Furnas
Thermal Valley
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.
Why Furnas
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: 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.
Caldeiras das Furnas
Boiling at 98°C — free to visit, always open
What Makes It Special
Four Reasons to Visit Furnas
Caldeiras das Furnas
Boiling mud pools at 98°C
The famous boiling fumaroles at the edge of Furnas lake — steam rising from the earth, sulphur in the air, and mud bubbling at 98°C. Free to visit, open always. One of the most geologically raw experiences in Europe.
Thermal Hot Springs
40°C natural pools year-round
Poça da Dona Beija and Terra Nostra Garden offer geothermal pools at 39–40°C. Soaking in mineral-rich water surrounded by tropical vegetation is the definitive Furnas experience.
Cozido das Furnas
Food cooked underground by the earth
A traditional Portuguese stew buried in the volcanic soil for 6–8 hours. The geothermal heat cooks the meat and vegetables to extraordinary tenderness. One of the most unique culinary experiences on the planet.
Terra Nostra Garden
200-year-old botanical garden
A stunning 200-year-old botanical garden surrounding an iron-rich thermal pool. The water is orange-brown from minerals — extraordinary and totally unlike any other thermal experience in the world.
Thermal Pools
Where to Soak in Furnas
Three geothermal experiences — from public pools to a historic botanical garden to raw volcanic fumaroles.
Poça da Dona Beija
Public thermal pool complex
The most popular thermal pool complex in Furnas — multiple pools at different temperatures, surrounded by lush vegetation. Best visited in the evening when the air is cool and the lighting is magical.
Terra Nostra Garden
Historic botanical garden & pool
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. Entry includes garden access.
Caldeiras das Furnas
Natural geothermal fumaroles
The famous boiling mud pools and fumaroles at the edge of Furnas lake. Not for swimming — but extraordinary to witness up close. Locals cook cozido das Furnas buried in the ground 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.
Book in advance
Cozido das Furnas is only served at lunch (12:00–15:00) and quantities are limited. Book your table the day before.
Tony's Restaurant
Most famous — book 1–2 days ahead
Restaurante Caldeiras & Vulcões
Excellent views of the caldeiras
Restaurante Terra Nostra
Inside the botanical garden
Practical Info
Planning Your Visit
to Furnas
Furnas is best visited as a full-day trip from Ponta Delgada — arrive in the morning to see the caldeiras with the mist still rising, have cozido at lunch, and soak in the thermal pools in the afternoon.
Best time to visit
Morning for the caldeiras (steam is most dramatic), afternoon for thermal pools. In winter, pools feel especially good with the cool air — and there are far fewer tourists.
Getting there
40 minutes by car from Ponta Delgada via the south coast EN1-1A. The road through the interior via Ribeira Grande is also beautiful. Car rental from €25/day in PDL.
Distance to PDL
40 min drive
Thermal pools
39–40°C year-round
Caldeiras
Boiling mud at 98°C
Must eat
Cozido das Furnas
Best photo time
Dawn — steam over the lake
Transport
Car recommended
Botanical garden
Terra Nostra — 200 years old
Climate
Mild, 14–22°C year-round
Map
Find Furnas
40 minutes east of Ponta Delgada — an easy day trip or a perfect base for exploring the south and east of São Miguel.
Gallery
Furnas Through the Lens
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Furnas
More Destinations on São Miguel
Work Remotely from the Azores
Furnas is 40 minutes from Ponta Delgada — the perfect day trip from your long-stay base. Remote workers and digital nomads choose São Miguel for its fast fibre internet, low cost of living, and extraordinary nature. Explore everything you need to know about working remotely from the Azores.
Stay Near Furnas
Base yourself in Ponta Delgada — 40 minutes from Furnas — with a fully furnished mid-term rental. From €950/month, all bills included. Free matching service, no upfront fees.
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