Hotels in Furnas, Azores - sao Miguel Island, Portugal

Furnas is an excellent introduction to the breathtaking Portuguese Azores Islands. The small parish nestles in the eastern side of São Miguel, the largest Azores island and part of Povoação municipality. It boasts access to forest-laden volcanoes and spectacular seaside scenery. Furnes is truly an otherworldly place, with its bubbling mud pots and luscious green valleys. The village itself is as idyllic and authentic as it gets. So, dive right in and enjoy its unique foods and unforgettable vistas.

Some of the best hotels in Furnas are right in the heart of nature. To enjoy the best possible experience, book a nature-surrounded room in a charming neighbourhood. Unique examples include eco-beach resorts, green hotels, forest village pods and luxury boutiques with thermal spas. You can also choose more traditional options in Furnas, including apart-hotels and cosy guesthouses.

What to see and do in Furnas

Furnas offers some of the most extraordinary natural landscapes in all of Azores. One of its most alluring attractions is Parque Terra Nostra, a 19th-century botanical garden with beautiful parkland to stroll. With its iron-rich thermal spring, this is also a popular swimming spot with orangey-brown water. With some 30 geysers dotted around the village, Chã das Caldeiras is where you can find several of them grouped together. The most famous is Caldeira Pero Botelho, named in legend— after the devil pushed Pero Botelho down into the geyser. South-west of the village is Furnas Lake, a renowned and beautiful spot. This crater lake provides hot springs for swimming and several gorgeous hiking trails as well. Scenic spots are throughout the valley, including Lagoa Verde Azul and Miradouro do Lombo dos Milhos. There is also plenty of natural attractions and parks in the area, such as the Hot Waterfall of Ribeira. You can visit the town's man-made attractions, too. One of the most fascinating is Capela de Nossa Senhora das Vitórias. It's a 19th-century funerary church that's perfectly placed right beside the lake. There’s plenty more to see and do in São Miguel, too, from visiting the capital city of Ponta Delgada to exploring the beautiful Sete Cidades.

What to eat in Furnas

The Azores is one of Portugal's best hotspots for foodies. Thanks to the islands' unique micro-climates, a wealth of exciting produce grows natively in the area. From fresh banana and pineapple to delicious seafood, there's much to enjoy. In particular, here are some of the island's most popular treats:

• Cheese is fantastic, and you'll find unique varieties, like São Jorge, Pico and Amanteigado.
• Cozidois particularly popular dish in Furnas. It consists of stewed meat and vegetables cooked inside the boiling water of a geyser.
• Caldera-cooked snacks You'll find plenty of these tasty snacks in Furnes, including corn and fish.
• Fish and seafood are plentiful on the island. Some of the most popular catches are skipjack tuna and gulley jack black kingfish) and tuna.
• Cracas and Lapas, or barnacles and limpets, are some of the more unique fresh catches of Furnes.
• Pastela da nata is a local type of custard pastry. Along with Dona Amélia ginger tarts, these are must-tries if you're some sweet treats.

Typical events and festivals in Furnas

Furnas offers several unique festivities, including most Portuguese national events too. Some of the most significant events include:

• Senhor dos Enfermos is significant event during Easter. The celebration involves a procession through the town and carpets of beautiful flowers.
• Festas do Espirito Santo is celebrated during Easter, too. It's a medieval festival and feast with bread and wine.
• National Day of Portugal is celebrated country-wide on the 10th of June.
• Restoration of Independence on the 1st of December is another nationwide event.
• Romeiros is held over Lent, and the time when men walk around the island's chapels in meditative-like states.
• Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres takes place on the 5th Sunday after Easter and involves a celebration with parades and feasts. It's one of the biggest Christan events and especially huge in Ponta to the west.
• Catholic celebrations are held throughout the year, not just in Furnes but all across Portugal.

How to move around in Furnas

Furnas is small, so you can easily traverse the area on foot. Buses are available as the sole means of public transport on the island. They primarily service in-community routes and are not frequent on the weekends. There are a few taxis, but it's best to hire a car to explore the surrounding landscapes, coasts and towns. Alternatively, you can book adventurous mini-bus trips, which is highly recommended if you want to explore the best of São Miguel Island.

The climate in Furnas

Furnas has a warm and temperate climate marked by hot summers and mild winters. The average year-round temperature rarely dips below 15° C. Temperatures reach highs of around 28° C during the summer. Influenced by ocean currents and winds, the island can experience the occasional disruptive storm and heavy rain. Summer is the driest period, while winter often brings some 20 days of rain per month.