Caldeiras das Furnas Guide
Furnas Caldeiras: Where Earth Cooks Your Lunch! Guide
The Caldeiras das Furnas, located in the Furnas Valley on São Miguel Island, are a geothermal wonderland that offers a unique and unforgettable experience. This area is famous for its volcanic activity, which manifests in the form of bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and hot springs. It's a place where you can witness the raw power of nature and even have your lunch cooked by the earth! The volcanic activity in Furnas has shaped the landscape and culture of the area for centuries. The hot springs have been used for medicinal purposes since the 18th century, and the unique cooking method known as "cozido das Furnas" has become a culinary tradition. This involves burying pots of stew in the hot volcanic soil, where they slowly cook for several hours, resulting in a flavorful and tender dish. A visit to the Caldeiras das Furnas is a sensory experience. You can walk along the marked trails, observing the bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles up close. Be sure to visit the Lagoa das Furnas (Furnas Lake) and watch as restaurants retrieve their "cozido" pots from the ground. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious meal of cozido at one of the local restaurants. The area also offers opportunities for hiking and exploring the surrounding botanical gardens.
Transportation
The easiest way to reach Caldeiras das Furnas is by car. Alternatively, you can take bus number 307 from Ponta Delgada to Furnas. From the Furnas village, it's a short walk or taxi ride to the Caldeiras area.