2025 Furnas Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in August)

We got hosted in this amazing lake house in Azores island. There was NOTHING near to it. The house is completely isolate in the middle of a forest. 😱 You can rent it by searching for “A casa do Lago”. They start to build this house 300 years ago and it was designed by a French architect. My advice for your is to wake up early in the morning and have breakfast near the lake. it is an magical feeling! #naturalwonders#summervacation

🎈 São Miguel Island, Portugal This Atlantic island, nicknamed the "Hawaii of Europe," offers a tranquil escape without the crowds... 🚗 Transportation The most convenient way is to fly directly from Lisbon to Ponta Delgada. In summer, you can also enjoy the fun of island-hopping by ferry. 🌞 Best Travel Season From April to October, the weather is mild and perfect for travel. From May to September, it's whale-watching season, with a 98% chance of spotting sperm whales or bottlenose dolphins. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to encounter these ocean giants. 📸 Must-Visit Spots ✅ Sete Cidades Lake: Admire the enchanting dual-colored lakes from the King's Viewpoint, or hike to the Boca do Inferno Viewpoint for an adventurous exploration. ✅ Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake): The crystal-blue waters reflect the volcanic walls, and you might spot rainbows and birds along the hiking trails. ✅ Farol do Arnel Lighthouse: Perched on a cliff, the path to the lighthouse offers stunning views. It's a fantastic spot to watch the sunrise. ✅ Furnas Valley: A geothermal wonderland where you can soak in the hot springs at Terra Nostra Park and savor the unique "Cozido das Furnas." 🗺 Suggested Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Ponta Delgada, check into your hotel, and explore the city to soak in the local vibe. Day 2: Head to Sete Cidades Lake. Spend the morning taking photos at the King's Viewpoint and the afternoon hiking to the Boca do Inferno Viewpoint. Day 3: Venture to Lagoa do Fogo for a hike, then visit Furnas Valley to enjoy hot springs and local cuisine. Day 4: Watch the sunrise at Farol do Arnel Lighthouse, then go whale watching in the afternoon. Day 5: Stroll through the Cha Gorreana Tea Plantation, visit the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Waterfall, and prepare for your return journey.

São Miguel Island is the largest and most popular island in Portugal's Azores archipelago, attracting tourists from all over the world. Here are some travel tips and highlights: ### **How ​​to get to São Miguel Island** - **Air Travel**: Ponta Delgada Airport (João Paulo II Airport) in São Miguel Island has direct flights from major European cities, the United States and Canada. TAP Portugal is the main airline that provides direct flights to the island. ### **TRAVEL SEASON** - The best time to travel is during the summer, from June to September when the weather is relatively stable and suitable for outdoor activities. However, the weather on the island is changeable, so it is recommended to bring rain gear. ### **Main Attractions** - **Sete Cidades Twin Lakes**: This is one of the most famous attractions on the island and is considered one of the seven natural wonders of Portugal. There are twin lakes here, blue and green, which are spectacular. - **Furnas**: A town known for its geothermal activity, where you can experience traditional volcanic mud pot cooking, such as the local specialty "cozido". - **Crater Lake (Lagoa do Fogo)**: This volcanic lake is famous for its magnificent scenery and is a paradise for hiking and photography enthusiasts. - Nordeste: The eastern part of the island, known for its beautiful natural parks and waterfalls, ideal for hiking. - **Hot springs**: The hot spring pools in Terra Nostra Park are a great place to relax. ### **Activity** - **Whale and Dolphin Watching**: São Miguel Island is an excellent location for whale and dolphin watching with a very high success rate. - **Hiking**: There are many marked hiking trails on the island to explore various natural landscapes. - **Diving and snorkeling**: on the small islands outside Vila Franca do Campo. ### **Accommodation** - Ponta Delgada is the main place to stay, with options ranging from luxury hotels to budget inns. If you want more tranquility, consider staying in more remote areas such as Furnas or Ribeira Grande. ### **gourmet food** - Try local specialities such as cozido (a stew cooked using geothermal heat) and fresh seafood. Don't miss trying the locally grown pineapple and tea. ### **transportation** - Renting a car is the best way to explore the island as public transportation options are limited. The roads on the island are good, but in some places the roads are narrow and winding, so drive carefully. ### **Other suggestions** - Bring extra layers of clothing as the weather can change quickly. - Respect the local environment and keep it clean. - Learning a few basic Portuguese words will make your travels more fun and convenient. São Miguel Island attracts countless visitors with its natural beauty, rich outdoor activities and unique culture. Whether you love nature or seek adventure, there is something for everyone here.

