The Caldeiras das Furnas, also known as Fumarolas das Furnas are one of the main points of tourist interest on the island of São Miguel. This enigmatic place is worth visiting, and you cannot miss a visit to the site on your way through the Azores Archipelago.
Visiting the Azores Archipelago is something we should all do, at least once in our lives. Its volcanic landscapes, gardens, and gastronomy are unique. So we need to know in advance what to visit so that nothing passes us by.
In this article, learn your history, what to try in these fumaroles, what to taste in gastronomic terms and what to do around this place as peculiar as magical.
What are the Caldeiras das Furnas?
The Caldeiras das Furnas are geothermal hot springs and fumaroles situated in Vila das Furnas on São Miguel Island, Azores. Characterized by boiling waters, bubbling mud, and steam emissions, they offer a unique geological and natural landscape that attracts visitors worldwide.
As in any place where magma is closer to the surface, the Smoky Field of Vila das Furnas and the Smoky Field of Furnas Lagoon are areas where the imposing volcanic manifestations occur.
These calderas are small rainwater ponds formed in the craters of the dormant volcano since 1630. These emerged when the top of the volcano cone collapsed in its last eruption.
Combined with the magma that is close to the surface, the rainwater that has accumulated in these holes, reaches very high temperatures, thus causing the fumaroles, springs and hot springs. However, the fumaroles, in addition to sharing the same boiling state as water, emit vapors and gases with a strong sulfur odor.
What to do in the Furnas Fumaroles?
Caldeira das Furnas has many activities and experiences, mainly related to nature and the gastronomy of the region. Therefore, below, we indicate the various options you have to choose from that you may not miss.
Main Smoky Field of Vila das Furnas
Considered the region with the largest hydropolis in the world, the volcanological manifestation is quite evident. Now, the main Smoky Field is located in the center of Vila das Furnas — here you can observe the fumaroles and the boilers with temperatures ranging between 70 º and 100 º.
Did you know
The Main Smoky Field located in the Furnas Valley is affectionately nicknamed by the Furnenses as “Enchanted Valley”.
In addition to the grandellancy of this place and the unique experience at your disposal, know that you can visit it as many times as you like at the time that is most favorable to you. Since your entry is completely free. Here you will find the most popular Caldeiras in the region, as is the case of Caldeira do Asmodeu, Caldeira Grande, and Caldeira Pêro Botelho.
Experience Local Delicacies
Gastronomy Micaelense – Corncob
São Miguel’s gastronomy is rich, so it is certainly possible to find the local delicacy that goes against your tastes. This may be the case with traditional Corncobs (“Maçaroca de Milho”, in Portuguese).
At some point, in the Caldeira do Esguicho area, you will find villagers making the “Maçarocas das Furnas”, arousing the curiosity and appetite of visitors. The process is relatively simple, after tying a rope around the corn cobs they are dipped in the holes of the fumaroles at very high temperatures, shortly after the corn is removed from the hole already completely cooked.
Once cooked, corn cobs are washed so that they can be consumed without traces of the sulfur present underground.
Quick Info
Before eating, carefully remove the leaves that cover the ear and then slowly remove the juicy and hot corn grains without burning.
Gastronomy Micaelense — Yeast Cakes
The Yeast Cakes (“Bolos Lêvedos” in Portuguese) are considered one of the most well-known and coveted sweets in the region. This traditional sweet is a kind of thick pancake that can be served simply or with a sweet filling, or salty (cheese or ham).
Did you know
This sweet is made with wheat flour, sugar, butter, yeast, and milk and is said to have been the basis of the diet of the first inhabitants of the island.
From the stew in the boiler to the rice pudding, through the yams and the cakes, it was difficult even to be able to taste everything during the passage through Furnas, on the island of São Miguel.
Sample Mineral Waters
Taste the Water of Springs and Thermal Springs of the Furnas Lagoon Garden
In the parish of Furnas, you will find more than 20 thermal springs, each with its aromas, shades, flavors and distinct therapeutic properties.
