Furnas
Discover Furnas, a volcanic paradise in the Azores, famed for its steaming fumaroles, therapeutic thermal baths, and unique earth-cooked cuisine.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Mild weather, fewer crowds
Furnas
Best Time
Mild weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Furnas, a volcanic paradise in the Azores, famed for its steaming fumaroles, therapeutic thermal baths, and unique earth-cooked cuisine.
"A truly unique Azorean experience where the earth breathes and soothes."
♨️ Embrace the Sulfur Smell
The geothermal activity has a distinct sulfur smell. It's part of the Furnas experience, so don't be surprised!
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Exploring the caldeiras and lake trails requires comfortable, closed-toe footwear. Some areas can be muddy.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lagoa das Furnas
Furnas Valley
A stunning crater lake surrounded by lush greenery, famous for its geothermal cooking pits.
Terra Nostra Garden
Parque Terra Nostra
Explore a botanical paradise with a unique thermal water pool, perfect for a relaxing soak.
Caldeiras das Furnas
Village of Furnas
Witness the raw power of the earth with bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles right in town.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Geothermal Wonders
Book Accommodations Early
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Travelling to Azores & staying in Furnas. Any restaurant & sight seeing/group activities recommendations?
♨️ Embrace the Sulfur Smell
The geothermal activity has a distinct sulfur smell. It's part of the Furnas experience, so don't be surprised!
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Exploring the caldeiras and lake trails requires comfortable, closed-toe footwear. Some areas can be muddy.
Furnas
Best hikes near Furnas?
🏊♀️ Thermal Pool Etiquette
Bring an old swimsuit for the Terra Nostra thermal pool, as the iron-rich water can stain lighter colors.
🍽️ Try Cozido das Furnas
Taste the unique 'Cozido das Furnas,' a stew slow-cooked underground by volcanic heat. Book in advance!
First time in Azores! Would love to hear your thoughts on what to do in 7 days!
Tips
from all over the internet
♨️ Embrace the Sulfur Smell
The geothermal activity has a distinct sulfur smell. It's part of the Furnas experience, so don't be surprised!
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Exploring the caldeiras and lake trails requires comfortable, closed-toe footwear. Some areas can be muddy.
🏊♀️ Thermal Pool Etiquette
Bring an old swimsuit for the Terra Nostra thermal pool, as the iron-rich water can stain lighter colors.
🍽️ Try Cozido das Furnas
Taste the unique 'Cozido das Furnas,' a stew slow-cooked underground by volcanic heat. Book in advance!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Furnas for its unique geothermal landscapes and relaxing thermal baths, particularly the Terra Nostra Garden. The 'Cozido das Furnas' is a culinary highlight, though booking is essential. Some find the sulfur smell intense, and the iron-rich thermal water can stain swimwear.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to travel from Ponta Delgada to Furnas is by car, taking approximately 45 minutes to an hour via the A1 highway. You can also opt for a bus service, though schedules might be less frequent. Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring the Furnas area and nearby attractions.
While the village of Furnas is walkable, having a car is highly recommended for exploring the wider Furnas Valley, including Lagoa das Furnas and various viewpoints. Local taxis are available, but can be more expensive for extensive touring.
The drive around Lagoa das Furnas offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding landscape. Exploring the smaller roads leading to viewpoints like Miradouro do Pico do Ferro provides stunning panoramas of the entire valley.
Public transport within Furnas itself is limited. While buses connect to other towns, getting between attractions like the lake and the village often requires walking, cycling, or a private vehicle.
The roads in Furnas are generally well-maintained but can be narrow and winding, especially in the more rural areas. Drive cautiously and enjoy the picturesque scenery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Caldeiras das Furnas and the village itself is free. However, attractions like Terra Nostra Garden and the Furnas Boutique Hotel's thermal pools usually require an entrance fee or are included with accommodation.
Terra Nostra Garden is typically open daily from around 9 AM to 6 PM, but it's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours, especially during different seasons.
Admission fees for Terra Nostra Garden can vary, but generally range from €10-€15 for adults. This usually includes access to the thermal pool.
While many attractions in Furnas don't require advance online booking, it's advisable for popular hotels or specific experiences like the 'Cozido' tasting to secure your spot.
Yes, exploring the village, walking around Lagoa das Furnas, and observing the Caldeiras das Furnas are all free and highly recommended activities.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visit the Caldeiras das Furnas in the village to see bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles up close. You can also witness the unique 'Cozido das Furnas' being cooked underground near Lagoa das Furnas.
It's recommended to wear an older swimsuit as the iron-rich water can stain lighter fabrics. Bring a towel and flip-flops for comfort.
Yes, there are walking paths around Lagoa das Furnas, offering beautiful views of the lake and surrounding nature. Some trails can be muddy, so wear appropriate footwear.
