Visiting Furnas

Furnas is one of the most interesting areas of São Miguel, and for those who want unique experiences, it is certainly the best. From the geothermal stew, to the muddy and scorching baths, there is no space or time for hassles.

Lagoon

The Lagoon is situated within the volcano complex, with approximately 2.2 kilometers long and 1.4 kilometers wide, surrounded by dense vegetation.

The most distinctive feature of the lagoon is its geothermal activity, allowing the odd show of the traditional cooking method known as “Cozido das Furnas.”

Caldeiras

The Caldeiras are a collection of hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pots that are scattered throughout the village, but mainly in a area that gets its name.

The main attraction in the Caldeiras of Furnas is the boiling hot springs, where you can witness the bubbling, steaming water, whose temperature can reach up to 95 degrees Celsius (203 degrees Fahrenheit).

The vulcanic “kitchen”

The geo-thermal outcrops are used for a variety of culinary purposes, from the famous stew that is concentrated next to the lagoon, to other uses that surprised me, using the greater thermal intensity of the boilers.

Dona Beija

The Dona Beija is one of the most famous hot spring complexes featuring a series of natural pools fed by geothermal waters.

There are several pools with varying temperatures, allowing visitors to choose the one that suits their preferences. The water temperature ranges from around 35 to 40 degrees Celsius (95 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit), providing a soothing and therapeutic experience.

Terra Nostra park

Terra Nostra Park, is a renowned botanical garden covering an area of approximately 12.5 hectares (31 acres).

The centerpiece of Terra Nostra Park is a large thermal pool, with brown water heated by underground volcanic activity and maintaining a constant temperature of around 38 to 40 degrees Celsius (100 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit).

In addition to the thermal pool, Terra Nostra Park offers a network of walking trails that wind through the native and exotic plants, several ponds, streams, and waterfalls that add to the natural beauty of the park.

Other highlights of Terra Nostra Park are the Japanese garden, and a charming 18th-century manor house working as the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel.

Village

With so much top quality attraction, few people take the time to appreciate the village itself.
Since this is a town that essentially lives off tourism, everything is well maintained and provides a very pleasant view.

Our Lady of Victories

A wealthy Azorean, he promised in the 19th century to build a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Victories, in gratitude for his wife’s healing.
Imitating traditional Gothic, the chapel is frankly beautiful, and it is worth seeing the state of disrepair in which it is found, perhaps because it is located in one of the least accessible areas of the lagoon.

Santa Ana Church

The Santa Ana Church was constructed in the 19th century, with beautiful architectural elements, including a classic façade and a bell tower. The interior of the church is adorned with religious artwork and statues, creating a serene and sacred atmosphere for worship.

Waterfall and aquarium

In Furnas, nature dominates, but man has helped. Close to the church, a pleasant garden features an artificial waterfall and an aquarium with exotic fish. There is also a thermal lagoon but too hot for bathing.