| Guide to São Miguel Island, Portugal. 👋My dears, today I will take you to travel to a European island that is like a dreamland - São Miguel Island in Portugal. It has beautiful natural scenery, unique geothermal landscapes, and a super healing slow life. It is definitely your next must-visit treasure holiday destination. Come and start this exciting journey with me💖. 🛫【Transportation Guide】 ✈️International flights: Generally, you need to arrive in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, and transfer from Lisbon Airport to Ponta Delgada Airport on São Miguel Island. The flight time is about 1.5 hours. Remember to book your tickets in advance on the official website of the airline, as you can often get a good price🎫. 🚗Transportation on the island: Renting a car on the island is the most convenient way to travel. You can make reservations in advance through major car rental platforms. The daily rental cost of an ordinary small car is about 30-50 euros. In this way, you can drive freely and check in at various beautiful attractions. If you don’t want to drive, the public transportation system is quite convenient, but the intervals between buses are relatively long, so be sure to check the timetable before traveling🚌. 🏠【Accommodation Recommendation】 🛏️Ponta Delgada City: Recommend The Talisman - Historic and Luxury Apartments. The apartment is located in the city center, surrounded by restaurants and shops. The decoration is full of retro style. The room is spacious and bright, and the facilities are high-end. Living here can not only enjoy a convenient life, but also feel the fireworks of the island city🔥. 🌊Seaside holiday home: If you want to have an intimate contact with the sea, then choose Furnas Lake Villas. It is located by the lake, with sparkling lake water just outside the door, and is also close to the famous Furnas geothermal area. The holiday home is a stand-alone villa with a private garden and terrace. Waking up in the morning to the sound of waves and birdsong creates a holiday atmosphere. 🌟【Must-visit attractions】 Furnas Lake This is one of the most beautiful sights on São Miguel Island. The lake water is emerald green and clear, like a huge emerald embedded in the earth. Surrounded by mountains, the lake is often covered with a layer of gauze-like mist, like a fairyland. You can stroll along the lake and breathe the fresh air, or rent a boat, drift on the lake, and quietly enjoy the tranquility. Admission is free🆓. Geothermal Valley (Caldeiras das Furnas) When you come to São Miguel Island, you must not miss this magical geothermal landscape. The ground was steaming, with bubbling mud and gushing hot springs. The air was filled with a faint smell of sulfur, making you feel like you are in the "belly button" of the earth. Here you can also see locals using geothermal energy to cook delicious food, which is super interesting. Admission is free and the photos are great. Remember to wear a pair of comfortable walking shoes 👟. The Seven Cities Lake (Lagoa das Sete Cidades) According to legend, this is a beautiful lake created by God overturning his palette. It is composed of two connected crater lakes, one azure blue and the other emerald green. Under the sunlight, the lake is colorful and so beautiful that it is speechless. Take a panoramic view from the lakeside viewing platform, or hike around the lake, enjoy a different view with every step, it’s free to visit, and indulge in the wonders of nature. 🍜【Food Exploration】 🥘Cozido das Furnas: The signature food of São Miguel Island, using geothermal heat to slowly stew various meats, vegetables and sausages, the original flavors of the ingredients blend together, soft and fragrant. You can taste it in restaurants in the town of Furnas. 🐟Grilled swordfish: What the island has the most is fresh sea fish. Swordfish has firm meat. After simple grilling, the skin is crispy and fragrant, and the inside is tender and juicy. It is paired with the local lemon olive oil sauce to remove the fishy smell and enhance the flavor. Every bite is a gift from the sea. Seafood restaurants generally have it. 🍰Queijadas da Vila: A traditional local dessert, similar to cheesecake, with a dense texture, a perfect blend of milk and egg aroma, sweet but not greasy, paired with a cup of fragrant coffee, it is a perfect match for afternoon tea. 🎁【Shopping List】 👜Hand-made embroidery: The residents of São Miguel Island have inherited exquisite embroidery skills. The embroidery products such as handkerchiefs, tablecloths, bags, etc. are exquisite and the patterns are full of local characteristics. Buying a few pieces to take back is both practical and commemorative. You can find treasures in handicraft shops in the city. 🍵Ponta Delgada Tea: The tea plantations on the island produce tea with unique flavors, especially black tea and green tea, which have a rich and long-lasting aroma. When you visit a tea garden, you can buy some freshly roasted tea leaves, which are beautifully packaged and affordable, making them perfect for personal use or as gifts. 🎉My dears, São Miguel Island is really a place full of surprises and romance. Whether it is a couple's trip, a parent-child vacation or a girlfriend's trip, you can leave unforgettable memories here. Hurry up and save this guide and head to the island💕.