The 'world's nests' likely refer to unique accommodations or viewpoints in Furnas, possibly related to the 'Furnas Forest Living' concept, offering an immersive nature experience.
Furnas can be visited as a day trip from Ponta Delgada, but to truly enjoy its thermal baths and explore at a relaxed pace, an overnight stay is highly recommended.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The 'Cozido das Furnas' is a must-try! Many restaurants in Furnas offer it, but it's essential to book in advance as it's cooked underground using volcanic heat. Queijaria Furnense is a local favorite for burgers.
Beyond the Cozido, Furnas offers diverse dining. The Terra Nostra Garden hotel restaurant is highly praised for its delicious food and exceptional service.
Besides Cozido, look for fresh Azorean seafood, local cheeses, and sweet bread. The unique geothermal cooking method for Cozido is a highlight.
While traditional Azorean cuisine is meat-heavy, many restaurants are becoming more accommodating. Inquire about vegetarian options, especially at places like Terra Nostra Garden.
Engage with locals for recommendations and don't hesitate to try dishes cooked using the unique geothermal methods. Booking ahead for popular dishes like Cozido is key.
📸 📸 Photography
Lagoa das Furnas, especially with the chapel and steam vents, is incredibly picturesque. Terra Nostra Garden's lush greenery and thermal pool offer stunning photo opportunities.
Early morning or late afternoon light provides the most dramatic and soft lighting for landscape photography around the lake and gardens.
Miradouro do Pico do Ferro offers panoramic views of the Furnas Valley, perfect for capturing the scale of the volcanic landscape.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto can capture details in the gardens. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the lake and foliage.
Yes, but maintain a safe distance from active fumaroles and boiling mud pots. Be mindful of steam and hot surfaces.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider trying the Cozido das Furnas, as the story of it being cooked underground can be a fun narrative for children. While exploring Lagoa das Furnas, keep an eye out for local birdlife. For accommodations, hotels like Furnas Boutique Hotel often have amenities that cater to families. Ensure you pack comfortable walking shoes for everyone, as there will be plenty of exploring to do.
💰 Budget Travelers
While the Terra Nostra Garden has an entrance fee, it's a worthwhile splurge for the experience. Alternatively, look for accommodations that might offer access to smaller, less-known thermal springs. Utilizing local buses for transport between towns can also be more economical than renting a car for the entire duration, though a car offers more flexibility for exploring the valley's hidden gems.
💖 Couples Retreat
Enjoy a unique culinary experience by booking a Cozido das Furnas dinner, a truly local and memorable meal. Take a peaceful stroll around Lagoa das Furnas at sunset, or find a quiet spot to admire the steaming caldeiras. The tranquil atmosphere and stunning landscapes make Furnas a perfect escape for couples looking to reconnect.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Geothermal Cooking: Cozido das Furnas
To experience this culinary marvel, it's crucial to book your Cozido in advance at one of the local restaurants. They will arrange for the pots to be dug up from the ground at a specific time, often around lunchtime. This unique method of cooking is a testament to the ingenuity of the locals in harnessing the powerful geothermal forces of the Furnas Valley.
While the smell of sulfur is prevalent in Furnas due to its geothermal activity, it's an integral part of the landscape and the unique cooking process. Many visitors find the taste of the Cozido to be well worth the unique preparation method. It's a true taste of the Azores, directly from the earth.
Relaxation and Rejuvenation: Furnas Thermal Baths
Beyond Terra Nostra, other accommodations like the Furnas Boutique Hotel and Octant Furnas Hotel also offer access to thermal pools, providing different atmospheres for soaking. It's advisable to bring an older swimsuit, as the high iron content in the water can stain lighter fabrics. The experience of bathing in these naturally heated pools, surrounded by lush Azorean greenery, is a quintessential Furnas activity.
When visiting the thermal baths, remember to stay hydrated and listen to your body. While the warm waters are inviting, spending too long can be dehydrating. Many visitors recommend a visit to the thermal baths as a perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring the volcanic landscapes and hiking trails of Furnas.
Exploring Lagoa das Furnas: Nature and Serenity
Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the lake's perimeter, taking in the tranquil atmosphere and the unique geothermal phenomena. The iconic neo-Gothic chapel, Nossa Senhora das Vitórias, stands on the lake's edge, adding a touch of architectural charm to the natural beauty. For photographers, the interplay of mist, water, and steam creates dramatic and captivating scenes, especially during the early morning hours.
While the lake itself is a natural wonder, the surrounding area also offers opportunities for gentle hikes and picnics. It’s a place to connect with nature and witness the powerful geological forces that shape the Azores. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as paths can be damp and muddy, especially after rain.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit