Of great natural beauty, the Vale das Furnas is a highlight of the Azores with its unique landscape endowed with relaxation and romanticism. It is crossed by two fast-flowing streams, one cold and another hot and coloured by the suspended iron it carries.

The nature contains its own details demanding of attention, the yams growing abundantly on the banks of the hot stream. Then, there is the obelisk erected on the orders of the Marquis of Praia e Monforte. Caldeiras is where to find another oddity that has inspired many a visitor. This is "natural cooking" at its finest. Try the meat or cod stews cooked volcano style. Truly spectacular!

Make sure you get to the Terra Nostra Park and admire a Garden integrated into a hotel.

Inaugurated in 1933, this was the first formal tourism infrastructure built on these islands.

The gardens date back to the 18th century when the American, Thomas Hickling, decided to make his fortune in São Miguel, arriving here in 1769. Work continued throughout the 19th century in the picturesque parish of Furnas. This creates a romantic vision of serpentine lakes where white swans glide on twisting ponds, with flowers and exotic trees hundreds of years old and silence. A silence that renders the garden a true marvel.

Complete your visit with a look in at the Furnas Park, with its thermally heated swimming pool and other tourist facilities including recreational activities such as golf or tennis.