Furnas Experience: Volcanic Landscapes, Thermal Pools and Traditional Cuisine
A journey through the volcanic heart of São Miguel, from lakeside trails to steaming calderas and the iconic Cozido das Furnas.
The Furnas Experience is a full-day guided tour that takes you deep into one of the most geologically active valleys in the Azores, blending light hiking, volcanic scenery, local gastronomy, and the restorative warmth of thermal waters.
The morning begins at the shores of Lagoa das Furnas, where a scenic walk leads past a 19th-century neo-Gothic hermitage, a volcanology research centre, and the remnants of old charcoal kilns hidden beneath lush vegetation. The path continues to the fumarole field, where underground heat has been cooking the famous Cozido das Furnas for generations.
After a traditional Azorean lunch served in a local restaurant, the afternoon unfolds at the Caldeiras Vulcânicas, where bubbling hot springs and cold mineral sources stand side by side, each with its own distinct taste and story. The day concludes at the Parque Terra Nostra botanical garden, where centuries-old trees and thermal bathing pools invite you to slow down and take it all in.
Tour Highlights
Walk along the shores of Lagoa das Furnas and discover the geology and history of one of São Miguel's most scenic lakes.
Watch pots of Cozido das Furnas being pulled from the earth, slow-cooked by volcanic geothermal energy.
Enjoy a full traditional Azorean lunch including wine, beer or water, dessert, and coffee at a local restaurant.
Explore the Caldeiras Vulcânicas up close, sampling mineral springs and hearing the legends tied to this geothermal landscape.
Stroll through the Parque Terra Nostra botanical garden and, if desired, soak in the natural thermal pools with therapeutic properties.
Pass wooden sculptures carved along the trail path, adding an artistic dimension to the volcanic landscape.
Benefit from accredited guides who share local knowledge, cultural context, and the living geology of the Furnas Valley throughout the day.
Itinerary
Your guide collects you from your accommodation in Ponta Delgada for an approximately 45-minute drive east to the Furnas Valley. Along the way, expect commentary on the island's volcanic history and landscape.
The hike begins along the lake's edge, passing the Ermida de Nossa Senhora das Vitórias, the Furnas Monitoring and Research Centre, and forested areas dotted with the ruins of historic charcoal ovens. Trekking poles are provided for comfort on the trail.
The trail leads to the fumarole zone, where secondary volcanic activity shapes the terrain and where the traditional Azorean stew has been cooked underground for decades. Your guide explains the process and the science behind it.
Sit down to a full Cozido das Furnas meal at a local restaurant, accompanied by wine, beer, or water, plus dessert and coffee. This is an opportunity to rest, refuel, and connect with Azorean culinary tradition.
After lunch, the group visits the volcanic calderas in the village, where hot and cold springs emerge side by side. Guests can taste different mineral waters while the guide shares the folklore and geological facts of the site.
The day closes at the Parque Terra Nostra botanical garden, where camellias, exotic trees, and thermal bathing pools await. After this visit, your guide returns you to your accommodation in Ponta Delgada.
What Is Included
Included
- Accredited, licensed tour guides throughout the day
- Personal accident and activity insurance
- Traditional Cozido das Furnas lunch with wine, beer or water, dessert, and coffee
- Trekking poles for the hike
- Round-trip transfer (pickup and drop-off) from Ponta Delgada
Not Included
- Entrance fee to Parque Terra Nostra (not included for shared group tours)
- Personal expenses and optional purchases
- Thermal bathing equipment beyond what you bring yourself
Important Information
Reserve Your Place on the Furnas Experience
Join a small group for a day that combines volcanic scenery, Azorean gastronomy, and genuine natural wonder in the heart of São Miguel Island. Availability is limited, so secure your spot early.
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