A plan for a short weekend trip to Azores for April or May: hot springs, hiking & local food

If you are looking for a destination for a relaxing weekend, Furnas village in São Miguel island in the Azores might be your perfect choice. The village is located in Furnas Valley, which is a huuuge volcano crater. The last eruption was almost 400 years ago, but volcanic activity is still present, giving a chance to enjoy hot thermal pools and famous Cozido cooked on volcanic heat. When we went to Azores with Good Vibes Day Out crew, we spent just half a day in Furnas village, but this place certainly deserves more.

The Azores travel season begins in April, offering ideal conditions for hiking, open thermal pools, and fewer rainy days. As spring progresses, the weather only gets better. The main highlight of the trip is, of course, the hot thermal pools, and spring weather is perfect for that. With temperatures ranging from 13°C at night to 20°C during the day, the contrast with the thermal pool water, which reaches up to 39°C, is delightful. An added bonus of traveling at the beginning of the season is the chance to find budget-friendly flights from Lisbon.

Furnas village has two must-visit hot thermal pool locations: Poça Dona Beja and Terra Nostra. Both have paid entrances and decent facilities. Poça Dona Beja offers four pools of varying sizes, depths, and temperatures, all surrounded by lush forest and stunning views. Open until late, with the last entry at 21:30, the 1.5-hour ticket is sufficient as soaking in mineral water can be quite tiring. Tickets can be booked online in advance.

Terra Nostra is a 12-hectare botanical garden featuring hundreds of species of native and exotic plants. Within the park, there is a large thermal water pool with a crazy brownish color due to its high mineral content. The park and pool are open from 10:30 to 16:30, but guests of the Garden Hotel enjoy 24-hour access. Important tip: bring your oldest or darkest swimsuit, as the mineral-rich water can stain your swimwear

Another must-do in Furnas is visiting the Caldeiras, where bubbling hot springs and mini-geysers create a unique geothermal landscape. While the sulfur smell is noticeable, it’s manageable. The best time to visit is around noon when restaurant owners arrive to collect their pots of Cozido.

Cozido das Furnas might not be the best dish you’ve ever had, but it’s certainly unique and worth trying. This traditional stew combines various meats (pork belly, beef, blood sausage, chorizo, pig ears) and vegetables (cabbage, carrots, potatoes, taro root), all cooked in volcanic soil for 5-6 hours, giving it a distinctive flavor. Portions are generous, making them ideal for sharing. There are plenty of restaurants serving cozido, we have chosen Vale das Furnas. Book a table in advance to secure your cozido.

For those seeking more adventure, São Miguel offers numerous hiking trails. The nearest is a gentle and peaceful walk around the Furnas lake. or a more challenging route, try PRC02 SMI which takes you close to Lagoa do Fogo, another volcanic crater. The trailhead is a 30-minute drive from Furnas. Additionally, several trails near Vila Franca do Campo, just 25 minutes from Furnas, offer more exploration opportunities.

Quick details:

• Flights: Ryanair flights from about €70 return

• Weather: around 20°C in the day and 13°C at night, pack layers

• Getting to Furnas from Ponta Delgada: rent a car or order a private transfer

• Hot thermal water pools tickets: 8-10 euro for a 1,5 hour session

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