Volcano Exploration Bike Tour of Furnas Lake, Azores

Take your normal bike route up a notch and cycle past steaming geysers and a huge crater lake. Explore the thick forests and green meadows growing over the calderas of the Furnas Volcano. On this manageable path around the Furnas Lake in one of the calderas, bike through volcanic features (and smells) of all kinds. 

From the meeting point, your guide takes you on a 45-minute drive through the island’s rolling countryside. You arrive in the Furnas Valley to begin the journey. At first glance, this may seem like an average lake. But cycling around the exterior brings you a whole new picture. 

Sitting high above sea level at 359 m (1,178 ft), Furnas Lake sits near many volcanic features. You find mud pools, springs, and even fumaroles, openings in the earth's crust emitting steam and sulphurous gases. With over 30 hot springs in the area, you may see the locals using them for more than just a nice bath. These islanders cook the traditional Portuguese “cozido” of fish and veggies in these springs, using them as underground ovens. 

The guide leads you along the dirt route circling the lake. With mostly friendly inclines, the highest point is Pico dos Milhos, where you can fully admire the lake, caldera, and rolling hills. The entire cycling is around 2 hours of volcanic discovery.

Sao Miguel is no average island escape. You still find palm trees on the coast, but venture inland and you'll find hot springs, geysers, and traces of past volcanic eruptions. Cycle around the Furnas Lake for active discovery of an active volcano.