Have you ever heard of water that can cure hangovers? Azeda do Rebentão is one of the most popular hot springs in the parish. The “Sour Water”, coming from the Sour Spring of Rebentão, in addition to its purple hue, when heated, was especially known for having the ability to cure hangovers.
A hot spring that was also popular in the region was the source of the “Holy Water”. With very characteristic mineral properties, the small source of hot water situated on the descent of a staircase allows you to make your hot drink.
Visit the Christmas Nativity Scene of Caldeiras das Furnas
As a rule, people prefer to visit the Azores in the summer, where the number of rainy days is lower and temperatures are relatively warmer. However, if you are passing through the Azores at the end of the year, do not miss the opportunity to pay a visit to the Christmas Nativity scene of Caldeiras das Furnas.
The Christmas nativity scene, which stretches throughout the space around the calderas, was created in 1976 by a group of young Furnenses and is currently considered the largest open-air nativity scene in the entire Azores Archipelago.
Secondary Fumarolic Field – Fumarolas da Lagoa das Furnas
In addition to the Main Smoky Field located in Vila das Furnas, there is a second called “Fumarolas da Lagoa das Furnas” — as its name implies, this field is situated next to the Furnas Lagoon.
In this area, you can find a large parking lot, picnic tables, a small café and access to some trails. This secondary field is known for its natural chimneys with hot water vapor, effervescent mud and various springs or water sources with different mineral components.
Did you know
The ticket to visit the Furnas Lagoon costs 3 euros per person.
This place has a very characteristic odor — the strong smell of sulfur that is felt can be unpleasant for some visitors. After all, this is where magic happens, using only the energy of the depths of the earth, making the emblematic Cozidos das Furnas, one of the most popular dishes of São Miguel.
Witness the Removal of Pots With Portuguese Stew
Savoring Cozido das Furnas is something you can’t miss when you pass through Furnas Lagoon. However, to have a greater sensory experience of this moment, you must watch the removal of the pots from inside the fumarolas.
As lunchtime approaches, around noon, local restaurant managers dig up the pots that remained inside the holes built in the fumarolas for the past six to seven hours.
Thus, if you want to visit the Fumarolas da Lagoa das Furnas this is the most interesting time of the day to do so.
Bury and Remove Your Portuguese Stew Pan
The emblematic “Cozido das Furnas”, also known as “Cozido das Caldeiras”, is a unique and special version of the Portuguese stew. So, you should try making your meal — following the process from start to finish.
The process begins the day before with the joining of all the necessary ingredients. Still at dawn, between five and six in the morning, the pots are carefully closed and inserted inside the holes dug in the ground.
Steam from inside the fumaroles cooks the ingredients slowly for hours. This unique and so characteristic method provides food with an indescribable flavor.
You will need to wait six to seven hours until noon for the cooking to be precise before removing the pan from the heat. A specialist typically monitors or supervises this process.
What is the Best Time to Visit the Caldeiras das Furnas?
The Azores Archipelago experiences mild temperatures throughout the year due to its location. However, in the winter months, periods of rain are more frequent, which is a possible problem in your stay.
Therefore, the best time to visit the Azores is usually between May and September when rain is less frequent. However, if you visit the island of São Miguel during December, you can also observe the Christmas Nativity scene of Caldeiras das Furnas.
However, it is important to note that the cloudy sky is a common feature of the archipelago. So, sometimes it may have difficulty contemplating the true splendor of some viewpoints.
🌦️ For more info about the weather in the Azores, check the links below:
- The weather in the Azores in January
- The weather in the Azores in February
- The weather in the Azores in March
- The weather in the Azores in April
- The weather in the Azores in May
- The weather in the Azores in July
- The weather in the Azores in August
Plan Your Visit to The Caldeiras das Furnas
As you may have noticed, Caldeiras das Furnas integrates with a place full of tourist attractions. Therefore, organize and plan an itinerary with all the places you want to visit so that you don’t miss anything to see or experience.
Please keep in mind that this whole experience is hand in hand with nature, so come prepared with comfortable and suitable clothing and footwear and shorts or swimsuits.
How to Get to the Caldeiras das Furnas?
