2. Fumaroles and Calderas
(Geothermal Vents or Boiling Cauldrons)
The calderas and fumaroles of Furnas (Geothermal Vents or Boiling Cauldrons) are one of the main attractions of São Miguel Island. Along the shores of Lagoa das Furnas, you'll find this well-known area filled with calderas and fumaroles, an area brimming with pools of boiling water emitting steam and gases like sulfur. This area is perfectly set up for tourism, with pathways of wooden walkways allowing visitors to safely traverse some of the pools.
This is one of the most visited spots by tourists on São Miguel Island, so it can get quite crowded during certain times of the day. In fact, several tour buses depart from Ponta Delgada every day to visit this area. If you want to avoid the crowds, we recommend arriving as early as possible or before noon, as the famous "Cozidos das Furnas" are usually cooked in the calderas before lunch, which tends to increase the influx of visitors.
Still, witnessing the cooking of "Cozidos das Furnas," which are served in the restaurants of Furnas during the day, can be a unique experience and probably something you haven't seen before. You can't miss trying this delicious dish cooked with the natural energy of the earth in one of the village's restaurants, such as Caldeiras & Vulcoes or Tony's. If you plan to do so, don't forget to make a reservation in advance, as many restaurants only cook those dishes with prior booking.
You can reach the calderas by car as there is an accessible road and parking lot. This parking lot is not free and costs €3 per person in the vehicle. For those planning to reach the parking lot, we recommend bringing cash as, at least in 2023, cards were not accepted.
However, there's also the option to park your car for free since before reaching the official parking lot, you can leave your car at various points along the road and walk from there.
MORE PRACTICAL INFORMATION:
Day Trips from Ponta Delgada:
Another way to explore the Furnas area is through day trips departing from Ponta Delgada. These are a great option if you don't have a private vehicle, don't want to worry about transportation, or simply want to enjoy the insights of a local guide throughout the visit. Here are our favorites: