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PRC06SMI

Lagoa das Furnas

São Miguel

Open

Acores9 currently marks this trail as open.

Status checked 25 July 2026

Type
Walking trail
Route
Circular
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
9.4 km
Duration
3 h
Elevation
200–343 m

The trail

The Lagoa das Furnas circuit covers 9.4 kilometres between the village centre and a caldera lake where volcanism, gardens and daily life remain close together. Starting around Três Bicas, it passes Santana Church and the vicinity of Poça da Dona Beija before gaining height at Pico do Milho. From this sector, the Furnas valley reveals the lake, wooded slopes and settlement established inside the old volcano.

Beside the water, the route approaches the Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias, built by José do Canto, and the environmental interpretation centre. Araucarias, gardens and sculptures introduce a deliberately planted landscape distinct from the forested slopes. At the opposite end, hot springs and fumaroles expose geothermal activity. Pots of cozido are also buried in the heated soil here, connecting the volcanic phenomenon with a living culinary tradition.

The return to the village completes an easy circuit of about three hours in which natural and built features remain united by the caldera. The lake functions at once as an ecosystem, historical setting and recreational space. Road sections and sites with their own access rules demand care, but the distance allows time to understand how Furnas has transformed underground heat and abundant water into a distinctive cultural landscape.

Directions

Begin at Três Bicas and follow the waymarks past Santana Church and the Dona Beija area. Climb through the Pico do Milho sector and continue towards the lake. Use the permitted lakeside corridor, passing the Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias, interpretation centre and hot-spring area. Respect any separate entrances, hours or rules at these sites. Beyond the fumaroles, take the marked connection back to the village and use particular care on Regional Road segments. Allow about three hours to complete the 9.4-kilometre circuit and keep a margin of daylight, including time for signed branches and stops.

Safety

Remain behind barriers in the hot-spring area, where ground and water can reach dangerous temperatures and release steam. Do not leave marked lakeside access. On Regional Road sections, stay visible and alert to traffic. The circuit passes separately managed sites, so observe notices, hours and any restrictions. Carry water and rain protection. Carry a charged phone and, in an emergency, call 112 with PRC06SMI and the number of the last route post seen.

Official coordinates

Start
37.773408, -25.315968
End
37.773408, -25.315968
Elevation profile200–343 m
0 km9.5 km
GPSgpxGoogle Earthkmz
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