Furnas: Volcanic Landscapes, Thermal Springs and Culture

Furnas is a destination with a distinct volcanic character. In the Furnas Valley, the smell of sulfur and the boiling, steaming hot springs point to volcanic activity. The volcanic complex includes Lagoa das Furnas, fumarole fields, and mineral and thermal springs. Since 2008, it has been designated a Ramsar site and is part of a Special Area of Conservation in the Natura 2000 network. Thermal resorts, hiking trails and historic sites offer different ways to plan your stay.

Thermal Springs and Bathing Spots

Poça da Dona Beija is a thermal bathing complex in Vale das Furnas, built around an iron-rich spring that is naturally heated by volcanic activity. The complex has five hot thermal pools of varying depths and temperatures; the average temperature is 39 °C. Bathing conditions may change, so check the current visitor information before your visit.

Terra Nostra Park has a thermal pool and more than 2,000 different trees. When comparing the two places, Poça da Dona Beija stands out for its five pools of varying depths and temperatures, while the trees are another key feature of Terra Nostra Park alongside its thermal pool.

The Termas das Furnas thermal centre features around 30 types of water at different temperatures, as well as pavilions and a 19th-century thermal hospital. The hospital adds a historical dimension alongside the thermal features.

Volcanic Landscapes and Views

The PRC06SMI hiking trail reaches Pico do Milho, whose summit offers views across the Furnas Valley. The PRC22 SMI Grená–Pico do Ferro starts at the Pico do Ferro viewpoint and offers views of the Furnas Valley and Lagoa das Furnas. Comparing the two viewpoints, Pico do Milho is noted for its views across the valley, while the PRC22 also takes in the lagoon.

Parque da Grená, by Lagoa das Furnas, offers paths through a diverse range of plant and animal life, as well as waterfalls. The park also includes a derelict manor house and has been transformed into the Azores’ first tree-climbing park. The park is open to visitors year-round, according to a schedule and for an entrance fee. Check the schedule before your visit.

Gardens and Cultural History

On the southern shore of Lagoa das Furnas, Mata-Jardim José do Canto includes Vale dos Fetos and the Salto do Rosal waterfall.

Parque D. Beatriz do Canto, formerly called Parque das Murtas, lies in the bed of the Ribeira das Murtas stream, which runs through Furnas. This 19th-century romantic park features lawns, a plane tree avenue, a lake and a suspension bridge. The house and garden are classified as an “Imóvel de Interesse Público” (Property of Public Interest).

The Nossa Senhora das Vitórias Chapel stands on the western shore of Lagoa das Furnas and is a unique Neo-Gothic structure in the Azores archipelago. It was built in the late 19th century by José do Canto, who is buried there. Construction of the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Alegria in Furnas began in the early 20th century in the Neo-Romanesque Revival style.

The Furnas Environmental Interpretation Centre explains the history and development of the Furnas volcano. It uses exhibitions, interactive tools, multimedia platforms and guided visits, which also cover the lagoon’s ecosystem. The OMIC – Observatório Microbiano dos Açores – is housed in the historic Casa de Banhos Termais building. It offers permanent and temporary exhibitions, as well as hands-on activities, and explains the importance of microorganisms and the microbial biodiversity of Furnas’ thermal springs and the Azores’ volcanic caves.

At the Caldeiras of Furnas, traditional Cozido à Portuguesa is cooked using the internal heat of the Furnas volcano.

Discover more destinations: Urzelina, Ponta Garca, Fajã Grande, Ginetes, Horta, Topo, Mosteiros, São Miguel.

For the full travel overview: Azores.