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Furnas, Sao Miguel Island, Azores
The Azores are world renowned for birdwatching. The islands take their name from the “Azor” buzzard bird. The rare Azores Bullfinch is endemic to Sao Miguel Island and one of the world’s largest colonies of Cory’s Shearwater call the islands home. This tour gives you the chance to visit a number of birdwatching sites.
Furnas, Sao Miguel Island, Azores
These stunning botanical gardens and large geothermal pools with brownish iron-rich water at a temperature of around 40°C. was built in the 18th and 19th centuries. We highly recommend that our guests visit Parque Terra Nostra which is open to day visitors (10h30 – 16h30) or to guests of the Hotel Terra Nostra 24hrs a day. More information about the parque can be found here: Terra Nostra Garden | Thermal Water Pool (parqueterranostra.com)
If you are visiting Furnas village, we recommend a lunch time meal (13h00-14h30) at Hotel Terra Nostra where you can try the local “Cozido” meat stew cooked underground at nearby Lagoa das Furnas (there are other meat/fish/veg options). This is a superb, high quality restaurant and it is essential to book in advance. You will get free access to the spectacular Terra Nostra gardens if you spend more than 30 euros pp in the restaurant until 16h30 after which time it is open to hotel residents only (entrance is usually approx. 15 euros pp). Call the hotel to make a lunchtime meal reservation: 00 351 296 549 090
Furnas, Sao Miguel Island, Azores
A distinct and renowned feature of Furnas as one of the most active geothermal areas in Europe are the many geysers, hot springs and fumaroles around the village – an incredible sight to see! Just outside of the village at Lagoa das Furnas you will see many more hot springs and deep holes in the ground where local people cook “Cozido” geothermally (meat/veg stew) to serve in the village restaurants.
Ribeira Quente, Sao Miguel Island, Azores
Approximately 15 minutes drive from Furnas, Fogo “Fire” Beach is formed by a stretch of sand in a bay where there are several submarine hydrothermal vents. This makes the seawater unusually warm and ideal for sea bathing. This is a quiet place to unwind on your trip, soak in the mid-Atlantic sun and take in the panoramic ocean views. Cliffs surround the beach and include caves that cast a natural shade across the sand. There are shops and restaurants nearby and free parking.
Furnas, Sao Miguel Island, Azores
The Furnas Monitoring and Research Centre (CMIF) was established to educate visitors about the Furnas Volcano. On arrival guests are given a 20 minute video presentation about the history of Furnas as a hydropolis and volcano. There are discussions and workshops and interactive displays to give visitors the chance to explore the ecosystem and landscape. Guests can enjoy refreshments at the café that sells local produce and there is seating outside that over looks Furnas lake.
For more information here
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