Furnas Travel Guide
City Volcanic parish in Azores, geothermal hot springs
Furnas steams with geothermal vents that cook the island cozido; tourists come for thermal pools, botanical gardens, terraced tea fields and simple cafés serving local sweet breads.
Why Visit Furnas? #
Set in the Azores’ volcanic heart, Furnas draws travelers for its geothermal activity and thermal baths that offer a break from routine. Visitors come to soak in hot springs and explore Terra Nostra Park, where subtropical plants sit beside iron-rich pools. Food is a major lure too: the cozido das Furnas-stew slow-cooked underground in volcanic steam-pairs with local cheeses and tea from Chá Gorreana for a distinct regional flavor.
Top Things to Do in Furnas
All Attractions ›
.jpg?width=600)
- Terra Nostra Park - Explore Terra Nostra Park's thermal pool and diverse botanical garden.
- Lagoa das Furnas - Walk Lagoa das Furnas shore, watch fumaroles and island-style hot-spring cooking.
- Caldeiras das Furnas - Visit Caldeiras das Furnas to see steaming vents and mud pools.
- Poça da Dona Beija - Soak in Poça da Dona Beija natural baths surrounded by rock pools.
- Miradouro do Pico do Ferro - Enjoy Miradouro do Pico do Ferro's panoramic view over Furnas valley and lake.
- Local cozido experience - Try a local cozido cooking demonstration near the fumaroles and restaurants.
- Furnas village promenade - Stroll Furnas village lanes to discover small cafés, artisan shops, and viewpoints.
- Sete Cidades (São Miguel) - Visit Sete Cidades twin-lake caldera for crater rim walks and lakeside viewpoints.
- Lagoa do Fogo - Hike to Lagoa do Fogo for high-altitude lake scenery and quiet hiking trails.
- Ponta Delgada - Spend a half-day in Ponta Delgada exploring the old town and waterfront.
Best Time to Visit Furnas #
Visit Furnas in late spring through early autumn for mild temperatures, blooming gardens and the island's famous geothermal hot springs. Winters are mild but rainy-best if you want quieter thermal spas.
Best Time to Visit Furnas #
Furnas's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 10°C to 24°C. Abundant rainfall (1040 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is the coolest month with highs of 15°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is the warmest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).
Comfort
Weather
September
September is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is mild with highs of 20°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 14°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (132 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
How to Get to Furnas
Furnas is reached via Ponta Delgada (João Paulo II, PDL) on São Miguel island. Domestic flights from other Azores islands feed into PDL; from there buses, taxis or rental cars connect to Furnas.
Ponta Delgada - João Paulo II (PDL): Ponta Delgada (PDL) is the main airport for São Miguel island and the usual arrival point for Furnas. From Ponta Delgada airport you can take a local bus or shuttle into Ponta Delgada city centre (around 10-15 minutes); taxi transfer directly to Furnas takes about 40-50 minutes and typically costs €40-€60. Car hire at PDL is common (prices often from €30/day off-season) and gives the most flexibility for visiting Furnas and other island sites.
Lajes (TER) / Horta (HOR): Other Azores airports (Terceira TER, Faial/Horta HOR) connect inter-island but require a domestic flight to Ponta Delgada before reaching Furnas; domestic flight durations vary (20-45 minutes) and onward transfers follow the same PDL options above.
Train: There is no rail on São Miguel island.
Bus: Regional buses (operated locally, often listed under Scotturb on São Miguel routes) run between Ponta Delgada bus station (Rodoviária) and Furnas. Travel time from Ponta Delgada to Furnas is roughly 40-60 minutes and single tickets commonly fall in the low-euro range (typically around €3-€6). Buses are cheap but less frequent than driving, so check schedules in advance.
How to Get Around Furnas #
Furnas is compact and very walkable - most sights, caldeiras and parks are within easy walking distance of the village centre. The easiest ways to get there are by car or by regional bus from Ponta Delgada; taxis and occasional tourist shuttles are available. Roads are hilly around the hot springs, bike use is possible but expect steep stretches. Practical tip: parking near the caldeiras can fill up in high season and dress in layers for changing thermal microclimates.
Where to Stay in Furnas #
- Octant Furnas (booking) - Closest affordable option with thermal access
- Azor Hotel (Ponta Delgada) - Budget-friendly city option, ~45 min drive
- Octant Furnas - Thermal gardens and spa facilities
- Azor Hotel (Ponta Delgada) - Modern mid-range option in the island capital
- Octant Furnas (higher-end rooms) - Spa, historic gardens, premium suites
- Azor Hotel (Ponta Delgada) - Upscale city option with sea views
Where to Eat in Furnas #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Furnas's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Furnas #
Nightlife in Furnas is low-key. Evenings are more about relaxed hotel bars, casual cafés and late dips in thermal pools rather than dancing or live-music venues. In summer there are occasional local festas and seasonal events that bring out more late-night activity, but don’t expect a busy club scene.
Shopping in Furnas #
Shopping in Furnas is small-scale and practical: a few shops and market stalls sell local foodstuffs, teas, honey and ceramics aimed at visitors. For a wider range of stores, specialty food or souvenirs head back to Ponta Delgada where supermarkets and souvenir shops are more numerous.
.jpg?width=600)