{"id":414,"date":"2026-03-06T15:07:36","date_gmt":"2026-03-06T15:07:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/neblu.pt\/visiting-furnas-in-sao-miguel-hot-springs-fumaroles-and-volcanic-stew-in-the-azores\/"},"modified":"2026-04-14T12:10:33","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T12:10:33","slug":"visiting-furnas-in-sao-miguel-hot-springs-fumaroles-and-volcanic-stew-in-the-azores","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/neblu.pt\/en\/visiting-furnas-in-sao-miguel-hot-springs-fumaroles-and-volcanic-stew-in-the-azores\/","title":{"rendered":"Visiting Furnas in S\u00e3o Miguel: Hot Springs, Fumaroles and Volcanic Stew in the Azores"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If there\u2019s one place in the Azores where you can feel the earth is alive, it\u2019s Furnas. Visiting Furnas in S\u00e3o Miguel means discovering a volcanic valley with steaming fumaroles, hot thermal pools, centuries-old botanical gardens and one of the most unique dishes in Portuguese cuisine: stew cooked by the heat of the ground itself. <\/p>\n\n

Furnas isn\u2019t just a tourist stop. It\u2019s where geology, food and wellbeing come together in an experience you won\u2019t find anywhere else in Europe. In this guide, we explain everything you need to know to visit Furnas in S\u00e3o Miguel: what to see, how much it costs, how much time to set aside and how to plan your day. <\/p>\n\n

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The Furnas Fumaroles: the island\u2019s volcanic heart<\/h2>\n\n

The fumaroles are the first reason to visit Furnas in S\u00e3o Miguel. They\u2019re steam vents, hot springs and volcanic mud bubbling at the surface, with temperatures ranging from 66\u00b0C to 93\u00b0C. The sulphur smell is strong and unmistakable, and the steam rising from the ground creates a landscape that feels like another planet. <\/p>\n\n

There are two main fumarole areas: one in the centre of the village (next to Terra Nostra Park) and one by Lagoa das Furnas<\/a>, where the famous stew is cooked. Both are open-air and easy to visit. <\/p>\n\n

The Lagoa das Furnas area has a paid entry of \u20ac3 per person (free for residents) and parking at \u20ac3 per vehicle. It\u2019s the more interesting of the two, because this is where you can see the pots buried in the ground, slowly cooking with volcanic heat. <\/p>\n\n

Best time to go:<\/strong> between 12:00 and 12:30, when restaurant staff dig up the stew pots. It\u2019s a unique, very photogenic moment. <\/p>\n\n

Furnas Stew: volcanic cuisine<\/h2>\n\n

Furnas stew is a traditional Azorean dish cooked exclusively with geothermal heat. A pot with meats (pork, beef, chicken, chouri\u00e7o, blood sausage), potatoes, cabbage, taro and other vegetables is placed in a hole in the volcanic ground, covered with earth and left to cook for about 5 to 6 hours. <\/p>\n\n

No water is added. The ingredients release their natural juices as they cook, and the steady heat from the ground does the rest. The result is a deep, concentrated flavour you can\u2019t replicate on a regular stove. This dish alone is a reason to visit Furnas in S\u00e3o Miguel. <\/p>\n\n

Several restaurants serve the stew daily, but booking ahead is essential, especially in high season. The large pots are prepared early in the morning and there\u2019s a limited number each day. <\/p>\n\n

Where to eat Furnas stew<\/h3>\n\n
Restaurant<\/th>Location<\/th>Average price<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Tony’s<\/strong><\/td>Next to the Church of Our Lady of Joy, Furnas centre<\/td>\u20ac15 to \u20ac20\/person<\/td><\/tr>
J\u00e1 Se Sabe<\/strong><\/td>Rua Jacinto Botelho, Furnas<\/td>\u20ac15 to \u20ac20\/person<\/td><\/tr>
Caldeiras & Vulc\u00f5es<\/strong><\/td>Next to the Lagoa das Furnas fumaroles<\/td>\u20ac18 to \u20ac25\/person<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n

Tip:<\/strong> Book at least the day before. In high season (June to September), book several days in advance. <\/p>\n\n

Po\u00e7a da Dona Beija: thermal baths in the middle of nature<\/h2>\n\n

Po\u00e7a da Dona Beija<\/a> is the most popular thermal complex in Furnas and one of the most visited spots in S\u00e3o Miguel. There are five outdoor pools of iron-rich thermal water, with temperatures between 25\u00b0C and 39\u00b0C, surrounded by tropical vegetation. The atmosphere\u2014especially at night with the lights on\u2014is outstanding. <\/p>\n\n

The water is naturally rich in iron and minerals, which gives it a brownish colour. It\u2019s safe and good for the skin, but it\u2019s best to bring a dark swimsuit, as the minerals can stain light fabrics. <\/p>\n\n

