The Caldeiras das Furnas, located in the parish of Furnas, in the municipality of Povoação, are one of the tourist attractions of the beautiful island of São Miguel, in the Azores.
What are the Caldeiras das Furnas?
The Caldeiras das Furnas are one of the most impressive geothermal manifestations in the Azores, a direct result of the intense volcanic activity in the region. This true natural spectacle is made up of fumaroles, hot springs and thermal springs, all surrounded by a unique geological landscape.
Dormant since 1630, the Furnas volcano gave rise to these volcanic calderas, formed after the collapse of the top of the cone, now filled with rainwater.
When infiltrating the subsoil, this water, close to the magma, reaches extremely high temperatures. This phenomenon gives rise to the formation of fumaroles, thermal springs and hot water sources.
Fumaroles release vapors and gases, including sulfur, which is responsible for the intense and characteristic odor of Furnas.
The Furnas Caldeiras fields
In the Furnas Valley, considered the largest hydropolis in the world, there are two fumarole fields.
The main one is located in the centre of the parish and allows you to see fumaroles and calderas with temperatures between 70ºC and 100ºC up close. The best-known ones include Caldeira Grande, Caldeira do Asmodeu, Caldeira do Esguicho and Caldeira dos Vimes. Visits are free and can be made at any time.
The second field is located next to Lagoa das Furnas and is known as “Caldeiras da Lagoa das Furnas” or “Fumarolas das Caldeiras”. The strong smell of sulphur is one of its hallmarks, and it is here that the famous traditional Cozido das Furnas is prepared, cooked slowly in the heat of the volcanic soil. Entry costs €3 per person (free for residents).
The famous Furnas Stew
One of the most traditional dishes on the island of São Miguel is the Furnas Stew. What makes this dish so special is its unique way of preparing it. All the ingredients, such as meat, vegetables and sausages, are placed in a pot that is placed on the hot ground of the Furnas Caldeiras. The heat from the volcanic activity cooks the food slowly. The cooking time is around 6 hours, which gives the dish a unique and unmistakable flavour. This is, without a doubt, a typical dish that deserves to be tried.
Activities with us in Furnas
In Furnas, we offer several nature activities, designed so that you can fully enjoy the mystical Furnas Valley and the beautiful Furnas Lagoon.
Canoeing in Furnas Lagoon is a half-day experience where we paddle through the calm waters of Furnas Lagoon, admiring the imposing crater of one of the volcanoes that gave rise to the island of São Miguel.
We cross the lagoon to the opposite shore to visit the charming Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias, a 19th-century neo-Gothic temple. After the visit, we return by canoe to the starting point, next to the fumaroles.
The other activity is the bike ride that starts next to the calderas and follows dirt tracks that surround the lagoon. With a low to medium level of difficulty, this route is ideal for those who want to explore the volcanic caldera that houses the lagoon.
The circuit also extends to the Lombo dos Milhos area, where you can admire the lush green landscape and typical pastures of the region.
We also offer these activities in combination, with lunch included to enjoy the Cozido das Furnas. Book your activity here. here.