To visit Caldeiras das Furnas, there are two unique options. Choose to travel by car, or take advantage of the various existing excursions — with the accompaniment of a guide who will help you understand the entire place, history, and traditions.
Residents’ Tips — Lava Feet
This site offers therapeutic properties. Visitors can alternate between the hot water of the pool and the cold stream, which relaxes the feet.
One of the most prominent places is Poça da Tia Silvina. A foot bath with thermal water, situated along the Way of The Fires.
So if you’re thinking of taking long walks and visiting various trails. Finishing your adventures in this location will be gold on blue.
What to Do After Visiting the Furnas Fumaroles?
Around the Caldeiras das Furnas, there are many gardens, viewpoints, and observatories that you should include in your visit. Therefore, we will now highlight the main attractions that should not be missed in the following points.
Try “Cozido das Furnas” at a Local Restaurant
After experiencing the burial and removal of the pots with Cozido das Furnas, it is time to taste this delicacy. The people remove all the pots from inside the fumarolas and distribute them to the various local restaurants in the area.
To secure your place in a local restaurant because of the large daily influx. You must make your reservation the day before, indicating the number of people who will enjoy the meal.
Explore the Terra Nostra Park Botanical Garden
With wide boulevards, dense woods, secluded caves, swan lakes and various fountains, this romantic-like garden reveals a great botanical interest. It has one of the world’s largest collections of cycas and one of the most remarkable camellia collections in Europe. With about 800 specimens.
Relax in the Terra Nostra Park and Poça da Dona Beija Iron-rich Thermal Pools
The Botanical Garden of Terra Nostra Park is vast. It hosts numerous endemic species of fascinating plants and trees. Here, you can discover a magnificent hot water tank. The water temperature ranges between 38ºC and 40ºC.
Due to the high concentration of iron, the water in the tank has a brownish tone that at first glance causes some strangeness. However, it is worth looking beyond color, since the thermal waters of Terra Nostra Park offer numerous medicinal and therapeutic properties to those who bathe in them.
The distance that separates the Terra Nostra Park from Poça da Dona Beija is relatively scarce, however, these spaces are quite different and adopt different concepts, so your visits are mandatory.
The Poça da Dona Beija consists of five continuous tanks. These tanks are arranged in ascending order. Each tank varies in depth and temperature.
The space offers a longer schedule that can last until 23 hours, for only 3 euros per visitor.
Explore the Mata-Jardim José do Canto
Located on the south bank of Lagoa das Furnas, Mata-Jardim José do Canto surrounds the Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias. The House of Boats and the Lagoa House, both converted into rural tourism spaces, are located next to the lagoon shore in addition to the neo-Gothic chapel.
The property spans about 10 hectares. Here, you can explore its extensive and magnificent garden. The garden boasts several species of centuries-old camellias.
Visit the Microbial Observatory of the Azores
This scientific center highlights the importance of balancing and evolving Azorean ecosystems, emphasizing the existing biodiversity in Azorean hot springs.
This science center has permanent exhibition spaces showcasing various scientific themes. It also features temporary exhibition areas and a laboratory where visitors can observe living microorganisms. Visitors can participate in activities based on experimental protocols during their visit to the center.
Visit the Pico do Ferro Viewpoint
The Pico do Ferro Viewpoint is one of the most famous viewpoints in the region. It has an altitude of 570 meters and is located in the parish of Furnas, São Miguel.
From here you can admire an impressive view of the volcanic crater of the Furnas volcano. On days with favorable weather conditions, it is still possible to see other mountains of the island, such as Pico de Rei and Pico do Mar.
Visit the Salto do Cavalo Viewpoint
The Salto do Cavalo Viewpoint closes the Northeast Viewpoint Route and is located in the parish of Salga right at the end of the northeast municipality.
The Salto do Cavalo Viewpoint is located at approximately 760 meters of altitude. It provides a privileged view over the Village Valley and its famous “seven spines”.
