Information
Landmark: Terra Nostra GardenCity: Azores
Country: Portugal
Continent: Europe
Terra Nostra Garden, Azores, Portugal, Europe
Overview
Tucked into São Miguel Island in Portugal, Furnas Valley ranks among the Azores’ most breathtaking spots, where steam rises from the earth and the air smells faintly of minerals.This valley, with steam curling from hot springs and green hills rolling into quaint villages, blends fiery volcanic wonders with soothing thermal pools and a wealth of wildlife.The spot bursts with stunning natural beauty, and travelers exploring the island often put it at the top of their list-especially after seeing the turquoise water glitter in the sun.One.Furnas Valley sits in the eastern stretch of São Miguel Island, just a short walk from the village of Furnas where steam from hot springs curls into the cool air.It sits inside the Furnas Volcano, one of the island’s most active volcanic regions, with the valley tucked deep in its broad, green caldera.A caldera is a wide, bowl-shaped hollow that forms when the ground caves in after a volcano erupts, leaving the earth scarred and bare.Furnas, a volcanic hotspot active for centuries, lies in a valley about 300 meters-roughly 1,000 feet-above sea level, where jagged peaks and volcanic slopes frame the horizon; the area’s best-known for its geothermal wonders, from steaming hot springs to pools that smell faintly of sulfur.Heat from the volcano deep below warms these springs, filling them with mineral-rich water that leaves a faint metallic taste in the air.People say the spring water can heal, and visitors slip into its warm, mineral-rich pools to soak and unwind.Among the favorite thermal baths are Terra Nostra Park and Poça da Dona Beija, where you can sink into steaming mineral pools surrounded by tropical greenery.Beyond the baths, the valley breathes with geysers, hissing fumaroles, and hot springs that bubble with the sharp scent of sulfur.Steam curls up from the earth, carrying the sharp scent of sulfur, and together these geothermal wonders shape an atmosphere that feels almost otherworldly.Visitors often watch steam hiss from the ground, a glimpse of the geothermal power that makes this place so intriguing.One local highlight is Cozido das Furnas, a Portuguese stew slow-cooked beneath the warm volcanic earth.The dish blends meats, vegetables, and spices, slow-cooked for hours in massive pots buried deep in the steaming volcanic soil.This slow-cooking method infuses the stew with a rich, unmistakable flavor, making it a favorite for visitors.Just beyond the simmering pots, the Furnas Valley spreads out in a tapestry of dense forest and deep green leaves, thriving in the warm, steamy air that rises from the earth.In spring and summer, the valley bursts with life, ferns curling in the shade beside hydrangeas and azaleas splashed in pinks, blues, and deep reds.Geothermal steam curls above vivid tropical plants, giving the valley an almost unreal feel, and at its center lies Lagoa das Furnas, a deep-blue crater lake that draws the eye from every direction.Hills rise around the lake, their slopes draped in thick green forest, while the glassy water mirrors every curve and shadow.The lake feels calm and inviting, a place where you can stretch your legs along the shore, snap a photo of rippling water, or simply sit and breathe in the quiet.Birdwatchers flock here for the sheer variety of species, from tiny warblers to soaring hawks.The valley also boasts lush botanical gardens like Terra Nostra Park, famous for its exotic plants and a steaming, emerald-green thermal pool.In the park’s lush garden, subtropical palms sway beside temperate oaks, casting dappled shade over winding paths.At the heart of the valley lies Furnas Village, a place rich in history and culture on São Miguel Island.People know the village for its cobbled lanes, weathered stone buildings, and the neat row of whitewashed houses with red-tiled roofs.You can wander the village’s main square, where the whitewashed Church of Nossa Senhora da Alegria rises above cobblestones, then linger over coffee or a plate of cozido at a local café.Beyond the valley, the protected Furnas Natural Park safeguards its rare ecosystems and steaming geothermal springs.The park offers winding walking trails, scenic viewpoints, and spots where you can discover the valley’s volcanic past and its environmental value.In the Furnas Valley, well-marked paths lead you through cool, shaded forests, past steaming vents, and around the calm waters of Lagoa das Furnas-perfect for a day of hiking or a leisurely nature walk.You’ll find trails for every pace here-easy strolls that loop around the lake, and steeper climbs up nearby hills like Caldeira Velha, where steam curls from the earth and the valley stretches out below.The thermal baths and spas in Furnas are another highlight, drawing visitors year-round.At Poça da Dona Beija, visitors sink into steaming, mineral-rich pools and let the warmth melt away the day.Another favorite spot is Terra Nostra Park, home to a steaming, amber-colored thermal pool wrapped in dense, green gardens-a peaceful place to slip into warm water and unwind.And while you’re in the valley, don’t miss Cozido das Furnas, the slow-cooked feast buried in hot volcanic soil until it’s tender and rich with flavor.They cook it the old-fashioned way-letting the earth’s own heat do the work-and in the village, a few cozy restaurants serve this steaming, iconic dish.Preparing and serving the Cozido offers a vivid glimpse into local traditions shaped by volcanic life, from the steam rising off the pot to the earthy scent in the air.In the Furnas Valley, lush ferns and bright hydrangeas thrive alongside native plants, all flourishing in the warm, humid climate.The Laurisilva forest ranks among the region’s most vital ecosystems, alive with evergreen trees, damp ferns, and moss clinging to shadowed trunks.The area bursts with life, from pink hydrangeas and bright azaleas to glossy-leaved camellias that splash color across the hillsides.In the Furnas Valley, you might also spot the rare Azorean bullfinch flitting between branches, one of many birds that call this place home.The valley teems with insects and reptiles, from quick darting geckos to sun-warmed lizards basking on the rocks.Warm geothermal pools draw certain fish and other aquatic life, while the dense forests nearby shelter mammals, bright-feathered birds, and humming insects.The best time to see Furnas Valley is from April to September-spring brings fresh blooms and summer offers long, golden days.Right now’s the perfect moment to see the hills draped in lush greenery and bright blooms, and to spend long afternoons hiking and exploring.In autumn-October and November-you’ll still find plenty to enjoy, with crisp air and far fewer crowds.
