Furnas do Enxofre is located in the parish of Posto Santo, in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo, in Terceira. This fumarolic field is classified as a natural monument and has a total area of approximately 14 hectares.
The monument is part of the Central Plateau of Terceira and is a geosite in the Azores UNESCO World Geopark.
This natural tourist attraction is characterised by the various manifestations of volcanic and geothermal activity from volcanic gases emitted at high temperatures — 95. °C at the surface and 130. °C at a depth of half a metre.
Passing through Terceira? Stay with us to find out more about Furnas do Enxofre and the natural wonders of the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo.
What are Furnas do Enxofre?
Furnas do Enxofre is a large fumarolic field — considered to be the most important on Terceira — located in the heart of the island. They were created by geological processes related to the region’s volcanic activity.
Made up of several fissures and cavities that emit sulphurous gases and vapours, the Furnas do Enxofre developed from a rare ecosystem with microorganisms capable of surviving in extreme environments — extremophiles.
The Furnas do Enxofre are a popular tourist destination due to their unique landscape. However, it is essential to take some precautions, as prolonged exposure to sulphurous gases can be harmful to your health.
Geology and Volcanology of Furnas do Enxofre
Furnas do Enxofre are made up of several volcanic gas vents — fumaroles — emitted at different temperatures, some of which are very high.
These gaseous emissions are mainly composed of carbon dioxide (around 95 per cent), hydrogen sulphide gas (around 3 per cent), sulphurous gas, hydrogen, nitrogen, methane, and other gases in very low proportions.
As a result of the emissions of hot, chemically aggressive gases, the surrounding rocks are constantly altered into clay materials, associated with secondary minerals such as sulphur in yellow masses and crystals, reddish iron oxides and whitish aluminium oxides.
Fauna and Flora of Furnas do Enxofre
Furnas do Enxofre is part of an impressive wetland complex that protects habitats and ecosystems with various endemic bryophyte species, especially the mosses Sphagnum nitidulum and Bazzania azorica.
In terms of endemic flowering plants, we can highlight herbaceous plants such as:
- Lysimachia azorica;
- Cardamine caldeirarum;
- Hedera azorica.
As well as various tree species such as:
- Blueberry (Vaccinium cylindraceum);
- Heather (Erica azorica);
- Holly (Ilex azorica);
- Hawthorn (Frangula azorica);
- Laurel (Laurus azorica).
What To Do In Furnas do Enxofre?
As mentioned, Furnas do Enxofre is a tourist attraction of great geological and natural importance. For this reason, there are various activities and experiences that visitors can enjoy in the fumarolic field, including:
- Observing the Landscape: explore the natural cavities and observe the unique landscape formed by the gases and vapours that exude from the fissures in the ground — a unique opportunity to take impressive photos of the unusual geological landscape;
- Walking Trails: if you like walking, you can walk the trails that surround Furnas do Enxofre, exploring the surrounding area and observing the native flora and fauna of the Azorean forests;
- Birdwatching: this place is home to several species of birds, such as cagarro, priolo, milhafre and torcaz pigeon.
However, if you want to find out more about the geological and natural history of the place, as well as safety tips, you should opt for a guide who specialises in this region and Furnas do Enxofre in particular.
Best Time To Visit Furnas do Enxofre
Due to its location, temperatures in Terceira are mild all year round. However, in the winter months, periods of rain and lower temperatures become more frequent.
In this sense, the best time to visit Furnas do Enxofre is usually between May and September, when the days are warmer and sunnier.
However, it’s important to note that cloudy skies are a common feature of all the islands in the archipelago, so you may sometimes find it difficult to appreciate the true splendour of some of Angra do Heroísmo’s viewpoints.
Plan Your Visit To Furnas do Enxofre
To plan your visit to Furnas do Enxofre, you need to define the length of your stay in Terceira and the time of year you want to travel.
This way, you’ll be able to buy flights and book accommodation with great value for money.
It is therefore recommended that you plan an itinerary with all the places you want to visit in Angra do Heroísmo.
Leaving Angra do Heroísmo in the direction of Furnas do Enxofre, you’ll have to travel around 11.3 kilometres, which takes 12 minutes by car or taxi and 45 minutes by bus.
What To Do Around Furnas do Enxofre?
After visiting Furnas do Enxofre and the grandeur of this fumarolic field, there are many other tourist attractions to discover. Angra do Heroísmo is full of natural monuments that you can’t miss during your stay in Terceira.
Explore Algar do Carvão
Algar do Carvão is an 80-metre-deep volcanic chimney with a crystal-clear lake inside. Admire the most beautiful opal stalactites and stalagmites.
This site is a must-visit due to its international relevance and scientific and tourist interest. To access this underground wonder, you’ll have to go down the 338 stairs and through the tunnel into Algar do Carvão.
Once inside Algar do Carvão, nothing feels like our world; it’s like walking on another planet. Impressive stalactites and evidence of the eruption gave rise to the cave.
