Why Furnas Should Be on Your Azores Bucket List
Furnas is more than just a stop on your Azores itinerary; it’s a waypoint that embraces the spirit and history of the islands. From bubbling thermals to healing waters and lush gardens, Furnas invites you to slow down and soak in the bubbling atmosphere, experiencing what the Azores are all about. Whether you’re here for a day or a week, you’ll leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and maybe just a little bit transformed.
10 Best Things to Do in Furnas
In this guide, we’ll take you through the Top 10 Things to Do in Furnas, the best thermal baths in the Azores, and how to make the most of your time in this wonderful village.
- Explore Furnas Valley
- Thermal Baths & Botanical Garden at Terra Nostra Park
- Thermal Baths at Poça da Dona Beija
- Eat Volcano Stew
- Hot Springs at Caldeiras
- Hike around Lagoa das Furnas
- Visit Furnas Monitoring & Research Centre
- Day Spa at Octant Furnas
- Tour of a Tea Factory
- Explore Local Shops
Plus: Where to Stay in Furnas
1. Explore Furnas Valley
Furnas Valley
Furnas is located in the eastern part of São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores archipelago. It sits inside a massive volcanic caldera, and the geothermal activity here is unlike anywhere else in Europe. Steaming fumaroles, boiling mud pots, natural hot springs, and lush botanical gardens are all worth exploring throughout the year.
Public Thermal Baths
Even on the streets of Furnas, alongside the river you’ll find hot springs open to the public, toasty all year round and perfect for a quick dip. But Furnas isn’t just about hot water; it’s a place where Azorean traditions, gastronomy, and nature come together in a welcoming village setup that showcases this while staying true to Azorean tradition.
Getting to Furnas
Furnas is about a 45-minute drive from Ponta Delgada, the capital of São Miguel. Renting a car is the easiest way to explore the island, but guided tours also offer day trips that include a visit to Furnas.
Furnas Valley Information
Address: Furnas, Sao Miguel, Azores, Portugal
Price: Free
Website: www.visitazores.com
2. Soak in Thermal Baths at Terra Nostra Park
Terra Nostra Park
No visit to Furnas is complete without a dip in the iconic Terra Nostra Thermal Pool. Located in the heart of Parque Terra Nostra, this massive, rust-colored pool is heated by geothermal springs and rich in iron and minerals.
Terra Nostra Thermal Baths
The water hovers between 35–40°C, making it the perfect place to relax your muscles and rejuvenate your skin.
Botanical Gardens
The surrounding botanical garden is just as impressive, having been in existence for over 200 years, and features exotic plants, winding paths, and serene ponds. Go early in the morning to make the most of the day. The pools alone can be a full-day experience, so having time to wander around the gardens really takes the whole day.
Terra Nostra Information
Address: Largo Marquês da Praia e Monfort, 9675-061 Furnas, Portugal
Price: €17 per person – Free for Gests of Terra Nostra Garden Hotel
Website: www.parqueterranostra.com
3. Experience Poça da Dona Beija
Thermal Bath Experience
If you’re looking for a more intimate thermal bath experience, head to Poça da Dona Beija. This series of small, stone-lined pools is nestled in a tropical setting, with cascading waterfalls and warm, mineral-rich waters.
Thermal Pools
Each pool has a slightly different temperature, allowing you to find your perfect soak. It’s open late into the evening, making it a magical spot for a nighttime dip under the stars.
Poça da Dona Beija Information
Address: Lomba Das Barracas s/n, 9675-044 Furnas, Portugal
Price: €12 Daytime – €16 Evening
Website: www.pocadadonabeija.com
4. Eat Cozido das Furnas
Taste Volcano Cooked Stew
One of the most unique culinary experiences in the world, Cozido das Furnas is a traditional Azorean stew cooked underground using the heat of volcanic rocks. Local chefs lower pots of meat and vegetables into steaming geothermal vents near Lagoa das Furnas, where they slow-cook for hours.
Volcano Stew Furnas
You can watch the pots being unearthed in the late morning, then head to a local restaurant, such as Tony’s or Restaurante Vale das Furnas, to taste the final product. It’s hearty, flavorful, and an authentic taste of the island.
Tony’s Restaurant Information
Address: Rua Largo Teatro, 9675-036 Furnas, Portugal
Price: €15–€25 Per Person
Website: www.tripadvisor.co.uk
5. Explore the Caldeiras and Fumaroles
Geothermal Hot Springs
A short walk from Furnas is Caldeiras, where the earth hisses and bubbles with geothermal energy. These fumaroles and hot springs are scattered throughout the village, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. You’ll see locals boiling corn in the hot water and selling it fresh; don’t miss an opportunity to try a taste of this.