Using geothermal energy for cooking is a common practice in places where geothermal energy is abundant. Geothermal cuisine can be found in Furnas, a small town in the southeastern part of São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal. The local people call this "Cozido das Furnas" (Furnas geo-cook). There are many restaurants in Furnas serving geothermal cuisine. Caldeiras & Vulcões near the geothermal park in Furnas is one of them. As cooking with geothermal energy takes time and is weather dependent, it is advisable to make reservation 24 hours in advance to avoid disappointment. A typical Cozido das Furnas consists of a mixture of pork, beef, chicken, regional sausages and local vegetables. Vegetarian geothermal meal is also available in the restaurant. 📍 Caldeiras & Vulcões Restaurantebar R. Das Caldeiras 36, 9675-045 Furnas, Portugal QMFV+6M Furnas, Portugal #travelanywhere #geothermal #vacation #portugal #Azores #Furnas #SãoMiguel #Island #restaurant #tripblazers

Escape to the secluded charm of the Azores, a volcanic archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. These Portuguese islands offer a serene sanctuary where lush landscapes, geothermal wonders, and coastal beauty converge, creating a haven for nature lovers and seekers of peaceful retreats. 🏞️🌊 Volcanic Wonder at Furnas Lake 🌋🏞️ Discover Furnas Lake, nestled within the volcanic caldera of São Miguel. Witness the mesmerizing geothermal activity, including bubbling hot springs and fumaroles. Immerse yourself in the soothing waters of Terra Nostra Park's thermal pool, surrounded by lush botanical gardens. 🌺🔥 Whale Watching in Pico Island 🐋🛥️ Embark on a whale-watching expedition off the coast of Pico Island, where nutrient-rich waters attract a diverse marine ecosystem. Encounter majestic sperm whales and playful dolphins as they navigate the Atlantic waves against the backdrop of Pico Mountain. 🏞️🚢 Coastal Majesty of São Jorge 🌊🏰 Explore São Jorge's dramatic coastline, characterized by steep cliffs and verdant landscapes. Hike along coastal trails for panoramic views of the Atlantic, and visit the charming village of Velas with its historic castle and picturesque harbor. 🚶♂️⛰️ Faial's Caldeira and Capelinhos Volcano 🌋🏞️ Venture to Faial and marvel at the stunning Caldeira, a volcanic crater with a lush interior. Visit the Capelinhos Volcano, a symbol of the island's resilience, where the ash-covered landscape meets the Atlantic Ocean. The visitor center offers insights into the island's volcanic history. 🌊🌋 Azorean Gastronomy in Angra do Heroísmo 🍲🍷 Savor the unique flavors of Azorean cuisine in Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage city. Indulge in local specialties such as cozido das Furnas, a traditional stew cooked in volcanic steam, and explore the charming streets adorned with colorful houses and historic architecture. 🏰🍽️ Flores Island - A Floral Paradise 🌸🏞️ Visit Flores, known for its abundant flowers and pristine landscapes. Explore natural wonders like Rocha dos Bordões, towering vertical columns of basalt, and enjoy tranquil walks through Flores' lush valleys and waterfalls. 🌿🌸 #AzoresRetreat #PortugueseParadise #AtlanticEscape #NatureOasis The Azores, with their volcanic allure and serene landscapes, invite you to discover a tranquil oasis in the middle of the Atlantic. Each island unfolds a unique chapter of natural beauty, creating an immersive experience that transcends the ordinary. #AzoresExploration #AtlanticGem 🌋🌺 #mytravelhacks#historicallandmarks#localguides#familytrip

Furnas town is located in the valley area of the east of Sao Miguel Island, and outside the town is the famous Furnas Lake, a volcanic lake. Steam occasionally erupts from the cracks in the rocks on the lakeshore, and there is a smell of sulfur in the air. Local people use geothermal energy to cook, and tourists can taste authentic cuisine "Furnas stew" here. The melodious bell of the small church brings peace and tranquility to people's minds, and various flowers are planted in the courtyards on both sides of the street, as well as green lawns. Parque Terra Nostra, built in 1775, is the most characteristic hot spring in the area, with a yellow water surface emitting a faint rust smell, and the water temperature is about 40 degrees. In the botanical garden, trees, flowers and plants are flourishing, and being there is like walking in a fairyland.