Look inside the cave. You will find magnificent whitish walls with red veins. The rocks are rich in iron and silica minerals, and there are also some layers of basalt.
Discover Algar do Pico do Funil
Algar do Pico do Funil is a cave located in the parish of Porto Judeu, in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira.
This cavity, the result of a geological accident, has a volcanic morphology in the form of a lava tube located in the Encosta Lava Field.
Approximately 6 metres long, 3 metres wide and 15 metres high, Algar do Pico do Funil is classified as part of the Natura 2000 Network due to its characteristics and location.
Discover the Christmas Cave
The Christmas Cave is located near the Picos Gordos and is part of the Serra de Santa Bárbara and Mistérios Negros Natural Forest Reserve. This cave is well-prepared to receive tourists and has the best conditions.
Despite the marks of human presence, this cave consists of a complementary geological structure — different types of lava, staphylites and side counters — and a cave. Outside the cave, there are several high-altitude pastures and cryptomeria forests.
The Christmas Cave is an extensive magical lava tunnel, approximately 697 metres long. This unique underground experience will leave you speechless with the bizarre shapes and colours that characterise the atmosphere of this place so well.
This cave was originally known as the Black Gallery but was later renamed the Horse Cave during the first explorations — because the remains of a horse bone were found.
Did you know
On 25 December 1969, a mass was celebrated inside the cave, the day the cave was opened to the public for the first time. After this event, the cave was renamed the Christmas Cave.
Visit the Christmas Cave Interpretation Centre
At the Christmas Cave Interpretation Centre, you will have the opportunity to learn about the origin of the cave, which comes from the lava flows left behind by fissure eruptions.
Here, visitors will walk an internal circuit full of cultural and traditional history. The Christmas Cave has an important scientific value in terms of Terceira’s geological formations.
Buying a double ticket to explore the Christmas Cave and Algar do Carvão is currently possible. The double ticket costs 15 euros per adult.
Each cave is completely different and both are worth a visit.
Visit Lagoa das Patas
Lagoa das Patas, also known as Lagoa da Falca, is located in the Lagoa das Patas Recreational Forest Reserve in the parish of Doze Ribeiras, in Terceira. Fed by a stream from the Serra de Santa Bárbara, cryptomeria forests surround this lagoon.
The whole lagoon is surrounded by azaleas, hydrangeas, and other shrubs and trees. A small cryptomeria forest has been used to create a leisure park that allows users to use the space comfortably.
The Lagoa das Patas Recreational Forest Reserve is an ideal place to spend some leisure time. Picnic areas are scattered around the cryptomeria forest that surrounds the lagoon.
Contemplating the View From the Rocha do Chambre Viewpoint
The Rocha do Chambre Viewpoint is an observation point located on the Rocha do Chambre rock formation in the interior of Terceira.
This viewpoint offers a magnificent panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, including the sea and the island’s mountains. It’s a popular destination for locals and tourists to admire the beauty of the surrounding nature and breathe in the fresh air.
You must pass through the Biscoito da Ferraria Protected Area to reach this place and take the Rocha do Chambre Trail (PRC06 TER). This circular route is approximately 8.8 kilometres long and of medium difficulty.
Quick Info
Along the way, several bridges and watercourses will be surrounded by endemic species typical of the Azorean flora.
Where To Eat Near Furnas do Enxofre
If you need somewhere to eat near Furnas do Enxofre, click here. In this link, you’ll find the 10 best restaurants on Tripadvisor.
Where To Stay Near Furnas do Enxofre
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Complementary Information
Useful Tools and Apps
The weather in the Azores can be variable, so using some apps is helpful 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 to plan your days. They provide the most reliable predictions.
How to Get to Terceira Island
Terceira Island is easily accessible and has numerous flight routes. Lisbon and Porto are the main entry points to the continent, with direct flights to Lajes Airport 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.
Cultural Agenda on The Island of Terceira
The island of Terceira offers many cultural events throughout the year. The full list of events is on the cultural agenda!
Video – Frunas do Henxofre, Angra do Heroísmo (Terceira, Azores)
Conclusion
Furnas do Enxofre are located in the heart of Terceira island and are an important natural monument in the Azorean archipelago. Here you can appreciate several unique volcanic manifestations.
While you’re in Angra do Heroísmo, take the opportunity to see the Furnas do Enxofre and their magnificence due to the emission of sulphur gases and vapours.
However, don’t forget to visit the other beautiful natural attractions in the region, such as Algar do Carvão, Gruta do Natal and the Rocha do Chambre viewpoint with a fantastic view of nature.
References
- Mendonça, L. (2017). Questions and Answers on the History of the Azores. 2nd Edition, Letras Lavadas. Ponta Delgada.
- Forjaz, V., Ribeiro, L., Almeida, L., Pereira, N. and Rodrigues, J. (2019). Volcanoes of the Azores (4th Edition). Letras Lavadas. Ponta Delgada.