Caldeiras Information
Address: Largo das Caldeiras, 9675-045 Furnas, Portugal
Price: Free
Website: www.azoresgetaways.com
6. Lagoa das Furnas
Hike Around Lagoa das Furnas
The Furnas Lake is a tranquil, emerald-green crater lake surrounded by lush hills and forests. A 9-kilometre trail circles the lake, offering scenic views, picnic spots, and access to hidden gems like the Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias, a beautiful neo-Gothic church on the lake’s edge.
Lagoa das Furnas Information
Address: Lagoa das Furnas, 9675-090 Furnas, Portugal
Price: Free
Website: www.trails.visitazores.com
7. Visit Furnas Monitoring & Research Centre
Centro de Monitorização e Investigação das Furnas
For a deeper understanding of the region’s unique geology and ecology, stop by the Centro de Monitorização e Investigação das Furnas. This eco-centre features interactive exhibits on the volcanic origins of the Azores and the efforts to conserve the local environment.
Geological Exhibits
It’s on the edge of Lagoa das Furnas, so it can be part of your lake hike. It’s an excellent stop for families or anyone interested in sustainable travel and conservation.
Furnas Monitoring & Research Centre Information
Address: Rua da Lagoa das Furnas 1489, 9675-090 Furnas, Portugal
Price: €3
Website: www.parquesnaturais.azores.gov.pt
8. Spa Day at Octant Hotel Furnas
Octant Hotel Furnas
If you’re craving luxury, book a spa treatment at the Octant Hotel in Furnas. This was formerly known as the Furnas Boutique Hotel, so you may still see it referred to by this name. Their wellness centre features indoor and outdoor thermal pools, a sauna, and a comprehensive menu of massages and treatments that utilise local ingredients.
Octant Heated Thermals
Even if you’re not staying overnight, you can purchase a day pass for €40 to enjoy the facilities. It’s one of the must-dos when visiting the Azores. The hotel, like everything on the Azorean islands, is as sustainable as possible; it generates a significant amount of its own energy from geothermal sources and solar panels.
Outside Thermal Baths
The food, if you stay, is absolutely amazing, featuring a true breakfast spread that offers unique Azorian cuisine and hotel classics. The staff are exceptionally diligent, happy to help, and also willing to share any information you’d like to learn about the region.
Octant Furnas Hotel Information
Address: Avenida Dr. Manuel de Arriaga, Furnas, 9675-022 São Miguel, Portugal
Price: €200 – €300 per night | €40 Spa Day Pass
Website: www.furnas.octanthotels.com
9. Visit the Gorreana Tea Factory
Tea Factory Tour
Just a short drive from Furnas, nestled in the rolling hills of São Miguel’s north coast, lies the Gorreana Tea Factory—a must-see for anyone interested in history, agriculture, or simply a good cup of tea. Founded in 1883, Gorreana is the oldest and only remaining tea plantation in Europe, producing organic black and green teas using traditional methods passed down through generations.
Azore Tea Plantation
Visitors can tour the factory, watch the tea leaves being processed, and stroll through the lush tea fields that stretch toward the Atlantic Ocean across the plantation. The experience is free, and you’ll be welcomed with complimentary tastings of their signature blends like Orange Pekoe, Broken Leaf, and Green Tea.
Buy Azorean Tea
The factory also has a charming gift shop where you can purchase teas to take home, along with local crafts and souvenirs. It’s a peaceful and educational stop that pairs perfectly with a day trip from Furnas.
Gorreana Tea Factory Information
Address: Plantações de Chá Gorreana, 9625-304 Maia, Portugal
Price: Free
Website: www.gorreana.pt
10. Explore Local Shops
Gloria Moniz Bakery
The town of Furnas has a range of local shops with friendly and inquisitive owners who genuinely want to make your stay memorable. The Gloria Moniz Bakery is one of those places where they make you feel like part of the family. If you want to top up on your Queijadas (Custard and Cheese Tarts) or Dona Amelia pastries, this is the place to visit. Stop by for a fresh, handmade lunch, along with a range of sweet pastries.
Gloria Moniz Bakery Information
Address: Rua Dr. Frederico Moniz Pereira 60, 9675-045 Furnas, Portugal
Price: €1-€5 per person
Website: www.tripadvisor.com
Where to Stay in Furnas
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel
€150-€200 per night
Elegant, historic, and includes exclusive after-hours access to the Terra Nostra thermal pool.
Octant Hotel (Furnas Boutique Hotel)
€200-€300 per night
Modern, stylish, and perfect for a wellness-focused escape.
Local Guesthouses
€80-€120 per night
For a more authentic and budget-friendly experience, try a quaint B&B in the village.