Visits are limited to a maximum of 1 hour and 30 minutes. We recommend buying your ticket online in advance, as capacity is limited and it often sells out during the summer months. <\/p>\n\n

Practical information: Po\u00e7a da Dona Beija<\/h3>\n\n
<\/th><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Location<\/strong><\/td>Furnas, municipality of Povoa\u00e7\u00e3o, S\u00e3o Miguel<\/td><\/tr>
Opening hours<\/strong><\/td>Every day, 8:30 to 23:00 (including public holidays)<\/td><\/tr>
Entry (until 17:30)<\/strong><\/td>\u20ac12 per person (children 2 to 6: \u20ac10)<\/td><\/tr>
Entry (from 18:00)<\/strong><\/td>\u20ac16 per person (children 2 to 6: \u20ac14)<\/td><\/tr>
Under 2s<\/strong><\/td>Free<\/td><\/tr>
Towel rental<\/strong><\/td>\u20ac4 (\u20ac20 refundable deposit)<\/td><\/tr>
Duration<\/strong><\/td>1h30 per visit<\/td><\/tr>
Bookings<\/strong><\/td>Recommended at bookings.pocadadonabeija.com<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n

Tip:<\/strong> The evening experience (from 18:00) is more expensive, but also more atmospheric. If your budget allows, it\u2019s worth it. <\/p>\n\n

Terra Nostra Park: centuries-old gardens and a thermal pool<\/h2>\n\n

Terra Nostra Park<\/a> is another must-do when visiting Furnas in S\u00e3o Miguel, but it\u2019s very different from Po\u00e7a da Dona Beija. Founded in 1775, it\u2019s a botanical garden of over 12 hectares, home to one of the world\u2019s largest collections of camellias and cycads, as well as hundreds of tropical and subtropical plant species. <\/p>\n\n

At the centre of the park is the famous thermal pool, a large basin of volcanic water at around 40\u00b0C, yellow-orange in colour due to its high iron content. It\u2019s a completely different experience from regular pools: swimming in warm water surrounded by centuries-old trees is something you won\u2019t forget. <\/p>\n\n

The water can stain clothes and temporarily tint the skin (the orange tone comes off with a good shower), so bring a dark towel and a swimsuit you don\u2019t mind sacrificing.<\/p>\n\n

Practical information: Terra Nostra Park<\/h3>\n\n
<\/th><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Location<\/strong><\/td>Furnas centre, S\u00e3o Miguel<\/td><\/tr>
Opening hours<\/strong><\/td>Every day, 11:00 to 16:30<\/td><\/tr>
Entry (adult)<\/strong><\/td>\u20ac17<\/td><\/tr>
Entry (child\/senior)<\/strong><\/td>\u20ac14.50<\/td><\/tr>
Under 3s<\/strong><\/td>Free<\/td><\/tr>
Bookings<\/strong><\/td>Available on the official website<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n

Tip:<\/strong> Arrive at opening time (11:00) to enjoy the pool with fewer people. From 13:00 onwards, especially in summer, it gets significantly busier. <\/p>\n\n

Po\u00e7a da Dona Beija or Terra Nostra? Quick comparison <\/h2>\n\n

Anyone visiting Furnas in S\u00e3o Miguel always asks which of the two thermal experiences to choose. Here\u2019s a quick comparison: <\/p>\n\n

<\/th>Po\u00e7a da Dona Beija<\/th>Terra Nostra Park<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Type<\/strong><\/td>5 outdoor pools<\/td>1 large pool + botanical gardens<\/td><\/tr>
Temperature<\/strong><\/td>25\u00b0C to 39\u00b0C<\/td>~40\u00b0C<\/td><\/tr>
Opening hours<\/strong><\/td>8:30 to 23:00<\/td>11:00 to 16:30<\/td><\/tr>
Night bathing<\/strong><\/td>Yes (from 18:00)<\/td>No<\/td><\/tr>
Price<\/strong><\/td>\u20ac12 to \u20ac16<\/td>\u20ac17<\/td><\/tr>
Duration<\/strong><\/td>1h30 (limited)<\/td>No limit (within opening hours)<\/td><\/tr>
Best for<\/strong><\/td>Intimate atmosphere, evening<\/td>Gardens, full experience<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n

If you have time, visit both. If you have to choose one, Po\u00e7a da Dona Beija is more flexible for opening hours, and Terra Nostra is more impressive as a complete experience. <\/p>\n\n

How to plan your day in Furnas<\/h2>\n\n

Furnas is in the eastern interior of S\u00e3o Miguel, about a 40-minute drive from Ponta Delgada. There\u2019s no practical public transport to the valley, so a car is the most efficient way to get there and move between the different points of interest. <\/p>\n\n

A full day visiting Furnas in S\u00e3o Miguel can follow this sequence:<\/p>\n\n