No one is able to remain indifferent to the natural spectacle that the region of Furnas on the island of São Miguel offers: boiling calderas, boiling water geysers, thermal springs, and endless reasons for visiting one of the many treasures of this island! And what is it like to live next to these fumaroles? For its inhabitants, it is one of the most natural things in the world, having advantages that outweigh all possible dangers.

The route starts right at the Furnas Monitoring and Investigation Centre, a space where you will be able to understand the history and evolution of the Furnas Volcano, and which raises awareness for the importance of safeguarding geodiversity, biodiversity and, of course, local culture.

We proceed to the Furnas Volcano Caldera, a large volcanic formation shaped by numerous eruptions over the last 800,000 years, rich in geodiversity: the Lagoa das Furnas, a place with an extensive amount of richness in fauna and flora, its various small volcanoes, its fumarolic fields, as well as a wide variety of water sources. This is the most internationally relevant, terrestrial Azorean geosite, known for its significant scientific, pedagogical and touristic value.

We head to Furnas Fumarole Field, an area that stands out for its concentration of thermal springs and various geothermal manifestations. This is a perfect example of the audacious way in which the azoreans' ancestors took advantage of volcanic phenomena to their benefit. Here, visitors can get in touch with the various geocultural manifestations that have been alive for centuries, strongly rooted in the community: this is the case of the “Cozido das Furnas” (made in the soil heated by the volcano), the thermal baths in puddles or swimming pools, the use of volcanic muds in different treatments, and the use of waters with different mineral and medicinal characteristics, including the so-called “águas azedas”. Don't forget to book your “Cozido das Furnas” in one of the several local restaurants available.

After lunch, we suggest choosing one of the following options:
• Visit the Microbial Observatory of the Azores, former Casa de Banhos Termal, and get to know the microbial living beings of Planet Earth, with emphasis on the microbial biodiversity existing in the thermal springs and the volcanic cavities of the Azores. Accompanied by a specialist, learn more about the geological phenomena and local culture, on a scientific and cultural journey that will leave you amazed by the richness of Furnas. You will also have the opportunity to taste some of the local products produced here, right in the heart of Furnas. End the day in Terra Nostra Park, built in the 18th/19th century, and dive in its geothermal pool with a temperature of around 40ºC. Visit its magnificent botanical garden, full of exotic species from all over the world and let yourself fall in love with this place…
• Discover Parque da Grená, built in the 50's by a former English consul, who fell in love with the island. Walk along its various walking trails, filled with unexpected verdant nooks and be surprised by the spectacle that nature has to offer.

End the day at the famous Poça da Dona Beija, a known reference not only as a space for leisure and relaxation, but also due to the therapeutic properties of its thermal waters and treatments with volcanic stones. An unforgettable way to end the day!