Private Driver at Your Disposal from Verde Mar & SPA Hotel
About Verde Mar & SPA Hotel
Verde Mar & SPA Hotel is a contemporary beachfront hotel located in Ribeira Grande, offering modern amenities and direct access to a black sand beach. It provides stunning ocean views and is perfectly situated for exploring the north coast of São Miguel.
Stay at Verde Mar & SPA Hotel and let a private Mercedes-Benz with a professional English-speaking driver wait for you at the hotel. From catching the perfect morning surf at Monte Verde beach to exploring the island's central volcanic landscapes, you set the pace and your driver handles the rest.
Popular day trips from Verde Mar & SPA Hotel
- Ribeira Grande Historical Center — 1 km, Walk. Explore the charming Baroque architecture, churches, and gardens of this historic north coast town.
- Santa Bárbara Beach — 2 km, 5 min. A popular black sand beach renowned for surfing and its vibrant beach culture.
- Caldeira Velha — 10 km, 15 min. A lush natural reserve with hot springs and a waterfall, set within a vibrant subtropical forest.
- Lagoa do Fogo — 15 km, 20 min. A magnificent crater lake offering pristine natural beauty and panoramic views, accessible via a scenic route.
- Cha Gorreana Tea Plantation — 10 km, 15 min. Europe's oldest and only remaining tea plantation, offering scenic views and tea tasting.
- Furnas — 25 km, 30 min. Known for its thermal activity, botanical garden, and the traditional 'Cozido das Furnas'.
What's included
- Private Mercedes-Benz (E-Class, V-Class or Sprinter) at your disposal
- Professional English-speaking driver
- Pickup and drop-off directly at Verde Mar & SPA Hotel
- All fuel, tolls, parking and driver expenses included
- Flexible itinerary — change plans on the day, no penalty
- Booking advice for restaurants, wineries and local experiences
- 24/7 customer support during your stay
Sample days
- Half-day: North Coast Exploration & Hot Springs: Discover the charm of Ribeira Grande, visit the Caldeira Velha for a thermal bath, and explore a local tea plantation.
- Full-day: Lagoa do Fogo & Central Peaks: Ascend to the panoramic viewpoints of Lagoa do Fogo, then drive across the central volcanic ridge, stopping at various scenic spots before heading to the south coast.
- Full-day: Furnas Volcanic Experience: Journey to the Furnas Valley to experience its hot springs and fumaroles, witness the unearthing of 'Cozido das Furnas', and stroll through the beautiful Terra Nostra Garden.
Frequently asked questions
How does pricing work for a driver at your disposal?
Pricing is per private vehicle (entire group), not per person. Half-day, full-day and multi-day rates are available. Send us your dates and the places you want to visit, and we will reply within 24 hours with a custom quote.
Can the itinerary change during the day?
Yes. The driver is at your disposal for the booked time. If you want to skip a stop, add an extra visit or stay longer somewhere, just say the word. No surcharges for in-day changes within the booked hours.
Do you handle restaurant and experience reservations?
Yes. Once your driver is confirmed, our concierge helps with restaurants, museum tickets, wine tastings and tour bookings around Ribeira Grande. We work with partners that prioritize our guests.
What vehicles are available?
Mercedes-Benz E-Class for up to 3 guests, V-Class for 1 to 7 guests, and Sprinter for groups up to 19. The right vehicle is matched to your group size when we send the quote.
How far in advance should I request a driver?
We recommend at least 36 hours, ideally 3 to 5 days in advance to guarantee the right vehicle and driver. Same-day requests are sometimes possible — write to us and we will check availability.
Request a quote for a private driver from Verde Mar & SPA Hotel