Official trailPRC06SMI
HIKING · MIGUEL™ PREMIUM
Lagoa das Furnas
Around Lagoa das Furnas, the walk combines a volcanic lake, gardens, heritage and visible signs of geothermal activity.
Lagoa das Furnas lies in the eastern part of the Furnas caldera. The tourism portal describes a lake of about 2 km², shallower than São Miguel’s other major crater lakes.
See this hike with Miguel™
i
Photo informationPhoto: · Source
Distance9,4 km
Duration3h
DifficultyEasy
Trail typeLoop
PREMIUM HIKING MIGUEL™
Technical reading of the trail
A technical reading of the trail based on Miguel™ Hiking criteria: route, terrain, exposure, relief, effort and decision conditions.
Technical profile
Elevation gain/loss+60 m / -60 m
Altitude283–343 m
TerrainForest, Grassland
ExposureSheltered
PanoramaModerate
Access from the area~1h from Ponta Delgada
Expert reading
How to read the trail
starting at the parking area at the entrance of Furnas village, near Largo das Três Bicas. The route passes the Santana church, Poça da Dona Beija, Pico do Milho, then circles Lagoa das Furnas past the Nossa Senhora das Vitórias chapel, the Mata Jardim José do Canto garden and the Caldeiras area, where cozido is traditionally cooked using volcanic heat.
Best for
For all levels, seeking an easy, culturally rich hike around a volcanic lake, combining nature, heritage and local food (cozido).
When to pass
Looking for a sporty or technical hike (this route stays long but easy, on tracks and small roads).
When Miguel recommends it
Miguel recommends this hike over Lagoa do Fogo or Pico da Vara when the weather is uncertain or rainy at altitude: this route stays at low elevation, on wide, easy tracks, and keeps its appeal even in overcast weather thanks to the site's cultural and culinary dimension.
Trail logistics
9.4 km, about 3h, easy circular route. Start and finish at the parking area at the entrance of Furnas. Comfortable shoes are enough, allow time for cozido and Poça da Dona Beija along the way.
PLACE · LANDSCAPE · EXPERIENCE
Lagoa das Furnas
It links the village, lake shore, Mata-Jardim José do Canto and the fumarolic area. The landscape is shaped not only by the water but also by geothermal activity around the shore.
It is a proper hike even though part of the lakeside section is easy and accessible. Lagoa das Furnas lies in the eastern part of the Furnas caldera. Around Lagoa das Furnas, the walk combines a volcanic lake, gardens, heritage and visible signs of geothermal activity.
PRC06SMI is a 9.4 km circular route taking about three hours.
ON SITE
A lake inside the volcanic caldera
The lake at the heart of the caldera
Lagoa das Furnas lies in the eastern part of the Furnas caldera.
PRC06SMI around Furnas
Around Lagoa das Furnas, the walk combines a volcanic lake, gardens, heritage and visible signs of geothermal activity.
A proper hike around the lake
It is a proper hike even though part of the lakeside section is easy and accessible.
Geothermal activity and landscape
The landscape is shaped not only by the water but also by geothermal activity around the shore.
CHOOSING YOUR VISIT
A walk through several landscapes
PRC06SMI is a 9.4 km circular route taking about three hours. It links the village, lake shore, Mata-Jardim José do Canto and the fumarolic area.
It is a proper hike even though part of the lakeside section is easy and accessible.
MARIA™
Plan your trip with Maria™
Plan my trip with Maria™Maria™ can integrate Lagoa das Furnas into your trip while taking into account your available time, the overall pace of the journey and other possible stops.
MIGUEL™
Decide on site with Miguel™
Decide today with Miguel™Miguel™ can compare this hike with the available conditions and the place-specific parameters when you decide.
CONDITIONS
Where geology becomes cuisine
At the caldeiras, underground heat is used for traditional cozido cooking. That geothermal presence gives the area a distinctive character. For a shorter stop, the lake can also be enjoyed without completing the whole route.