Remote Work
Activities
Furnas
Thermal Valley, Azores
A volcanic valley where the earth boils, food is cooked underground, and natural hot springs reach 40°C. One of the most extraordinary places in Europe — and one of the Azores' best-kept secrets.
Caldeiras das Furnas
Boiling at 98°C — free to visit
Why Furnas is Extraordinary
Where the Earth
is Still Alive
Furnas sits inside a volcanic caldera — a collapsed ancient volcano — where geothermal activity is still very much present. The ground steams, mud pools bubble at 98°C, and natural hot springs emerge at 37–40°C throughout the valley.
This geothermal energy has been used by locals for centuries — most famously to cook cozido das Furnas, a traditional stew buried in the volcanic soil and left to cook for 6–8 hours. It's one of the most unique culinary experiences in the world.
For remote workers and overwinterers, Furnas offers something rare: a place where you can work in the morning, soak in a 40°C thermal pool in the afternoon, and eat food cooked by the earth for dinner. There is nowhere else in the Atlantic like it.
Thermal Pools
Where to Soak in Furnas
Three geothermal experiences — from public pools to historic gardens to raw volcanic fumaroles.
Poca da Dona Beija
The most popular thermal pool complex in Furnas — multiple pools at different temperatures, surrounded by lush vegetation. Romantic at night with lighting.
Terra Nostra Garden
A 200-year-old botanical garden with a large iron-rich thermal pool at its centre. The water is orange-brown from minerals — extraordinary and unique.
Caldeiras das Furnas
The famous boiling mud pools and fumaroles at the edge of Furnas lake. Not for swimming — but extraordinary to witness. Locals cook cozido das Furnas here.
The Food
Cozido das Furnas
Cooked by the Earth
Cozido das Furnas is a traditional Portuguese stew — meat, sausages, vegetables — cooked in sealed pots buried in the volcanic soil near Furnas lake. The geothermal heat (around 100°C underground) cooks the stew slowly over 6–8 hours.
The result is extraordinarily tender meat and deeply flavoured broth. It's one of the most unique culinary experiences in the world — and it's been done this way for generations.
Cozido das Furnas is only served at lunch (typically 12:00–15:00) and quantities are limited. Book your table the day before at Tony's Restaurant or Restaurante Caldeiras & Vulcões.
Practical Information
Planning Your Visit
Gallery
Furnas Through the Lens
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Furnas and why is it famous?
Furnas is a volcanic valley on São Miguel island in the Azores, famous for its geothermal hot springs, boiling mud pools (caldeiras), and the unique tradition of cooking food underground using geothermal heat. It's one of the most geologically active places in Europe and one of the Azores' most visited attractions.
What is cozido das Furnas?
Cozido das Furnas is a traditional Portuguese stew (cozido) cooked underground using geothermal heat from the volcanic soil near Furnas lake. Pots are buried in the ground at around 100°C and left to cook for 6–8 hours. The result is an extraordinarily tender stew of meat, vegetables, and sausages. Several restaurants in Furnas serve it — book in advance.
Can you swim in the thermal pools at Furnas?
Yes — there are two main thermal pool complexes in Furnas where you can swim: Poça da Dona Beija (€8–€12, open until 22:00) and Terra Nostra Garden (€15–€20, includes garden access). The pools are at 39–40°C year-round. The caldeiras (boiling mud pools) at the lake are not for swimming — they reach 98°C.
How do I get to Furnas from Ponta Delgada?
Furnas is approximately 40 minutes by car from Ponta Delgada via the EN1-1A road through the interior of São Miguel. There is a public bus service (Linha Verde) but it's infrequent — renting a car is recommended. Many tour operators offer day trips to Furnas from Ponta Delgada.
Is Furnas worth visiting in winter?
Absolutely — Furnas is arguably better in winter. The thermal pools are more enjoyable when the air is cool (14–18°C), the steam from the caldeiras is more dramatic in cold air, and there are far fewer tourists. The Terra Nostra Garden is lush and green year-round. Winter is the best time to experience Furnas authentically.
Where can I stay near Furnas?
Most visitors stay in Ponta Delgada (40 minutes away) and visit Furnas as a day trip. There are a few hotels and guesthouses in Furnas village itself. Azores Remote Stay specialises in mid-term rentals in Ponta Delgada — from €900/month, all bills included — making it the perfect base for exploring Furnas and the rest of São Miguel.
Stay near Furnas
Base yourself in Ponta Delgada — 40 minutes from Furnas — with a fully furnished mid-term rental. From €900/month, all bills included.
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