Have you ever spent the night in the middle of an active volcano?

Azores Active Volcano - Furnas, São Miguel.

Try staying in a town that is in the middle of an active crater, full of 21 different types of spring water, volcanic calderas and hot springs for bathing!

Furnas is one of the highlights of the island of São Miguel. The town is nestled inside the crater of an active volcano that last erupted in 1630, and is still bubbling! It is surrounded by lush green vegetation and home to the famous Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens where you can swim in the mineral rich healing volcanic waters that flow at a constant 35 to 40 degrees Celsius (95º and 104º F).

Terra Nostra Gardens, Furnas, São Miguel.

Terra Nostra Gardens inside an azores volcano

Viewing the crater rim at first light, as the morning mists are clearing, is truly spectacular and sets the scene for deep relaxation.

The town features two spa hotels: Furnas Boutique Hotel and Terra Nostra Hotel. Both of which offer guests the opportunity to bathe in the hot springs after hours or in private pools.

Azores-in-the-morning-volcano-crater-mist.

For day guests Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens is a perfect place to while away the hours, bathing in the hot springs and wandering through the amazing gardens, home to plants from all over the world.

Poça da Dona Beija is another incredible option, situated next to a river with beautiful gardens and open until late in the evening for those seeking a star gazing experience.

Don’t miss the stunning volcanic crater lake, Lagoa das Furnas – it has a beautiful trail decorated with wooden sculptures, a visitor center and the amazing calderas, where the famous Furnas cozido is slow cooked over volcanic steam.

Furnas lake & volcano crater-Azores Connections.

Furnas Volcanic Caldieras where the cozido lunch cooks-Azores-Connections.

Here at Azores Connections, the islands and travel are our passion. Laura and Andy are based on São Miguel so can offer accurate, friendly and real time advice to create your perfect Azores Vacation.

Cozido lunch cooking in the ground - Azores Connections.jpg

The Azores is fast becoming a well established ‘active holiday destination’ and for good reason. There are a vast array of activities to choose from all with a very high quality of trained guides, giving you the perfect mix of relaxation and adrenaline for your trip!Contact us for your perfect spa get away or duo location package.