Furnas Lake
(Lagoa das Furnas):
What to See, Do, and Know Before You Go
Furnas Lake (Lagoa das Furnas) is a broad volcanic lake set inside an ancient crater, surrounded by soft green hills and shifting light. Compared to the steaming caldeiras in the village, the lake feels calm and spacious. It’s where many travelers stretch their legs, enjoy the peaceful setting and take in the scale of Sao Miguel’s volcanic landscape.
This page will help you decide what to do around Furnas Lake and how long to spend here.
What to do at Furnas Lake
Lagoa das Furnas is a great place to relax, take a walk, and take in the landscape and experiencing the peaceful side of the valley. Even a short visit will give you an appreciation for the setting that makes this part of Sao Miguel special.
Walking
One of the simplest pleasures here is just walking. Paths trace sections of the shoreline and nearby forest, making it easy to turn a short stop into a relaxed stroll.
You can keep it brief or extend it into a longer walk depending on your time and energy. A walk all the way around the lake takes about 90 minutes.
Fumaroles: GeoThermal Cooking Area
On the north end of the lake is the famous area where pots of cozido are buried in the ground to cook using geothermal heat. Seeing the steam rising from the earth and the cooking holes up close helps connect the landscape to one of Furnas’ most well-known traditions.
If your timing is right, you may catch the pots being lifted ... usually late morning to midday.
If it is at a busy time of year there will be some vendors selling ice cream, drinks and snacks. And there are often some paddleboats available to rent.
There is parking on this end of the lake as well. There's a modest fee of 3 euros (last I checked). Or you can save 3 euros if you park on the south end of the lake and walk for 30 minutes along the lake.
I'll never forget my first visit here - I was looking at the spots where the food is cooked in the ground, and then I looked at my feet and was surprised to see bubbles coming up through the dirt! It was a little unsettling.
Visit the Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias
This small, gothic-style chapel sits near the lake and adds a unique architectural element to the landscape. It’s a quick stop, but one that stands out visually and adds variety to the visit.
Explore José do Canto Forest Garden
This garden offers quiet paths, rare trees, and a more secluded feel. It’s a good option if you want a more nature-focused walk without committing to something too strenuous.
f you're able to dedicate an hour walk, you can find a secluded water fall in this lovely park (half hour in, half hour back)
Explore Grena Park
Grena park offers a variety of scenic hiking trails where you can explore lush forests, walk alongside rivers, and discover waterfalls. It’s a peaceful experience where you could easily spend a couple hours.
How Much Time to Spend at Furnas Lake?
For most travelers, 30 minutes to an hour is enough to get a feel for the area, especially if you’re combining it with the rest of Furnas.
If you enjoy walking or want to explore the gardens or viewpoints more fully, you could easily spend 2 or 3 hours here at a relaxed pace. And, if you like to pack a lunch, this would be nice spot for a picnic.
Practical Tips for Visiting
- Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to walk
- Bring a light jacket—the lake area can feel cooler than the coast
- Allow some flexibility for weather changes (This goes for everywhere on the island)
- Combine your visit with the village, hot springs, and a meal in Furnas rather than treating the lake as a standalone destination
NOTE: there are washrooms at both ends of the lake.
A Personal Anectdote about Paddleboating on Furnas Lake
In all my visits to Sao Miguel I had never once taken the opportunity to go out on a boat onto the lake. It's a small lake (only about 2 or 3km long) and you can easily see the whole thing from the shore. So I never really thought much of it until I had free time one day. We were there for a family dinner celebration and my wife suggested that we go out on one of the paddleboats while we had some time. It was a beautiful day and I quickly appreciated the opportunity.
As you can see, it was a beautiful summer day in a tranquil setting. The picture is towards the vendors and parking lot
We ventured out to the middle of the lake and it was there we found a bit of a mystery. From a distance it looked like the wake of a boat. But there were no boats on the lake other than four paddleboats. I snapped a picture because I really wasn't sure of what I was seeing:
I was puzzled at what made this wake. As we got closer I realized that it was a long line of bubbles:
Once we returned the boat and I asked about the long line of bubbles in the lake and learned they have been there a long time. Just more evidence that this a volcanic island and not all of the volcano's are extinct.
Furnas Lake is a great area to spend some time visiting and I hope you enjoy it.
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