Situated in the pretty village of Furnas on Sao Miguel, the Caldeiras Vulcanicas offer an interesting, though somewhat smelly, experience during a tour of the Azores. In this article, let’s explore the Caldeiras Vulcanicas, other nearby attractions, and some travel tips.
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What are Caldeiras Vulcanicas?
Caldeiras Vulcanicas are called “Caldera” in English. A caldera is a really big hole in the ground caused by a volcanic eruption.
Calderas are created in several steps. First, magma erupts from deep in the ground. Next, the rocks that used to rest on the magma, suddenly collapse deep into the ground. The rocks are like a roof with no structural support. Once the layer of magma is gone, the entire house collapses. And thus, a caldera is created.
Calderas can be enormous or tiny. I visited a big one – the Ngorongoro crater in Tanzania. Another famous caldera is located in the Yellowstone National Park. You can even find calderas on the Moon, on Venus and Mars. And of course, you’ll find several small calderas in Furnas, Sao Miguel.
If a caldera is relatively fresh, you’ll see smoke originate from it. This smoke is similar to what comes out of a volcano – a mix of water, sulfur gases and carbon dioxide. The smoke comes from elements deep within the earth and it smells terrible. Our ancestors used to believe this is what hell smelled like – and I see their point.
How to Get to Caldeiras Vulcanicas in Sao Miguel
The Calderas are located within close proximity to Poca da Dona Beija and only a short drive from Lagoa Do Congro. To get here, you have a few options. First is to drive. Second is to take a public bus from Ponta Delgada. Finally, you can join a tour that originates in Ponta Delgada and stops in several location attractions including the calderas.
I suggest you get here either the car or the public bus. If driving, you can combine the calderas with a stop in Poca Da Dona Beija and the Lagoa Do Congro. If you come by public transport, the Poca Da Dona Bieja pools are only a short walk away.
You’ll find plenty of parking in Furnas – which makes it a great attraction to visit during the busy times like the middle of the day and weekends.
| Travel Options to Caldeiras Vulcanicas | Route Details |
|---|---|
| Car | Drive from Ponta Delgada to Furnas; visit Poca Da Dona Beija and Lagoa Do Congro en route |
| Public Bus | Take bus from Ponta Delgada to Furnas; short walk to calderas |
| Tour | Join a guided tour from Ponta Delgada, which includes multiple stops |
Visiting The Caldeiras Vulanicas in Furnas
The Caldeiras are spread over a relatively small area in Furnas. After you park your car, follow the many signs for the calderas to get to the right place. Eventually, you’ll come upon the calderas – smallish pools emanating terrible smelling smoke and very hot water. It only takes a few minutes to walk through the site.
Other Things To Do in Furnas
Furnas is a charming village set up with a tourist in mind. Calderas are one of the foremost attractions of Sao Miguel, so almost everyone who visits the island comes here eventually. For this reason, the village is full of tourist-oriented shops and restaurants. In addition to Poca Da Dona Beija, here you’ll find a lovely and well-maintained garden situated on a volcanic stream.
Also check out: The complete guide to Poca Da Dona Beija
Throughout the village, you will find several drinking fountains. Here, you can try out the volcanic waters. Rich with minerals, some people believe the water has healing properties.
How Long to Spend in Furnas?
Deciding how long to spend in Furnas largely depends on your interest in exploring natural beauty and local culture. However, a full day is generally sufficient to experience the highlights of this charming civil parish in São Miguel Island.
Furnas, nestled on the southeast side of São Miguel, about 50 kilometers from Ponta Delgada, offers a rich tapestry of experiences. With fewer than 1,500 residents, it provides an intimate glimpse into life on the Azores islands. The area is renowned for its geothermal springs, lush gardens, and stunning volcanic landscapes, making it a fascinating destination for nature lovers and those interested in geology.
A single day in Furnas allows you to visit key attractions like the Terra Nostra Park, known for its botanical garden and thermal bathing pool. Allocate a couple of hours here to truly enjoy and relax in its serene environment. You can also explore Furnas Lake with its surrounding walking trails and steam vents. Don’t miss the opportunity to try the local cuisine, particularly the “Cozido das Furnas,” a stew cooked underground using the natural volcanic heat.
To truly soak in the atmosphere and enjoy all that Furnas has to offer, including its local cuisine and peaceful surroundings, allocate a full day. This ensures you have enough time to explore at a comfortable pace without missing out on the essential experiences that make Furnas a remarkable visit to São Miguel Island.
A few more images from Caldeiras Vulcanicas and Furnas
I hope you have enjoyed this post! If you are looking for even more things to do in Sao Miguel, don’t forget to check out the complete article. As always, thank you for reading! I’ll see you on the road
Viktoria aka
Traveltipster
