Should You Visit Furnas?

If you’ve been toying with the idea of visiting Furnas, then we’re here to make that reality. This tiny village in the heart of São Miguel Island, Azores, is like stepping into a natural wonderland where volcanic activity bubbles up from beneath the ground and beautiful greenery surrounds you at every turn. Whether you’re a nature lover, a hot spring enthusiast, or someone who loves a cosy village vibe, Furnas will charm your socks off. 

Furnas is nestled on the eastern side of São Miguel Island, which is part of the Azores archipelago in Portugal. Known for its geothermal activity, Furnas is famous for its steamy hot springs, volcanic calderas, and lush landscapes that will make you feel like you’ve landed in the Jurassic era (minus the dinosaurs). If you’re staying anywhere on São Miguel, Furnas is just a scenic 45-minute drive from Ponta Delgada, the island’s main city and airport hub.

Boiling pots & steamy calderas: The volcanic activity in Furnas means you’ll see bubbling pools of hot mud, steaming geysers, and calderas dotted around the town. Locals even use the natural heat to cook the traditional cozido

Soak it all in: Furnas is home to some of the best hot springs in the Azores. Whether you want to dip into a thermal pool or get a faceful of steam from a caldera, this is the place to relax.

Botanical heaven: The Terra Nostra Garden is a botanical paradise, complete with century-old trees, exotic plants, and a massive thermal pool in the middle.

Cozido das Furnas: This traditional dish is cooked underground using the natural heat from the volcanic earth! It’s a must-try when you’re in Furnas. Meat, veggies, and potatoes slow-cooked in the earth = perfection.

Furnas offers some seriously dreamy places to stay. Here are our top picks:

Looking for modern luxury in the middle of nature? Furnas Boutique Hotel combines sleek design with all the comforts you need to unwind. Oh, and did I mention the thermal pools? Yep, you can soak in naturally heated waters right at the hotel, and their spa is next-level relaxing. It’s perfect for a weekend of pampering after a day of hiking or hot spring hopping.

If you love nature, you’ll absolutely adore Terra Nostra Garden Hotel. It’s located right inside the famous Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, meaning you get to stroll through the beautiful greenery and take a dip in the gigantic thermal pool whenever you want. This place is all about relaxation, so if you’re after that calm, zen holiday vibe, this hotel will be your personal paradise.

For something a little more private and homey, Furnas Lake Forest Villas is a fantastic option. Tucked away in the forest near Furnas Lake, these villas give you a cosy, cabin-in-the-woods feel while still being super stylish. They’re perfect if you want a bit more space or are traveling with family or friends. Plus, you’re surrounded by nature, so morning coffee on the deck is pure magic.

So, how do you get to Furnas? First, you’ll fly into João Paulo II Airport in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel’s main airport. Flights are available from both the UK and the U.S. For UK travellers, you can catch direct flights from London or Manchester with airlines like Ryanair or Azores Airlines. If you're coming from the U.S., hop on a direct flight from Boston or New York with Azores Airlines or Delta.

Once you arrive in Ponta Delgada, it's an easy 45-minute drive to Furnas. You can rent a car at the airport, or if you want to fully relax, let someone else do the driving. There are taxis and Azores airport transfers available to take you to the magical land of hot springs.

Are you ready to explore Furnas and book your own Azores package holiday?  Drop us a message at info@azoresholidays.com, and we’ll help you plan the perfect Furnas holiday by organising your Azores flights, Furnas hotels and Furnas tours!