Check all our articles about each one of the most relevant points of interest in Furnas: Caldeiras das Furnas | Capela da Nossa Senhora das Vitórias | Castelo Branco Viewpoint | Lagoa das Furnas | Lagoa das Furnas Viewpoint | Mata-Jardim José do Canto | Parque Terra Nostra’s Thermal Pool | Pico do Ferro Viewpoint | Poça da Dona Beija | Ribeira Quente | Ribeira Quente Beach | Salto do Cavalo Viewpoint | Salto do Rosal | Terra Nostra Garden
Complementary Information
Useful Tools & Apps
The weather in the Azores can be variable, so it’s helpful to use some apps before visiting the islands. Spotazores offers live camera feeds from the main tourist attractions, letting you check the weather and plan your visit. For accurate weather predictions, use Windy or Windguru — they provide the most reliable predictions.
How to Get to São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island is easily accessible with numerous flight routes. Lisbon and Porto are the main entry points to the continent, with direct flights to Ponta Delgada available. To find the best flight, use search engines like eDreams or Skyscanner.
These platforms allow you to compare prices and schedules from different airlines in one place. For more details on how to get to the Azores, look at our guide. Once you find the perfect flight, book it! You’ll reach one of the world’s most beautiful island groups in a few hours.
Best Season to Visit São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island, part of the Eastern Group of the Azores Archipelago, has a unique climate shaped by various factors. This climate fosters the island’s lush vegetation and stunning landscapes. Temperatures stay mild year-round, with only slight variations.
In spring, temperatures average 16 °C, summer peaks at 21 °C, autumn cools to 18 °C, and winter hovers around 14 °C. For more details on the weather in the Azores, take a look at the following links:
- The weather in the Azores in January
- The weather in the Azores in February
- The weather in the Azores in March
- The weather in the Azores in April
- The weather in the Azores in May
- The weather in the Azores in July
- The weather in the Azores in August
Cultural Agenda of São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island hosts a wide range of cultural events throughout the year. The complete list of events is on the cultural agenda!
Video of Caldeiras das Furnas
FAQs
What are the Caldeiras das Furnas?
The Caldeiras das Furnas are an area of hot springs and fumaroles, resulting from geothermal activity, located on São Miguel Island, Azores. They are characterized by boiling waters, bubbling mud, and steam emissions, offering a unique geological and natural landscape.
Where are the Caldeiras das Furnas?
The Caldeiras das Furnas are located in the parish of Furnas, on São Miguel Island, which is part of the Azores archipelago in Portugal. It is one of the main tourist attractions of the island due to its volcanic activity and natural beauty.
How is “Cozido das Furnas” made?
“Cozido das Furnas” is a traditional dish prepared by burying pots filled with meat, vegetables, and sausages in the hot soil of the calderas. They cook slowly for several hours using the natural geothermal heat, resulting in a unique and distinctive flavor.
What are the must-see points in Furnas?
Must-see points in Furnas include the Caldeiras das Furnas, the Terra Nostra Park, the Furnas Lake, the Poça da Dona Beija, and the fumaroles. Additionally, tasting the “Cozido das Furnas” is an essential gastronomic experience.
Conclusion
The Caldeiras das Furnas, or Fumarolas das Furnas, are a unique sensory experience. Here you can taste various gastronomic products, smell strong sulfur, relax the body in various hot months and make your drinks.
All this is accompanied by unique landscapes.
We advise visitors to plan their trip well to visit all listed points of interest. Don’t forget to bring a bathing suit to enjoy the water attractions. Moreover, pack comfortable clothes suitable for exploring and relaxing during your visit.
Authors’ Note
I’m pleased to inform you that all the recommendations in this article are based on my experience and observations. As the author, I have personally visited each attraction mentioned, ensuring that every suggestion is grounded in first-hand knowledge and genuine enthusiasm.
References
- Mendonça, L. (2017). Questions and Answers on the History of the Azores. 2nd Edition, Washed Letters. Delgada Point.
- Forjaz, V., Ribeiro, L., Almeida, L., Pereira, N. and Rodrigues, J. (2019). From the Volcanoes of the Azores. (4th Edition). Washed letters. Delgada Point.
