern tip of the island. View the beautiful lighthouse from the top of the cliff. Stop for lunch which will be served in the village of Povoação, the oldest settlement on the island. In the afternoon, relax near the sea or explore the historic center of Povoação. Return to Ponta Delgada along the south coast, passing by Furnas Lake and Vila Franca do Campo.

São Miguel: Furnas and Nordeste Full-Day Tour with Lunch

4. São Miguel: Furnas and Nordeste Full-Day Tour with Lunch

Starting through Ponta Delgada, along Avenida do Mar, following the beaches of Água D´Alto, until we reach the first capital of the island, Vila Franca do Campo, stopping at the viewpoint of Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo where we can see its incredible islet, the result of an underwater volcanic eruption and where the Red Bull Cliff Diving has been running for 3 years, now; After this short break, we will drive to the bucolic Lagoa das Furnas (Entry not included, available by choice or at customer’s expense), area where the famous “Cozido das Furnas” is cooked in volcanic soil for 6 hours, and here we can observe the removal of the pots from the volcanic ground by local restaurants. We will also visit the various fumaroles and boilers from that area; Back on the road and towards the parish of Furnas you can optionally relax in pools of hot springs, over 30 degrees, that spur incessantly from railway springs. This is an experience of thermal charisma, with the option of the client and alternative, between Poça da Dona Beija) and the pools of Parque Terra Nostra, where in addition to being able to swim, you can also visit its amazing Botanical Garden Terra Nostra Park, considered one of the best and largest in Europe. (Entry not included, available by choice or at customer’s expense); Lunch Break (Lunch included) After lunch, a pedestrian visit to the the center of the parish of Furnas; Driven north of the Island, next stop will be at the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, one of the most visited areas in the Nordeste area, with its 5 Watermills and her amazing waterfall; The last stop of the day, will be the tea route, until the tea plantations and their factories. A view of the splendid bay, a magnificent garden and a smiling welcome for a tea tasting at the Gorreana Tea Factory or Porto Formoso Tea Factory.

Ponta Delgada: Full-Day Nordeste & Waterfall Tour with Lunch

5. Ponta Delgada: Full-Day Nordeste & Waterfall Tour with Lunch

Taking the road that travels along the North coast reach Nordeste, usually referred as the 10th island for its remoteness, and the oldest geological part of São Miguel. Mountains, woods, waterfalls, belvederes that rise over the sea, beautiful villages, and a multitude of flowers mark this area. It is possible to find genuine handicrafts and delicious gastronomy here which you can see and taste at your stop in Nordeste village. After lunch continue the tour around the east part of the island until you reach the village of Povoação, the place where the first settlers set foot on the island. Finish the day with a stop at Salto do Cavalo belvedere.

Full-Day 4x4 Nordeste Azores Tour from Ponta Delgada

6. Full-Day 4x4 Nordeste Azores Tour from Ponta Delgada

The Nordeste is one of the lesser-known destinations of Portugal, yet it remains one of the most beautiful areas of São Miguel Island. Spend a day exploring the area in a 4x4, traveling along the coast to Ribeira Grande and Porto Formoso, among others. The the 4x4 will climb to one of the highest peaks on the island: the Pico Bartolomeu. From here, you can see the highest mountain on the island, the Pico da Vara. After marveling at the sight, drive along the famous Tronqueira Mountain Trail to one of the oldest parts of the island, ending in Povoação Village.

Side by Side Tour - Sete Cidades from North Coast (Half Day)

7. Side by Side Tour - Sete Cidades from North Coast (Half Day)

Get ready to drive or be a passenger on the brand new Wolverine® RMAX™4 1000(one of the best UTV's available on the market). This activity is ideal for families or couples looking for adventure and fun. This tour will take you to the highest points that surround Sete Cidades Volcano. The itinerary is On and Offroad and If the weather is good, you can count on awesome views to the lakes and the ocean. Our team of expert guides will ensure your safety and provide brief explanations at each stop. Driver`s license is mandatory for drivers and remember that this is a tour to enjoy the landscapes, not a rally competition.

Full-Day Sete Cidades & Ferraria from Ponta Delgada

8. Full-Day Sete Cidades & Ferraria from Ponta Delgada

Set in the middle of a 3-mile (5-km) wide volcanic crater, Sete Cidades’ forest-blanketed slopes and lake scattered valleys are the ideal place for an off-road adventure. Explore the area with a local guide and make a special trip to Ponta da Ferraria, where thermal pools offer unique swimming chances (optional).

From Ponta Delgada: Nordeste Full Day Jeep Tour

9. From Ponta Delgada: Nordeste Full Day Jeep Tour

Be picked up in Ponta Delgada and head towards Nordeste for a full-day jeep tour of the region. Stop at Sallto do Cavalo viewing point. The lookout point provides views of the north-eastern side of the island, the Furnas Valley, and the coastline. After your stop at Sallto do Cavalo viewpoint, you’ll head to the Park of Ribeira dos Caldeirões. Located on the the slopes of Serra da Tronqueira, Park of Ribeira dos Caldeirões follows the Ribeira dos Caldeirões water stream. Here you’ll see an abundance of local flora, including ferns and cedar trees. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant located in a Nordeste village. After lunch, you’ll stop at Serra da Tronqueira, where you’ll have panoramic views of the island. Visit Povoação, which was the first populated village on the island. After your visit, stop at Vila Franca do Campo, which is known for its beach inlets.

From Ponta Delgada: Nordeste 4x4 Guided Day Trip & Lunch

10. From Ponta Delgada: Nordeste 4x4 Guided Day Trip & Lunch

Join your guide as they pick you up from your Ponta Delgada hotel at 9am. You will hop into an off road-capable 4×4 and head out into the northeast countryside, winding along dusty roads that lead to the ‘priolo’ (bullfinch) habitat and into the most well-preserved area for endemic species. Hear about the island’s geologic history. Later, see the Neo-Gothic features of the Ponta Delgada’s historic parish before grabbing lunch at a locally loved restaurant. The restaurant has typical Azorean food (similar to Mediterranean cuisine) and several options between fish and meat, stew, and grilled foods. In the afternoon, your tour heads to the rugged headlands and rocky shorelines to witness waterfalls, enjoy the views of the sea, and experience nature’s force in the Azores. As we head back to your hotel, we will stop at the tea factory and enjoy a cup of tea.

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What people are saying about Nordeste

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 594 reviews

This was incredible! Each place here is more beautiful than the previous, you can't even choose the favourite one. Hugo is a nice guide. His style is more into conversation, which is the best as for me, cause you are totally involved into it. It's definitely not like a lecture. The car is comfortable, the lunch is super tasty! I can only recommend<3

And another great trip! Great vibe on board, beautiful sites to visit, good food. The Thermal baths are a must. But they cost now €8 + €2 rent for a locker, not €6 as posted on the Getyourguide app. Still cheap and worth it! The guide Fernando, also an amazing guy! Keep it up! Thanks for the great day!

Fernando was extremely pleasant, knowledgeable and passionate about São Miguel. I recommend this tour and also the West of the island for anybody interested in exploring this gorgeous island. If you are lucky, you might get Fernando!

It was the best trip with the best guide Fernando. He told us lot of information about natural beauties in this unique island Sao Miguel. I really appreciate it.

Amazing tour with João who told us a lot of interesting information