Furnas Valley and Hot Springs

Heading out of Ponta Delgada towards the North East, you will see roads lined with Japanese Cedars, Hydrangeas and Ginger Lilies until you reach Ribeira Grande, a unique city with a strong feeling of Portuguese influence.
Heading further north towards a wonderful lookout point, Pico do Ferro Belvedere offers spectacular views over the Furnas Valley. Descending the Valley, you will have time to explore the Terra Nostra Gardens. Developed over the centuries, the Gardens have an extensive selection of trees from all over the world, as well as a serpentine canal, grottoes, camellias, ferns and cycas.

With over 22 hot springs, Furnas Valley in the area of San Miguel, is where volcanic nature still remains an important part of the island’s culture. Locals still make use of the Caldeiras (hot springs) for cooking a kind of stew called “cozido” using the natural steam venting along the shores of Furnas Lake.

Your return journey will pass by Vila Franca do Campo, the former capital of the island.